I’ve been looking into exactly what characteristics make up a hero. I thought the answer would be easy to find, but I’m learning that it’s a little more complicated than that. I guess I had never thought much about the different types of heroes used in various movie plot lines such as the classic hero, the reluctant hero, the loner, the anti-hero, the tragic or sacrificial hero, the trickster, etc. (Drama 101?). But overall, a hero is out to change society and won’t give up until their job is completed. Generally they perform well in crisis situations as they command respect from others while ignoring their personal safety or other personal consequences.
I think most of us are drawn to the hero as we watch movies. I know I’m always left wondering if I would ever be courageous enough to tackle the same issues that these characters fight against. Maybe one day… This list was difficult to come up with because there are so many great movie heroes to choose from, but I think I finally figured out my top 5. Check it out and then post your top 5.
1. James Bond portrayed by Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, & Daniel Craig (any 007 film)
2. Indiana Jones portrayed by Harrison Ford (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, Last Crusade)
3. Atticus Finch portrayed by Gregory Peck (To Kill a Mockingbird)
4. Rick Blaine portrayed by Humphrey Bogart (Casablanca)
5. Batman portrayed by Michael Keaton and Christian Bale (Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Begins)