Learned About From Movies

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 prison drama film directed by Frank Darabont. It tells the story of banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to life in Shawshank State Prison. Despite the brutal prison environment, Andy befriends fellow inmate Ellis “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman) and finds a way to make life bearable. With the help of his friends, he eventually discovers a way to escape from Shawshank and regain his freedom. The film depicts the power of friendship and how hope can sustain even in the darkest of circumstances.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

Schindler's List is a 1993 American epic drama film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Zaillian. The film is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. It stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ralph Fiennes as SS Officer Amon Göth, and Ben Kingsley as Schindler's Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern. The film follows Schindler, who arrives in Kraków in 1939, ready to make his fortune from World War II, which has just started. After joining the Nazi Party, Schindler takes advantage of the Schutzstaffel's racial policies to protect his Jewish workers from persecution by the SS. Schindler's efforts to keep his workers safe ultimately turn into a quest to save as many lives as possible. The film earned universal acclaim, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Score. It was the highest-grossing film of 1993 and the highest-grossing film ever to be directed by a Jewish director. It is one of the most

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American romantic drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks. The film tells the life story of Forrest Gump, a naïve and slow-witted but good-hearted man from Alabama who witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events in the 20th century in the United States. Through a series of flashbacks, the film follows Forrest's life from his childhood in the 1950s, through his service in the Vietnam War, to his adult life in the 1980s. Along the way, Forrest meets and befriends several people including Lieutenant Dan Taylor, Bubba, and Jenny, who help mold him into the man he eventually becomes. Through his experiences, Forrest discovers the importance of love, friendship and the power of destiny. Ultimately, the film ends with Forrest finding happiness and contentment in his life.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe
Rated PG-13

Inception is a science fiction action-adventure film directed by Christopher Nolan. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb, a professional thief who specializes in stealing secrets from people's minds. Cobb is recruited by a mysterious employer to perform a seemingly impossible task: planting an idea into the mind of a target. Cobb assembles a team of experts to help him accomplish this mission, including a chemist, a forger, an architect, and a point man. Along their journey, the team must battle their own demons and navigate a variety of obstacles while trying to stay one step ahead of their enemies. The film follows their thrilling journey as they attempt to complete their mission and ultimately find redemption.

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier
Rated R

Fight Club is a 1999 American drama film directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter. The film follows an unnamed narrator (Norton) who is discontented with his white-collar job. He forms a "fight club" with soap maker Tyler Durden (Pitt), and they are joined by men who also want to fight recreationally. The narrator becomes embroiled in a relationship with Durden and a dissolute woman, Marla Singer (Bonham Carter). The fight club's activities soon spiral out of control, and it begins to attract the attention of the police. The narrator's mental health deteriorates, and he begins to have delusions and blackouts. Eventually, the narrator is revealed to be an alter ego of Tyler Durden, and the two of them battle in an apocalyptic fight that destroys the narrator's apartment. In the end, the narrator learns to let go of his nihilistic values and embrace life.

From Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

The Matrix is a 1999 science fiction action film starring Keanu Reeves as Neo, a computer programmer who is drawn into a rebellion against machines who have taken control of the world and put most of humanity into a simulated reality known as the Matrix. Neo discovers that the machines are harvesting humans for their energy and that the Matrix is a computer-generated dream world, created to keep humans under control. He joins forces with a group of freedom fighters, led by Morpheus and Trinity, to free humanity from the Matrix and end the machines' tyranny. As Neo learns to control the Matrix and fight the machines, he discovers that he is "The One" destined to save humanity from enslavement. The Matrix has since become one of the most influential science fiction films of all time, and is often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.

From Irvin Kershner, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is the 1980 sequel to George Lucas' 1977 blockbuster Star Wars. Directed by Irvin Kershner, this classic film follows Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca and the rest of the Rebel Alliance as they fight against the Galactic Empire. After a near-fatal encounter with Darth Vader, Luke searches for the Jedi Master Yoda in the swamps of Dagobah in order to become a full-fledged Jedi Knight. Meanwhile, Han and Leia struggle to evade capture by the Empire as they flee across the galaxy. With a thrilling final battle between Luke and Vader, The Empire Strikes Back is an action-packed sci-fi adventure that stands as one of the greatest sequels of all time.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns
Rated R

Saving Private Ryan, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a war film about a group of U.S. Army Rangers who are sent on a mission during the Invasion of Normandy in World War II. Led by Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks), the group of eight men is tasked with finding and saving Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), whose three brothers have recently been killed in action. The team embarks on a dangerous journey to find Ryan and bring him home. Along the way, they experience the horrors of war and suffer heavy losses. Despite their hardships, the team eventually reaches their objective and locates Ryan in a small French village. After a brief battle, they manage to save Ryan and bring him back safely to American lines. The film culminates in a powerful and emotional scene as Ryan pays his respects to his fallen brothers.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Kasi Lemmons
Rated R

The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 psychological horror film directed by Jonathan Demme and adapted from the 1988 novel of the same name by Thomas Harris. It stars Jodie Foster as FBI trainee Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as the Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant, incarcerated psychopath. The story follows Starling's attempt to catch a serial killer, Buffalo Bill, who has been murdering and skinning young women. In order to gain insight into the killer's psyche, Clarice seeks the help of Lecter, an infamous cannibalistic psychopath. Lecter agrees to help, but only if Clarice will provide him with information about her past. The Silence of the Lambs won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor and Actress awards for Hopkins and Foster, respectively. It is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time and is widely seen as a classic in the horror genre.

From Roberto Benigni, starring Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano
Rated PG-13

Life Is Beautiful is a 1997 Italian comedy-drama film directed by Roberto Benigni and starring Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, and Giorgio Cantarini. Set during World War II in Italy, the film tells the story of Guido, a Jewish Italian father who is trying to protect his son Giosué, who is caught in a Nazi concentration camp. To protect his son from the truth of the horrors of the camp, Guido pretends it is all part of a game and instructs Giosué to win. The film is a powerful blend of comedy, romance, and tragedy, exploring the power of the human spirit in the face of despair and injustice. Ultimately, Guido's courage and optimism against all odds inspire both Giosué and the audience.

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick
Rated R

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a science fiction action movie directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Edward Furlong. The movie is the sequel to the 1984 film The Terminator. Set 10 years after the events of the first movie, the story follows Sarah Connor and her son, John, as they are pursued by a new, more advanced Terminator, sent back in time to kill John and prevent him from becoming the leader of the human resistance in the future. As the trio try to survive and outwit the Terminator, they enlist the help of a friendly T-800 model who is also sent back in time to protect John. With their time running out, they must find a way to stop the Terminator and save the future of humanity.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Prestige is a 2006 mystery thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. The film follows two rival magicians, Robert Angier (Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Bale), whose intense competition leads to a cycle of sabotage and revenge. When Borden performs a miraculous new trick that could make him world-famous, Angier will stop at nothing to discover the secret of his rival's success. As the two magicians struggle to outdo each other, they plunge into a dark and dangerous world of deception, obsession and betrayal. In the end, only one will remain standing and their final confrontation will be a battle to the death.

From Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed
Rated R

Gladiator is a 2000 historical epic directed by Ridley Scott. The film stars Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a general of the Roman army who is betrayed by the Emperor (Commodus), his son, and is sold into slavery. Maximus is forced to fight as a gladiator in the Colosseum, where he ultimately seeks revenge against the Emperor. Along the way, he befriends Juba, a fellow gladiator and a few other allies, and eventually leads a revolt against the Emperor. The film follows Maximus as he battles his way to the top of the gladiatorial ranks, ultimately culminating in a battle to the death between Maximus and Commodus. In the end, Maximus is triumphant in achieving his revenge, restoring honor to the Roman Empire and reuniting with his family.

From Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff, starring Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg
Rated G

The Lion King is a 1994 American animated musical drama film directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff. It is the 32nd Disney animated feature film, and the fifth animated film produced during a period known as the Disney Renaissance. The story follows the adventures of Simba, a young lion cub, as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role as king of the Pride Lands. The film features an ensemble voice cast that includes Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Moira Kelly, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Rowan Atkinson, and Robert Guillaume, as well as Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, and Jim Cummings. The film was released on June 15, 1994, and grossed over $968 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1994, the second highest-grossing animated film of all time, and the highest-grossing traditionally-animated film of all time. It earned two Academy Awards for its achievement in music and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

From Rajkumar Hirani, starring Aamir Khan, Madhavan, Mona Singh, Sharman Joshi
Rated PG-13

3 Idiots is a 2009 Indian comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, based on the novel Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat. The film stars Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani, and Omi Vaidya. The story follows three friends—Rancho (Aamir Khan), Raju (R. Madhavan) and Farhan (Sharman Joshi)—at a prestigious engineering college, who take it upon themselves to challenge the system and the status quo. After facing a series of difficulties, including a failed attempt at college elections and the ire of the college’s dean, the trio finally manage to graduate. However, the journey is far from over. At the end of the movie, Rancho and his friends discover the truth behind Rancho’s mysterious disappearance and his true identity. The theme of the movie revolves around the importance of following one’s dreams and never giving up in spite of obstacles. It also highlights the importance of education and the value of friendship.

From Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, starring Ulrich Mühe, Martina Gedeck, Sebastian Koch, Ulrich Tukur
Rated R

The Lives of Others is a German drama set in East Berlin in 1984. The story revolves around Stasi captain Gerd Wiesler, who is tasked with tracking the activities of a playwright and his lover, a prominent actress. Through his surveillance, Wiesler slowly begins to realize the unjustness of the oppressive East German regime. As his loyalty to the state wavers, Wiesler must make a difficult decision between his loyalty to the state he serves and his newfound empathy for the people he is watching. Ultimately, Wiesler's decisions have far-reaching consequences for the playwright, his lover, and ultimately himself. The film portrays a gripping story of the power of the human spirit in the face of a repressive regime.

From Mel Gibson, starring Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus Macfadyen
Rated R

Braveheart is a 1995 historical epic directed by and starring Mel Gibson. It tells the story of William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish warrior who leads the Scots in their fight for independence against King Edward I of England. Wallace rallies his countrymen to victory in the Battle of Stirling Bridge, defeats the English army in the Battle of Falkirk and eventually is martyred in a gruesome execution. Wallace's courage and determination serve as an inspiration to his compatriots, and his heroic deeds become legendary. The movie won five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Gibson.

From Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Lorella Cravotta
Rated R

Amélie is a whimsical, romantic comedy set in modern Paris. Amélie is an innocent and imaginative young woman who is determined to help those around her find happiness. After secretly orchestrating the lives of the people around her, Amélie finally begins to find her own love and a sense of belonging. Along the way, she discovers the power of true friendship, the joy of helping others, and the beauty of Paris.

From John Lasseter, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney
Rated G

Toy Story is a 1995 computer-animated adventure comedy film produced by Pixar and directed by John Lasseter. It is the first feature-length computer-animated film and the first movie from Pixar. The story follows the adventures of toy cowboy Woody and spaceman Buzz Lightyear, and the way they deal with their rivalry for the affections of their owner, Andy. Other characters in the film include Mrs. Potato Head, Hamm, Rex, and Slinky Dog. When Andy is preparing to move away, his toys are mistakenly donated to a daycare, and they must band together to escape and return to their home. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about friendship and loyalty.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Ken Watanabe, Liam Neeson
Rated PG-13

Batman Begins is a 2005 superhero action film directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) as he attempts to overcome his childhood trauma and become a vigilante to defend Gotham City from a criminal underworld ruled by the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy). After extensive training in the Far East, Bruce returns to Gotham to combat the corruption and terror that has taken over the city. With the help of the butler Alfred (Michael Caine), Bruce adopts the guise of the Batman, and with the help of Lieutenant Gordon (Gary Oldman), he attempts to take down the Scarecrow and his allies, who are plotting to destroy Gotham City. With thrilling action sequences, stunning visuals, and a deep exploration of Bruce's inner demons, Batman Begins is an exciting and thought-provoking telling of the Dark Knight's origin story.

From James McTeigue, starring Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea
Rated R

V for Vendetta is a 2005 dystopian political thriller film directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowskis, based on the 1988 DC/Vertigo Comics limited series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. The film takes place in a totalitarian United Kingdom in the near future. It tells the story of a mysterious freedom fighter known as "V" who, with the help of a young woman named Evey, plots to bring down the oppressive government of the day. V uses terrorist tactics to disrupt the government and the lives of its citizens, while ultimately pushing for revolution. The film also explores themes of fascism, justice, identity, and revenge.

From Peter Weir, starring Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich
Rated PG

The Truman Show is a 1998 comedy-drama film directed by Peter Weir and starring Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank, a man whose entire life is the subject of a reality television show broadcast nationally. Truman was adopted at birth by the show's creator, Christof, and placed in a simulated town called Seahaven, populated by actors. Truman gradually begins to realize that his entire life is being controlled and manipulated by Christof and the show's producers, and attempts to break free and discover the truth behind his life. The film explores themes of morality, identity, anonymity and surveillance.

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG-13

A Beautiful Mind tells the story of renowned mathematician John Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics, who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. At the start of the film, Nash is a young graduate student at Princeton University and is seeking to develop a revolutionary new mathematical theory. As he strives to make his mark in the world of academia, he gradually becomes embroiled in a mysterious conspiracy. Throughout the film, Nash experiences debilitating hallucinations and delusions that threaten to derail his once promising career and life. With the help of his wife, Alicia, Nash is able to battle his inner demons and ultimately triumphs over his mental illness. The film ultimately conveys the message of hope and resilience, as Nash is able to achieve his dreams despite his struggles.

From Directors: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, starring Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe
Rated G

Finding Nemo is an animated comedy-adventure film released in 2003 by Pixar, directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich. The story follows Nemo, a young clownfish, who is taken from his home in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to a dentist's aquarium in Sydney. With the help of his father Marlin, a forgetful fish named Dory, and a host of other aquatic creatures, Nemo embarks on a journey to return to his home and reunite with his family. Along the way, the group faces many obstacles such as sharks, jellyfish, and an ocean filled with danger. Despite the obstacles, Nemo and his friends find strength in each other, and eventually make it home safe and sound. The film was a huge financial success, grossing over $936 million worldwide, and has become a beloved classic in the Pixar family.

From Majid Majidi, starring Mohammad Amir Naji, Amir Farrokh Hashemian, Bahare Seddiqi, Nafise Jafar-Mohammadi
Rated PG

Children of Heaven is a 1997 Iranian film directed by Majid Majidi and stars Mohammad Amir Naji and Amir Farrokh Hashemian. It follows the story of two siblings, Ali and Zahra, who live in a poor Tehran neighborhood with their parents and ailing grandfather. After Zahra loses her brother's only pair of shoes, the two come up with a plan to share a pair, alternating between school and errands. As time passes, the siblings grow closer, and they must find a way to keep their secret safe while they search for a way to replace the shoes. Along the way, they experience the kindness of strangers and their bond is strengthened. The film ends with Ali and Zahra successful in their mission to replace the shoes and happy to have each other.