Movies About Poetry

From Peter Weir, starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles
Rated PG

Dead Poets Society is a coming of age drama directed by Peter Weir and starring Robin Williams as English teacher John Keating. The film follows the story of a group of students at a boys' preparatory school in 1959 who are inspired by their teacher to pursue their passions and question traditional beliefs. Keating encourages the students to seize the day and make their lives extraordinary. Through his guidance, the students learn to stand up for themselves and find their own voice as they challenge the expectations of their parents and society. The film culminates in a tragic ending as the boys stand together in revolt against the system. The film has become a classic portrayal of teenage rebellion and the power of self-expression.

From Andrei Tarkovsky, starring Margarita Terekhova, Filipp Yankovskiy, Ignat Daniltsev, Oleg Yankovskiy
Rated Not Rated

Mirror is a 1975 Soviet film directed by acclaimed filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky. Through a series of dreamlike vignettes, the film tells the story of one man’s life, his memories, and his loves. The film is narrated by the man’s son, who is looking back on his life, trying to make sense of it. The film is influenced by the themes of memory, time, and death, and the visuals are often surreal and dreamlike. Mirror is a highly personal film that speaks to the power of memories in our lives, and how they shape who we are.

From Lee Chang-dong, starring Yun Jeong-hie, Lee Da-wit, Kim Hee-ra, Ahn Nae-sang
Rated TV-PG

Poetry is a 2010 South Korean drama film written and directed by Lee Chang-dong. The film follows Mija, an elderly woman in her sixties, as she deals with the discovery that her grandson is implicated in the rape and murder of a teenage girl. In the face of this tragedy, she attempts to make sense of her life and find a way to express her innermost thoughts and emotions through writing poetry. Along the way, she finds solace in the company of her friends, who help her come to terms with her grandson's actions and find a way to move forward. Poetry is a thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which we cope with tragedy and the power of poetry to express the inexpressible.

From Directors: Michael Radford, Massimo Troisi, starring Massimo Troisi, Philippe Noiret, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, Renato Scarpa
Rated PG

The Postman (1994) stars Massimo Troisi as the titular postman, a loner who wanders through a post-apocalyptic Italy delivering letters and parcels to the few remaining survivors. When he's offered a job as the postman for a small mountain village, the postman discovers a sense of purpose and community. Along the way he meets a beautiful young woman (Kristin Scott Thomas) who helps him to see the positive in the world around him. Through their friendship and the postman's newfound role, the pair begin to rebuild the ravaged town and restore hope to its inhabitants. The Postman is a poignant and uplifting story of resilience and the power of human connection in the face of insurmountable odds.

From Jean-Paul Rappeneau, starring Gérard Depardieu, Anne Brochet, Vincent Perez, Jacques Weber
Rated PG

Cyrano de Bergerac is a 1990 French romantic comedy-drama film directed by Jean-Paul Rappeneau. The film is based on the 1897 play of the same name by Edmond Rostand, adapted by Jean-Claude Carrière and Rappeneau. The film follows the story of the poetic and proud Cyrano de Bergerac (Gerard Depardieu), a brilliant swordsman and poet who masquerades as his rival Christian (Vincent Pérez) to win the heart of Roxane (Anne Brochet). Although Cyrano is in love with Roxane, he is too ashamed of his overly large nose to declare his love. Cyrano helps Christian woo Roxane and she eventually falls in love with him. However, when Christian is killed in a duel, Cyrano reveals his love for Roxane and she is moved by his sincerity. The film was well-received by critics, who praised its visual elements, performances and story. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won the award for Best Costumes.

From Roy Andersson, starring Lars Nordh, Stefan Larsson, Bengt C.W. Carlsson, Torbjörn Fahlström
Rated Not Rated

Songs from the Second Floor is a black comedy film about the effects of modern capitalism on the lives of Swedish citizens. The film follows a variety of characters as they confront the consequences of their choices, in a series of vignettes which range from the absurd to the tragic. Through a series of surreal and non-linear scenes, the film captures the alienation, anxiety and disorientation of life in a world where economic success is the ultimate goal. Interspersed throughout the film are musical performances by an off-screen choir, which provides a soundtrack to the characters' plight.

From Petter Næss, starring Per Christian Ellefsen, Sven Nordin, Marit Pia Jacobsen, Jørgen Langhelle
Rated R

Elling is a comedy-drama film directed by Petter Næss and based on the novel of the same name by Ingvar Ambjørnsen. The story follows two eccentric, socially awkward friends Elling (Per Christian Ellefsen) and Kjell Bjarne (Sven Nordin), who are both in their 40s, and have just been released from a psychiatric institution. After being placed in an Oslo apartment by social services, the two men must learn to live independently, face their anxieties and adjust to life in the city. Together, they embark on an amusing, touching, and often humorous journey of self-discovery as they learn to overcome their fears and embrace life's possibilities. Along the way, they make new friends, find love, and conquer the everyday challenges of living in the outside world.

From Alejandro Jodorowsky, starring Adan Jodorowsky, Brontis Jodorowsky, Leandro Taub, Pamela Flores
Rated Unrated

Endless Poetry is an autobiographical film directed by the renowned Chilean filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky. The film follows the story of Jodorowsky's own life, focusing particularly on his early years in Santiago, Chile. It follows his journey of self-discovery as he immerses himself in the world of art and poetry, surrounded by fellow bohemians and surrealists. Through his struggles, Jodorowsky discovers his passion for the surreal and makes a courageous decision to pursue his dreams of becoming an artist and poet. Along the way, he learns important life lessons, finds love, and discovers his true identity. The film serves as a celebration of Jodorowsky's own life experiences and his artistic expression.

From Hal Hartley, starring Thomas Jay Ryan, James Urbaniak, Parker Posey, Maria Porter
Rated R

From Julian Schnabel, starring Javier Bardem, Johnny Depp, Olatz López Garmendia, Giovani Florido
Rated R

From Jean Cocteau, starring Jean Cocteau, Françoise Arnoul, Claudine Auger, Charles Aznavour
Rated Not Rated

From James Kent, starring Alicia Vikander, Kit Harington, Taron Egerton, Dominic West
Rated PG-13

From Marc Levin, starring Saul Williams, Sonja Sohn, Bonz Malone, Lawrence Wilson
Rated R

From Jane Campion, starring Abbie Cornish, Ben Whishaw, Paul Schneider, Kerry Fox
Rated PG

From Brian Gilbert, starring Stephen Fry, Jude Law, Vanessa Redgrave, Jennifer Ehle
Rated R

From Pablo Larraín, starring Gael García Bernal, Luis Gnecco, Mercedes Morán, Emilio Gutiérrez Caba
Rated R

From Martha Fiennes, starring Ralph Fiennes, Liv Tyler, Toby Stephens, Lena Headey
Rated R

From Directors: Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman, starring James Franco, Todd Rotondi, Jon Prescott, Aaron Tveit
Rated R

From Karen Moncrieff, starring David Strathairn, Agnes Bruckner, Margaret Colin, Frances Fisher
Rated R

From Nadav Lapid, starring Sarit Larry, Avi Shnaidman, Lior Raz, Hamuchtar
Rated Not Rated

From John Krokidas, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Dane DeHaan, Michael C. Hall, Ben Foster
Rated R

From Jessica Hausner, starring Christian Friedel, Birte Schnöink, Stephan Grossmann, Sandra Hüller
Rated Not Rated

From Andy Goddard, starring Elijah Wood, Celyn Jones, Kelly Reilly, Steven Mackintosh
Rated Unrated