Movies About Life

From Thomas Vinterberg, starring Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp, Lasse Fogelstrøm
Rated R

The Hunt follows Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen), a divorced father and kindergarten teacher in a small Danish village whose life is suddenly thrown into chaos when a rumor starts that he has committed a heinous crime. Despite his protestations of innocence, Lucas finds himself ostracized and vilified by the small community. As the gossip spreads and the pressure mounts, Lucas is forced to fight for his life and his reputation as the town rallies against him. With breathtaking intensity and a tense atmosphere, The Hunt paints a riveting portrait of fear and paranoia, as the townspeople spin out of control and Lucas struggles to hold on to his sense of self.

From Asghar Farhadi, starring Payman Maadi, Leila Hatami, Sareh Bayat, Shahab Hosseini
Rated PG-13

A Separation is a 2011 Iranian drama film written and directed by Asghar Farhadi. The film deals with the dissolution of a marriage between a working-class couple, Simin and Nader, who have a daughter, Termeh. Simin wants to leave Iran in order to provide better opportunities for her daughter, but Nader refuses to leave his elderly father, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Despite both agreeing to a separation, their divorce is disputed by a religious court. Simin moves out of the family home and takes Termeh with her, while Nader hires Razieh, a pious young woman, to help him care for his father. Tensions soon arise between the two when a misunderstanding leads to an accident and Razieh is fired. As the situation escalates, the personal relationships between the characters become strained and a complex moral dilemma is created. The film ultimately examines the various impacts of a modern-day separation, both on the family and the larger society.

From Nuri Bilge Ceylan, starring Haluk Bilginer, Melisa Sözen, Demet Akbag, Ayberk Pekcan
Rated Not Rated

Winter Sleep is a 2014 Turkish drama film written and directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. The film stars Haluk Bilginer as Aydin, a former actor who now runs a small hotel in rural Anatolia. He is married to Nihal (Melisa Sözen) and has a young daughter, Asya (Demet Akbag). His life is disrupted when his brother's wife arrives at his hotel, threatening Nihal and causing tension between the two brothers. As the winter months pass, guilt, love and passions confront Aydin as his relationships with both Nihal and Asya are tested. The film explores the complexity of relationships and the power dynamics between Aydin and the people around him. It also examines the idea of morality, justice, and the power of money in a rural setting. The film ultimately paints a portrait of a man struggling to find a sense of balance in life.

From Mike Leigh, starring Timothy Spall, Brenda Blethyn, Phyllis Logan, Claire Rushbrook
Rated R

Secrets & Lies is a British drama film directed and written by Mike Leigh and released in 1996. The story follows Hortense, a successful black optometrist, who embarks on a journey to uncover the identity of her birth mother. Along the way, she discovers a host of family secrets and lies that have been kept hidden for over two decades. As Hortense struggles to come to terms with her new family, she also faces a range of challenging emotions, from joy to anger to guilt. Secrets & Lies is a poignant exploration of identity, family dynamics, and the power of truth.

From Hirokazu Koreeda, starring Yûya Yagira, Ayu Kitaura, Hiei Kimura, Momoko Shimizu
Rated PG-13

Nobody Knows is a 2004 Japanese film directed by Hirokazu Koreeda. It centers on four siblings—12-year-old Akira, 10-year-old Kyoko, 8-year-old Shigeru, and 5-year-old Yuki—who are living with their mother in a small apartment in Tokyo. Their mother, Keiko, keeps them hidden from the outside world, leaving them alone for weeks at a time while she works and plays. Unable to attend school, the children must fend for themselves, but their tenuous existence is threatened when their mother eventually abandons them. The story follows their struggles as they attempt to survive on their own, and the bond that forms between them in spite of their desperate situation. It is a heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting film about resilience and the power of family.

From Kar-Wai Wong, starring Brigitte Lin, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Faye Wong
Rated PG-13

Chungking Express is a romantic drama directed by Kar-Wai Wong. The film follows the intertwining stories of two officers in the Hong Kong police force, Cop 663 (Takeshi Kaneshiro) and Cop 223 (Tony Leung Chiu Wai). Cop 663 is struggling with a broken heart after his girlfriend leaves him. He passes his days listlessly eating from a can of pineapple with an expiration date of “May 1,” which he ties to his mission of finding her a new boyfriend by that date. Cop 223 is a melancholy figure mourning the end of his relationship with a flight attendant. He visits the same café every day, ordering the same food and keeping track of his ex’s flight schedule. Meanwhile, both officers’ lives are further complicated by the presence of two mysterious women. Cop 663 meets a mysterious drug dealer with a fetish for wearing masks, while Cop 223 meets a young woman who works at the café and tries to help him get over his ex. The film ultimately explores the idea of love and loss, as both officers grapple with their respective relationships and the realities of life in Hong Kong.

From Michael Haneke, starring Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert, Alexandre Tharaud
Rated PG-13

Amour (2012) is a French-language drama film directed and written by Michael Haneke. It tells the story of an elderly couple, Anne and Georges, living together in Paris. When Anne suffers a stroke, Georges must take on the responsibility of caring for her. As her condition deteriorates, he struggles to understand her needs and deal with the changes in their relationship. Despite the difficulties they face, the couple remain devoted to each other, and their love is tested to the limits. Amour is a heartbreakingly human story that explores the themes of aging, illness, and the fragility of life.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Elijah Smith
Rated R

Boyhood is a coming-of-age drama film that was written and directed by Richard Linklater and follows the life of Mason Evans Jr. (Ellar Coltrane) from age 6 to age 18. The film was shot over a period of 12 years with the same cast, which also includes Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, and Lorelei Linklater. Mason, his older sister Samantha (Linklater), and their divorced parents (Arquette and Hawke) all experience the struggles, joys, and milestones of growing up. As the film progresses, Mason's parents move in and out of relationships and jobs, and Mason himself struggles with the world around him, trying to figure out who he is and where he fits in. Ultimately, Mason discovers that life is all about choices, and he is forced to make his own. As he grows into adulthood, Mason learns to accept who he is and finds his place in the world.

From Hirokazu Koreeda, starring Lily Franky, Sakura Andô, Kirin Kiki, Mayu Matsuoka
Rated R

"Shoplifters" (2018) is a critically acclaimed Japanese film directed by Hirokazu Koreeda. It tells the story of an impoverished family living in Tokyo who make a living through shoplifting. Despite their difficult circumstances, the family exhibits strong bonds of love and loyalty. However, their lives are thrown into confusion when a young girl, Juri, is taken in by the family. As the police investigate, the family is forced to confront the question of whether they are defined by the law or by their own moral code.

From Hirokazu Koreeda, starring Hiroshi Abe, Yui Natsukawa, You, Kazuya Takahashi
Rated Not Rated

Still Walking is a contemplative drama directed by Hirokazu Koreeda that follows the Yokoyama family's gathering at the family home to commemorate their late mother and father's 15th death anniversary. The film focuses on the interactions between the family members, especially between the siblings: Ryota and his sister, Chinami. Ryota and his wife and their two children, as well as Chinami and her husband, arrive at the family home for the traditional gathering. Through a series of conversations and interactions, the film explores the complex and often challenging family dynamics. As the day passes, tensions between the siblings and their spouse come to light, as well as secrets from the past. In the end, the family is able to find peace and come together.

From Kenneth Lonergan, starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Lucas Hedges
Rated R

Manchester by the Sea tells the story of Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck), a Boston janitor who returns to his hometown of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, upon learning that his brother has died. Lee is named the legal guardian of his teenage nephew, Patrick (Lucas Hedges). Lee struggles with the prospect of raising Patrick, while simultaneously dealing with the guilt of an unexpected family tragedy he caused in his past. As Lee attempts to come to terms with his grief, he must also confront past relationships and his own inner turmoil in order to rebuild his life.

From Robert Redford, starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, Timothy Hutton
Rated R

"Ordinary People" (1980) is a drama directed by Robert Redford that tells the story of a middle-class family in suburban Chicago, who must cope with the death of their eldest son in a boating accident. The film follows the family's attempts to move forward through grief, guilt, and anger. The father, Calvin, is a successful analyst and businessman, and struggles to contain his grief and maintain a stoic facade for his family. His wife, Beth, is a stay-at-home parent and is filled with rage and guilt for not being able to protect her son from danger. Their younger son, Conrad, struggles to cope with his brother's death and his parents' strained relationship. Through the counseling of Dr. Berger, Conrad slowly begins to process his grief and guilt, while Calvin and Beth must confront their own issues in order to move forward.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira, Diego Cortina Autrey, Carlos Peralta
Rated R

Roma is a semi-autobiographical drama film written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón, set in Mexico City in the early 1970s. The story follows a year in the life of a middle-class family living in the Colonia Roma neighborhood of Mexico City. It centers around Cleo, a live-in housekeeper, who works for a middle-class family, consisting of Sofía, the matriarch, her husband Antonio and their four children. Through Cleo's eyes, the audience experiences a year of dramatic changes and events that shake up the family's daily life, as well as the political and social landscape of Mexico City at the time. Despite the chaos, Cleo forms a deep bond with the family and ultimately becomes an integral part of their lives.

From Sean Baker, starring Brooklynn Prince, Bria Vinaite, Willem Dafoe, Christopher Rivera
Rated R

The Florida Project is a 2017 American drama film directed by Sean Baker. Set over one summer, the film follows Moonee, a precocious six-year-old girl, and her rebellious mother Halley as they live week to week at a budget motel located just outside of the Mickey Mouse-inspired Disney World in Kissimmee, Florida. Bobby, the motel manager, plays a fatherly role to the guests, while an eccentric motel guest named Jancey provides an unlikely source of stability for Moonee and her best friend, Scooty. Despite Halley's often reckless and irresponsible behavior, Moonee and her friends have magical summer filled with mischief and adventure. Through their experiences, the film captures the beauty and struggles of life on the poverty line in America.

From Ryan Coogler, starring Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer, Kevin Durand
Rated R

Fruitvale Station is a 2013 American biographical drama film directed by Ryan Coogler. It is based on the true story of Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old African-American man who was fatally shot by BART police officers at the Fruitvale BART station in Oakland, California, on New Year's Day in 2009. It follows Grant's final 24 hours, portraying his relationships with his girlfriend Sophina, their daughter Tatiana, and his mother Wanda. The film premiered in competition for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize. It also won the Best First Film award at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. The film was released in theaters on July 12, 2013. It received critical acclaim and earned $17 million worldwide. The film is dedicated to Oscar Grant, his family, friends, and the victims of similar tragedies.

From Directors: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne, starring Thomas Doret, Cécile de France, Jérémie Renier, Fabrizio Rongione
Rated PG-13

From Jacques Audiard, starring Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts, Armand Verdure, Céline Sallette
Rated R

From Jeff Nichols, starring Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Sam Shepard
Rated PG-13

From Greta Gerwig, starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges
Rated R

From Chloé Zhao, starring Brady Jandreau, Mooney, Tim Jandreau, Lilly Jandreau
Rated R

From Barry Jenkins, starring Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Trevante Rhodes, Alex R. Hibbert
Rated R

From Andrea Arnold, starring Katie Jarvis, Michael Fassbender, Kierston Wareing, Rebecca Griffiths
Rated Not Rated

From Lee Daniels, starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey
Rated R

From Terry Zwigoff, starring Steve Buscemi, Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Renfro
Rated R

From Directors: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne, starring Marion Cotillard, Fabrizio Rongione, Catherine Salée, Baptiste Sornin
Rated PG-13