Movies About Resilience

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

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 film directed by Frank Darabont, based on a Stephen King novella. It follows the story of banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is falsely convicted of murder and sent to Shawshank Prison, where he is subjected to harsh treatment and abuse. Over the course of many years, Andy forms a friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman), an inmate who helps him to survive. With the help of Red, Andy begins to plan an escape from Shawshank, and eventually succeeds in obtaining his freedom. The film also explores themes of friendship, redemption, and hope in the face of overwhelming odds.

From Nadine Labaki, starring Zain Al Rafeea, Yordanos Shiferaw, Boluwatife Treasure Bankole, Kawsar Al Haddad
Rated R

Capernaum is a 2018 Lebanese-French drama film written, produced and directed by Nadine Labaki. It follows the story of Zain, a 12-year-old boy living in extreme poverty in the slums of Lebanon, as he sues his own parents for the crime of having given him life. This desperate and deeply moving film follows Zain's journey as he navigates the chaotic and violent streets of Beirut, struggling to survive by any means necessary. Along the way, he meets a diverse cast of characters, and ultimately finds solace and a sense of belonging in an unexpected place. As Zain's astounding story unfolds, it reveals the desperate circumstances of today's refugees in the Middle East, and the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable challenge.

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

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 film directed by Peter Weir that tells the story of an English teacher, John Keating (played by Robin Williams), at a conservative, elite all-boys prep school in the late 1950s. Keating encourages his students to look at poetry with a different perspective, to “seize the day”, and to make their lives extraordinary. His unconventional teaching style inspires his students to rebel against the school's traditionalist philosophy and to live life to the fullest. The film follows the lives of seven of his students and their struggles to make the most of their time in a world that is often unfair and uncompromising. Through his teachings, Keating helps the boys to discover the power of words, the joy of learning and the courage to stand up for what they believe in. Ultimately, the film conveys the importance of remaining true to oneself and making one's own path in life.

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, starring Will Smith as Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman. After the death of his wife, Gardner faces a series of hardships, including being evicted from his apartment, and finding himself and his five-year-old son homeless. Despite the odds, Gardner makes a successful transformation from being homeless to becoming a successful stockbroker. In the process, he learns the value of hard work, determination, and never giving up, no matter the odds. Despite a few setbacks, Gardner is ultimately able to provide a better life for himself and his son, and they both find happiness.

From Richard LaGravenese, starring Hilary Swank, Imelda Staunton, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn
Rated PG-13

Freedom Writers is a 2007 drama film starring Hilary Swank and directed by Richard LaGravenese. It is based on the non-fiction book The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell and her students at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach, California. The film tells the story of a dedicated and idealistic teacher, Erin Gruwell (Swank), who inspires her class of disadvantaged and at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves and pursue education beyond high school. Through the development of an unconventional curriculum and classroom dynamic, Gruwell helps her students develop the critical thinking skills needed to battle prejudice and intolerance. As the students write their own stories and learn to appreciate each other's personal histories, they begin to realize the power of their own words to effect change. The movie ends with the students graduating and going on to college, having learned the true power of education.