Movies About Forgiveness And Reconciliation

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is the story of the Corleone crime family in 1945-1955 New York City. The aging Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is the head of the family, which includes his sons Sonny (James Caan), Fredo (John Cazale), and Michael (Al Pacino). When drug dealers threaten the family business, Michael decides to take control and avenge the wrongs done to the Corleone family. With the help of family consigliere Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall) and enforcer Luca Brasi (Lenny Montana), Michael embarks on a mission to bring the Corleone family to the top of the mafia hierarchy. Along the way, Michael must come to terms with his legacy and make difficult decisions that will shape the family's destiny. The Godfather is hailed as one of the most influential films in American cinema and features some of the greatest performances in film history.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan, based on the DC Comics character Batman. It is the second installment of Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy, and stars Christian Bale as Batman, alongside Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Morgan Freeman. In the film, Batman faces off against the criminal mastermind the Joker, while learning to balance his personal life and his responsibilities as a vigilante. The film also explores Bruce Wayne's initial reluctance to embrace his role as a symbol of hope, and the consequences of his actions to protect the citizens of Gotham City. The Dark Knight was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won two for Best Sound Editing and Best Supporting Actor for Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker. It is considered one of the greatest superhero films ever made.

From David Fincher, starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Andrew Kevin Walker
Rated R

Se7en is a psychological thriller directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, and Gwyneth Paltrow. The film follows two detectives as they investigate a string of gruesome murders, each one inspired by one of the seven deadly sins: gluttony, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and wrath. As the detectives close in on their suspect, a disturbed and psychologically damaged man named John Doe, they begin to uncover a sinister plan to punish the guilty and the innocent alike. The film culminates in a shocking and unforgettable climax that will haunt viewers long after the credits end.

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

Gladiator is a 2000 historical epic film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. It follows a Roman general, Maximus Decimus Meridius (Crowe), who is betrayed when Commodus, the ambitious son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, murders his father and seizes the throne. Reduced to slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator and rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the murder of his family and his emperor. Along the way, he forms an alliance with the beautiful widow, Lucilla, and the rebellious slave, Juba, to seek his vengeance. Gladiator is a tale of courage, revenge, and honor that culminates in a thrilling fight to the death between Maximus and Commodus in the Colosseum.

From Sergio Leone, starring Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards
Rated PG-13

Once Upon a Time in the West is a classic western directed by Sergio Leone. The film follows three story-lines that eventually converge. The first story-line follows a mysterious gunslinger, known as "Harmonica", who seeks revenge against a powerful railroad tycoon responsible for his brother's death. The second story-line follows a beautiful widow named Jill McBain, who is trying to build a new life for herself and her children in a small western town. The third story-line follows a notorious outlaw known as "Cheyenne", who is on the run from the law. All of these story-lines eventually converge in a final showdown between Harmonica, Cheyenne, and the railroad tycoon. With a stellar cast and epic music composed by Ennio Morricone, Once Upon a Time in the West is a timeless classic and a must-see for all fans of the Western genre.

From Luc Besson, starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, Danny Aiello
Rated R

Léon: The Professional is a 1994 French action-drama film written and directed by Luc Besson. The film stars Jean Reno as Leon, a professional assassin living in New York City and Gary Oldman as a corrupt DEA agent, Stansfield. The story centers on Mathilda, a 12-year-old girl who seeks Leon's help to avenge the murder of her family by Stansfield. Leon, initially hesitant, takes Mathilda under his wing and teaches her the techniques of his trade while the two develop a close bond. The action culminates with Leon and Mathilda facing off against Stansfield and his men in a thrilling shootout.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Rated R

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean neo-noir revenge thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook. The film stars Choi Min-sik as Oh Dae-su, a man who is inexplicably kidnapped and imprisoned in a hotel-like cell for 15 years without knowing his captor's motives. After his sudden release, Dae-su finds himself still trapped in a web of conspiracy and violence. His own quest for vengeance becomes tied in with romance as he falls in love with an attractive young sushi chef. Together, they embark on a journey to unravel the mystery behind his imprisonment and to exact revenge upon his oppressors.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Rated R

Memento is a 2000 neo-noir psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan, who co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Jonathan. The film stars Guy Pearce as Leonard Shelby, a man with anterograde amnesia, which impairs his ability to store new information. In order to solve his wife's murder, Leonard uses notes and tattoos to track down her killer. Along the way, he begins to question his own identity and the motives of those around him as he struggles to piece together the mystery. As the audience pieces together the story, it is revealed that Leonard's condition has caused him to become obsessed with vengeance and he continually re-lives and re-writes the story of his wife's death. The film's unusual structure and non-linear narrative keeps the audience on their toes until the very end as they try to figure out the truth.

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

Braveheart is a 1995 epic historical drama film directed by Mel Gibson and starring Gibson as William Wallace, a late 13th-century Scottish warrior who led the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. The story is inspired by Blind Harry's epic poem The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun Schir William Wallace and was adapted for the screen by Randall Wallace. The film follows the extraordinary life of William Wallace, a commoner who rises to become a Scottish hero in the fight for freedom from English rule. Wallace rallies the Scottish against the cruel English tyrant King Edward I, and leads a passionate and bloody rebellion that changes the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with Murron (Catherine McCormack), only to have her brutally murdered by the English. The film culminates in an epic battle at Stirling Bridge in Scotland, where Wallace and his loyal followers make a brave stand against a much larger English force. Braveheart is an inspiring story of courage, honor, and love.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, Mélanie Laurent
Rated R

Inglourious Basterds is a 2009 World War II film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. Set in Nazi-occupied France, the film follows a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as the Basterds who are chosen to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. Led by their leader Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), the Basterds soon cross paths with a French-Jewish teenage girl, Shosanna (Mélanie Laurent), who seeks to avenge the brutal death of her family. As the Basterds plan their daring mission to take down the leaders of the Third Reich, they also enlist the help of a German actress and undercover agent, Bridget von Hammersmark (Diane Kruger). In the thrilling climax, the Basterds, Shosanna and Hammersmark team up to ignite a firestorm of violence and retribution that will forever change the face of World War II.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a 2003 martial arts action movie written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It follows the story of a bride (Uma Thurman), who is betrayed and left for dead on her wedding day by her former lover Bill (David Carradine). The bride survives and sets out on a mission of revenge against her attackers, with the help of a legendary sword master and a band of deadly assassins. The bride's journey leads her to confront Bill in an explosive final showdown. Along the way, she discovers the source of her strength, which she will need to protect herself and her unborn child. The movie is filled with finely choreographed fight scenes, stylized violence, and a unique visual style.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris
Rated R

Unforgiven is a 1992 American Western film directed by Clint Eastwood and written by David Webb Peoples. The film tells the story of William Munny, a widowed, hard-drinking, aging outlaw and killer who takes on one more job years after he had turned to farming. He is accompanied by his old partner Ned Logan and a young gunfighter, the "Schofield Kid". The film explores themes of morality, mortality, and redemption. The story takes place in 1980, in the small town of Big Whiskey, Wyoming. Munny is initially reluctant to accept the job, but is eventually convinced by the Kid to help a group of prostitutes who have had their faces disfigured by a group of cowboys. After successfully carrying out the job, the trio is pursued by Sheriff Little Bill Daggett, an aging lawman determined to protect the town from vigilantes. In the ensuing showdown, Munny ultimately decides to spare the lives of the cowboys, realizing that he can no longer bring himself to be an outlaw. Unforgiven was a critical and commercial success, and won four Academy Awards, for Best Director, Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Editing. It is now considered one of the greatest

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 Wachowski Brothers, based on the 1988 DC/Vertigo Comics limited series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. The film depicts a near-future in which a totalitarian government has taken over the United Kingdom. A mysterious vigilante known as "V" (portrayed by Hugo Weaving) begins an elaborate and violent revolution to bring the government down, aided by the young Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman). V's campaign of chaos and terror against the oppressive British government culminates in a daring and shocking act of revenge. The film also stars Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, and John Hurt as the characters who become embroiled in V's plot for justice. V for Vendetta is an exploration of the use of fear and terror to control the masses, and a powerful call for personal freedom and justice.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Albert Brooks
Rated R

Taxi Driver is a 1976 American drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. The film stars Robert De Niro as Trevor, a lonely and mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who works as a taxi driver in New York City. Desperate to fit in, he becomes obsessed with a beautiful young woman, played by Jodie Foster, who he believes is in danger of falling into a life of prostitution. He sets out to rescue her, but his actions spiral out of control and lead to a violent confrontation with a pimp and his associates. The film explores themes of alienation, loneliness, and urban violence, as well as providing a comment on the psychological effects of war on the human mind.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Christopher Carley, Ahney Her
Rated R

Gran Torino is a 2008 American drama film directed, produced and starring Clint Eastwood. It follows Walt Kowalski, a recently widowed Korean War veteran living in a changing neighbourhood in Detroit. Walt is a cantankerous, racist white supremacist who gradually forms a bond with his Hmong neighbours, particularly a teenage boy named Thao, whom Walt helps to stand up against local gang members harassing him. The film also stars Bee Vang and Ahney Her as Thao's family members, and Christopher Carley as Father Janovich, the local priest. Through his relationship with Thao and his family, Walt is able to confront his own personal demons and ultimately embrace his own mortality in a coming-of-age story about the power of friendship and redemption.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is the conclusion of the Kill Bill saga. The story picks up right where the first installment left off, with The Bride (Uma Thurman) continuing her quest to exact revenge on her former master, Bill (David Carradine), and the remainder of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. This time around, The Bride faces off against her former allies, including Budd (Michael Madsen) and Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), while also engaging in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with Bill. As the story progresses, The Bride comes to terms with her tumultuous past, and discovers a newfound appreciation for her unborn child. In the end, The Bride finally avenges herself, and puts an end to the cycle of violence and revenge.

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 2010 South Korean psychological thriller directed by Jee-woon Kim. The film follows the story of secret agent Kim Soo-hyeon (Byung-hun Lee) who seeks revenge on a deadly psychopath after his fiancée is brutally murdered. As the psychopath (Min-sik Choi) continues to kill innocent women, Soo-hyeon embarks on a vendetta of bloody revenge. As the cat-and-mouse game escalates, Soo-hyeon becomes more and more consumed by hatred and is driven to the edge of his own humanity. The film is an exploration of revenge and its psychological effects, as well as a thrilling journey into the depths of human cruelty.

From Pierre Morel, starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser
Rated PG-13

Taken is a 2008 action thriller film directed by Pierre Morel and starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, and Leland Orser. The film follows a retired CIA operative named Bryan Mills as he sets out to rescue his daughter, Kim, after she is kidnapped by Albanian human traffickers while vacationing in France. With the help of a former colleague, Bryan uses his skills to track down the kidnappers and rescue his daughter. Along the way, he encounters a number of dangerous individuals and must rely on his own wits and strength to get Kim back safely. The film is noted for its high-level action sequences and gritty dialogue, combined with a compelling story about a desperate father's love for his daughter.

From Niels Arden Oplev, starring Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Ewa Fröling, Lena Endre
Rated R

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is a 2009 Swedish crime thriller based on the novel of the same name by Stieg Larsson. It follows disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist and computer hacker Lisbeth Salander as they investigate the disappearance of a wealthy industrialist's niece. As they dig deeper into the case, they uncover a series of gruesome murders, a decades-old conspiracy, and a web of corruption that goes all the way to the top of Sweden's corporate and government elite. Along the way, they also uncover long-buried secrets about each other. The film was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film.

From Tony Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, Dakota Fanning, Radha Mitchell
Rated R

Man on Fire is a 2004 action-thriller film directed by Tony Scott and starring Denzel Washington as a former assassin-turned-bodyguard, John Creasy. He is hired to protect a nine year old girl named Pita Ramos, who is the daughter of a wealthy Mexican businessman. Creasy reluctantly takes on the job, but quickly forms a strong bond with Pita. When Pita is kidnapped by a ruthless gang, Creasy is determined to get her back and sets out on a brutal mission of revenge. With the help of a Mexican police lieutenant, he tracks down the gang members and dispenses justice in an escalating storm of violence. As Creasy rushes to save the life of Pita and exact his revenge, his actions will transform him from a disciplined professional to a vengeful vigilante.

From Sam Mendes, starring Tom Hanks, Tyler Hoechlin, Rob Maxey, Liam Aiken
Rated R

"Road to Perdition" tells the story of Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), a devoted and loyal hitman for an Irish mob boss, John Rooney (Paul Newman). When Sullivan's son (Tyler Hoechlin) accidentally witnesses a murder, Sullivan must protect his son and seek revenge. He embarks on a journey of survival and redemption, with Rooney's most trusted lieutenant, Connor (Jude Law), in pursuit. Along the way, Sullivan comes to terms with his past and finds a way to forgive himself and move forward. The film is a morality tale about fathers and sons, the cycle of violence, and the power of loyalty.

From Shane Meadows, starring Paddy Considine, Gary Stretch, Toby Kebbell, Stuart Wolfenden
Rated Not Rated

Dead Man's Shoes is a psychological thriller set in a small town in the English Midlands. The film follows Richard, an ex-soldier who returns to his hometown to exact revenge on a group of local thugs who terrorized his younger brother, Anthony. With a plan of retribution firmly in place, Richard sets out to make the thugs pay for their past transgressions. Meanwhile, Anthony is forced to confront his own guilt as he struggles to come to terms with his past. As Richard's mission of justice reaches its climax, the consequences of his actions begin to take a devastating toll. Dead Man's Shoes is a raw, unflinching exploration of violence, revenge, and the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

From Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Hailee Steinfeld, Josh Brolin
Rated PG-13

True Grit is a 2010 American western film directed by the Coen brothers and starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Hailee Steinfeld. The film is a remake of the 1969 film of the same name, which was based on the 1968 novel by Charles Portis. The story follows 14-year-old Mattie Ross as she seeks revenge for her father's murder at the hands of Tom Chaney. She enlists the help of a U.S. marshal named Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn and a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf to pursue Chaney into Indian Territory. Along the way, the trio face a number of challenges as they attempt to bring Chaney to justice. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning 10 Academy Award nominations and grossing over $250 million worldwide. It was praised for its acting, cinematography, and its faithfulness to the original novel.

From John McTiernan, starring Bruce Willis, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Graham Greene
Rated R

Die Hard with a Vengeance is an action-packed thriller starring Bruce Willis as John McClane and Samuel L. Jackson as his reluctant partner, Zeus Carver. A mysterious bomber calling himself “Simon” (played by Jeremy Irons) is wreaking havoc on New York City, and only McClane can stop him. With the help of Carver, McClane must race against time to prevent Simon from carrying out his threats. Along the way, the two partners must find hidden bombs, decode clues, and overcome their differences. As the action and suspense build, McClane and Carver battle against Simon's deadly plan and ultimately bring him to justice.

From Pedro Almodóvar, starring Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, Jan Cornet, Marisa Paredes
Rated R

The Skin I Live In is a psychological thriller by Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. The film follows the story of brilliant surgeon, Robert Ledgard, who is obsessed with creating a new type of synthetic skin that can withstand burns, cuts, and other forms of damage. Driven by a personal tragedy involving his wife, Robert abducts a young woman named Vera and keeps her locked away in his home as a guinea pig for his experiments. As the story progresses, secrets from Robert's past begin to unravel, leading to a shocking revelation about Vera's true identity. Along the way, the film explores themes of identity, justice, and the consequences of revenge in a suspenseful and gripping narrative.