Movies About Letting Go

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest
Rated R

Apocalypse Now is an epic war film directed by Francis Ford Coppola that follows the story of US Army Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen) who is sent on a mission to find and kill a renegade Special Forces Colonel, Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando). Along his journey, Willard encounters the chaotic realities of the Vietnam War and its devastating effect on the people and environment, as he moves closer and closer to Kurtz's compound and to his ultimate showdown with the shadowy figure. Despite its strong anti-war themes, Apocalypse Now is a visceral and powerful experience and is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Florence Lee, Harry Myers
Rated G

City Lights is a 1931 silent romantic comedy film directed by Charlie Chaplin. The film stars Chaplin as the Tramp, a poor man in love with a beautiful blind girl (Virginia Cherrill) who works as a flower seller on the city streets. He befriends a wealthy man (Harry Myers) who is unaware of the Tramp’s identity and attempts to help him win over the girl. Along the way, the Tramp encounters various struggles and obstacles, including jail time and a stint as a boxer. With the help of a kind millionaire, the Tramp is eventually able to purchase a pair of glasses for the blind girl, allowing her to see the world for the first time and to fully recognize the Tramp's love for her. City Lights was a commercial and critical success, receiving a great deal of acclaim for its combination of comedy, romance, and Chaplin’s signature blend of pathos and slapstick. It is often cited as one of Chaplin’s greatest films and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Milos Forman, starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice
Rated R

Amadeus is a biographical drama set in the 18th century. It tells the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest composers of all time. The film follows his professional and personal lives, as well as his rivalry with fellow composer Antonio Salieri. Salieri, who is the court composer for Emperor Joseph II, is jealous of the talent and fame of Mozart, and plots against him in a desperate attempt to restore his own reputation. The film culminates with a dramatic court trial, in which Salieri attempts to prove that Mozart is an imposter. The film received critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including 8 Academy Awards and 4 Golden Globes.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou, George Macready
Rated Approved

Paths of Glory is a 1957 war film directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas. Set during World War I, the film follows a French colonel as he orders his regiment to attack a German fortification in a suicide mission. After the mission fails and the survivors are brought up on charges of cowardice, the colonel fights to protect them from a military court-martial. The film is a commentary on the futility of war and its human cost, as well as the hypocrisy of those in positions of power. Through its unflinching examination of military injustice, Paths of Glory examines the fundamental questions of what is right and wrong, and how far leaders should go in the pursuit of victory.

From Michel Gondry, starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Gerry Robert Byrne
Rated R

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a 2004 romantic science fiction drama film written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by Michel Gondry. The film follows an estranged couple, played by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, who have each erased all memories of their relationship from their minds. After struggling to move on with their lives, they eventually reunite and attempt to rekindle their relationship. Along the way, they discover that the process of erasing memories is not as simple as they first thought, and they must confront the implications of what it means to truly forget the past. As they delve deeper into their memories, the two come to terms with their emotions and the importance of those memories to their relationship.

From Fritz Lang, starring Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, Gustav Fröhlich, Rudolf Klein-Rogge
Rated Not Rated

Metropolis is a 1927 silent-era science fiction film directed by Fritz Lang. Set in a dystopian future, the film follows Freder, the son of a wealthy businessman, as he discovers a dark secret beneath the city of Metropolis. After learning the truth, he teams up with Maria, a charismatic worker leader, to fight against the oppressive system of the city’s ruling elite. In their struggle, they must battle the mad scientist Rotwang and his robotic creation, the false Maria, in a desperate attempt to prevent the city from collapsing into chaos. As the film progresses, Freder and Maria discover the power of hope and the strength of the human spirit as they come together to save Metropolis.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes, Tom Helmore
Rated PG

Vertigo is a psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock about a retired San Francisco police detective, Scottie Ferguson (James Stewart), who is hired to follow the wife of an old friend. After witnessing her death from a rooftop, Scottie begins to suffer from vertigo and seeks out solace from Madeleine (Kim Novak). He becomes obsessed with her, and his investigations reveal a mysterious past. In the end, Scottie discovers that the woman he has been following is not the person he thought she was, and he is forced to confront his own inner demons. The film is a classic Hitchcock thriller, full of suspense and unexpected plot twists.

From Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, starring Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson
Rated R

No Country for Old Men is a 2007 crime thriller directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Set in Texas in 1980, the film follows Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), a hunter who finds a suitcase full of money after stumbling upon a drug deal gone wrong. Moss takes the money, setting off a chain of events that involve a psychopathic hitman (Javier Bardem) and a dogged sheriff (Tommy Lee Jones) determined to find Moss. As Moss attempts to outrun the hitman, he is forced to confront his own morality and the consequences of his actions. Meanwhile, the sheriff struggles to comprehend the violence and chaos unfolding in his town. With its intense and gritty atmosphere, No Country for Old Men is a thrilling and dark exploration of humans struggling to understand their world.

From Orlando von Einsiedel, starring André Bauma, Emmanuel de Merode, Mélanie Gouby, Rodrigue Mugaruka Katembo
Rated Not Rated

Virunga is a 2014 documentary film directed by Orlando von Einsiedel and executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. The film follows a group of courageous individuals in the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the world’s last mountain gorillas. As the Congolese park rangers risk their lives to protect the park, their mission is threatened by the involvement of a British oil company, SOCO International. The film follows the rangers and documents their struggles against armed militia, poachers, and the oil company in order to protect the biodiversity of the park. The film ultimately shows the inspiring lengths that these individuals go to in order to protect the Virunga National Park and its wildlife from destruction.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu, Daisuke Ryû
Rated R

Ran (1985) is a Japanese period drama directed by Akira Kurosawa. It is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's King Lear, and is set in medieval Japan. The story follows an aging warlord, Hidetora Ichimonji, who decides to retire and divide his kingdom among his three sons, Taro, Jiro, and Saburo. Hidetora soon discovers that his sons, who all have their own ambitions, do not respect him and his decision, leading to a power struggle and eventually a civil war between the brothers. The film follows the destruction of the Ichimonji family, as they all tear each other apart in a struggle for power. Ran paints a picture of a chaotic world, and a warning against the dangers of ambition and pride.

From Sam Mendes, starring Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Daniel Mays, Colin Firth
Rated R

1917 is a 2019 World War I drama directed by Sam Mendes. The film follows two young British soldiers, Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman), as they embark on a dangerous mission across enemy lines. With a single day to deliver a message that will save the lives of 1,600 men, the two men must traverse through treacherous terrain and enemy fire in a race against time. Along their perilous journey, they encounter a multitude of characters and life-threatening situations, ultimately pushing them to their physical, psychological, and emotional limits.

From David Lean, starring William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa
Rated PG

The Bridge on the River Kwai is a 1957 British war epic directed by David Lean. The film is about a group of British prisoners of war who are forced by the Japanese to build a bridge in the middle of a jungle during World War II. The prisoners are led by British colonel Nicholson, who struggles to maintain his sense of duty and pride in the face of the harsh reality of war. As the bridge nears completion, the Allies hatch a plan to destroy it in an effort to stop the Japanese from advancing. The film culminates in an epic battle between the Allies and the Japanese, with Nicholson's bridge at the center. The film features excellent performances from Alec Guinness and Sessue Hayakawa and won seven Academy Awards.

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Paul Winfield
Rated R

The Terminator is a 1984 science fiction action film directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular character. The film follows a cyborg assassin (Schwarzenegger) sent back in time from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), a waitress, before she can fulfill her destiny as the mother of the leader of the human resistance in the future war against machines. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a soldier from the future, is sent to protect Sarah. The Terminator relentlessly pursues Sarah, killing anyone that gets in its way as it tries to complete its mission. With the help of Reese and Sarah, they are able to disrupt the Terminator's mission, and in the end, Sarah is able to survive and give birth to her son, John, who will become the leader of the future resistance.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring William H. Macy, Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare
Rated R

Fargo is a crime comedy-drama film written, produced, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen in 1996. The film stars Frances McDormand as Marge Gunderson, a pregnant police chief investigating a series of homicides in her small Minnesota town. The story follows Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), a car salesman desperate for money who hires two men to kidnap his wife, hoping to extort money from his wealthy father-in-law. The scheme eventually goes wrong, leading to a series of violent murders and a desperate search for the perpetrators. The film is characterized by its darkly comedic tone, and its wide array of oddball characters. Fargo earned seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and won two for Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress for McDormand. It remains one of the most acclaimed films of the Coen brothers’ canon.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo
Rated R

Prisoners is a crime thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. The story follows two families whose children disappear on Thanksgiving Day and the father of one of the children, Keller Dover (Jackman), takes matters into his own hands to find his daughter. With the help of Detective Loki (Gyllenhaal), the two investigate a prime suspect only to discover a far more sinister plot involving a serial killer. As the investigation intensifies and the danger mounts, Keller must confront difficult moral choices in order to save his daughter and bring the killer to justice. The film is a powerful exploration of faith, loss, and justice set against a backdrop of suspense and psychological horror.

From Michael Cimino, starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Cazale, John Savage
Rated R

The Deer Hunter is a 1978 American epic war drama film directed by Michael Cimino and starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Savage, John Cazale, Meryl Streep, and Chuck Aspegren. It tells the story of a trio of Russian American steelworkers whose lives are changed forever after they are sent to fight in the Vietnam War. The film follows the lives of three friends — Steven, Michael and Nick — from Clairton, Pennsylvania, a small working-class town. Before the war, the three friends spend their time playing Russian roulette and hunting deer. When the war begins, they are sent to Vietnam and the friends' lives are changed forever. Michael is captured and placed in a prisoner of war camp, while Steven and Nick survive and fight together in the war zone. Once they return home, they are left to cope with the physical and psychological effects of the war. While Michael continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, Nick develops an addiction to gambling. The film culminates in an iconic scene in which the three men are reunited at a Russian roulette game. The Deer Hunter is considered one of the greatest films ever made and won five Academy Awards. It was also a

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Tom Cruise, Jason Robards, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Rated R

Magnolia is an epic ensemble drama that follows the lives of several interrelated characters in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles over a 24-hour period. The characters are connected through their shared experiences of love, loss, loneliness, and regret. It deals with themes of fate, chance, and the consequences of the past. The film follows a dying television producer, a nurse, a father and son, a police officer, a motivational speaker, a young boy, and a former quiz show champion as they all confront their own issues and the events that transpire in their lives. The climax of the film is an intense rainstorm that serves as a metaphor for the chaos and randomness of life. Magnolia is ultimately a story of hope and redemption, as the characters come to terms with their pasts and find a way to move forward.

From Morten Tyldum, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Allen Leech
Rated PG-13

The Imitation Game follows the story of Alan Turing, a British mathematician considered to be the father of modern computing. During World War II, Turing is recruited by the British government to crack the Nazi's Enigma code, a seemingly impossible task. With the help of a team of brilliant minds, Turing creates a machine that is able to decipher German messages, ultimately leading to a decisive Allied victory. Though his efforts are celebrated, Turing is persecuted for being homosexual and eventually commits suicide. The film is a tribute to Turing’s genius, as well as a reminder of the intolerance and injustice he faced.

From Mel Brooks, starring Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle
Rated PG

Young Frankenstein is a 1974 American comedy horror film directed by Mel Brooks and starring Gene Wilder as the title character, a descendant of the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The film is a parody of the classic horror film genre, in particular the various film adaptations of Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein produced by Universal Pictures in the 1930s. The supporting cast includes Teri Garr, Cloris Leachman, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars, and Gene Hackman. The story follows Frederick Frankenstein, an American neurosurgeon and professor at an American medical school who learns that he has inherited his grandfather's estate in Transylvania. Upon arriving at the castle, Frederick confirms that his grandfather was the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein, who created a monster from dead body parts. With the help of his hunchbacked assistant Igor, his fiancée Elizabeth, and an eccentric housekeeper, Frederick attempts to recreate his grandfather's experiments and, in the process, unleashes a new monster upon the world.

From Federico Fellini, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anouk Aimée, Claudia Cardinale, Sandra Milo
Rated Not Rated

8½ is an Italian comedy-drama film directed by Federico Fellini and released in 1963. The movie follows Guido Anselmi, a famous Italian film director in the throes of a severe creative crisis. Guido is struggling to make a film and is trapped in a web of anxiety, self-doubt, and personal guilt. The story is told through a series of flashbacks, daydreams, and conversations as he attempts to reconcile his artistic vision with his personal life. Guido's inner and outer lives become increasingly intertwined, as he confronts his past and present relationships, artistic inspirations, and anxieties. Ultimately, he finds the courage to make his film and to continue on with his life.

From Rian Johnson, starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis
Rated PG-13

Knives Out is a 2019 murder mystery written and directed by Rian Johnson. The film follows world-famous mystery novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) as he gathers his dysfunctional family together for his 85th birthday celebration. The festivities are cut short however, when Harlan is found dead in his study, with all signs pointing to suicide. A renowned private investigator, Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), is hired to investigate the case, uncovering secrets and lies within the family as he tries to determine whether Harlan’s death was murder, or suicide. With a star-studded cast including Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, Toni Collette, Michael Shannon, and Ana de Armas, Knives Out is a gripping mystery that offers a distinct take on the classic whodunit.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara, Ryô Kase
Rated R

Letters from Iwo Jima is a 2006 Japanese-American war film directed by Clint Eastwood. The film is a companion piece to Eastwood's earlier film Flags of Our Fathers (2006) and tells the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers. The story follows General Tadamichi Kuribayashi and his troops as they face overwhelming odds in the defense of the island. The film is told through the letters the soldiers write to their loved ones back home and depicts their courage in the face of certain death. Themes of courage and honor are explored as the soldiers fight for a cause they know to be futile. Despite the odds, Kuribayashi leads his men with dignity and honor as they struggle in the face of certain death. In the end, Kuribayashi and his men find a way to transcend their fate in a manner that honors the sacrifice they have made.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton
Rated PG-13

Spartacus is a 1960 American epic historical drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick. It is based on the novel of the same name by Howard Fast and stars Kirk Douglas as Spartacus, a rebellious slave who leads a violent uprising against the corrupt Roman Republic. The film tells the story of his struggle to gain freedom for his people, and the ultimate price he pays for it. The film also stars Laurence Olivier as the Roman general and politician Marcus Licinius Crassus, and Peter Ustinov, who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of slave trader Lentulus Batiatus. The film follows the story of Spartacus and his fight against the might of the Roman Empire and its powerful senate, led by Marcus Crassus. It is a powerful tale of courage and sacrifice, and of standing up for one's beliefs, no matter the cost.

From Bernardo Bertolucci, starring Jean-Louis Trintignant, Stefania Sandrelli, Gastone Moschin, Enzo Tarascio
Rated R

The Conformist is a 1970 Italian drama directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. Set in the 1930s, the film follows Marcello Clerici, a man who is determined to fit into the fascist regimes of the era by conforming to their ideals. He joins the secret police, where he is tasked with assassinating a former teacher. Along the way, he meets his former teacher's wife, whom he falls in love with, and is forced to confront his own suppressed homosexuality. As his mission progresses, he is forced to confront his past and his inner struggle between his desire for conformity and his own individuality. The film is a complex exploration of the struggles between conformity and individualism, and the personal sacrifices one can be forced to make.

From Dan Gilroy, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton, Riz Ahmed
Rated R

Nightcrawler is a gripping thriller set in the underbelly of Los Angeles. It tells the story of Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal), a driven and morally bankrupt young man who discovers the nocturnal world of freelance crime journalism. With the help of a local news producer Nina (Rene Russo), Lou quickly blurs the line between observer and participant. He soon begins to take increasingly dangerous risks as he pursues the ultimate footage, no matter the cost. As the stakes become higher and higher, Lou's moral compass continues to unravel in his pursuit of success.