Movies About Empathy

From Thomas Vinterberg, starring Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp, Lasse Fogelstrøm
Rated R

The Hunt is a 2012 Danish drama film directed by Thomas Vinterberg, starring Mads Mikkelsen. The film tells the story of Lucas, a recently divorced man who works as a kindergarten teacher in a small Danish village. One day, a young girl, Klara, accuses him of a heinous act. Despite Lucas’ adamant denials of the accusations, he quickly becomes ostracized by the entire village, and his life is turned upside down. In the face of extreme prejudice, Lucas must fight for his innocence and restore his reputation. The Hunt is a powerful exploration of the devastating consequences of false accusations and mob mentality.

From Gus Van Sant, starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R

Good Will Hunting is a 1997 American drama film directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. It stars Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Minnie Driver and Stellan Skarsgård. The film follows Will Hunting, a troubled and highly intelligent young man from South Boston, as he deals with an abusive childhood while trying to make something of himself. He is discovered by a professor of mathematics at MIT, who recognizes his talent, and helps him come to terms with his past while also teaching him advanced mathematics. In the process, Will begins to fall in love with a young woman named Skylar and form meaningful friendships with the people around him. The film explores the complexities of relationships and how they can help us grow and heal.

From Damián Szifron, starring Darío Grandinetti, María Marull, Mónica Villa, Diego Starosta
Rated R

Wild Tales is a 2014 Argentine dark comedy anthology film written, produced, and directed by Damián Szifron. The film consists of six shorts, each with a unique story, but all connected by a common theme of vengeance. The vignettes include a road rage incident, a case of wedding day jitters, a airline passenger's revenge against a rude flight attendant, a tale of a waitress serving the man who ruined her family, a man's revenge against a parking lot attendant, and finally a story of a small town's revenge against a corrupt demolition company. Throughout the film, characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and the difficulty of letting go of past grievances. Wild Tales is a darkly humorous exploration of human nature, as well as a reflection on the futility of seeking revenge.

From Sean Penn, starring Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener, Marcia Gay Harden
Rated R

Into the Wild is a 2007 biographical drama film directed by Sean Penn and written by Sean Penn, based on the 1996 non-fiction book of the same name by Jon Krakauer. The film tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a post-graduate from Emory University who travels across North America and ultimately into the Alaskan wilderness in search of a deeper understanding of life. During his travels, McCandless encounters a series of unique individuals who shape his life in various ways, from the supportive to the exploitative. Ultimately, McCandless experiences an awakening and a spiritual journey of self-discovery, ultimately paying for it with his life as he struggles against the rugged terrain of the Alaskan wilderness. The film is a unique exploration of the human spirit, and of our eternal search for meaning, purpose, and connection.

From Céline Sciamma, starring Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel, Luàna Bajrami, Valeria Golino
Rated R

Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a 2019 French romantic drama film written and directed by Céline Sciamma. Set in Brittany during the 18th century, the story follows a young painter (Marianne) who is commissioned to do the wedding portrait of a young woman (Héloïse) without her knowledge. As Marianne observes and paints Héloïse, a forbidden relationship starts to develop between them, leading to a passionate romance. The film explores the dynamics of desire, power, and societal expectations, ultimately depicting a powerful story of love and liberation.

From Bahman Ghobadi, starring Soran Ebrahim, Avaz Latif, Saddam Hossein Feysal, Hiresh Feysal Rahman
Rated PG-13

Turtles Can Fly is a 2004 drama set in a Kurdish refugee camp on the Iraq-Turkey border in the weeks leading up to the US-led invasion of Iraq. Directed by Bahman Ghobadi, the film follows the story of a young Kurdish refugee named Satellite (Soran Ebrahim) who has assumed the role of leader of the refugee camp's children. He is also the operator of a makeshift satellite dish which provides news from the outside world, and his knowledge and wisdom make him a powerful figure in the camp. The story follows the children as they prepare for the coming war and its potential consequences, as well as Satellite's attempt to reunite the refugees with their families. Along the way, he meets a young girl named Agrin (Avaz Latif) who is mute, but has the ability to predict the future. This ability provides hope in the face of uncertainty and potential disaster, and ultimately leads to Satellite and Agrin's reunion with their families. Turtles Can Fly is a powerful and thought-provoking film that addresses the emotional trauma of war, the power of hope, and the healing power of family. The film is a timeless story of resilience and courage in the face of adversity.

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, Chris O'Donnell, James Rebhorn, and Gabrielle Anwar. It is a remake of the 1974 Italian film of the same name. The film follows the story of a troubled prep school student, Charlie Simms (Chris O'Donnell), who is hired to take care of a blind retired Army officer, Lt. Col. Frank Slade (Al Pacino). Slade is an eccentric and short-tempered man who has grown disillusioned and cynical with the world, and is planning a suicide mission, until Charlie shows up and changes his outlook. Charlie, who is struggling to make ends meet, agrees to take care of Slade for the weekend. During this time, Slade shows Charlie the good and bad sides of life, and helps him gain a new perspective on life. In the end, Slade is arrested for a crime he didn't commit, and Charlie stands up in court to defend him. In doing so, he proves that even a man as seemingly unapproachable as Slade can be a good person.

From Directors: Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi, starring Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Gena Rowlands, Danielle Darrieux
Rated PG-13

Persepolis is a 2007 French-Iranian animated drama film based on Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novel of the same name. The film follows the story of a young girl growing up during the Iranian Revolution and the Iran–Iraq War. It chronicles the story of Marjane's life from the age of 10 to her early adult years in the diaspora, and depicts the realities of life in Iran under the repressive regime of the Shah and Islamic Republic. The film features Marjane's experiences with the political turmoil, her relationships with her family, and her coming of age. It is a unique and powerful look into the lives of the people who experienced the revolution and its aftermath.

From Sian Heder, starring Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, Daniel Durant
Rated PG-13

CODA (2021) is a coming-of-age story about a seventeen-year-old girl named Ruby (Emilia Jones) who is the only hearing child in a deaf family. Despite her passion for music and singing, her parents (Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur) wish for her to take over the family fishing business. When Ruby's musical talent wins her a spot in the prestigious music program at the local high school, she must decide between pursuing her passion and honoring her family’s expectations. With the help of her music teacher (Eugenio Derbez) and supportive friends, Ruby fights for her dreams and rediscovers her connection to her family’s heritage and culture.

From Noah Baumbach, starring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Julia Greer, Azhy Robertson
Rated R

Marriage Story is a 2019 American drama film written and directed by Noah Baumbach. The film follows the dissolution of a marriage between an NYC stage director, Charlie (Adam Driver), and his actor wife, Nicole (Scarlett Johansson), as they navigate their way through the process of divorce. As the couple moves through their divorce proceedings, they must confront their own emotions and the difficulties that arise from their separation. They struggle to remain civil for their son's sake, facing external pressures from lawyers, family members, and the changing dynamics of their relationship. Ultimately, they find a way to remember what drew them together in the first place.

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

Manchester by the Sea is a 2016 American drama film written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan. The story follows Lee Chandler, a man who is forced to return to his hometown of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts when his older brother Joe passes away. There he is made the sole guardian of his teenage nephew, Patrick, and is forced to confront the past he had been avoiding. The film stars Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Lucas Hedges, and Gretchen Mol. The film received critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor for Affleck. The story follows Lee as he struggles to deal with his past and form a relationship with his nephew. The film explores themes of grief, love, family, and redemption.

From Ken Loach, starring Dave Johns, Hayley Squires, Sharon Percy, Briana Shann
Rated R

I, Daniel Blake is a 2016 British drama film directed by Ken Loach and written by Paul Laverty. The film follows Daniel Blake (Dave Johns), a 59-year-old widowed carpenter who has recently suffered a heart attack. He is declared fit to work but denied Employment and Support Allowance, forcing him to appeal the decision to the Department of Work and Pensions. Throughout the film, Daniel struggles to make ends meet while navigating the bureaucratic red tape of the government welfare system. Meanwhile, he meets single mother Katie (Hayley Squires) and her two young children, whom he befriends and helps out. Together, they learn to cope with the daily struggles of poverty and government interference. Ultimately, despite all the difficulties, Daniel and Katie’s friendship and mutual support helps them to find a way forward.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Angelina Jolie, Colm Feore, Amy Ryan, Gattlin Griffith
Rated R

Changeling is a 2008 film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Angelina Jolie. The film is based on the true story of Christine Collins, a single mother living in Los Angeles in 1928 whose son, Walter, goes missing. Christine is emotionally devastated but remains hopeful that her son will be found. Eventually, the LAPD finds a boy and returns him to Christine, claiming the boy is Walter. Despite Christine's doubts, the LAPD pressures her to accept the boy and close the case. Refusing to do so, Christine is declared mentally unstable and committed to a psychiatric institution. Meanwhile, a local reverend and activist, Reverend Briegleb, takes on Christine's case and continues to search for Walter. After uncovering a child sex trafficking ring within the LAPD, Briegleb and Christine are able to find Walter and reunite with him. In the end, the LAPD is exposed for its corruption, and Christine is vindicated and reunited with her son.

From Jim Jarmusch, starring Winona Ryder, Gena Rowlands, Lisanne Falk, Alan Randolph Scott
Rated R

Night on Earth is a critically acclaimed 1991 comedy-drama film written and directed by Jim Jarmusch. Set in five cities around the world, the film follows the adventures of five taxi drivers and their passengers on a single night. In Los Angeles, an aspiring actress (Geena Davis) rides with an ex-convict cab driver (Winona Ryder). In Paris, a broken-hearted taxi driver (Armand Assante) provides a ride to an eccentric priest (Roberto Benigni). In New York, an immigrant cabbie (Giancarlo Esposito) picks up an obnoxious corporate lawyer (Armin Mueller-Stahl). In Rome, a cab driver (Paolo Bonacelli) and a married couple (Enzo Cilenti and Angela de Russo) argue about life and marriage. Finally, in Helsinki, a Finnish driver (Matti Pellonpää) finds himself in an existential plight when a blind woman (Kari Vaananen) boards his cab. Along the way, the passengers and drivers share stories, experiences and moments of joy, sorrow and friendship.

From Abdellatif Kechiche, starring Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Salim Kechiouche, Aurélien Recoing
Rated NC-17

Blue Is the Warmest Colour is an award-winning French coming-of-age drama film directed by Abdellatif Kechiche. The film follows teenage girl Adele as she discovers and explores her sexuality, ultimately forming a passionate relationship with a blue-haired art student named Emma. Along the way, Adele must grapple with her own feelings and the pressures of her peers, parents, and society as she struggles to come to terms with her identity. The film follows Adele's journey of self-discovery and love, and ultimately her acceptance of her true self.

From Darius Marder, starring Riz Ahmed, Olivia Cooke, Paul Raci, Lauren Ridloff
Rated R

Sound of Metal is a 2019 drama directed by Darius Marder. The film follows Ruben (Riz Ahmed), a heavy metal drummer and recovering addict who suddenly starts to lose his hearing. After visiting a local clinic, he turns to a deaf community that teaches him how to live life without hearing. As Ruben struggles to find his footing, he must also confront his past and his addiction. With the support of his girlfriend, Lou (Olivia Cooke) and the deaf community, Ruben learns to accept his new life and come to terms with the changes he must face.

From Tom McCarthy, starring Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson, Bobby Cannavale, Paul Benjamin
Rated R

The Station Agent is a 2003 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Tom McCarthy. It stars Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson, and Bobby Cannavale. The story follows Finbar McBride, a reclusive train enthusiast who inherits an abandoned train station in rural New Jersey. When the locals start to show an interest in Finbar’s life, he is forced out of his comfortable solitude and reluctantly finds himself forming an unlikely friendship with an artistically inclined hot-dog vendor and an effervescent Cuban-American woman. As their bond grows, Finbar learns to appreciate the people around him, allowing him to make peace with his painful past.

From Andrey Zvyagintsev, starring Aleksey Serebryakov, Elena Lyadova, Roman Madyanov, Vladimir Vdovichenkov
Rated R

Leviathan is a 2014 Russian drama film directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev. Set in a small coastal town in Russia, the film follows Kolya (Aleksei Serebryakov), an ordinary man whose life is disrupted when a corrupt mayor and his assistant seize his property. With the help of his friend and a lawyer, Kolya begins a legal battle to get his property back. As the struggle escalates, Kolya is pushed to the brink of destruction in a battle for justice, morality and human dignity. The film ultimately serves as a powerful and complex exploration of the effects of power and corruption in modern Russian society.

From Gregg Araki, starring Brady Corbet, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elisabeth Shue, Chase Ellison
Rated Unrated

Mysterious Skin is a 2004 independent drama film directed by Gregg Araki and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Brady Corbet. The story follows two young boys from a small Kansas town who were sexually abused by their baseball coach when they were eight years old. One, Neil, represses his memory of the abuse but grows up to become a male prostitute. The other, Brian, remembers the abuse and becomes obsessed with UFOs. While Neil struggles to reconcile his past and present, Brian searches for closure by searching for the missing coach.

From Marc Webb, starring Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan, Octavia Spencer
Rated PG-13

Gifted tells the story of Frank Adler (Chris Evans), a single man raising his young niece Mary (Mckenna Grace) in a coastal town in Florida. Mary is a math prodigy, and Frank does his best to give her a normal childhood. Frank and his mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan) disagree over Mary's upbringing, which leads to a legal battle over who should have custody of her. As the battle escalates, Frank must put his feelings aside and decide what is best for Mary, while also balancing his own personal beliefs. Ultimately, Frank must decide if he should protect Mary from a world that may not understand her gifts, or if he should open her up to an uncertain, but potentially rewarding future.

From Destin Daniel Cretton, starring Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson, Charlie Pye Jr.
Rated PG-13

Just Mercy is a 2019 American biographical drama film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and based on the memoir of the same name by Bryan Stevenson. The film follows the story of Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan), a young African-American lawyer who co-founded the Equal Justice Initiative in 1989 and dedicated his life to defending those wrongly condemned or unjustly accused of crimes. The film follows his fight to prove the innocence of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), a black man wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to death in Alabama. The film also stars Brie Larson, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Tim Blake Nelson, Rob Morgan, Rhoda Griffis, and Rafe Spall. Just Mercy examines issues of race, poverty, and mass incarceration in the United States, with a focus on the Deep South. It tells the story of one man’s fight for justice and brings to light the systemic bias and disparities that exist in our justice system.

From Laurent Cantet, starring François Bégaudeau, Agame Malembo-Emene, Angélica Sancio, Arthur Fogel
Rated PG-13

The Class is a French drama film directed by Laurent Cantet and based on the 2006 novel Entre les murs by François Bégaudeau. The film follows a year in the life of François Marin, a French teacher in an ethnically diverse inner-city school in Paris. As the year progresses, François and his students struggle to find common ground and establish a meaningful connection in their classroom. The film explores themes of poverty, privilege, education, immigration, and the power dynamics between teachers and students. It is an intimate portrait of life in a public school, as Marin and his students attempt to bridge cultural divides, confront personal issues, and learn from one another.

From Lynne Ramsay, starring Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller, Jasper Newell
Rated R

We Need to Talk About Kevin is a 2011 British-American psychological drama film directed by Lynne Ramsay and adapted from Lionel Shriver's novel of the same name. The plot follows the life of Eva Khatchadourian (Tilda Swinton), and her son Kevin's (Ezra Miller) path to teenage infamy. As Kevin grows older, his behavior becomes more and more troubling, and Eva struggles to come to terms with her son's increasing malevolence and her own conflicted feelings of responsibility. As Kevin's actions lead to increasingly horrific consequences, Eva is forced to confront her own complicity in his descent into evil. The film explores themes of guilt, motherhood, and the consequences of strained family relationships.

From Céline Sciamma, starring Zoé Héran, Malonn Lévana, Jeanne Disson, Sophie Cattani
Rated Not Rated

From Xavier Dolan, starring Anne Dorval, Xavier Dolan, François Arnaud, Suzanne Clément
Rated Not Rated