Movies About Social Justice

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

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The film stars Tim Robbins as Andrew "Andy" Dufresne, a banker who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence. During his time at the prison, he befriends a fellow inmate, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), and finds himself protected by the guards after the warden begins using him to perform various financial tasks. The film portrays Andy's unique way of dealing with his lengthy incarceration, his friendship with Red, and his hope of finding freedom. With the help of his friends, he is eventually successful in a daring escape from the prison. The film was a box office success, grossing over $28 million in North America and more than $58 million worldwide. The Shawshank Redemption was acclaimed by critics, receiving a score of 91% from review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. It is now considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

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

"Schindler's List" is an award-winning 1993 film directed by Steven Spielberg. It tells the story of German businessman Oskar Schindler, who is credited with saving the lives of more than 1,200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. Through his efforts, Schindler was able to employ the refugees in his factory, protecting them from the Nazis and ultimately saving them from certain death. The film follows Schindler's transformation from a profiteer who used cheap Jewish labor to a humanitarian who risked his life to save others. It is a powerful and emotional story of courage and sacrifice in the face of unspeakable horror.

From Tony Kaye, starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien
Rated R

American History X is a 1998 drama directed by Tony Kaye that follows the life of a former neo-Nazi skinhead, Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), and his brother, Danny (Edward Furlong). After Derek is sentenced to three years in prison for the accidental killing of two black youths, he emerges a changed man, determined to prevent Danny from joining the same destructive ideology that corrupted him. Through flashbacks, the film reveals how Derek's hatred was formed by his father's death, a racist mentor and his own false sense of pride. With the help of a sympathetic African-American teacher (Avery Brooks), Derek begins to understand the consequences of his actions and makes a strong effort to atone for them. The film culminates in an emotionally charged confrontation between Derek and a former skinhead associate.

From Isao Takahata, starring Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi, Yoshiko Shinohara
Rated Not Rated

Grave of the Fireflies is a 1988 Japanese animated war drama film written and directed by Isao Takahata. The film tells the story of a teenage boy and his younger sister who are struggling to survive in Japan during the final months of World War II. The siblings must fend for themselves in the aftermath of the firebombing of Kobe, as they battle starvation, disease and the horror of war. The film follows their struggle as they try to reach safety, ultimately culminating in a heartbreaking conclusion. Grave of the Fireflies is a powerful story of hope and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. It is an unflinching look at the devastating cost of war, loss, and human suffering, and a heartbreaking reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

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

V for Vendetta is a dystopian political thriller based on the comic book of the same name by Alan Moore. Set in a future Britain under the rule of a fascist government, the movie follows a mysterious masked vigilante known only as "V" (Hugo Weaving) who wages a one-man war against the oppressive regime. With the help of a young woman (Natalie Portman), V endeavors to bring down the government and inspire the people to fight for freedom. Along the way, he faces opposition from the government, its secret police, and even his own allies. With thrilling action sequences, powerful performances, and a timely message, V for Vendetta is an unforgettable cinematic experience.

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold
Rated Passed

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a 1939 classic American political drama film directed by Frank Capra, starring James Stewart as Jefferson Smith, a naive but idealistic young man who is appointed to fill a vacant seat in the United States Senate. Smith is eager to get to Washington and make a difference, but the corrupt political machine of the state of his appointment quickly realizes his naivety and attempts to manipulate him into pushing through a bill that will allow them to profit at the public’s expense. With the help of a supportive newspaper reporter and his mentor, Senator Paine (Claude Rains), Smith is able to fight back against the forces of corruption. In the end, Smith’s passionate speech in front of the Senate and the public turns the tide and the corrupt scheme is defeated. This classic film remains a powerful reminder of the fight for integrity in public service.

From Terry George, starring Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Joaquin Phoenix, Xolani Mali
Rated PG-13

Hotel Rwanda is a 2004 historical drama film directed by Terry George. The film tells the true-life story of Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle), a hotel manager in Rwanda during the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. Paul is a Hutu married to a Tutsi woman, and uses his position and influence to protect his family, as well as numerous other Hutu and Tutsi refugees, from the Interahamwe militia and the Rwandan Armed Forces. As the violence intensifies, Paul is forced to make difficult decisions in order to save as many lives as possible. The film also stars Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte and Joaquin Phoenix. Hotel Rwanda was critically acclaimed and nominated for several awards, including three Academy Awards.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel
Rated PG-13

Million Dollar Baby tells the story of Maggie Fitzgerald (Hillary Swank), an underdog boxer who dreams of becoming a professional. She meets Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood), an aging boxing trainer and former boxer, and asks him to train her. Despite his initial reluctance, Frankie eventually agrees, and the two form a bond that transcends the boxing ring. Over time, Maggie rises to the top of the professional boxing world, but a tragic event changes everything. In the end, Maggie and Frankie must come to terms with their respective losses, and the power of true friendship and love.

From Edward Zwick, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly, Kagiso Kuypers
Rated R

Blood Diamond is a 2006 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, and Jennifer Connelly. Directed by Edward Zwick, it tells the story of Danny Archer (DiCaprio), a former mercenary from Zimbabwe, and Solomon Vandy (Hounsou), a Mende fisherman from Sierra Leone, who team up to recover a rare pink diamond that has the power to transform their lives. With the help of journalist Maddy Bowen (Connelly), they fight to protect the diamond from the diamond smuggling trade and the forces of an oppressive government. They are up against rebels, warlords, and corrupt businessmen in a race against time to change their lives and the fate of their country. As the story unfolds, their friendship and courage is tested, and they realize the true value of the diamond is much more than any price tag.

From Kevin Costner, starring Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney A. Grant
Rated PG-13

Dances with Wolves tells the story of Lieutenant John Dunbar, a Civil War veteran who is assigned to a remote post on the American frontier. While there, he befriends a tribe of Lakota Indians and gradually comes to understand and respect their culture, learning their language and participating in their daily life. Despite facing racism and opposition from the other white settlers, Dunbar is eventually accepted by the tribe and given the name “Dances with Wolves”. Over the course of the movie, Dunbar's loyalty to the Lakota is tested as he is forced to choose between his newfound friends and his duties as a soldier of the United States Army.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Sumi Shimamoto, Mahito Tsujimura, Hisako Kyôda, Gorô Naya
Rated PG

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a Japanese animated post-apocalyptic fantasy adventure film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Set in a distant future where a long-ago war has left the world in ruins, the film follows the story of Nausicaä, a princess of the Valley of the Wind. She ventures beyond her valley home to explore an ecological disaster zone and discovers a giant, mutated insectoid species that is threatening the human race. With her intelligence and empathy, Nausicaä attempts to bring peace between two warring nations and finds a way to save both the insects and humans from destruction. Along her journey, she meets allies and adversaries, and learns the truth about the power of the toxic jungle and its inhabitants. The film ultimately reveals an inspiring message about the power of love and understanding to bridge the gap between different cultures and bring about peace.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Julianne Moore, Clive Owen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Caine
Rated R

Children of Men is a dystopian science fiction movie directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Set in the near future, the world is in chaos as no children have been born for eighteen years. As a result, humanity is facing extinction. In order to save the human race, ex-activist Theo Faron (Clive Owen) must help a young refugee, Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey), escape from an oppressive government and deliver her to a mysterious organization known as the “Human Project”. Along their journey, they face many challenges and threats from both the government and a terrorist group. Ultimately, Theo and Kee discover hope for the future if they can just make it to safety.

From Neill Blomkamp, starring Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt
Rated R

District 9 is a science fiction action film directed by Neill Blomkamp and released in 2009. It follows a group of extraterrestrial aliens who have been stranded on Earth for decades, and now live in a segregated slum called District 9 in South Africa. When the government decides to relocate the aliens to a new camp, an alien named Christopher Johnson attempts to find a way to his home planet, with the help of a human named Wikus van der Merwe. As Wikus' journey progresses, he discovers secrets that could lead to the end of mankind. The film examines themes of racism, xenophobia, and government power, as Wikus and Christopher's stories intertwine.

From Directors: Jacques Perrin, Jacques Cluzaud, Michel Debats, starring Jacques Perrin, Philippe Labro
Rated G

Winged Migration is an award-winning documentary film that follows the annual migration of birds around the world. The film was directed by Jacques Perrin, Jacques Cluzaud, and Michel Debats, and features breathtaking aerial footage of these birds in their natural habitats. Along the way, viewers witness the challenges the birds face, such as hunting, predation, and changing weather conditions. The filmmakers also employ a variety of techniques to put the audience in the birds’ shoes, such as employing time-lapse photography, ultra-slow motion, and close-up shots. The film is narrated by actor Jacques Perrin, who provides an informative and emotional narration to the incredible images. Winged Migration celebrates the incredible journey of birds, and the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.

From Paul Haggis, starring Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Thandiwe Newton, Karina Arroyave
Rated R

Crash is a 2004 drama film directed by Paul Haggis. The film follows the intertwined lives of a racially diverse cast of characters in Los Angeles who are all connected by a car accident. The film examines issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality in modern day Los Angeles. Tensions between the different characters develop and ultimately come to a head in a dramatic climax. The film stars Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, and many more. Crash earned both critical acclaim and numerous awards, winning Best Picture at the 77th Academy Awards.

From Bruce Beresford, starring Edward Woodward, Jack Thompson, John Waters, Bryan Brown
Rated PG

Breaker Morant is a 1980 Australian war drama film directed by Bruce Beresford, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Jonathan Hardy. The film is based on the true story of Breaker Morant, a member of the Bushveldt Carbineers in the Boer War. The film follows the court-martial of three Australian lieutenants accused of murdering prisoners, and examines the complex issues of loyalty, patriotism, and military justice. Breaker Morant is a powerful exploration of the senselessness of war and its toll on those who must fight it. The film stars Edward Woodward, Bryan Brown, and Lewis Fitz-Gerald.

From Satoshi Kon, starring Tôru Emori, Yoshiaki Umegaki, Aya Okamoto, Shôzô Îzuka
Rated PG-13

Tokyo Godfathers is a heartwarming and comedic adventure about three homeless people living in the streets of Tokyo who come across an abandoned baby and set out to find its parents. The trio consists of Gin, a middle-aged alcoholic, Hana, a transgender woman searching for her identity, and Miyuki, an energetic runaway girl. Along their journey, they encounter a variety of characters and obstacles as they search for the baby's parents and ultimately discover the meaning of family. Filled with colorful visuals and heartfelt moments, Tokyo Godfathers is an uplifting story of hope and redemption.

From Terrence Malick, starring Jim Caviezel, Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Kirk Acevedo
Rated R

The Thin Red Line is a 1998 American epic war drama film written and directed by Terrence Malick. It tells the story of a group of U.S. soldiers during World War II who are sent to the front lines of Guadalcanal to take on a Japanese stronghold. The film focuses on the psychological effects of war on men and the moral conflict between their duties and their own personal beliefs. It stars Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, John Cusack, Woody Harrelson, and George Clooney, among others. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Ultimately, it won the Golden Bear award at the 1999 Berlin International Film Festival.

From Stephanie Black, starring Belinda Becker, Buju Banton, Horst Köhler, Michael Manley
Rated Not Rated

Life and Debt is a documentary film directed by Stephanie Black that examines the social and economic consequences of globalized free market policies in Jamaica, focusing specifically on the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The film follows a group of Jamaican farmers, students, and small business owners as they struggle to survive in a country crippled by unchecked and unregistered international financial investments. Life and Debt examines the social injustices that have arisen due to the unequal power dynamics between developing countries and the international organizations that are supposed to be helping them. Through interviews with local people, government officials, and economists, the film exposes the harsh realities of life in Jamaica and the ways in which international organizations have failed to provide meaningful assistance. Life and Debt concludes with a call for greater accountability, a more just and equitable economic system, and a more balanced approach to global economic development.

From Michael Apted, starring Ioan Gruffudd, Albert Finney, Michael Gambon, Romola Garai
Rated PG

From Hany Abu-Assad, starring Kais Nashif, Ali Suliman, Lubna Azabal, Hamza Abu-Aiaash
Rated PG-13

From Fernando Meirelles, starring Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Danny Huston, Hubert Koundé
Rated R

From Phillip Noyce, starring Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, Kenneth Branagh, Laura Monaghan
Rated PG

From Joshua Marston, starring Catalina Sandino Moreno, Guilied Lopez, Orlando Tobón, Virginia Cristina Ariza
Rated R

From Directors: Marc J. Francis, Nick Francis, starring
Rated Unrated