Movies About Equality

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

Life Is Beautiful is an Italian tragicomedy directed by Roberto Benigni. Set in Italy during World War II, it stars Benigni as Guido, a Jewish father who goes to extreme lengths to protect his son from the horrors of the Holocaust. Guido convinces his son, Giosuè, that the internment camp they are in is part of a game to win a tank. As the camp's inmates face increasingly dangerous situations, Guido is determined to keep Giosuè's spirit alive, ultimately sacrificing his own life for his son's. Guido's courage and optimism in the face of overwhelming odds is an inspiring reminder of the power of the human spirit.

From Frank Darabont, starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt
Rated R

The Green Mile is a 1999 American fantasy drama film directed by Frank Darabont and adapted from Stephen King's 1996 novel of the same name. The film stars Tom Hanks as Paul Edgecomb, a prison guard on death row in the 1930s who develops a friendship with John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), an African-American inmate who possesses supernatural healing powers. Edgecomb's life is forever changed when he witnesses Coffey's miraculous gift and his experiences on the Green Mile, the stretch of condemned cells where Coffey is incarcerated. As Edgecomb's faith in Coffey is tested, he begins to question the morality of the death penalty. Ultimately, Edgecomb must confront his own values when Coffey is put on trial and sentenced to death.

From Steve McQueen, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt
Rated R

12 Years a Slave is a 2013 historical drama film directed by Steve McQueen and based on the memoir of the same name by Solomon Northup. It stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup, a free black man in New York who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War United States. The film follows Solomon as he attempts to survive and gain his freedom while enduring the brutal conditions of slavery. The film also stars Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Brad Pitt, and Lupita Nyong'o. It was critically acclaimed and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, in 2014. It was also nominated for several other awards, including nine BAFTA awards and four Golden Globes. 12 Years a Slave is a powerful and heartbreaking story of resilience and the fight for survival. It shines a light on the horrors of slavery and serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by millions of African Americans throughout history. It is a powerful tale of courage and resilience in the face of tremendous injustice.

From Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise, starring Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Jesse Corti, Rex Everhart
Rated G

Beauty and the Beast is a classic Disney animated film released in 1991, directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. It tells the story of Belle, a young woman who lives in a small village with her father. When her father is captured by a fearsome Beast in an enchanted castle, Belle embarks on a journey to rescue him. Along the way, she discovers the Beast is actually a prince who has been cursed by an evil enchantress. Belle and the Beast eventually fall in love and, with the help of her friends, break the curse and restore the Beast to his former self. The film features memorable musical numbers, beautiful animation, and a timeless message of the power of true love.

From Ang Lee, starring Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain, Tabu
Rated PG

Life of Pi is a 2012 American survival drama film based on Yann Martel's 2001 novel of the same name. Directed by Ang Lee, the film's adapted screenplay was written by David Magee, and it stars Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Rafe Spall, Tabu, Adil Hussain, and Gérard Depardieu. The story follows a young Indian man named Pi who is the lone survivor of a shipwreck in the Pacific Ocean. As he is left adrift in the middle of the ocean, he must rely on his wits and his newfound companion, a Bengal tiger, to survive. Along his incredible journey, Pi must confront his faith and his place in the universe. The film was a tremendous success, earning over $600 million at the box office and receiving critical acclaim, including nominations for 11 Academy Awards, with four wins. Life of Pi is an inspiring story of courage and hope, and a testament to the power of the human spirit.

From Stephen Chbosky, starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Paul Rudd
Rated PG-13

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a 2012 coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Stephen Chbosky, based on his 1999 novel of the same name. The film stars Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller. It follows the story of 15-year-old Charlie (Lerman), an introverted freshman who is taken under the wings of two seniors, Sam (Watson) and Patrick (Miller). As Charlie navigates his way through the struggles of high school life, newfound friendships, and first love, he discovers that he is not alone in his journey. Through his experiences, he learns to open up and embrace the world around him.

From Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall
Rated PG-13

Edward Scissorhands is a 1990 American fantasy romance film directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp. The film tells the story of an artificial man with scissors for hands, who is taken in by a suburban family after being found abandoned alone in a castle. Although he is initially feared due to his strange appearance, he eventually wins the hearts of the townspeople with his kind nature, innocence, and unique capabilities. However, his peculiar appearance and lack of understanding of the world around him prove to be difficult challenges for him and the people around him. With the help of a kind-hearted Avon saleswoman, Edward learns to overcome his obstacles and is eventually accepted by the community.

From Richard Curtis, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Lydia Wilson
Rated R

About Time is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Richard Curtis starring Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams. The film follows the story of Tim Lake (Gleeson), a young man who discovers he has the ability to time travel. He uses this ability to find love, repair relationships, and live life to the fullest, while carefully managing the consequences of his actions. Along the way, Tim learns valuable life lessons, including the importance of being present in the moment and cherishing loved ones before it is too late. Through his experiences in time travel, he is ultimately able to find true happiness and peace.

From Mel Gibson, starring Gerardo Taracena, Raoul Max Trujillo, Dalia Hernández, Rudy Youngblood
Rated R

Apocalypto is a 2006 epic historical adventure drama film directed by Mel Gibson. Set in the 16th century, the film depicts the life of a Mayan tribe as they face the decline of their civilization and a series of cataclysmic events that are about to take place. The main character, Jaguar Paw, must fight to save his family and escape the destruction of his people. Along with his fellow villagers, he must brave a treacherous journey through the jungle while being pursued by their enemies. The film explores themes of civilization, faith, and the clash between the old world and the new.

From James L. Brooks, starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr.
Rated PG-13

As Good as It Gets is a 1997 romantic comedy-drama starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, and Greg Kinnear. Directed by James L. Brooks, the film tells the story of Melvin Udall (Nicholson), a misanthropic and obsessive-compulsive novelist. He forms an unlikely bond with his gay neighbor, Simon Bishop (Kinnear), and a waitress (Hunt) at a local restaurant, who is also caring for her chronically ill son. As the relationships between the three characters deepen, Melvin finds himself having to confront his inner demons and ultimately make peace with his past. The film explores themes of human connection and redemption, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of what "As Good as It Gets" truly means.

From Ang Lee, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams, Randy Quaid
Rated R

Brokeback Mountain is a 2005 American romantic drama film directed by Ang Lee and produced by Diana Ossana and James Schamus. It is based on the 1997 short story of the same name by Annie Proulx. The film stars Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and Michelle Williams, and follows the complex emotional and sexual relationship between two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, as they embark on a forbidden love affair in the American West during the 1960s and 1970s. The relationship between the two men grows stronger over time, and they struggle to keep their love hidden from the rest of society and their families. The film is a passionate and heartbreaking story of love, loss, and heartache.

From David O. Russell, starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver
Rated R

Silver Linings Playbook is a 2012 romantic comedy-drama directed by David O. Russell and starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker and Julia Stiles. The film tells the story of Pat Solitano, a former teacher who moves back in with his parents after spending eight months in a mental institution. As he tries to rebuild his life, Pat meets and falls for Tiffany, a mysterious young woman with her own troubled past. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, hoping to find a silver lining in their shared experiences. The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and winning the award for Best Actress (Lawrence).

From Lasse Hallström, starring Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen
Rated PG-13

What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a 1993 American drama directed by Lasse Hallström. Starring Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, and Mary Steenburgen, the film follows the life of Gilbert Grape (Depp), a young man who lives in a small town with his mother, mentally ill brother Arnie (DiCaprio), and two sisters. Gilbert works as a grocery clerk and takes care of his family while struggling to find his own identity. His life takes an unexpected turn when a young woman named Becky (Lewis) and her grandmother (Steenburgen) arrive in town. Through his interactions with them, Gilbert begins to experience love, joy, and hope for the future. As the film progresses, Gilbert discovers the strength to overcome his personal struggles and build a better life for himself and his family.

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

The Blind Side is a 2009 biographical sports drama directed by John Lee Hancock. It tells the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African American teen from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher's presence in the Touhys' lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. The film follows Oher from his tumultuous upbringing, to his days at Wingate Christian School, to his rise as an All-American football player for the Ole Miss Rebels. As the story unfolds, we witness the strength of family, the power of education, and the beauty of a diverse community coming together in the name of love, respect, and understanding.

From Olivier Dahan, starring Marion Cotillard, Sylvie Testud, Pascal Greggory, Emmanuelle Seigner
Rated PG-13

La Vie en Rose is a biographical musical drama about the life of French singer Édith Piaf. The film follows Piaf from her early days on the streets of Paris, through her struggles with addiction, love affairs and health issues, to her rise to fame as one of the most celebrated singers of her time. Through her tumultuous life, Piaf remains determined to never give up on her music and to never forget the people who helped her along the way. Along with biographical details, the film also includes dramatic re-enactments of some of Piaf’s most famous performances.

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

I Am Sam is a 2001 drama directed by Jessie Nelson that tells the story of Sam Dawson (Sean Penn), a mentally disabled father raising his daughter Lucy (Dakota Fanning). When Lucy is taken away from Sam due to his disability, he embarks on an epic journey to prove to the court that he is capable of being a good father. Along the way, Sam finds help from an unlikely source – a successful attorney (Michelle Pfeiffer) who is learning to take risks and to open her heart. With her guidance, Sam embarks on a journey of discovery, as he learns to accept his limitations and to recognize his strengths. With the help of his friends, his love for Lucy, and his own determination, Sam ultimately proves to the court that he is a capable and loving father.

From Tim Robbins, starring Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, Robert Prosky, Raymond J. Barry
Rated R

Dead Man Walking is a 1995 drama directed by Tim Robbins and starring Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn. It tells the story of a nun, Sister Helen Prejean, who befriends Matthew Poncelet, a death row inmate. Through her visits and conversations with Matthew, Sister Helen comes to see the flaws and injustices of the criminal justice system. She also learns of the harsh realities of Matthew's past and his true feelings of remorse and regret. Ultimately, she helps him come to terms with his guilt and confront the possibility of his execution. The film is an uncompromising, powerful exploration of the death penalty and its moral implications.

From Marc Evans, starring Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, Carrie-Anne Moss, Emily Hampshire
Rated Not Rated

From Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, starring Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad
Rated PG

From Steven Soderbergh, starring Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, David Brisbin, Dawn Didawick
Rated R

From Bryan Singer, starring Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen
Rated PG-13

From Michael Dowse, starring Paul Kaye, Beatriz Batarda, Kate Magowan, Mike Wilmot
Rated R

From John Madden, starring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson
Rated PG-13

From Mike Nichols, starring Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest
Rated R

From Max Mayer, starring Hugh Dancy, Rose Byrne, Peter Gallagher, Amy Irving
Rated PG-13