The goat-shaped Capricorn rises each year in the astrological belt at an interesting point. Typically, 21st/22nd December marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, and also heralds the countdown to a new year in the western calendar. Governed by Saturn, Capricorn is blessed with a capricious mix of gentle shyness, good sense and great steel. The frosty, uncompromising Saturnine influence instils a sense of both humility and practical hard work, which ultimately helps these old-school, status-conscious goats to steadily outclass competition and scale the mountain of success. Mars, the planet of will and aggression, assumes exalted status in Capricorn.
With a hard-nosed background in the celestial stakes, it is understandable to assume that Capricorn folk are generally stodgy and dull. However, flights of fantasy are a near-universal sentiment and hold something worth cherishing for everyone. Here are five such “flights of fancy” film recommendations for the practical Caps:
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part Two (2011)
Written by J K Rowling [who, interestingly, is a Leo (the astrological nemesis of Capricorn)] the Harry Potter books and films are nothing short of a cultural phenomenon, with the main antagonist Voldemort being depicted as the epitome of all things negative in Capricorn: innate self-hatred, a remorseless sense of ambition and an obsession with purity and hierarchy.
Given this background, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 [directed by David Yates and written by Steve Kloves] assumes epic proportions as Harry, Ron, and Hermione return to Hogwarts to destroy Voldemort’s horcruxes. This climactic installment, featuring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint leads to Harry’s ultimate confrontation with Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). The film earned critical acclaim, becoming the highest-grossing entry in the series, with a worldwide gross of $1.34 billion. Remembered for its spectacular visuals, and satisfying character arcs, it was nominated for three Academy Awards and won 49 other accolades.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
This is an enchanting animated film from DreamWorks helmed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders. Set on the Viking Isle of Berk, it follows Hiccup, voiced by Jay Baruchel, a clumsy young Viking who befriends a dragon, Toothless. This unlikely friendship challenges traditional beliefs about dragons, revealing them to be misunderstood creatures. With stellar voice performances by Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, and Craig Ferguson, and a breathtaking score by John Powell, the film garnered two Oscar nominations and grossed over $494 million worldwide.
The capricious mix of a young, clumsy and timid man rising to prominence with the help of a generally feared dragon is likely to be a sure-shot hit with Capricorns, who are often karmically endowed with less apparent pluses when they start out, only to outclass the competition over time using tenacity.
Mulan (1998)
This is an animated Disney film about a young, serious and responsible Chinese woman who disguises herself as a man to take her sick father’s place in the army, becoming a hero. The film features Ming-Na Wen as Mulan, Eddie Murphy as Mushu, and BD Wong as Shang. Directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook. It was nominated for one Oscar and received 17 other wins and 21 nominations.
With a budget of $90 million, it grossed over $120 million in the U.S. and $304 million worldwide and earned praise for its animation, music, and strong female lead. Capricorns take pride in being serious, self-reliant, and protective of their loved ones, and Mulan as a character shares these traits.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Directed by Peter Jackson, this film marks the epic conclusion to J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy. Gandalf and Aragorn lead the armies of Men to distract Sauron, allowing Frodo and Sam to approach Mount Doom and destroy the One Ring. Starring Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, and Sean Astin, the film received critical acclaim for its storytelling, performances, and groundbreaking visuals. A timeless classic, it is ranked among the greatest films ever and continues to be celebrated for its heroic battles and unforgettable characters. Capricorn folk are likely to relate to the journey of Frodo Baggins as he scales Mount Doom and faces both inner and outer demons on the way.
The Princess and The Frog (2009)
This film follows Tiana, a determined woman dreaming of owning a restaurant. When she kisses a cursed frog prince named Naveen, they both turn into frogs. On a journey through the bayou to break the curse, Tiana learns that success is not just about hard work but also believing in herself and valuing relationships. Capricorns, known for their practicality and ambition, will appreciate The Princess and the Frog for its themes of hard work, perseverance, and goal-setting even when things are not going according to their wishes. The film’s setting in Jazz Age New Orleans balances magic with structure, appealing to Capricorns’ love for culture, tradition and old school politesse.
