Movies About Gifted Children

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. The film follows Will Hunting (Damon), a brilliant prodigy from a poor, working-class background who is struggling to find his place in life. After a violent confrontation with authorities, Will is sent to therapy sessions with a renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). As their relationship develops, Will is forced to confront his painful past and discover who he really wants to be. The film also stars Minnie Driver, Stellan Skarsgård and Ben Affleck. Along with critical acclaim, the film was a commercial success, earning over $225 million on a $10 million budget. The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won two, for Damon and Affleck's original screenplay.

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

Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a 2003 martial arts action movie directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film follows a former assassin known as The Bride (Uma Thurman) who seeks revenge against a team of assassins and their leader Bill (David Carradine) who turned on her and tried to have her killed. After a four-year coma, The Bride sets out on a brutal revenge mission, slaying her former associates one by one. The film features intense action sequences choreographed by martial arts master Yuen Woo-ping, as well as a diverse soundtrack. Kill Bill: Volume 1 is the first installment of a two-part revenge saga, with Volume 2 released the following year.

From Peter Weir, starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles
Rated PG

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 American drama film directed by Peter Weir and starring Robin Williams. Set in 1959 at the fictional elite conservative Vermont boarding school Welton Academy, it tells the story of an English teacher who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry. The film follows the story of English professor John Keating and his influence on a group of students. Keating encourages them to go against the status quo and make their lives extraordinary by looking at things from a different perspective. He instills in them a love of poetry, and encourages them to stand on their desks to look at things from a different perspective and to “seize the day”. The students are initially resistant to Keating’s unconventional methods, but eventually they start to embrace them and their academic performance improves. Keating and his students also start to form a strong bond and their friendship eventually leads to tragedy.

From Arthur Penn, starring Anne Bancroft, Patty Duke, Victor Jory, Inga Swenson
Rated Approved

The Miracle Worker is a 1962 biographical drama film directed by Arthur Penn. It is based on Helen Keller's autobiography, The Story of My Life, and William Gibson's play of the same name. The film tells the story of Helen Keller (played by Patty Duke), a deaf-blind and mute girl who, at the age of seven, is unable to communicate with the world around her. Her family hires Annie Sullivan (Anne Bancroft) to serve as her governess, and Annie, with the help of her fierce determination and love, succeeds in teaching Helen how to communicate by teaching her to sign and read Braille. Through hard work, patience and perseverance, Annie and Helen eventually form a special bond and Helen learns to interact with the world around her. The film won several Academy Awards, including Best Actress in a Leading Role for Anne Bancroft and Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Patty Duke. It is also considered to be one of the classic films of the 1960s.

From Wilson Yip, starring Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Siu-Wong Fan, Ka-Tung Lam
Rated R

Ip Man is a 2008 biographical martial arts film directed by Wilson Yip and starring Donnie Yen. The film tells the story of the life of Ip Man, a grandmaster of the Wing Chun martial arts style, and his life during the Japanese occupation of China in the 1930s. Ip Man resists the Japanese forces' attempts to control and subjugate the Chinese people, and eventually opens up a martial arts school to teach Wing Chun to the locals. The film follows Ip Man's struggles to maintain his dignity and his martial arts principles in the face of overwhelming odds. The film culminates with a showdown between Ip Man and the Japanese general, which Ip Man ultimately wins, thereby restoring pride and honor to the Chinese people.

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

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is the second film in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill series. It follows the journey of The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she continues her quest for revenge against those who wronged her and left her for dead on her wedding day. The Bride hunts down each of her former comrades in the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, culminating with a confrontation with Bill (David Carradine) himself. Along the way, she faces off against an array of colorful characters, including Budd (Michael Madsen), Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), and Pai Mei (Gordon Liu), as she discovers the truth about her past. As the film progresses, The Bride's ultimate goal of vengeance is put into question as she is forced to come to terms with her own personal demons.

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

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) is a coming-of-age film written and directed by Stephen Chbosky. It stars Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller. The film follows 15-year-old Charlie, an introverted freshman who is struggling to cope with his best friend's suicide and his own personal problems. Despite his shyness, Charlie befriends two seniors, Patrick and Sam, and the three of them form a strong bond. Throughout the year, Charlie navigates his way through the world of high school, from love to heartbreak, partying to identity issues. With Patrick and Sam's help, he finds a place where he belongs and is finally able to express himself.

From Theodore Melfi, starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner
Rated PG

Hidden Figures is a 2016 biographical drama directed by Theodore Melfi. It tells the true story of three African-American women working at NASA in the early 1960s. Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson) is a brilliant mathematician whose calculations are critical to the success of the first American space mission. Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) is a computer programmer who is determined to become the first African-American supervisor of her department. Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) is an engineer striving to be the first African-American female engineer at NASA. Together, these women face racism and sexism from their colleagues, but their brilliance and determination help them overcome these obstacles and make a lasting impact on the space program. The story of Hidden Figures is an inspiring one which celebrates the achievements of these three remarkable women.

From Christophe Barratier, starring Gérard Jugnot, François Berléand, Jean-Baptiste Maunier, Kad Merad
Rated PG-13

The Chorus (2004) is a French musical drama directed by Christophe Barratier. Set in post-WWII France, the film follows Clément Mathieu (Gérard Jugnot), a former teacher who is hired as a supervisor at a boarding school for difficult boys. As Mathieu establishes himself as a mentor and disciplinarian, he encourages the boys to develop their musical talents. Eventually, the boys form a choir under Mathieu’s guidance and they become an international sensation. The Chorus explores themes of identity, belonging, and redemption, and the power of music to bring people together in the face of adversity.

From Nicolas Philibert, starring Georges Lopez, Alizé, Axel Thouvenin, Guillaume
Rated Not Rated

To Be and to Have is a 2002 French documentary film directed by Nicolas Philibert. It follows the everyday lives of the students and teacher at a small rural school in Auvergne, France. The film focuses on the teacher, George Lopez, and his relationship with the students. It shows the everyday dynamics of the classroom, as the students learn and grow under his guidance. Lopez's deep compassion and empathy for his students is evident as he works to ensure their development and growth as individuals. The film provides insight into the relationship between teacher and student, highlighting the educational and social impact of Lopez's work. The film also documents the occasional trials and tribulations that occur in the classroom, such as the students' struggles with mathematics and the teacher's attempts to manage a diverse range of personalities. Throughout the film, Lopez's dedication and care for his students are evident, as he strives to create a safe and supportive learning environment for them. The film ultimately provides a moving and inspirational look at the power of education and the importance of teachers. It is a testament to the strength of the bond between teacher and student and the impact a good teacher can have on the lives of those they teach.

From Joe Johnston, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen
Rated PG

October Sky is an inspiring drama set in the 1950s, when the Soviet Union's launch of the Sputnik satellite sparked fears of a technological gap between the US and the Soviets. In the small mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia, young Homer Hickam (Jake Gyllenhaal) is inspired by the sight of the Sputnik, and decides to become a rocket scientist. With the help of a teacher (Laura Dern) and the support of his friends, Homer sets out to build rockets and compete in a national science fair. Along the way, he faces opposition from his coal-mining father (Chris Cooper) who insists that coal-mining is the only path to a secure future. Through hard work and dedication, Homer eventually succeeds and his work is recognized by NASA. In the end, Homer and his friends prove that dreams can come true if you are willing to take risks and pursue them.

From Tony Kaye, starring Adrien Brody, Christina Hendricks, Marcia Gay Harden, Lucy Liu
Rated Not Rated

Detachment is a 2011 American drama film directed by Tony Kaye and written by Carl Lund. The story follows Henry Barthes (Adrien Brody), a substitute teacher who comes to a high school in a small town and is determined to make a difference in the lives of his students. Throughout the film, Henry forms relationships with the students and other staff, while fighting against a crumbling public school system and the apathy of the students and faculty. As he struggles to make a meaningful connection with his students, Henry discovers the power of his own detachment and how it can be an asset in his mission to help the students. In the end, he learns that he must make a commitment to the students, and to himself, in order to make a lasting impact.

From Stephen Daldry, starring Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Jean Heywood, Jamie Draven
Rated R

Billy Elliot is a 2000 British drama film directed by Stephen Daldry about a young boy from an English mining town who discovers a passion for ballet. Despite his family's opposition, Billy faces obstacles and discrimination as he pursues his dreams of becoming a professional dancer. The film follows Billy's journey as he struggles against the odds to make his dream come true, while dealing with his family's struggle with the closure of their coal mine. With the help and support of his ballet teacher and a newfound friend, Billy eventually earns a place at the Royal Ballet School. Through his determination and skill, Billy ultimately triumphs over adversity and learns to find his own path in life.

From Mikael Håfström, starring Andreas Wilson, Henrik Lundström, Gustaf Skarsgård, Linda Zilliacus
Rated Not Rated

Evil is a horror-thriller film directed by Mikael Håfström and released in 2003. It follows the story of seven medical students who are subjected to a series of frightening experiments in a secret hospital. One of the students, Erik (Kåre Hedebrant), discovers that the experiments are being conducted by the evil doctor Günther (Per Ragnar), who is attempting to transfer a demonic force into human beings. As the experiments continue, the students are driven to the brink of insanity, and the terrifying force begins to take over their minds and bodies. In the end, they must confront the evil doctor and his demonic force in order to survive.

From James Clavell, starring Sidney Poitier, Judy Geeson, Christian Roberts, Suzy Kendall
Rated Approved

To Sir, with Love is a 1967 British drama film starring Sidney Poitier and directed by James Clavell. The film tells the story of Mark Thackeray, a disillusioned engineer-turned-teacher who is assigned to a rough school in London's East End. Although initially met with hostility and disrespect from his students, Thackeray employs unconventional teaching methods which eventually gain him the respect and admiration of his students. The film also focuses on issues of race, class, and gender as they relate to the educational system of the 1960s. In the end, Thackeray and his students come together to form a meaningful bond and ultimately succeed in their academic and personal endeavors.

From Wes Anderson, starring Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Olivia Williams, Seymour Cassel
Rated R

Rushmore is a 1998 comedy-drama film written and directed by Wes Anderson about an eccentric 15-year-old named Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman). Max is an overly-ambitious student and aspiring playwright at Rushmore, an exclusive private school in Houston, Texas. When Max's lackadaisical attitude towards his studies leads him to be on the brink of expulsion, he befriends an unconventional and wealthy industrialist, Herman Blume (Bill Murray). Max then uses Herman as a mentor and begins to compete with him for the attention of an attractive teacher, Rosemary Cross (Olivia Williams). The film follows Max's journey of self-discovery, as he learns to balance his dreams with his responsibilities and discovers the importance of friendship and personal growth. Along the way, the film touches on themes of ambition, loyalty, and maturity.

From Richard LaGravenese, starring Hilary Swank, Imelda Staunton, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn
Rated PG-13

Freedom Writers is a 2007 American drama film starring Hilary Swank, Scott Glen, and Imelda Staunton. Directed by Richard LaGravenese, it is based on the book, The Freedom Writers Diary, written by teacher Erin Gruwell who wrote the story based on Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California. The film follows the story of Erin Gruwell, a new teacher at an inner-city high school, who inspires and empowers her students to believe in themselves, take control of their lives, and strive for success. She introduces them to literature, encourages them to keep journals, and makes them realize the importance of their own life stories in the context of history. Although faced with many challenges from students, parents, and administrators, Gruwell stands firm in her commitment to her students and the power of education. The students eventually go on to win a national writing competition and attend Harvard University. The film highlights the power of education and its ability to help disadvantaged students break out of the cycle of poverty.

From Wes Anderson, starring Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller
Rated R

The Royal Tenenbaums is a 2001 comedy-drama film written and directed by Wes Anderson. It stars Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson, and Owen Wilson. The film follows the lives of the eccentric and dysfunctional Tenenbaum family. Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman) is the patriarch of the family, a former attorney who has been estranged from his wife, Etheline (Anjelica Huston), for a number of years. His three children, Chas (Ben Stiller), Richie (Luke Wilson), and Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow), are all successful in their respective fields but are unhappy and distant from their father. Royal decides to reunite the family in the hopes of reconciling and forging stronger ties with his children. However, his attempts at reconciliation are complicated by the fact that each of the family members is struggling with their own personal issues. Ultimately, the family must come together in order to overcome the challenges and face their future with renewed hope and optimism. Throughout the film, Anderson uses quirky visual elements and a wry wit to tell the story of the Tenen

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

Gifted is a 2017 American drama film directed by Marc Webb, starring Chris Evans, McKenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan, and Octavia Spencer. It tells the story of Frank Adler (Evans), a single man raising his precocious 7-year-old niece Mary (Grace). After her mathematical abilities begin to surface, Frank must fight for custody of Mary against his formidable mother (Duncan). With the help of his neighbor Roberta (Spencer), Frank attempts to protect Mary’s extraordinary gifts while providing her with a normal childhood. In the end, Frank and Mary’s bond is put to the test as Mary must choose between keeping her gifts or having a normal life.

From Chris Columbus, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith
Rated PG

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a 2001 fantasy film directed by Chris Columbus. Based on the first novel of J.K. Rowling's popular children's book series, the film follows 11-year-old Harry Potter as he discovers he is a wizard and enrolls at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With the help of his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry embarks on a quest to find the Sorcerer's Stone, a powerful magical artifact that could enable the evil Lord Voldemort to come back to life. Along the way, Harry and his friends face various magical creatures and obstacles, including the giant three-headed dog, the giant spider Aragog, and the living chess game. Along the way, they also help Harry unlock the secrets of his past and learn more about the power of friendship and courage.

From Ronny Yu, starring Jet Li, Li Sun, Yong Dong, Yun Qu
Rated PG-13

Fearless is a 2006 martial arts drama film directed by Ronny Yu, starring Jet Li. It is based on the story of Chinese martial artist Huo Yuanjia, who lived during the Qing Dynasty. The story follows Huo, the son of a martial arts master, who challenges the Western world's top fighters to prove the superiority of the Chinese martial arts. After a tragic event, Huo embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns to channel his emotions into a powerful weapon of strength and courage. With the help of his friends and teachers, Huo develops into a courageous and invincible martial artist, eventually defeating the Western fighters. The film is also known for its powerful and inspirational message about the strength of personal courage and determination, as well as its breath-taking action sequences which showcase the beauty of Chinese martial arts.

From Denzel Washington, starring Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Kimberly Elise, Nate Parker
Rated PG-13

The Great Debaters is a 2007 film directed by Denzel Washington and starring Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, and Nate Parker. It tells the story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College in East Texas and the school's debate team coach who leads students from the all-black college to success in a national debate championship in 1935. During their journey, they must confront racism and other issues of the period while struggling to gain recognition as a legitimate college. The story also focuses on the personal stories of the various team members, their individual struggles, and their successes.

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

The Class is a French drama film that follows a year in the life of a French high school teacher and his students. François Begaudeau stars as the teacher, and the film is based on his novel. The film follows François as he struggles to engage his diverse students from a variety of backgrounds, including students from immigrant backgrounds and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Through his lessons and interactions with his students, François attempts to make a connection with them in the hopes of inspiring them to reach their potential. However, François' efforts are met with opposition from his students, who resist his attempts at forming a connection with them. Despite the often tense atmosphere of the classroom, François perseveres, and over the course of the school year he begins to form a bond with his students. By the end of the year, despite their rocky start, François and his students have forged a strong connection, and have achieved a newfound understanding and respect for one another.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Morgan Freeman, Beverly Todd, Robert Guillaume, Alan North
Rated PG-13

From Doug Atchison, starring Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Keke Palmer, Curtis Armstrong
Rated PG