Top Ten Latin Phrases Used in Movies for Dramatic Effect

The Top Ten
1 "Carpe diem" - Dead Poets Society

"Seize the day" This became the theme of the movie reminding students to live their dreams. A precursor to today's YOLO chant.

Carpet doughnut these are they

Seize the day. What a great idea.

Timeless movie

2 "Quid pro quo Clarice" - Silence of the Lambs

"A favor for a favor" Hannibal reminding Clarice of their deal to each tell each other something personal/secret.

3 "E nomini patri, et Fili e spiritu sancti." - The Boondock Saints

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" This is the dramatic conclusion to the assassination prayer the main character brothers say before dispatching their enemies.

4 "Ego sum quis habitavit in Nerone" - The Exorcism of Emily Rose

"I am He who dwelt within Nero" One more example of possession by a demon/Satan where the host speaks Latin to show their possessor is aged and unholy.

5 "In vino veritas" - Life of Brian

"In wine there is truth*" or "in wine lies the truth". I see where you're going there but veritas = truth in this context.

"In wine is life" True Latin for beginners.

6 "Excelsior" - Silver Linings Playbook

"Ever upwards" This became the mantra of the protagonist in his struggle to stay balanced in the wake of a nervous breakdown.

7 "Ego te absolvo" - The Exorcist

"I absolve you" A comical reversal of a possessing spirit speaking to the clergy; an affront to the Catholic Church's attempt to clean hosts of their demons.

8 "De profundis clamo ad te domine" - The Sixth Sense

"From the depths I cried out to you Oh Lord" Uttered the first time the boy sees the main character. A sign of things to come between the two.

9 "She's nothing but a common mobile vulgaris!" - Alice in Wonderland

"...a mobile commoner" One of the first experiences Alice has in Wonderland is when called a common weed by the noble flowers around her. Symbolic of her being viewed by both her sister and society as valueless and running wild - like a weed.

10 "Age quod agis" - Tombstone

"Come as you are." The first real meeting between Doc Holliday and Johnny Ringo where the two battle tempers, gun draws, wit, and education. Proving that even bulldog gunslingers can surprise you.

Come as you are, as you were. As I want you to be.

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