Movies About Movies

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. It tells the story of banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence. Over the following two decades, he befriends a fellow prisoner, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), and finds himself protected by the guards after the warden begins using him in his money-laundering operation. As Andy's hope for freedom is gradually fulfilled, he and Red use their cunning and intelligence to bring a sense of justice to the prison.

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

The Godfather is a 1972 crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's 1969 novel of the same name. The film stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino as the leaders of a fictional New York crime family. The story follows the aging patriarch of the Corleone family, Vito Corleone, as he attempts to pass his criminal empire on to his youngest son, Michael. As the family strife intensifies, Michael takes on the family business as Vito's successor and rises to power as a dangerous and powerful crime lord. This iconic film follows the Corleones through the triumphs and tragedies of their lives while they navigate the treacherous world of organized crime and navigate the consequences of Michael's decisions. The film is widely acclaimed and is often considered one of the greatest films of all time.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

Schindler's List is a historical drama film released in 1993, directed by Steven Spielberg. Set during the Holocaust in German-occupied Poland, the film tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees from the concentration camps by employing them in his factories. Starring Liam Neeson as Schindler, the film follows his transformation from an opportunistic businessman to a humanitarian activist. Alongside this, it also depicts the struggles of the Jews in the ghettos and camps and their eventual liberation by the Allied forces. The film showcases the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and the indomitable power of love, courage and selflessness in the face of evil.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II is the 1974 crime drama sequel to The Godfather and follows the continuing story of the Corleone family during the 1950s. The film follows the life of Michael Corleone, who has assumed control of the family crime organization, as well as a prequel story set in the 1920s showing the rise of his father, Vito Corleone. As Michael expands and consolidates his power base, he comes into conflict with both the Mafia Commission and the Senate Investigation Committee, while a young Vito is forced from Sicily to America in order to escape the Mafia. The film explores the themes of family loyalty, the cost of ambition, and the fallibility of the “American Dream”. It was nominated for eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won six, including Best Supporting Actor for Robert De Niro.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, John Fiedler
Rated Approved

12 Angry Men is a 1957 courtroom drama film written and directed by Sidney Lumet. The film follows the deliberations of a jury of 12 men as they decide the fate of a young man who has been accused of murdering his father. During the initial vote, 11 jurors vote to find the defendant guilty, while one juror votes not guilty. This one juror must convince the other 11 that there is reasonable doubt in order to avoid a guilty verdict. The jurors must then decide if the young man is innocent or guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. As the deliberations unfold, the jurors are forced to confront their own prejudices and preconceived notions of justice as they grapple with the weight of the evidence and the law. In the end, the jurors find the defendant not guilty. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of justice and impartiality in a court of law.

From Peter Jackson, starring Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom
Rated PG-13

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is the third and final installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Directed by Peter Jackson, the movie follows the quest of Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, and Gollum as they continue their journey to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth from the dark forces of Sauron. As they make their way to Mount Doom and the Cracks of Doom, they face many obstacles and have to battle Sauron’s armies. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli return to Gondor to reclaim the city and battle the armies of Mordor. As the battle continues, the ultimate fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance. The film culminates with the final confrontation between the forces of good and evil, leading to a dramatic and emotional conclusion.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis
Rated R

Pulp Fiction is a classic black comedy crime film by director Quentin Tarantino released in 1994. The film follows two mobsters, Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, who are sent out to retrieve a mysterious briefcase for their boss, Marsellus Wallace. Along their journey, they interact with a variety of characters, including a boxer, a pair of robbers, and a mysterious woman. As the story progresses, the narrative begins to intertwine and events from earlier in the film come back into play in unexpected ways. The film is noted for its non-linear narrative and its exploration of themes such as loyalty, redemption, and morality. It has since become one of the most influential and significant films in cinema history and is considered by many to be one of Tarantino’s best works.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. The film stars Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, a naive and slow-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama who witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events from the mid-20th century in the United States. The story follows his epic and remarkable journey as he experiences life during this time, meeting a variety of people, and visiting numerous places all over the world, all with the driving force of his desire to reunite with his childhood sweetheart, Jenny (Robin Wright). Along the way, Forrest faces and overcomes numerous obstacles, including serving in the Vietnam War, and developing disabilities due to his war wounds.

From Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef, Aldo Giuffrè
Rated R

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a classic Western film about three gunslingers in search of a hidden Confederate treasure in the midst of the American Civil War. The "Good" is Blondie (Clint Eastwood), a cool and charismatic gunslinger who seeks the fortune for himself. The "Bad" is Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef), a ruthless mercenary determined to take the treasure for himself. The "Ugly" is Tuco (Eli Wallach), a violent bandit who is also in pursuit of the gold. The three men must outwit and outshoot each other in order to claim the fortune. Along the way, they come across a wide array of characters, including a treacherous soldier, a soldier of fortune, and a mysterious woman. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is an iconic Spaghetti Western that stands the test of time.

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 American drama film directed by Milos Forman and starring Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a rebellious prisoner who is transferred to a mental institution. He quickly makes friends with the other patients, but clashes with the oppressive Nurse Ratched, who rules the ward with an iron fist. Through his clash with Ratched, McMurphy attempts to show the other patients that they have a right to be free of the oppressive system. In the end, McMurphy's courage and ingenuity inspire the other patients to stand up for themselves, ultimately leading to a dramatic confrontation with Nurse Ratched. The film culminates in an intense and emotional climax, illustrating the power of standing up for oneself in the face of tyranny.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas is an Academy Award-winning crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, and Lorraine Bracco. The film follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a mobster who goes from life on the street to a life of crime. The story follows Hill's journey in the mafia, and his ultimate downfall. Along the way, we see Hill's relationships with his family, his crew, and his mob boss, as well as all of the shady dealings, lavish lifestyles, and violent actions that come with life in the mafia. Goodfellas is considered one of Scorsese's greatest films and has become a classic in the gangster genre.

From George Lucas, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is a seminal 1977 science fiction film directed by George Lucas and the first in the original Star Wars trilogy. It follows a ragtag group of rebels—led by Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), and Han Solo (Harrison Ford)—who are fighting against the Galactic Empire and its menacing leader, Darth Vader. As they embark on a daring mission to steal plans for the Empire's most powerful weapon, the Death Star, they must battle their way past Imperial forces and face the villainous Sith Lord himself. Along the way, they discover a powerful ally in the shape of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) and learn the true power of the Force. With the fate of the galaxy in their hands, the rebels must use all of their courage and skill to survive against the Empire's overwhelming might.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Kasi Lemmons
Rated R

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological horror film directed by Jonathan Demme and released in 1991. It follows Clarice Starling, a young FBI agent who is assigned to enlist the help of retired psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter to track down a serial killer known as "Buffalo Bill". Clarice must outsmart and outmaneuver Lecter in order to get the information she needs, while Lecter tests her psychological limits. Through her investigations, Clarice discovers the grim and twisted motives of Buffalo Bill and learns more about herself in the process. The Silence of the Lambs won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

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

It's a Wonderful Life is a classic holiday movie from 1946, directed by Frank Capra. The movie tells the story of George Bailey, a small-town man who has lived a life of selflessness and kindness. After a series of unfortunate events and near-misses, George contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve. An angel named Clarence intervenes, granting George a wish to see how his town would have been if he had never been born. The movie culminates in a heartwarming ending, with George coming to realize that despite his misfortunes, he has in fact lived a wonderful life.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns
Rated R

Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 American epic war film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat. Set during the invasion of Normandy in World War II, it follows United States Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller and a squad of men as they search for a paratrooper, Private First Class James Francis Ryan, who is the last surviving brother of four servicemen. After landing on Omaha Beach and suffering heavy casualties, Miller and his squad make their way to a nearby village where they discover that Ryan is with the 101st Airborne. Miller and his men then embark on a dangerous mission deep into enemy territory in order to bring Ryan home. Along their journey, the squad faces immense danger and heartbreaking choices that test their courage and determination. Ultimately, their mission is successful, but the squad pays a steep price for their efforts.

From Frank Darabont, starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt
Rated R

The Green Mile is a 1999 film directed by Frank Darabont and starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, and David Morse. The story follows the lives of guards on Death Row of a Louisiana prison in 1935, and the supernatural events that take place. The main character is Paul Edgecomb (Hanks), a prison guard who develops a strong bond with John Coffey (Duncan), an inmate with mysterious powers. When Coffey is accused of murdering two young girls and sentenced to death, Edgecomb struggles to save him. Along the way, Edgecomb discovers a range of human emotions and experiences, as well as the power of forgiveness and redemption. Ultimately, he is forced to confront his own morality and decide his own fate.

From Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains
Rated PG

Casablanca is a classic WWII era romantic drama directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Set in the Vichy-controlled Moroccan city of Casablanca in December 1941, the film follows Rick Blaine, a cynical American expatriate who runs a nightclub frequented by refugees and criminals. When his long-lost love, Ilsa Lund, appears with her husband, a Czech Resistance leader, Rick must choose between his own love and helping his friend fight the Nazis. Through a series of twists and turns, Rick ultimately chooses to help the Resistance in a heroic and selfless move. The movie is recognized as one of the greatest films in the history of cinema, featuring iconic lines and memorable characters, and it won three Academy Awards.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin
Rated R

Psycho is a classic horror movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It follows Marion Crane, a secretary who embezzles $40,000 from her employer and goes on the run. She ends up at a secluded motel run by the mysterious Norman Bates and his domineering mother. As Marion becomes increasingly suspicious of Norman and his mother, her fate becomes more and more uncertain. Psycho is acclaimed for its groundbreaking use of camera techniques, evocative score and intense suspense. It is considered to be one of the greatest horror films of all time.

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

Apocalypse Now is a 1979 American epic war film directed, produced, and co-written by Francis Ford Coppola. It is based on the novel Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, and stars Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Martin Sheen, and Dennis Hopper. The story follows a U.S. Army officer, Captain Benjamin Willard (Sheen), on a secret mission to assassinate a renegade American colonel, Walter Kurtz (Brando), who has gone insane and is leading his own personal army deep into the Cambodian jungle in the midst of the Vietnam War. As Willard travels upriver, he encounters a variety of characters, including a photojournalist (Duvall), a playboy (Hopper) and a group of young U.S. soldiers on patrol. The story culminates in an epic showdown between Willard and Kurtz in the jungles of Cambodia.

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

Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott. It stars Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who is betrayed and forced into slavery by the emperor's son, Commodus. Seeking revenge, Maximus becomes a gladiator and fights in the Roman Colosseum against Commodus's best warriors. In the end, Maximus defeats Commodus and restores honor to the Roman Empire. In the process, Maximus discovers that his family was murdered and he seeks revenge against the emperor. The film features a strong cast of supporting characters, including Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus, Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, and Oliver Reed as Antonius Proximo. Gladiator is an Oscar-winning film, and it received numerous other awards and nominations.

From Roman Polanski, starring Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay, Emilia Fox
Rated R

The Pianist is a 2002 biographical drama film directed by Roman Polanski, starring Adrien Brody and Thomas Kretschmann. The film is based on the autobiography of the same name by Polish-Jewish musician and Holocaust survivor Władysław Szpilman. The film follows Szpilman's struggles during World War II in the Warsaw Ghetto, where he is forced to live in a cramped apartment with his family and other Jews. After his family is deported, Szpilman manages to survive by hiding in the ruins of the ghetto and being helped by a sympathetic German officer. Meanwhile, he is also able to practice his beloved piano, playing music in secret to keep himself from despair. The film is an emotional and powerful drama about suffering, resilience, and the power of music and art to help people survive even the darkest of times. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won three, including Best Director for Roman Polanski.

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

City Lights is a 1931 silent romantic comedy film written and directed by Charles Chaplin. The film stars Chaplin as The Tramp, a vagrant who falls in love with a blind flower girl (Virginia Cherrill). The Tramp tries to help the flower girl by earning money so she can receive medical treatment to help her regain her sight. Along the way, he manages to help an alcoholic millionaire (Harry Myers) who mistakes him for a wealthy duke. Despite his naivety, The Tramp never loses his optimism and love for the flower girl. In the end, the flower girl regains her sight and is reunited with The Tramp. City Lights is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter
Rated PG

Rear Window is a 1954 suspense-thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film stars James Stewart, Grace Kelly, and Raymond Burr. Stewart stars as a professional photographer who has been confined to a wheelchair due to a broken leg. To pass the time, he begins to spy on his neighbors from his rear window and imagines them involved in different scenarios. Eventually, he becomes convinced that one of his neighbors, played by Raymond Burr, has murdered his wife. With the help of his girlfriend, played by Grace Kelly, he attempts to prove it. The film features classic suspense and Hitchcockian touches as the audience is taken on a thrilling journey of discovery.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn
Rated PG

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a 1964 dark comedy directed by Stanley Kubrick. It follows an insane United States Air Force general who orders a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. A bomber crew, led by Major T.J. “King” Kong and President Merkin Muffley, try to prevent the attack while Dr. Strangelove and other military leaders attempt to find a solution to the crisis. As the situation spirals out of control, the characters must come to terms with the possibility of nuclear holocaust. The film is a satire of the Cold War and the implications of nuclear warfare.

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

Amadeus is a 1984 film directed by the legendary Milos Forman. The film is centered around the life of the great composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his rival Antonio Salieri. Salieri, a renowned composer of the time, is jealous of Mozart's prodigious talent and plots to destroy him. Through a series of flashbacks, Mozart's life is explored as he competes with his rival, experiences ups and downs in his career and personal life, and eventually dies a mysterious death. The film also follows Salieri's gradual descent into madness as he comes to terms with the fact that he will never be as talented as Mozart was. Amadeus is a powerful exploration of music, ambition, and the timeless legacy of Mozart.