Movies About Overcoming Adversity

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

The Shawshank Redemption is an uplifting drama about the power of friendship and hope. The story follows Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a successful banker who is convicted of murdering his wife and her lover and is sent to the Shawshank State Penitentiary. While there, Andy befriends a fellow prisoner, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), and finds solace and hope in the prison library where he spends his time. Despite a harsh prison environment, Andy and Red form a strong bond that ultimately leads to Andy's successful escape from Shawshank. The film is ultimately a story of hope and redemption, with Andy finding his freedom after two decades of wrongful imprisonment.

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

"Schindler's List" (1993) is an American historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg. The film is based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally, which is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved more than a thousand mainly Polish-Jewish refugees from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories during World War II. The film focuses on Oskar Schindler, his efforts to save his Jewish workers from the Nazi concentration camps, and the moral dilemma he faced as a member of the Nazi party. The film features a powerful, unforgettable performance from Liam Neeson as Schindler, as well as an unforgettable score by John Williams. The film was a critical and box office success, winning seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

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

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. It is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The story follows Forrest Gump, a naïve and slow-witted yet athletically prodigious man from Alabama who witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events in the late 20th century in the United States. The film stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, and Sally Field. The film consists of a series of vignettes in which Forrest recounts his childhood in Alabama, his experiences in the Army, his relationship with his best friend Jenny, and his newfound fame after appearing on a talk show. Forrest's journey teaches him valuable lessons about life and love that stay with him throughout the film. The film was released on July 6, 1994 and became an instant box office success, grossing over $677 million worldwide and winning multiple awards, including the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Tom Hanks, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Visual Effects.

From Directors: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano, starring François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot
Rated R

The Intouchables is a 2011 French buddy comedy-drama film directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. It stars François Cluzet and Omar Sy. The film centers on the unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic, Philippe (Cluzet), and his caretaker, Driss (Sy), an ex-con from the projects of Paris. After interviewing several candidates, Philippe chooses Driss, not for his qualifications, but for his lack of them. A bond quickly develops between the two men, and Philippe brings Driss into his world. Despite the differences in their backgrounds, the men soon become close friends. Through the ups and downs of the story, the two men come to appreciate the value of friendship and discover they have more in common than they ever imagined. The film was nominated for nine César Awards and won five, including Best Actor, Best Film, and Best Director.

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

The Pianist is a biographical drama based on the experiences of Polish-Jewish pianist Władysław Szpilman during World War II. Directed by Roman Polanski and starring Adrien Brody, the film follows Szpilman's survival in the Warsaw Ghetto, his separation from his family, and his eventual liberation by a compassionate German officer. Through his experiences, Szpilman comes to understand the full horror of the war and its devastating impact on the Jewish people. The film is a powerful examination of human resilience and the will to overcome in the face of adversity.

From Gus Van Sant, starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R

Good Will Hunting is an 1997 American drama film directed by Gus Van Sant. The film follows Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a genius-level mathematics prodigy from a working-class background who is struggling to find his place in the world. After being arrested for attacking a police officer, he is given the choice of either going to jail or working with a therapist, Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). With Sean's help, Will is able to confront his past and discover his true potential. The film also stars Minnie Driver, Stellan Skarsgård, Ben Affleck, and John Mighton. It won two Academy Awards, Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Screenplay. The film is a heartfelt and ultimately uplifting story about a young man's journey to finding himself and embracing who he is.

From James McTeigue, starring Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea
Rated R

V for Vendetta is a 2005 dystopian political thriller film directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowskis, based on the 1988 DC/Vertigo Comics limited series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. Set in a near-future United Kingdom ruled by a fascist and oppressive government, the story follows a mysterious freedom fighter known only as "V" (Hugo Weaving) as he embarks on a violent and chaotic mission to bring down the government, with the help of a young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman). With his intimidating Guy Fawkes mask and skillful use of explosives and blades, V's vendetta against the totalitarian regime of England poses a challenge to the government's authority and power. Along the way, he and Evey discover the harsh realities of a world ruled by fear and deception, while also learning that courage and hope can still prevail.

From Tate Taylor, starring Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard
Rated PG-13

The Help is a 2011 drama film directed by Tate Taylor and adapted from Kathryn Stockett's 2009 novel of the same name. Set in Jackson, Mississippi during the early 1960s, the film stars Emma Stone, Viola Davis, and Octavia Spencer as three characters who form a powerful friendship as they fight against the racial inequality of the era. The story follows Skeeter (Stone) who is a recent graduate and aspiring writer who decides to write a book about the experiences of the black maids who are employed in the homes of a white, upper-class community. Despite opposition from her friends and family, Skeeter is determined to uncover the truth about the inequality in their society. Along the way, she forms an unlikely bond with two maids, Aibileen (Davis) and Minny (Spencer). With the help of her friends, Skeeter is able to confront the racism and bigotry of the era and bring about change.

From Kim Ki-duk, starring Kim Ki-duk, Oh Yeong-su, Jong-ho Kim, Kim Young-min
Rated R

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring is a 2003 South Korean film written and directed by Kim Ki-duk. Set in an isolated mountain lake, it tells the story of an elderly Buddhist monk and his young apprentice over the course of five seasons. The film explores the relationship between the two as the apprentice learns valuable life lessons. Through the seasons, the apprentice learns patience, compassion, and the consequences of his actions. In the end, he is able to reach enlightenment and fully grasp the teachings of his master. The beauty of the natural environment and the power of Buddhism are key themes throughout the film.

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

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 biographical drama directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith. Based on a true story, the film follows Chris Gardner (Will Smith), a struggling salesman trying to make ends meet and provide for his young son Christopher (Jaden Smith). After Chris misses out on a job opportunity, he and his son are evicted from their home and become homeless. Determined to provide for his son and break out of poverty, Chris decides to take a highly competitive unpaid internship in a stock brokerage firm. Despite the odds, Chris perseveres and his determination and resilience eventually leads to his financial and personal success. The film highlights the importance of hard work and the power of dedication in the pursuit of one's dreams.

From Julian Schnabel, starring Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Anne Consigny
Rated PG-13

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a 2007 biographical drama directed by Julian Schnabel. The film tells the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric), the celebrated editor of Elle magazine, who suffers a devastating stroke that leaves him almost completely paralyzed, unable to move or speak. Although the stroke leaves him with a condition known as “Locked-In Syndrome”, Bauby retains his mental faculties and is able to communicate by blinking his left eye. In a miraculous feat of human determination, he manages to write his memoirs using this method, with the help of a speech therapist and an alphabet board. The film follows Bauby’s tenacious struggle to rebuild his life, as he attempts to come to terms with his new reality and ultimately find peace and acceptance.

From Directors: Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan, starring Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Saurabh Shukla, Anil Kapoor
Rated R

Slumdog Millionaire is a 2008 British-Indian drama directed by Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan. The film follows Jamal Malik, a young man from the slums of Mumbai, who appears on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire and wins despite the odds. As the police interrogate him in an attempt to figure out how he pulled off the feat, he recounts his life story and how he gained the knowledge to answer each question. Through his story, we learn of his struggles to survive and his attempts to reunite with his childhood sweetheart, Latika. The film has been highly acclaimed, winning numerous awards, including eight Academy Awards and seven BAFTAs.

From Barry Levinson, starring Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Gerald R. Molen
Rated R

Rain Man is a 1988 American road comedy-drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass. It tells the story of an abrasive, selfish young wheeler-dealer played by Tom Cruise, and an autistic savant played by Dustin Hoffman. Cruise's character, Charlie, discovers that his father has died and left his multimillion-dollar estate to the savant brother, Raymond (Hoffman), whom Charlie never knew existed. Charlie is determined to get a piece of the fortune. Together, they go on a cross-country trip, learning about each other and themselves along the way. Rain Man won four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Hoffman, Best Original Screenplay for Morrow and Bass, and Best Director for Levinson. It was an instant hit with both audiences and critics, and is widely considered one of the greatest films of the 1980s.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Paul Sanchez, Lari White
Rated PG-13

Cast Away is a 2000 American survival drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks as a FedEx employee stranded on an uninhabited island after his plane crashes in the South Pacific. He learns to survive on the island using remnants of his plane's cargo, as well as some unusual help from a friendly volleyball. Over the course of four years, he forms a unique relationship with the island and its wild inhabitants, and struggles to survive and make it home. With the help of his newfound courage, faith, and ingenuity, he ultimately discovers his own humanity and manages to return to civilization.

From Boaz Yakin, starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst
Rated PG

Remember the Titans is a 2000 American biographical sports film based on the true story of head coach Herman Boone, portrayed by Denzel Washington, and his attempt to integrate the newly desegregated T.C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia in 1971. When coach Boone arrives in Alexandria, he finds a divided team, but through determination and rigorous training, he is able to turn the team around and lead them to the Virginia State Championship. The team's success also helps to bridge the racial divide in the city, as both blacks and whites come together to support the Titans. As the team learns to trust and depend on each other, they discover the power of team spirit in overcoming their differences and achieving victory.

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

Ray is a biographical musical drama about the life of legendary musician Ray Charles, directed by Taylor Hackford. The film stars Jamie Foxx in an Oscar-winning performance as Charles, and also stars Kerry Washington, Regina King, and Clifton Powell. The film chronicles Charles' rise from extreme poverty to international fame, as well as his personal struggles with his dependence on drugs and alcohol. It covers his early career, his struggles with addiction and blindness, and his relationships with two women. Despite his personal troubles, Charles still found success in the music industry, becoming a pioneer in the genres of soul, rhythm and blues, country music, and jazz. The film received critical acclaim, with Jamie Foxx's performance earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Roberta Maxwell, Buzz Kilman
Rated PG-13

Philadelphia is a 1993 American drama movie directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. The movie tells the story of a gay lawyer (Hanks) who is fired from his law firm because of his sexuality. He then decides to sue the firm for discrimination and is aided by an African-American lawyer (Washington). The movie follows the two lawyers as they face the ignorance and prejudice of their colleagues and society as a whole. Ultimately, the movie is about the power of acceptance, love and understanding in the face of intolerance and hatred.

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

Billy Elliot is a 2000 British drama film directed by Stephen Daldry, starring Jamie Bell as 11-year-old Billy, an aspiring dancer living in a Northern England mining town. Despite the disapproval of his father, Billy pursues his passion for ballet and is accepted into a prestigious Royal Ballet School in London. As Billy prepares to leave his family and friends, his father must come to terms with his son's dreams and the struggles of their mining community. With the help of Mrs. Wilkinson, Billy's dance teacher, he perseveres and discovers a new passion and future that could lead him away from the bleakness of his town.

From Marc Forster, starring Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, Radha Mitchell
Rated PG

Finding Neverland is a 2004 biographical drama film directed by Marc Forster and written by David Magee. It follows the life of playwright J.M. Barrie and his relationship with widow Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and her four sons. While struggling to write another play, Barrie forms a close bond with the family, particularly with the boys, who become an inspiration for his play “Peter Pan”. The film stars Johnny Depp as Barrie, Kate Winslet as Davies, and Freddie Highmore, Nick Roud, Joe Prospero, and Luke Spill as the Davies boys. The film focuses on the characters' relationships and the creation of one of the most beloved stories of all time. It explores the power of imagination and the healing effects of love and friendship as Barrie helps the family cope with their father's death. Ultimately, the film emphasizes the importance of letting go of the past and embracing the present.

From Bernardo Bertolucci, starring John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O'Toole, Ruocheng Ying
Rated PG-13

The Last Emperor is a biographical drama directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and released in 1987. It tells the story of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, and his life as a young boy in the Forbidden City, his years as a puppet ruler of Japanese-controlled Manchukuo, his imprisonment in a labor camp, and his eventual release and re-education as a Chinese citizen. The film follows his life from his coronation at the age of three to his death in 1967. Along the way, Pu Yi goes from absolute power, to helplessness and humiliation, and finally to personal freedom and redemption. He learns to cope with the changes that life has dealt him, and discovers his own inner strength. Through it all, he retains an extraordinary sense of dignity and resilience.

From Marc Forster, starring Khalid Abdalla, Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada, Atossa Leoni, Shaun Toub
Rated PG-13

The Kite Runner is a 2007 American drama film directed by Marc Forster based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Khaled Hosseini. The film tells the story of Amir, a young boy from the Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul, who is struggling to find his place in the world as he deals with a strained relationship with his father and the guilt of abandoning his best friend Hassan. After Amir and Hassan witness the rape of Hassan by a local bully, the boys’ friendship is broken and Amir and his father flee to America. Years later, Amir returns to Afghanistan to take part in the Taliban’s removal from power and to find redemption by rescuing Hassan’s son, Sohrab. Along the way, he discovers the power of friendship, family, and sacrifice.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy
Rated PG-13

Seven Pounds is a 2008 drama film directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith. The film follows the story of Ben Thomas, a tax auditor living with immense guilt due to a tragic event in his past. In order to make amends, Ben embarks on a journey of redemption by drastically changing the lives of seven strangers. Ben falls in love with one of the strangers, a young woman named Emily Posa. He soon discovers, however, that his plan for redemption has unexpected consequences. In the end, Ben discovers that selfless acts of sacrifice come with a heavy emotional toll, and that love can be found in the most unexpected places.

From Paul Greengrass, starring David Alan Basche, Olivia Thirlby, Liza Colón-Zayas, J.J. Johnson
Rated R

United 93 is a 2006 biographical drama film about the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. Directed by Paul Greengrass, it is based on the true story of United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked by four Al-Qaeda terrorists. The film follows the passengers and crew as they realize what is happening, rebel against the hijackers, and make the ultimate sacrifice of diverting the plane away from a populated area in order to prevent further loss of life. Through a blend of archival footage and actors recreating the events in real time, Greengrass' intense and gripping film is a powerful and thought-provoking tribute to the heroes of United 93.

From John Lee Hancock, starring Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Jae Head
Rated PG-13

The Blind Side is an American drama directed by John Lee Hancock and based on the true story of NFL offensive lineman Michael Oher. The film stars Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, an affluent white woman, who takes in a homeless teenage African-American, Michael Oher, and gives him a home and a chance to make something of his life. Through her love and persistence, she helps him to become an All-American football player and first-round NFL Draft pick. The film also stars Tim McGraw as Leigh Anne's husband, Sean Tuohy, and Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher. The Blind Side is a cultural phenomenon that speaks to the importance of family, faith and perseverance.

From Jonathan Levine, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard
Rated R

50/50 is a 2011 comedy-drama directed by Jonathan Levine and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, and Anna Kendrick. The film follows Adam, a 27-year-old man living in Seattle who is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. With the support of his best friend Kyle, his mother, and his therapist, Adam sets out to take on his disease with courage and humor. Through his struggles, the film explores the strength and fragility of friendship, the complexity of relationships, and the courage required to face life’s greatest challenges.