If I were to pick movies that had a profound influence on me, I would add I Am Sam (2001) to The Family Man (2000), Forrest Gump (1994) and the famous Hong Kong mini-series Return of the Condor Heroes (1983) starring Andy Lau . Sean Penn, as always, executed a powerful performance in Sam. But, Dakota Fanning stole my heart. Can a little girl’s eyes be any bigger? If Fanning doesn’t inspire paternal instincts, no child can. Watching the storyline made me long for parenthood. And, I am absolutely crazy to think of that at this point in my life, yet I still do. Life takes on a new meaning. It was apparent in Gump and in Family Man — and it is apparent in Sam. Beautiful movie.