From the ghetto to the top: These 9 characters from movies will definitely inspire you to turn your life around 

We all have faced a number of adversities in our lives, some more than others. It is a part of the cycle of life; what really matters is not giving up when things get tough. With determination and a rock-hard will to change your destiny, fate definitely can be rewritten. If life has been harsh to you, and you are in need of some inspiration, here is a list of 9 characters from movies that made it from the ghetto to the top and will for sure inspire you to turn your life around.

---

1) Rocky Balboa – Rocky (1976)

Rocky Balboa, portrayed by Sylvester Stallone in the classic much much-loved movie Rocky, came from a rough neighbourhood in Philadelphia. Making everyday finances meet was a challenge for him, but then a rare opportunity knocked at his door in the form of - World Heavyweight Championship. Rocky realises how important this chance is for him and works relentlessly despite being confident in his natural talents. He trains to the best of his abilities in a disciplined manner and is a perfect example of how work ethics play a much more important role in shaping our success rather than our inherently possessed talents. He inspires us to dream and to seize the opportunities that come our way.

---

2) Chris Gardner – The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

The Pursuit of Happyness is a heartbreaking tale of a single father giving his all to provide a better life for his son. He is homeless and often finds shelter in subway bathrooms. He is facing debt and has hit the metaphorical ‘rock bottom,’ but never gives up. He knows he wants to turn his life around and works relentlessly to achieve the same. He faces hunger, humiliation, and so much more, but he knows he wants to provide a better life for his child, so he takes all the downsides of life with courage and eventually ends up rising to the top. He has faith and he acknowledges his responsibility, staying committed through and through. He is an inspiration to people, spreading the message through his story that, with hope and hard work, we all have the potential to rewrite our stories.

---

3) Will Hunting – Good Will Hunting (1997)

When a janitor can outwit mathematical geniuses at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it's a sign that no matter how suppressed and oppressed one is, in the end, talent will shine. Will Hunting has a haunting past filled with abuse and neglect that holds him back, and because of this, he indulges in self-sabotaging behaviour because he is afraid of success. No doubt he is talented, perhaps a genius, but demons from his past hold him back from growing and thriving. His life takes a turn when a therapist recognises him for who he is and teaches him how to confront his vulnerabilities as the first step towards transformation. Through a very empowering journey, Will’s journey teaches us a lot of inspiring lessons.

---

4) Jamal Malik – Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Slumdog Millionaire, from the inception of its release, has continued to motivate people through and through. This movie is a true testament to surviving and shining amidst extreme poverty. It redeems hope in the fact that knowledge is not merely the product of what we learn from a textbook in a classroom, but in a true sense is shaped by our experiences. Jamal comes from the slums of Mumbai with no fancy education, and goes on to win Who Wants to Be A Millionaire. He is a beacon of hope to all those who believe the hardships and harshness they have faced in life will continue to define and follow them throughout their life. He teaches us how important it is to have the courage to seize the chances life throws at us once in a lifetime and use them to turn around our past.

---

5) Michael Oher – The Blind Side (2009)

Michael Oher from The Blind Side is another example of a person to whom life hasn’t exactly been kind, but with his hidden potential, he manages to turn his life around. Growing up, he faced the harsh side of the world, constantly shifting from one foster home to another, facing neglect and homelessness. Eventually, he finds shelter and opportunity when he finds support in the form of his new foster family. Soon, with the right environment provided to him, he became a top athlete and later an NFL player. His story is proof that the right support can help people find their true potential and lead to transformational growth.

---

6) Celie – The Color Purple (1985)

Celie’s life was filled with oppression. Abuse, trauma, racism, sexism, she had suffered through it all. But her resilience is unwavering. She doesn’t let the lows of life drag her down and recognises the importance of valuing oneself. After constant suffering, she realises that self worth and dignity can be found only when you learn to respect yourself. It shows that time can heal the deepest wounds, and is an advocate of the importance of quiet strength. You don’t always have to be bold or loud to make your life revolutionary; sometimes, all it takes is silent perseverance. Little by little, she musters the courage to break out of her cage of oppression and embrace freedom on her own terms.

---

7) Billy Beane – Moneyball (2011)

Starring Brad Pitt, Billy Beane in the movie Moneyball, aspired to be a top baseball player. But constant failure after failure led to his dreams being shattered. But he did not give up and rose to the top, maybe not as a player, but in the management sector. People were often critical of his plans and strategies, but he was adamant in facing the harshness and finding real success. His story is a testament to the fact that there is no single path towards the top. When life closes one door, you need to start thinking of other creative ways to open another door, which is what Billy did. Trophies aren’t the only measure of one’s success; the impact you leave behind is what truly defines you.

---

8) Rudy Ruettiger – Rudy (1993)

Ruddy Ruettiger belonged to a very humble household where dreaming big was considered foolish. He was trapped in a cycle of poverty and found all his hopes being snatched from him one by one. Every path he sees hope on is doomed, very much like his academic journey, which is halted because of his undiagnosed dyslexia. His venture into sports is hindered because of his small physical size, which is not conventional for a football player. But despite the constant sorrow enveloping him, he keeps on working, trying to outrun his woes, and ultimately, he does it. He is a true underdog who, despite his financial, mental, and physical limitations, manages to outshine the circumstances that define him and redefines success.

---

9) Anita – West Side Story (1961)

Another perfect example of rising from the ghetto to the top is that of the iconic character of Anita from the classic, West Side Story. She is a poor immigrant from Puerto Rico who is trying to find a better life in the city of dreams - New York. She faces constant setbacks in the form of racism and sexism, but she doesn’t give up. She faces losses, both material and emotional, constantly, but her willingness and sheer hope are a symbol of the unwavering courage she possesses. She fights for a better life every day and doesn’t give up until she makes it happen. Despite going through the harshest circumstances, she makes it out of adversity and lives life on her own terms.