Movies About Never Giving Up

From Damien Chazelle, starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Whiplash is a 2014 American drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle. The film stars Miles Teller as Andrew Neiman, a young jazz drummer who attends a prestigious music conservatory and is mentored by the school's legendary conductor, Terence Fletcher (J. K. Simmons). Through rigorous practice and tough lessons from Fletcher, Neiman pushes himself to become a better musician, while also dealing with the psychological toll of Fletcher's intense, often cruel teaching style. The film follows Neiman's journey to achieve greatness as a musician, and his struggles to deal with the oppressive expectations of a demanding teacher who pushes him closer and closer to the brink of a complete mental breakdown. The film received critical acclaim, winning three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Simmons, Best Achievement in Film Editing for Tom Cross, and Best Achievement in Sound Mixing for Craig Mann, Ben Wilkins, and Thomas Curley.

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

Amadeus is a 1984 biographical drama directed by Milos Forman. It is based on the life of the 18th-century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and follows his struggles as he competes with his contemporary, Antonio Salieri. Salieri, an established court composer, is consumed by jealousy of Mozart's natural genius and plots to discredit his work. The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for F. Murray Abraham. Other themes explored in the film include conflict between art and power, the artistic process, and the nature of genius. The film is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made.

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

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 American biographical drama film directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith. The film follows the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who eventually becomes a successful stockbroker. Through his hard work and dedication, Chris overcomes his difficulties and eventually achieves his dreams of financial security and stability for himself and his young son. Despite the challenges of homelessness, Chris never gives up and his courage, resilience, and determination inspire those around him. The film features a strong message of hope and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.

From Michel Hazanavicius, starring Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell
Rated PG-13

The Artist is a 2011 French romantic comedy-drama film written, directed and co-edited by Michel Hazanavicius. The film stars Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo, and tells the story of a silent movie star who falls in love with a young dancer during the transition from silent films to talkies. The plot follows the romantic relationship between the silent movie star George Valentin and the young dancer Peppy Miller, who works her way up from a bit-part extra to a major film star. As their careers take divergent paths, their love for each other remains strong and is tested by the Hollywood studio system. The Artist is a nostalgic love letter to the era of silent films, and is a charming, funny and heartwarming story of two people who strive to remain true to themselves and their love in spite of the changing times. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director.

From David O. Russell, starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver
Rated R

Silver Linings Playbook tells the story of Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper), a man recently released from a mental health facility following a nervous breakdown. He moves back in with his parents, hoping to repair his broken relationship with his wife. With the help of his friend, Pat meets a mysterious young widow, Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who offers to help him get his wife back if he'll do something for her in return. As their relationship develops, Pat and Tiffany embark on a tumultuous journey of self-discovery, learning to accept their pasts and finding hope in their future. Along the way, they discover that even in the darkest of times, love and connection can help us find the silver linings in life.

From Taylor Hackford, starring Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Clifton Powell
Rated PG-13

Ray is a biographical musical drama film directed by Taylor Hackford and starring Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles. The story follows the life of Ray Charles from his childhood in the 1930s, through his career as a musical genius, to his ultimate triumph over personal and professional adversities. Along the way, the film explores the highs and lows of his personal life and his struggles with drugs, relationships, and ultimately his battle with blindness. Interspersed throughout the film are performances of some of Charles' greatest hits, including "What'd I Say," "Hit the Road Jack," and "Georgia On My Mind." Ultimately, the film is an inspiring tale of redemption, resilience and the power of music.

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

Billy Elliot is a 2000 British drama film about an 11-year-old boy from a working-class background in northeastern England who discovers a passion for ballet. After initially being hostile to the idea, his father eventually comes to accept his son's ambitions and enrolls him in ballet classes. The film follows Billy as he struggles to pursue his dream of becoming a professional dancer while facing prejudice and adversity from his community and family. Through the support of his family, friends, and his dance teacher, Billy perseveres and is eventually accepted into the Royal Ballet School. The film stars Jamie Bell as Billy, and Julie Walters and Gary Lewis as his parents. Directed by Stephen Daldry, the film won numerous awards and was nominated for three Academy Awards.

From Olivier Dahan, starring Marion Cotillard, Sylvie Testud, Pascal Greggory, Emmanuelle Seigner
Rated PG-13

La Vie En Rose is the biographical story of Edith Piaf, a French singer and cultural icon. The movie follows her life from her childhood in a brothel to her rise to stardom, and her many highs and lows along the way due to her addictions, abusive relationships and ill health. The movie also looks at her complex relationship with her mother, her numerous marriages and her tumultuous love life. It ultimately paints a portrait of a woman determined to live life to the fullest despite her struggles and difficulties.

From Richard Attenborough, starring Robert Downey Jr., Geraldine Chaplin, Paul Rhys, John Thaw
Rated PG-13

Chaplin is a 1992 biographical film about the life of silent film star Charlie Chaplin, directed by Richard Attenborough. It stars Robert Downey, Jr. as Chaplin, along with Anthony Hopkins, Geraldine Chaplin, Paul Rhys, and Moira Kelly in supporting roles. The film chronicles Chaplin's life from his birth in England in 1889 to his death in 1977 in Switzerland. It follows his formative years in London, his rise to stardom as a comic actor in Hollywood, and his eventual self-imposed exile and return to London. Along the way, the film explores Chaplin's relationships with those closest to him, including his half-brother Sydney, his first wife Mildred Harris, his second wife Lita Grey, his third wife Oona O'Neill, and his children, as well as the various controversies that affected him throughout his life.