Movies About Hard Work

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

It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 American Christmas fantasy drama film directed by Frank Capra, 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). Through Clarence's guidance, George comes to realize how many lives he has touched and how much he has sacrificed for his family and friends. He discovers that his presence has had a profoundly positive effect on his community, and so decides to abandon his plan and live out his life in humble appreciation. The film also stars Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, and Ward Bond. It's a Wonderful Life received five Academy Award nominations and won for Best Music. It is widely regarded as one of the most beloved films of all time.

From Directors: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano, starring François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot
Rated R

The Intouchables is a 2011 French comedy-drama film directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. It stars François Cluzet and Omar Sy. The film is based on the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his French-Algerian caregiver Driss, portrayed in the film by Cluzet and Sy. The story follows the budding friendship between Philippe, a wealthy paraplegic, and Driss, a young man from the projects who is hired to be his caretaker. Despite their different backgrounds, the two men develop a strong bond that quickly blossoms into a remarkable friendship. As Philippe and Driss get to know each other, they learn to look past their differences and appreciate each other for who they are. The film was a critical and commercial success in France, earning over $335 million worldwide. It was nominated for nine César Awards, winning two for Best Actor and Best Editing. The Intouchables was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

Rocky is a 1976 sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Sylvester Stallone, who also stars in it. Rocky Balboa is an uneducated, marginal boxer from a working-class neighborhood in Philadelphia who gets a shot at the world heavyweight title. With the support of his trainer Mickey Goldmill and his girlfriend Adrian Pennino, he manages to go the distance against the champion, Apollo Creed. Despite the odds, Rocky triumphs through sheer determination and a will to win. The film is an inspiring story of an underdog triumphing against the odds and becoming a champion.

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

Dead Poets Society is a coming-of-age drama set in 1959 at the fictional Welton Academy, an elite, all-boys preparatory school. New English teacher Mr. John Keating (Robin Williams) encourages his students to "seize the day" and make their lives extraordinary through their unconventional teaching methods, which includes standing on his desk to make a point and calling them to action with the famous phrase, "O Captain! My Captain!" The students, led by Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke) and Charlie Dalton (Gale Hansen) form the Dead Poets Society, a secret club where they can explore literature and poetry outside of the traditional curriculum. As the boys explore poetry and their own desires, they find themselves at odds with the strict rules of the school and their conservative parents. The film follows the boys' journey of self-discovery as they navigate their newfound freedom and make difficult choices in pursuit of their dreams.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith, Brian Howe
Rated PG-13

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 biographical drama film directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith. The film follows the story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who is trying to make a life for himself and his young son. After losing his wife and their home, Chris is determined to make a better life for his son and himself. With the help of a kindly homeless man and a grueling internship at a prestigious stockbroker firm, Chris slowly works his way up from the depths of poverty. With never-ending determination and a commitment to succeed, Chris eventually makes it big and is able to provide the life he wanted for his son. The Pursuit of Happyness shows the true determination of one man to make a better life for himself and his son, and is a touching reminder that with hard work and dedication anything can be achieved.

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Craig Bierko, Paul Giamatti
Rated PG-13

Cinderella Man is a 2005 American biographical sports drama film directed by Ron Howard and written by Cliff Hollingsworth and Akiva Goldsman. Starring Russell Crowe and Renée Zellweger, it tells the true story of boxer James J. Braddock, a former heavyweight champion who made a comeback to win the world championship against the odds. The film follows Braddock's struggles during the Great Depression, his rise to fame, and his eventual defeat of world heavyweight champion Max Baer in a 15-round boxing match at Madison Square Garden in 1935. It also portrays Braddock's close relationship with his wife Mae and his battle to overcome poverty and provide a better future for his family.

From David O. Russell, starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo
Rated R

The Fighter is a 2010 American biographical sports drama film directed by David O. Russell and starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale. The film tells the inspiring true story of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward and his older half-brother, Dicky Eklund, who help train Micky for his world-title bout. The film follows Micky's tumultuous journey from the tough streets of Lowell, Massachusetts to his fight against the world's welterweight champion, and his ultimate triumph over personal adversity and doubt. Along the way, Micky and Dicky must overcome their dysfunctional family, outside influences and their own personal demons in order to make Micky's dream of becoming a champion a reality.

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

October Sky is the coming-of-age story of Homer Hickam, Jr., a teenage boy living in a small, hardscrabble town in West Virginia in the late 1950s. Driven by a desire to better his life and escape the dullness of his coal-mining town, Homer is inspired by the launch of the first satellite, Sputnik, to pursue his dream of building rockets. With the help of his friends and a teacher, Miss Riley, Homer forms a rocket-building club and enters a local science fair with his homemade rocket, winning first place. His success spurs him on to enter even more science fairs, and after facing adversity from his father, the coal-mining community, and even Boeing, he is eventually accepted to the prestigious Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to pursue his dream of becoming a NASA engineer. Despite the odds, Homer proves that with hard work, dedication, and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams.

From Boaz Yakin, starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst
Rated PG

Remember the Titans is a 2000 American sports drama film directed by Boaz Yakin. The film is based on the true story of an African-American high school football team in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1971, under the newly appointed head coach, Herman Boone (Denzel Washington). Boone is faced with the challenge of dealing with a racially divided team, and he is determined to overcome these differences and lead them to victory. Despite the numerous obstacles they face, the Titans are able to bond together and become one team. Through a series of emotional events and triumphs, the team is able to overcome the racial tension and finish their season as state champions.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy
Rated PG-13

Seven Pounds is a 2008 American drama film starring Will Smith and directed by Gabriele Muccino. The film tells the story of Ben Thomas, an IRS agent with a tragic past who embarks on a journey of redemption by forever changing the lives of seven people. He sets out to redeem himself by helping those in need, despite the pain it causes him. As he begins to reveal his past, his true intention becomes clear: He is attempting to use his own life to make up for his past mistakes. Through his journey, Ben discovers the power of love and forgiveness and finds his own redemption.

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

The Great Debaters is a 2007 drama directed by Denzel Washington and starring Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, and Denzel Whitaker. The film follows the story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College in the 1930s, and his debate team as they compete against Harvard's debate team for a chance to debate at the national level. The movie follows their journey as they overcome prejudice and become the first African-American debate team to ever compete at that level. The story explores themes of racism, determination, and self-belief within the context of the Jim Crow era in American history. Ultimately, the team prevails, winning the debate and inspiring the nation.

From David Anspaugh, starring Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty, Greta Lind
Rated PG

Rudy (Sean Astin) is a young man with a lifelong dream of playing football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Despite coming from a working-class family and facing many obstacles along the way, Rudy perseveres and eventually gains admission to the university. With the help of his dedicated friends, Rudy works tirelessly to make the football team, only to be repeatedly denied. But when he finally gets a chance to prove his worth, Rudy steps up and makes the team, becoming an inspiration to those around him. Rudy's triumphant story is an inspiring tale of courage and determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

From Brian Helgeland, starring Chadwick Boseman, T.R. Knight, Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie
Rated PG-13

42 is a biographical drama film directed by Brian Helgeland, which tells the true story of African-American baseball player Jackie Robinson, who in 1947 became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. After being discharged from the army, Robinson is encouraged by an old friend to try out for the Brooklyn Dodgers, owned by Branch Rickey. Rickey is looking to break baseball's color barrier, and signs Robinson to a minor league contract. With the help of his manager and teammates, Robinson navigates his way through the minor leagues and eventually makes his debut in the Major Leagues. Despite experiencing racism and threats from players and fans, Robinson perseveres and succeeds on the field, becoming a role model for future generations of African American baseball players.

From Phil Alden Robinson, starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Amy Madigan
Rated PG

Field of Dreams is a 1989 American fantasy-drama film directed by Phil Alden Robinson and starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and Burt Lancaster. It is based on the novel, Shoeless Joe, by W. P. Kinsella. The film follows an Iowa corn farmer, Ray Kinsella (Costner), who hears a mysterious voice telling him: "If you build it, he will come." He interprets this as an instruction to build a baseball field on his farm, upon which appear the ghosts of Shoeless Joe Jackson and the other seven Chicago Black Sox players banned from the game for throwing the 1919 World Series. The film combines elements of magic realism with the theme of second chances, as the ghosts and Ray interact and the farm's finances improve. The film features Costner's iconic catchphrase: "If you build it, he will come." It was a commercial success, grossing over $84 million in the United States against a budget of $15 million, and was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Original Score.

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

From Neil Burger, starring Bradley Cooper, Anna Friel, Abbie Cornish, Robert De Niro
Rated PG-13

From Rob Reiner, starring Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Beverly Todd
Rated PG-13

From George Stevens, starring Millie Perkins, Shelley Winters, Joseph Schildkraut, Richard Beymer
Rated Approved

From Ramón Menéndez, starring Edward James Olmos, Estelle Harris, Mark Phelan, Virginia Paris
Rated PG

From Directors: George Butler, Robert Fiore, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Matty Ferrigno, Victoria Ferrigno
Rated PG

From Stephen Herek, starring Richard Dreyfuss, Glenne Headly, Jay Thomas, Olympia Dukakis
Rated PG

From James Bridges, starring Timothy Bottoms, Lindsay Wagner, John Houseman, Graham Beckel
Rated PG

From Matt Brown, starring Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Malcolm Sinclair, Raghuvir Joshi
Rated PG-13

From Mimi Leder, starring Kevin Spacey, Haley Joel Osment, Helen Hunt, Jay Mohr
Rated PG-13

From Vic Sarin, starring Connie Nielsen, Aidan Quinn, John Bell, Jack Gleeson
Rated PG