Movies About Not Giving Up

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

Whiplash is a 2014 American drama film directed by Damien Chazelle and written by Chazelle and Jason Reitman. It stars Miles Teller as Andrew Neiman, a promising jazz drummer studying at a prestigious music academy, and J.K. Simmons as Fletcher, his volatile and abusive instructor. The film follows the relationship between the two men, as Fletcher pushes Neiman in an increasingly intense series of musical challenges in order to unlock his potential. The film was an enormous critical and commercial success, earning five Academy Award nominations and winning three, including Best Supporting Actor for Simmons. The film is a powerful exploration of artistic ambition, human relationships, and the costs of greatness.

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

Amadeus is a biographical drama directed by Milos Forman. It follows the story of Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham), an Italian composer who is overwhelmed by the musical genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce). While Salieri is a respected composer in his own right, he is deeply jealous of Mozart’s superior talent. In a series of flashbacks, Salieri recounts the story of their turbulent relationship as well as Mozart’s death. In the end, Salieri realizes that the only way to reconcile his envy of Mozart is to make his own music great.

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, Thandie Newton, Jaden Smith and Brian Howe. The film is inspired by entrepreneur Chris Gardner's nearly one-year struggle being homeless and is loosely based on his memoir of the same name. The film follows Gardner's journey in 1981 San Francisco as he attempts to achieve his dream of a better life for himself and his five-year-old son. Despite many hardships, Gardner faces his struggles with courage and determination, eventually finding success as a stockbroker and finally achieving the American Dream. The Pursuit of Happyness is a powerful and inspirational story of one man's remarkable journey to success.

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

The Artist is a 2011 French film directed by Michel Hazanavicius. It is a silent black-and-white period piece set in Hollywood during the late 1920s. It follows the story of George Valentin, a successful silent film star whose career is threatened by the arrival of talking pictures. As his career starts to falter, he meets a young dancer named Peppy Miller, who is just starting out in the industry. Valentin helps her break into the world of talkies, and their friendship blossoms. Along the way, they both learn valuable lessons about themselves and each other. The movie is a heartwarming tale about love, friendship, and the dreams of the past.

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

Silver Linings Playbook is a 2012 romantic comedy-drama film directed by David O. Russell and starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro. The film follows Pat Solatano (Cooper), a former teacher who, after spending eight months in a mental health facility, is released into the care of his parents, with a plan to get his wife back and rebuild his life. Along the way, he meets Tiffany (Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own, who offers him a chance at a new start. As the two become closer, they help each other cope with the difficulties of their pasts, and find solace in each other. The film follows their journey as they both learn to cope with their problems and find their own “silver linings” in life.

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

Ray is a 2004 biographical film based on the life and career of Ray Charles, directed by Taylor Hackford. The film stars Jamie Foxx in the lead role of Ray Charles, alongside an ensemble cast including Regina King, Kerry Washington and Clifton Powell. The film chronicles Ray Charles' life from the early 1950s to the early 1990s, focusing on his life as an acclaimed performer, songwriter, and producer, as well as his struggles with addiction and personal relationships. It follows his rise to fame and eventual rise to greatness, as well as his personal and professional battles and triumphs. The film also features a wide range of musical performances from Ray Charles and stars from the 1950s and 1960s, including many of his most memorable hits.

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

Billy Elliot is the story of an 11-year-old coal miner's son in Northern England who discovers a passion for dance and a flair for ballet. With the help of a dance teacher, Billy secretly pursues his dream of becoming a professional dancer, despite the disapproval of his blue-collar family and the constraints of his small mining town. Through his passion and determination, Billy not only discovers his own talent and strength but also transforms his family, his community and ultimately himself. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Picture, and received critical acclaim for its honest and heartfelt story.

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

La Vie En Rose is a 2007 biopic directed by Olivier Dahan. The film tells the story of the life of French singer Édith Piaf, played by Marion Cotillard in an Academy Award-winning performance. The film chronicles Piaf's rise to fame and her personal struggles, including her battle with addiction and her various romances. Despite the difficult subject matter, the film is ultimately a celebration of Piaf's remarkable life and talent, and serves to remind us of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

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

Chaplin is a biographical drama about the life of silent film star Charlie Chaplin. Directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Robert Downey Jr. in the title role, Chaplin tells the story of the legendary comedian's rise to fame and fortune. Beginning with his early days as a struggling stage performer in the music halls of London, the film follows Chaplin's journey to becoming one of the world's most beloved entertainers. Along the way, Chaplin encounters both adversity and success, as he deals with personal relationships, the pressures of fame, and his tumultuous political life. An emotional and often humorous journey, Chaplin is a powerful exploration of one of the greatest icons of the film industry.