Father's of The Millenium

1. Atticus Finch (to Kill a Mockingbird)

One of the greatest movie dads and should I say, greatest book dads, is Atticus Finch – a good lawyer, and even better father. In the 1962 film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, Gregory Peck brought to life Atticus Finch, the type of father who teaches his children by example. It’s one thing to love a book, and another thing to love both the book and its film.

2. Guido Orefice (Life is Beautiful)

Guido is a father who tried to shield his son from the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp. If you don’t mind shedding a tear or two for someone who is very comical and downright funny, watch this film. Italian Roberto Benigni, who directed the film and played the role of Guido in this 1997 film, did not win an Academy Award for Best Actor for nothing. The story combines tragedy and comedy in the most brilliant sense.

3. Daniel Hillard (Mrs. Doubtfire)

I was in grade school when I first saw Mrs. Doubtfire. I have been addicted it to ever since. I admit I watch it once a month and I always love the part where Robin Williams transformed himself to a strict but caring British nanny. The character shows the struggle of an unemployed father who just wants to spend time with his children, which happened after series of funny scenes that even involved (former James Bond star) Pierce Brosnan.

4. Chris Gardner (the Pursuit of Happyness)

When my sister told me in 2006 that this was based on a true story, I had to go online and check if what she said was true. It’s totally, crazy amazing how a homeless man find his way back up and establish a multi-million brokerage firm later on. His tenacity and determination is worthy of emulation, and these are two values that children should learn from their fathers. Will Smith played it well here.

5. Marlin (Finding Nemo)

I have never seen a father like Marlin who is so protective of his son. While the movie title bears the name of Nemo, this 2003 film that won Academy Award for Best Animated Feature is actually about Marlin, who goes all out in searching for his beloved son and later on, learning to let his son go in the course of his adventure (and misadventures). It’s a happy film suited for all ages so get the entire family out in the living room (or in the bedroom) for one movie night with dad as the center of attention.

6. Bryan Mills (Taken)

This is one Dad who would literally kill for his love of his child. Meet former CIA man Bryan Mills (played by Liam Nesson), whose daughter was kidnapped in a trip to Paris. Bryan single-handedly tracked down and killed the people who were involved in his daughter’s abduction. No children allowed for this movie, because it is violent. If you want something explosive and loud on Father’s Day, this may be the movie for you.

7. Professor Henry Jones (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade)

My friends say it’s too much but frankly, I really don’t mind. This movie released in 1989 when I was only three years old is a fun combination of Senior and Junior played Sean Connery and Harrison Ford. It’s a fantasy and adventure film so expect a lot of ropes to hang on and puzzle pieces to solve.