Movies About Diversity

From Sidney Lumet, starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, John Fiedler
Rated Approved

12 Angry Men is a powerful courtroom drama about a jury of 12 men who must come to a unanimous decision regarding whether an 18-year-old is guilty of murdering his father. As they debate, they grapple with their own prejudices and preconceptions, and are eventually forced to confront their own conscience and come to the right decision. The film is a powerful examination of how group dynamics can influence a decision and highlights the importance of fairness and justice.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis
Rated R

Pulp Fiction is a 1994 crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It tells the story of two shady criminals, Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, as they navigate the criminal underworld of Los Angeles. They work for a crime boss named Marsellus Wallace, who tasks them with retrieving a mysterious briefcase. In the course of their mission, Vincent and Jules find themselves in a number of bizarre and violent situations. Along the way, they cross paths with a variety of characters, including drug dealers, gangsters, hitmen, and a pair of robbers. The intertwining storylines explore crime, morality, and fate, as the characters face the consequences of their decisions. The film's unique style, dark humor, and vibrant characters helped to make it a cult classic.

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell
Rated PG

It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 American Christmas drama film directed and produced by Frank Capra, and based on the short story "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern. The film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams in order to help others and whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers). Clarence shows George all the lives he has touched and how different life in his community of Bedford Falls would be had he never been born. In the end, George's family and friends rally around him, giving him the strength to confront and resolve his problems. The film is one of the most beloved films of all time and has become a staple of the Christmas season.

From Giuseppe Tornatore, starring Philippe Noiret, Enzo Cannavale, Antonella Attili, Isa Danieli
Rated R

Cinema Paradiso is a heart-warming coming of age story following the life of Salvatore, a successful film director, as he reflects on his childhood in a small Sicilian village. As a young boy, Salvatore was taken under the wing of Alfredo, the projectionist of the local Cinema Paradiso. Alfredo introduces Salvatore to the magic of film, sharing his extensive knowledge of cinema and helping him to develop a passion for the art form. As Salvatore gets older and starts to fall in love with a beautiful girl from his village, Alfredo encourages him to pursue his dreams and leave the small town. As Salvatore eventually leaves, Alfredo gives him a gift to remember him by: a re-edited version of all the films they had watched together at the Cinema Paradiso. The film follows Salvatore's journey to adulthood, interspersed with flashbacks to his childhood and the impact Alfredo had on him. In the end, Salvatore returns to his village to attend Alfredo's funeral and reconcile with the past. It is a beautiful and bittersweet story of the power of cinema and the impact of friendship.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn
Rated R

Reservoir Dogs is a crime thriller film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It follows the story of a group of criminals who unknowingly hire a police informant as a heist planner. After their diamond heist goes wrong and they lose the loot, the criminals begin to suspect one of their own as the mole. As they piece together what went wrong and attempt to find the informant, an intense game of trust, deceit and violence ensues. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal and retribution, and features an all-star cast including Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Steve Buscemi and Chris Penn.

From Roman Polanski, starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez
Rated R

Chinatown is a 1974 neo-noir mystery film directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Towne. The film follows private investigator J.J. Gittes (Jack Nicholson) as he investigates the connection between a water scandal and the death of a well-respected Los Angeles businessman. Gittes is hired by Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) to investigate her husband, Hollis Mulwray, who is an engineer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The investigation leads Gittes to discover a complex story involving corruption, infidelity, and murder. Hollis is ultimately revealed to be the illegitimate son of Noah Cross (John Huston), a powerful businessman. Cross is using his power to manipulate the water supply of Los Angeles, creating a drought and forcing the city to give him more power over the water system. Gittes’ investigation ultimately leads him to uncover Cross’s plan and face off against him. In the end, Gittes is unable to prevent the death of Evelyn and is left with the haunting words of Cross: “Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.”

From Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Stephen Graham, Vinnie Jones
Rated R

Snatch is a 2000 crime comedy-drama film written and directed by Guy Ritchie. Set in the London underworld, the film centers around the planned diamond heist of a thief known as "Franky Four Fingers" (Benicio del Toro). After Franky is robbed of the diamonds, a series of double crosses ensue as the various criminal elements in London chase after the prized jewels. It features an ensemble cast, including Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Dennis Farina, and Vinnie Jones, as well as cameos from heavyweight boxers Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson. The film follows a non-linear narrative and employs a fast-paced, visual style of filmmaking, making it one of Guy Ritchie's most popular films.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu, Daisuke Ryû
Rated R

Ran is a classic Japanese film by acclaimed director Akira Kurosawa. It is a retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear, set in medieval Japan. The story follows an aging warlord, Hidetora, who divides his kingdom among his three sons. His sons, however, prove to be untrustworthy and turn against him, leading to a bloody civil war that tears the kingdom apart. As the war escalates, Hidetora is forced to confront the consequences of his actions as he struggles to understand his own mortality. Through this timeless tale of power and loss, Ran paints a heartbreaking portrait of the fragility of life and the power of fate.

From Nuri Bilge Ceylan, starring Haluk Bilginer, Melisa Sözen, Demet Akbag, Ayberk Pekcan
Rated Not Rated

Winter Sleep tells the story of Aydin, a former actor and a wealthy landlord in the Central Anatolian town of Cappadocia. While overseeing his various properties and dealing with the people around him, Aydin must also contend with his troubled family life and his own personal problems. As the winter months approach, tensions rise between Aydin and his young wife Nihal, as well as his sister Necla and her husband. As the harsh winter weather sets in and emotions flare, Aydin must confront his past failures and make difficult choices about his future. Along the way, he also finds comfort in the friendship of a young bedridden man who lives in one of his properties. Ultimately, Winter Sleep is an exploration of the human condition, and an exploration of the ways in which relationships can be both a source of strength and a cause for despair.

From Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky
Rated PG

Groundhog Day is a 1993 American fantasy comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and written by Ramis and Danny Rubin. Starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott, the film follows Phil Connors, a cynical weatherman who is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Phil soon finds himself reliving the same day over and over again, with no end in sight. As he realizes he's in this situation, he begins to use it to his advantage and to explore his growth as a person, as he learns to appreciate life and the people around him. Through learning to let go of his cynicism, Phil eventually breaks the curse of the time loop and is able to move on with his life.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Bertil Guve, Pernilla Allwin, Kristina Adolphson, Börje Ahlstedt
Rated R

Fanny and Alexander is a 1982 drama film directed by Ingmar Bergman and is one of his most acclaimed works. It follows the story of two siblings, Fanny and Alexander Ekdahl, who live a happy life with their parents in a large Swedish town. When their father unexpectedly dies, their mother remarries a prominent Bishop, setting off a chain of events that sees the siblings sent to a strict and oppressive home. Despite this, they maintain a strong bond and find solace in their memories and imagination. The film follows their journey as they struggle to both survive and find joy in the world around them. With breathtaking cinematography and a thoughtful and moving story, Fanny and Alexander is an exploration of love, family, and the resilience of the human spirit.

From Bong Joon Ho, starring Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung, Roe-ha Kim, Jae-ho Song
Rated Not Rated

Memories of Murder is a 2003 South Korean film directed by Bong Joon Ho. It tells the story of two rural detectives who investigate a series of unsolved murders that happened in a small village in the 1980s. The detectives, Park Doo Man and Jo Young Goo, are both at odds with each other, but they are forced to work together to catch the killer. As the murders continue, the police are baffled by the lack of evidence and the number of suspects increase. With the help of a local detective, the two detectives eventually find a suspect who turns out to be a serial killer. However, the police are unable to convict him due to a lack of physical evidence. In the end, Park Doo Man and Jo Young Goo are forced to confront their own inner demons as they attempt to solve the case and bring the killer to justice.

From Tomm Moore, starring David Rawle, Brendan Gleeson, Lisa Hannigan, Fionnula Flanagan
Rated PG

"Song of the Sea" is an animated fantasy film about two Irish siblings, Ben and Saoirse, who go on a magical journey to save the world of fairies. After their mother’s death, the pair are sent to live with their father on an isolated lighthouse on the Irish coast. When Saoirse discovers that she is actually a selkie, a mythological creature that can turn into a seal, the two embark on a life-changing mission to bring back the fairies and save the spirit world. Along the way, they encounter a magical owl witch, a giant sea monster, and Saoirse's long-lost selkie grandmother. As they battle against the forces of darkness, they must also face their own inner demons and discover the true nature of their destiny. With beautiful animation, a captivating soundtrack, and a heartfelt story about family and identity, "Song of the Sea" is a modern classic.

From Martin Brest, starring Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar
Rated R

Scent of a Woman is a 1992 American drama film directed by Martin Brest and starring Al Pacino and Chris O'Donnell. The film is based on the 1974 Italian film of the same name. The plot follows a preparatory school student, Charlie Simms (O'Donnell), who is hired by an irascible, blind, medically retired Army officer (Pacino) to assist him over the Thanksgiving weekend. Charlie unknowingly becomes involved in the complex life of the officer and discovers the truth the man hides behind his gruff exterior. With the help of some of his schoolmates, Charlie helps the officer to confront his past before it is too late. The film received critical acclaim, particularly for Pacino's performance, and was a box office success. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

From Kim Ki-duk, starring Kim Ki-duk, Oh Yeong-su, Jong-ho Kim, Kim Young-min
Rated R

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring is a 2003 South Korean film directed by Kim Ki-duk. The film tells the story of a Buddhist monk and his student, who live in a small wooden temple in a lake on a remote mountain in South Korea. The movie follows the two characters as they go through the five stages of life, each corresponding to the seasons. In spring, the monk is a young child and his student is an old monk. In summer, the monk is a young adult and his student is a middle-aged monk. In fall, the monk is a middle-aged adult and his student is an old monk. In winter, the monk is an old man and his student is a young adult. The film concludes with the monk being reborn in the cycle of life and death again. Through the story, Kim Ki-duk explores the Buddhist concepts of karma, suffering, and enlightenment, as well as the cycle of life and death.

From Giuseppe Tornatore, starring Tim Roth, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Mélanie Thierry, Bill Nunn
Rated R

The Legend of 1900 tells the story of a mysterious pianist living on an ocean liner in the early 1900s. 1900 (Tim Roth), born on the ship, is a musical prodigy who has never stepped foot on land. When the ship's captain discovers the young man's gift, he encourages 1900 to pursue his passion and become a great pianist. As he grows, 1900's fame spreads to even the highest circles of society, attracting the attention of a beautiful woman, but he eventually decides he doesn't want to leave the ship. As his life continues, 1900's legend grows, but he still longs to stay with the ship. Ultimately, he must decide between staying with the ship and following his dreams.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Julianne Moore, Clive Owen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Caine
Rated R

Children of Men is a 2006 science fiction thriller directed by Alfonso Cuarón. The film follows Theo Faron (Clive Owen), a former activist who is now resigned to a mundane life, as he is thrust into a dangerous mission to protect a young refugee named Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey). In a future world where humanity has lost its ability to procreate and is doomed to extinction, Kee is believed to be the key to the survival of the species. With the help of ex-lover Julian (Julianne Moore), Theo embarks on a desperate quest to protect Kee and deliver her safely to a mysterious group known as The Human Project. Along the way, they must dodge vicious security forces and violent terrorists, as they struggle against overwhelming odds to survive in a world where hope is a distant memory.

From Kim Ki-duk, starring Seung-Yun Lee, Hee Jae, Hyuk-ho Kwon, Jin-mo Joo
Rated R

3-Iron is a 2004 South Korean film written and directed by Kim Ki-duk. It follows Tae-suk, a homeless drifter who engages in a unique form of burglary. He breaks into empty houses while the owners are away and lives there for several days, doing odd jobs and cleaning up. He takes nothing from the houses, but instead leaves behind mysterious gifts. His life is changed when he enters the home of a troubled married couple. After a brief encounter, he begins a spiritual journey with the wife, Sun-hwa, and they form a unique bond. Together they search for a place to belong and discover a new way of living. In the end, 3-Iron is a story about two broken souls finding hope and strength in each other.

From Jûzô Itami, starring Ken Watanabe, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Nobuko Miyamoto, Kôji Yakusho
Rated Not Rated

Tampopo is a Japanese comedy directed by Jûzô Itami. The film tells the story of a young truck driver, Goro, and his sidekick, Gun, who stop at a small ramen shop run by Tampopo. Goro and Gun take it upon themselves to help the struggling Tampopo perfect the art of making ramen noodles. With the help of a Ramen master, an old peasant, and a band of misfit gourmets, they embark on a hilarious and wild culinary adventure. Along the way, they discover the secrets of ramen and the hidden meanings of food in Japanese culture. The film is composed of various vignettes that explore various aspects of food and the importance of it in Japan. It also touches on themes of love, friendship, and family.

From Daniel Ribeiro, starring Ghilherme Lobo, Fabio Audi, Tess Amorim, Lúcia Romano
Rated Not Rated

The Way He Looks is a coming of age drama about Leonardo, a blind teenager living in Brazil, as he experiences his first bout of puppy love. The film follows him and his two best friends, Giovana and Gabriel, as they navigate the joys and difficulties of teenage life. With Giovana’s help, Leonardo begins to come out of his shell and explore his newfound feelings for Gabriel. The film is a sweet and charming exploration of young love, friendship, and growing up.

From Andrey Zvyagintsev, starring Vladimir Garin, Ivan Dobronravov, Konstantin Lavronenko, Nataliya Vdovina
Rated Not Rated

The Return (Vozvrashcheniye) is a 2003 Russian drama film directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev, his debut feature film. It follows the story of two young brothers, Andrey (Vladimir Garin) and Ivan (Ivan Dobronravov), who have been reunited with their father, Andrei (Konstantin Lavronenko), after several years of absence. As they embark on an unplanned fishing trip, the boys struggle to connect with their father, who is both a stranger and a figure of formidable authority. A series of unexpected and menacing events leads them to a remote island, where they confront a shocking discovery that will reverberate through the rest of their lives. The Return is a haunting and emotionally charged drama, exploring the complex nature of family, identity, and the power of the past.

From Hirokazu Koreeda, starring Masaharu Fukuyama, Machiko Ono, Yôko Maki, Lily Franky
Rated Not Rated

Like Father, Like Son is a 2013 Japanese drama film written and directed by Hirokazu Koreeda. The film tells the story of two families who discover that their 6-year-old sons were switched at birth. Ryota Nonomiya, a successful businessman, and Midori Nonomiya, his wife, learn that their biological son Keita was switched with the son of a less well-off family, Ryusei. Ryota and Midori must decide whether to switch the boys back, and if so, when and how. The film follows the two families as they grapple with the ethical and emotional implications of their decision, and explores the meaning of family in a modern society.

From Bong Joon Ho, starring Hye-ja Kim, Won Bin, Jin Goo, Je-mun Yun
Rated R

Mother is a 2009 South Korean psychological thriller directed by Bong Joon Ho. The film follows Hye-ja, a single mother who runs a herbal medicine shop. When her son, Do-joon, is accused of a young woman’s murder, Hye-ja goes to extreme lengths to prove his innocence. She searches for the real culprit and in the process discovers some dark secrets about the small town in which they live. Along the way, she learns how far she is willing to go to protect her son. With a focus on themes of family and justice, the film explores the lengths to which a mother will go to ensure the safety of her child.

From Jee-woon Kim, starring Lee Byung-hun, Choi Min-sik, Jeon Gook-hwan, Ho-jin Chun
Rated Not Rated

I Saw the Devil is a South Korean psychological thriller and horror film directed by Jee-woon Kim. It follows the story of the vengeful National Intelligence Service agent Soo-hyun (Byung-hun Lee) and the psychopathic serial killer Kyung-chul (Min-sik Choi). After Kyung-chul brutally murders and dismembers Soo-hyun's fiancée, Soo-hyun embarks on a mission of revenge. To exact his vengeance, Soo-hyun uses psychological warfare to subjugate and torture Kyung-chul. Along the way, Soo-hyun begins to question his own motivations and morality as he descends further into darkness. The film is a gripping and intense look at the consequences of revenge and the morality of violence.

From Michael Haneke, starring Christian Friedel, Ernst Jacobi, Leonie Benesch, Ulrich Tukur
Rated R

The White Ribbon is a 2009 drama film written and directed by Michael Haneke. It tells the story of a small village in northern Germany just before World War I. The villagers are living in a repressive and superstitious society where strange accidents and mysterious events occur in the lead up to a violent outbreak of violence. The film focuses on the children of the village, and their various encounters with the adults and the supernatural, as they attempt to make sense of the secrets and secrets of the village. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.