Movies About Adopting

From Garth Davis, starring Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, Sunny Pawar
Rated PG-13

Lion is a 2016 biographical drama film directed by Garth Davis. The film tells the true story of Saroo Brierley, a five-year-old Indian boy who gets separated from his family and is adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty-five years later, Saroo embarks on a journey to find his birth family. With the help of technology and his own determination, Saroo succeeds and reunites with his family in India. Along the way, he learns about his past, and about the power of family and love. Lion is a powerful and emotional journey that ultimately celebrates the human spirit and its capacity to endure and to overcome.

From Mike Leigh, starring Timothy Spall, Brenda Blethyn, Phyllis Logan, Claire Rushbrook
Rated R

"Secrets & Lies" is a 1996 British drama film written and directed by Mike Leigh. The story follows Hortense, a successful black optometrist, as she attempts to find out who her biological mother is. After being abandoned as a baby and adopted by a white family, Hortense (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) decides to search for her birth mother and discovers that she is Cynthia (Brenda Blethyn), a working class, white woman. Cynthia, a lonely and isolated woman, is overjoyed to find out that she has a daughter, but is afraid that Hortense will reject her. Despite Cynthia’s attempts to keep her past a secret, the truth soon comes out and the two women must deal with the consequences. Through the complexities of their relationship and the secrets they share, both Hortense and Cynthia learn to confront the truths of their lives and accept themselves as they are. A critical and commercial success, "Secrets & Lies" won the Palme d’Or at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival and received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The film is noted for its honest and realistic portrayal of life in the British working class, and its thoughtful and nuanced exploration of race and

From Destin Daniel Cretton, starring Brie Larson, Frantz Turner, John Gallagher Jr., Kaitlyn Dever
Rated R

Short Term 12 is a powerful American drama film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. The film follows the story of Grace, a young supervisor at a foster care facility for at-risk teenagers. As Grace and her colleague, Mason, care for the children in their charge, they must also grapple with their own issues. The film paints a powerful and realistic portrait of life in a group home, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience in the face of adversity. As the story progresses, Grace and Mason find themselves drawn together as they learn to care for their charges, and for one another. Ultimately, Short Term 12 is a story of hope and redemption, with a cast of unforgettable characters struggling to overcome their pasts and find a brighter future.

From Kenneth Lonergan, starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Lucas Hedges
Rated R

Manchester by the Sea follows Lee Chandler, a reclusive janitor living in Quincy, Massachusetts who is suddenly made the sole guardian of his teenage nephew, Patrick, after his older brother Joe dies unexpectedly. Lee is forced to confront a past that separated him from his family and the community of Manchester-by-the-Sea. He is plagued by guilt, regret and profound grief, but ultimately learns to find solace in his new role as an uncle. As Lee and Patrick heal each other through their struggles, they come to terms with the tragedy that brought them together and the strength of those who continue to support them.

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormond
Rated PG-13

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a 2008 fantasy romantic drama film directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt as the title character, a man who is born in his eighties and ages backwards. The film follows his entire life, chronicling his unusual journey via a framework of seasonal interludes. Benjamin Button is born in New Orleans in 1918, an elderly man with a baby's body. As he ages, he grows younger and experiences a world of adventure. Along the way, he meets a wide variety of people from all walks of life, forming relationships with them as he ages, until he eventually finds the love of his life, Daisy. Despite his condition, Benjamin finds a way to live a full life, learning valuable lessons about life, love, and death. In the end, Benjamin discovers that life is precious no matter how it is lived.

From Stephen Frears, starring Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Mare Winningham
Rated PG-13

Philomena tells the true story of Philomena Lee, an Irish woman forced by nuns in the 1950s to give up her son for adoption in the United States. Decades later, with the help of a BBC journalist, Philomena sets out on an emotional journey to find her long-lost son and reunite with him. Along the way there are many surprises, including the discovery of a shocking family secret. The film stars Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan and was directed by Stephen Frears. It is a moving story about mothers and sons, faith and redemption, and the power of love.

From Directors: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud, starring Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews
Rated PG

Despicable Me is a 2010 computer-animated comedy film directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. The film follows the story of Gru, a super-villain who sets out to become the world's greatest criminal. He adopts three orphan girls, Margo, Edith, and Agnes, to help him with his scheme. With their help, Gru successfully steals the Moon and intends to use it to threaten the world. However, the girls' love and care for Gru changes his heart, prompting him to help save the world, rather than destroy it. Along the way, Gru meets his long-lost twin brother, and learns the importance of family and friendship.

From John Lee Hancock, starring Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Jae Head
Rated PG-13

The Blind Side is a 2009 American sports drama film directed by John Lee Hancock. The film stars Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, and Quinton Aaron. The movie tells the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African American teenager who is taken in by a wealthy white family, the Tuohys, who help him to realize his potential as a student and football player. Michael is given the opportunity to attend a prestigious private Christian school and eventually become one of the best offensive linemen in college football. The Blind Side shows how far kindness and love can go in helping a person to overcome the obstacles of adversity. Additionally, the movie highlights the power of family and faith in helping people to realize their dreams.

From Jessie Nelson, starring Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning, Dianne Wiest
Rated PG-13

I Am Sam is a 2001 American drama film directed by Jessie Nelson and starring Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianne Wiest, and Dakota Fanning. It tells the story of Sam Dawson (Penn), a mentally challenged single father raising his daughter Lucy (Fanning) with the help of a supportive group of friends. Sam is determined to prove to the court that he is a capable parent, but his limitations cause complications in his legal battle with a social worker (Pfeiffer). Ultimately, Sam's love and determination are put to the test as he strives to prove that he is capable of being a great father.

From Brian Percival, starring Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Ben Schnetzer
Rated PG-13

The Book Thief is a 2013 war drama directed by Brian Percival, based on the best-selling novel by Markus Zusak. Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, the film centers around Liesel (Sophie Nélisse), an orphaned girl living with a foster family outside of Munich. She steals books to try to make sense of the chaotic world around her and finds solace in the words of these books. She is taken in by Hans (Geoffrey Rush) and Rosa (Emily Watson), a compassionate couple who teach her the power of words, teaching her to read and write. Liesel’s life is further complicated when Max (Ben Schnetzer), a Jewish man, is taken into the Hubermann home and she finds herself befriending him despite the dangers of such an act. As the war progresses and the atrocities of the Nazi government become more evident, Liesel’s bond with Max and her books helps her survive the darkness. In the end, she learns that words are the most powerful weapon against hatred and intolerance.

From Jason Reitman, starring Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman
Rated PG-13

Juno (Ellen Page) is a sixteen-year-old, wise-beyond-her-years high school student who unexpectedly becomes pregnant after a one-time sexual encounter with her best friend, Paulie (Michael Cera). Rather than jump into a hasty decision, she decides to give the baby up for adoption to a young couple she finds in the PennySaver. As she deals with the repercussions of her unexpected pregnancy, Juno must also confront her parents and the awkwardness of her situation. With the help of her father and her best friend Leah (Olivia Thirlby), Juno navigates through the rest of her senior year and the adoption process, learning to be an adult and finding out what it truly means to be responsible and mature.

From Directors: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne, starring Thomas Doret, Cécile de France, Jérémie Renier, Fabrizio Rongione
Rated PG-13

From Kirsten Sheridan, starring Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard
Rated PG

From Lasse Hallström, starring Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Michael Caine, Delroy Lindo
Rated PG-13

From Lee Daniels, starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey
Rated R

From Rodrigo García, starring Naomi Watts, Annette Bening, Kerry Washington, Alexandria M. Salling
Rated R

From Vic Sarin, starring Connie Nielsen, Aidan Quinn, John Bell, Jack Gleeson
Rated PG

From Peter Kosminsky, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Renée Zellweger, Robin Wright, Alison Lohman
Rated PG-13

From Norman Taurog, starring Cary Grant, Betsy Drake, Lurene Tuttle, Randy Stuart
Rated Approved

From Bruce Beresford, starring Pierce Brosnan, Julianna Margulies, Aidan Quinn, Sophie Vavasseur
Rated PG

From Alison Eastwood, starring Kevin Bacon, Marcia Gay Harden, Miles Heizer, Marin Hinkle
Rated PG-13

From Menno Meyjes, starring John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Bobby Coleman, Sophie Okonedo
Rated PG

From Wiebke von Carolsfeld, starring Molly Parker, Rebecca Jenkins, Stacy Smith, Marguerite McNeil
Rated Unrated

From Mike Binder, starring Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Gillian Jacobs, Anthony Mackie
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, starring Rachel Hendrix, Jason Burkey, John Schneider, Jasmine Guy
Rated PG-13