A look back at one of the most iconic lines in superhero cinema, delivered in 2002 by the venerable Uncle Ben in the first installment of the “Spider-Man” trilogy.
Dialogues in films are often as crucial as the quality of actors who deliver them or the visually stunning sets where they occur. Sometimes, these dialogues themselves become memorable pieces of cinema.
Crafted by the sharpest writers, some lines have the power to make us laugh heartily, move us to tears, or stir every cell in our bodies. They inspire us, make us dream, reflect, and sometimes even… grow.
Life Lessons from Cinema
True life lessons on the big screen, like Gandalf’s speeches in “The Lord of the Rings,” Yoda’s advice in “The Empire Strikes Back,” or the tender sayings from Forrest Gump’s mom, hold this kind of power.
In 2002, in the outstanding first film of the Spider-Man trilogy directed by Sam Raimi, another such inspiring line was delivered.
At the beginning of the movie, as Peter Parker is just discovering his new powers and using them to defend himself against the formidable Flash Thompson in the school hallway, his Uncle Ben decides it’s time to talk.
Sensing his nephew is undergoing a radical transformation (though unaware of its full extent), he insists on offering some crucial advice before dropping him off at “the library” (Peter is actually going to a wrestling match).
Uncle Ben’s Final Advice
Though Uncle Ben’s words initially trigger anger in Peter, they deeply embed themselves in his mind and eventually become the motto he lives by throughout his superhero career.
“Peter, these are the years when a kid starts to turn into the man he’s going to be for the rest of his life. Don’t just turn into anybody. That guy, Flash Thompson, he probably deserved what happened, but just because you can beat him doesn’t give you the right to. Remember, great power implies great responsibility.”
“Great Power Implies Great Responsibility.”
These last words particularly resonated with the teenage audience members, who were also facing unsettling changes in their own lives. They gained an even greater significance a few minutes later when Uncle Ben is tragically killed by a criminal.
They instantly inspire Peter when he decides to use his superpowers to serve his fellow citizens by becoming Spider-Man.
What’s your favorite line from the film?
(Re)discover all the hidden details in “Spider-Man”…
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A passionate journalist, Iris Lennox covers social and cultural news across the U.S.