"Entertainment today constantly emphasises the message that things are wonderful the way they are. But there is another kind of cinema, which says that change is possible and necessary and it's up to you"

Mainstream entertainment often promotes a comforting reassurance, reinforcing the idea that the world, or our lives, are already satisfactory and require no substantial transformation. This message, repeated through countless films, television shows, and popular songs, lulls audiences into complacency by depicting happiness and fulfillment as achievable within existing circumstances. It implies that fulfillment comes from acceptance and minor personal adjustments rather than broader changes, either personal or societal. The underlying suggestion is that striving for more, ambition for change, social critique, or longing for transformation, is unnecessary or even disruptive.

Wim Wenders highlights that cinema, however, is not one-dimensional. While much of popular entertainment is escapist and reinforcing of the status quo, another tradition within filmmaking serves a very different purpose. Some films reject the notion that things should remain as they are, instead offering narratives that challenge audiences to envision alternatives. This form of cinema acts as a catalyst, demonstrating through story and character that transformation is not just possible but often essential. It inspires agency, urging viewers to recognize both their own capacity for action and the collective power of society to effect meaningful change.

By drawing attention to the dual nature of cinema, Wenders points out that film need not be passive or tranquilizing. It can also be provocative, a medium through which uncomfortable truths are confronted and the necessity for change is dramatized. The most influential films in this tradition serve as calls to action, whether on a deeply personal level, encouraging self-examination and growth, or by addressing societal issues such as inequality, injustice, or environmental crisis. These works foster awareness and an aspiration to improve reality rather than merely accept it. Ultimately, cinema's greatest potential is realized when it empowers individuals, breaking the inertia of satisfaction and inviting audiences to participate in the ongoing project of creating a better world.