Netflix and Happy


Photo courtesy of Wadi Rum Films.

Camryn Marshall, Columnist

When discussing impactful, motivational, or thought-provoking movies, most people will imagine huge blockbusters that reeled in millions on their premiere day. What they don’t realize is that the best is waiting at home, right on their computer screen.

The movie “Happy” is a 2011 documentary written and directed by Roko Belic. This documentary centers around Roko and his brother Adrian as they travel to 14 different countries in the search to understand happiness through positive psychology in its different cultural forms. Their journey makes this movie a must-see.

Although the movie may not sound appealing to the ears of an action movie-inclined teen, “Happy” is more than just a documentary. This project not only tackles the topic of what true happiness looks like in cultures across the globe, but it also includes ways to be happy with your current life, rather than focusing on what isn’t there. I highly recommend watching this as a teen or young adult because it allows for a new viewpoint on gratitude by providing primary sources of people “being happy, without much.” This sort of insight would benefit teenagers in that it helps to communicate that happiness is not just a sum of what things people have, but instead how to best appreciate the small outcomes in life. “Happy” also interviews Ed Diener, a professor of psychology at the University of Illinois, and numerous other neuroscientists to get their professional input on why happiness is key.

Overall, “Happy” has been one of the most insightful and motivating documentaries I have ever witnessed. It demonstrates how different cultures learn to love what they have, even when it may not look like much.