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I like to watch movies or tv to wind down at night. I'm pretty busy during the weekdays and by the time I get home, eat dinner, put the kids to bed... I'm ready to unwind... have a hard time reading, so I was thinking instead of surfing my tv guide trying to find something I like, I'd rent some alanon/12 step movies. I got the idea from my local alanon/aa round up movie showcase. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any kind of published list.
I did find these hallmark movies...
My Name is Bill W
When Love Is Not Enough
Does anyone have any other suggestions for good movies to rent that have any kind of basis on the 12 steps or alanon?
This movie came to mind even though it is more AA. "The Days of Wine and Roses" staring the late Bob Lemon. You can watch it in its entirely on You Tube in 10 minutes segments. I watched it a few months ago. It allowed me to look at the disease from a different perspective, showing me that alcoholism is truly a cunning, baffling, and powerful disease. Lemon won Best Actor for his performance in the movie that year, and if you watch the movie you will agree he deserved the award.
It's been a long time since I've seen it, but I laughed and cried watching Stuart Saves His Family starring Al Franken.
Every Fourth of July, I think of the fireworks scene in this movie, where he and his friend declare independence from (their disease) while the fireworks are booming in the background. Also, a scene toward the end, where the mother finally cracks and hits her codependent bottom... I cry every time.
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The prayer isn't for Higher Power to change our lives, but rather to change us.
"When a Man Loves a Woman" - Andy Garcia & Meg Ryan - this movie was certainly about addiction - it really hit home to me, as Meg Ryan was literally my ex-AW - it brought back a lot of memories for me...
Tom
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"He is either gonna drink, or he won't.... what are YOU gonna do?"
"What you think of me is none of my business"
"If you knew the answer to what you are worrying about, would it REALLY change anything?"
I also unwind with movies at times! I really need to unwind every night. I don't know of anymore recovery movies. I see that you mentioned Bill's story & Lois' story! Very good depictions of how it was for both of them from each of their points of view! Kathleen
Please rent Fireproof Acting is a little cheesy but the message is amazing and is an amazing movie not only about addiction but for any couple going thru tough times
