“If there is something wrong, those who have the ability to take action have the responsibility to take action.”
– Benjamin Franklin Gates (National Treasure)
Before I say anything, I feel an obligation to state for the record that I do not encourage or endorse grand theft or criminal activities of any kind. I understand that we live in a complex world that grows more and more complicated by the day. We are surrounded by a world of gray where law and justice don’t always intersect. With that said, National Treasure is today’s inspiration.
National Treasure, in my opinion, is one of Nicolas Cage’s better films. As if having an amazing cast weren’t enough, the writing, performance, and finished project, was absolutely amazing. I am a sucker for a good treasure hunt, but this movie added many of the other great aspects of treasure-hunting adventure movies.
Besides the treasure hunt, National Treasure was full of comedy, action, mystery, and thrill, and even had several bits of history sprinkled throughout, making it semi-educational as well. Granted, it is still fiction and most of what transpired wasn’t real, but there were plenty of accurate facts that made this movie both entertaining and, to an extent, academic.
My favorite part about the entire movie was that National Treasure celebrated some of what I consider to be the most important characteristics of humanity. Kindness, intellect, courage, and a commitment to honor and nobility were key traits in the protagonist. Almost everything about him was worthy of admiration. His love and commitment to history and doing the right thing, no matter the cost, is my interpretation of the way most reasonable people should behave.
Journeyman's Legacy 