When fathers speak...

MANILA, Philippines - Surely, there are a lot of famous lines spoken by fathers in films. A lot would give pieces of advice, others express feelings of being a father, some make promises, and there are also those who speak of revenge. June has come again and so it is the month dedicated to our dear fathers. With this, let’s look at some of the notable quotes from fathers in films.

(About her daughter getting married) “I suddenly realized what was happening. Annie was all grown up and was leaving us, and something inside began to hurt”— George Banks from Father of the Bride. At first, Mr. Banks has a problem accepting that her daughter is getting married. After several confrontations and funny situations, he finally accepts the fact that Annie is not a little girl anymore.

(Answering back to the man who killed his sons) “You’re right. My sons were better men” — Benjamin Martin from The Patriot. Benjamin Martin is a soldier who keeps a dark secret from the past. When he gets called again for duty, he starts to feel fear, not because of the upcoming battles but due to the fear that what he has done in the past will haunt his children.

(A reply to his daughter who told him not to worry) “That’s like telling water not to be wet, sweetie” — Bryan Mills from Taken. Former CIA Bryan Mills is an overly protective dad. Who can blame him? He knows how bad guys work and he is not going to let them lay a hand on his family. When his daughter gets kidnapped in Paris, he makes sure that he’s getting her back. 

(A father trying to convince his wife about the shirt he’s wearing) “Hey, every dad is entitled to one hideous shirt, and one horrible sweater. It’s part of the dad code.” — Tom Baker from Cheaper by the Dozen 2. If having a child is already a challenge, then try having 12 of them. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have a huge family indeed. Surely, there are issues at home but there are a lot of joys as well (times 12!).

(As a father showing photos of his children) “A million feet of wire to get them where they are today” — Frank Goode from Everybody’s Fine. Now retired and in his senior years, Frank Goode is excitedly waiting for the yearly family reunion. However, this time, his children cancel on him. Feeling that there’s something wrong, he bravely takes off by himself and decides to visit them. 

(A father warning his daughter’s boyfriend) “Keep your snake in its cage for 72 hours” — by Jack Byrnes from Meet the Parents. Just like all the fathers who have daughters, Jack Byrnes is having a hard time accepting the new man in his daughter’s life. With that, he tries to make it hard for him; sort of like testing him if he is the one. He over reacts sometimes, but probably that’s just how fathers are.

(A father tries to convince a judge) “…I’m addicted to my children, sir” — by Daniel Hillard (a.k.a Mrs. Doubtfire) from Mrs. Doubtfire. Mr. Hillard will do anything to be near his children again. He disguises as an old woman and applies as a nanny to the kids. When the secret is revealed, his wife feels betrayed and takes it against him in court. He then explains to the judge, saying, “I’m addicted to my children, sir.”

(Upon sharing what his father has taught him) “…Keep your friends close, but enemies closer” — by Don Michael Coreleone from The Godfather 2. Fathers don’t always do a lot of talking but when they do, make sure to take note because they are worth pondering. The movie has a lot of wonderful and meaningful quotes.

(A killer, stepfather proposing a toast to his new family victim) “…Family is the most important thing. Without it we have nothing” — by David Harris from The Stepfather. Yeah, David Harris is one of America’s most wanted but his statement does make sense. Family is the only one who will accept you for who you are and so they are precious.

(An uncle, who’s almost like a father to his nephew, giving an advice) “Remember, with great power, comes great responsibility” — by Uncle Ben from Spider-Man. Yes, Uncle Ben is just Peter Parker’s uncle but he becomes almost like a father to Peter. He loves Peter like a son and so he cares so much about him. Upon noticing some changes in Peter, Uncle Ben utters these words of wisdom.