Movies About The South

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

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks as the title character, a slow-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama who witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events in the 20th century in the United States. The film follows the life of Forrest Gump, a Forrest Gump who, despite his low IQ, is shown to be a kind, generous, and devoted person. Through a series of flashbacks, Forrest recounts his childhood in Greenbow, Alabama, and his experiences leading up to the Vietnam War. He meets several important people along the way, including John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Elvis Presley. His life is profoundly affected by the death of his best friend, Bubba, during the war. When Forrest returns home, he discovers that he has become a celebrity, due to his military service, and uses his new-found fame to help others. He also meets the love of his life, Jenny, who ultimately gets involved with a series of unsuccessful relationships. Forrest and Jenny eventually marry and have a son, Forrest Jr. The film ends with Forrest reflecting on his life and telling his son that life

From Frank Darabont, starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt
Rated R

The Green Mile is a 1999 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont and adapted from the 1996 Stephen King novel of the same name. It tells the story of a death row corrections officer's encounter with a supernatural inmate, played by Michael Clarke Duncan. Events in the movie take place in 1932 in the fictional Cold Mountain Penitentiary in Louisiana. The officer, Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), is in charge of the E block, which houses prisoners on death row, and befriends John Coffey (Duncan), a strange inmate with a supernatural gift for healing. As Edgecomb and the other officers learn more about Coffey, they realize he may be innocent and are torn between the law and their moral beliefs. The story is narrated by Edgecomb's elderly self, reflecting on the events while looking back on his life. In the end, Coffey is executed and Edgecomb and the other officers are left changed by the experience.

From Billy Bob Thornton, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Dwight Yoakam, J.T. Walsh, John Ritter
Rated R

Sling Blade is a 1996 drama film written and directed by Billy Bob Thornton, who also stars in the lead role. The film tells the story of Karl Childers, a mentally challenged man who has been institutionalized since the age of twelve for killing his mother and her lover. After twenty-five years, Karl is released and moves to a small town, where he strikes up a friendship with a young boy, Frank, and his single mother, Linda. Karl eventually reveals the truth about his past to Linda, who decides to give him a chance. As Karl begins to adjust to life in the outside world, he quickly learns that his past actions have consequences. He must learn to deal with his guilt and the judgments of others. Through his friendship with Frank, Karl learns to develop a conscience, while also forming a bond with Linda and her family. As his relationship with Linda deepens, Karl is forced to confront his past and take responsibility for his actions, ultimately leading to a powerful and moving climax.

From Charles Laughton, starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, James Gleason
Rated Not Rated

The Night of the Hunter is a 1955 American film directed by Charles Laughton and starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, and Lillian Gish. The story follows a corrupt religious fanatic, Reverend Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum), who travels to a small West Virginia town in search of two young children who possess a secret stash of stolen money, hidden by their recently-deceased father. Along the way, he marries the widow of the deceased and goes after the children, revealing a darkly sinister and murderous side to his character. The film is a morality tale about the power of love, faith, and trust set against a backdrop of suspense and terror. It is recognized as a classic film noir and is considered a masterpiece of film expressionism.

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

Remember the Titans is a 2000 American sports film directed by Boaz Yakin. It stars Denzel Washington as Herman Boone, head coach of T. C. Williams High School's football team in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1971. The film follows Coach Boone, who attempts to lead a racially diverse team in the wake of desegregation. Despite their differences, the team comes together to overcome their obstacles and win the 1971 Virginia state championship. Along the way, they learn to respect and understand each other, and in the end, become a family.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Margaret Avery
Rated PG-13

The Color Purple is a 1985 American coming-of-age drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Alice Walker's 1982 novel of the same name. It tells the story of Celie, an African-American woman in the early 20th century, who is subjected to abuse and hardship but ultimately finds strength and self-worth through the power of friendship and love. The film stars Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, and Margaret Avery, and features music from Quincy Jones. The film follows Celie from her troubled childhood to adulthood, as she overcomes adversity and finds joy in the arms of others. The Color Purple is an uplifting story about female empowerment and the importance of self-love, friendship, and family.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, John Goodman
Rated PG-13

O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a 2000 American comedy-adventure film written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Set during the Great Depression, the film follows three escaped convicts—Everett (George Clooney), Pete (John Turturro), and Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson)—on a wild and perilous journey through rural Mississippi as they search for a missing fortune. Along the way, they encounter a series of colorful characters and are pursued by a determined lawman, Officer Pappy O'Daniel (Charles Durning). The film also features a number of musical numbers, including "Man of Constant Sorrow" and "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow", which were performed by the Soggy Bottom Boys. O Brother, Where Art Thou? was a critical and commercial success, earning five Academy Award nominations and grossing $71 million worldwide.

From Jon Avnet, starring Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker
Rated PG-13

Fried Green Tomatoes is a 1991 drama film directed by Jon Avnet and based on the novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg. The film tells the story of Evelyn Couch (Kathy Bates), an unhappy housewife in the 1980s, who forms an unlikely friendship with Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy), an elderly woman who tells her the story of two other women in 1930s Alabama, Idgie Threadgoode (Mary Stuart Masterson) and Ruth Jamison (Mary-Louise Parker). Idgie and Ruth become close friends and business partners, opening a successful cafe in a small town. When Ruth's abusive husband, Frank Bennett (Chris O'Donnell), threatens her, Idgie does everything she can to protect her. Through their friendship, Evelyn discovers the power of courage and self-expression, which helps her to gain a new lease on life.

From Tim McCanlies, starring Haley Joel Osment, Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, Kyra Sedgwick
Rated PG

Secondhand Lions is a 2003 comedy-drama film directed by Tim McCanlies. The film follows Walter (Haley Joel Osment), a teenage boy who is sent away to spend the summer with his eccentric great-uncles (Robert Duvall and Michael Caine). Walter soon discovers that the old men are rumoured to have a great fortune hidden somewhere on the farm, and together they must face off against the greedy relatives, local bank, and a gang of young hoodlums who are all after the treasure. As Walter learns more about his uncles, their past, and the mysterious fortune, he begins to understand the true meaning of family.

From Elia Kazan, starring Karl Malden, Carroll Baker, Eli Wallach, Mildred Dunnock
Rated Approved

From Herbert Ross, starring Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Julia Roberts
Rated PG

From Kasi Lemmons, starring Samuel L. Jackson, Jurnee Smollett, Meagan Good, Lynn Whitfield
Rated R

From Gina Prince-Bythewood, starring Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys
Rated PG-13

From Anthony Minghella, starring Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellweger, Eileen Atkins
Rated R

From Benh Zeitlin, starring Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry, Levy Easterly, Lowell Landes
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker, starring Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Oprah Winfrey, Bruno Campos
Rated G

From Shainee Gabel, starring Scarlett Johansson, John Travolta, Gabriel Macht, Deborah Kara Unger
Rated R

From Craig Brewer, starring Christina Ricci, Samuel L. Jackson, Justin Timberlake, S. Epatha Merkerson
Rated R

From Barbra Streisand, starring Barbra Streisand, Nick Nolte, Blythe Danner, Kate Nelligan
Rated R

From Julie Dash, starring Cora Lee Day, Alva Rogers, Barbarao, Trula Hoosier
Rated TV-PG

From Sam Raimi, starring Cate Blanchett, Katie Holmes, Keanu Reeves, Giovanni Ribisi
Rated R

From Clint Eastwood, starring John Cusack, Kevin Spacey, Jack Thompson, Irma P. Hall
Rated R

From Iain Softley, starring Kate Hudson, Peter Sarsgaard, Joy Bryant, Gena Rowlands
Rated PG-13

From Terry Gilliam, starring Jeff Bridges, Jennifer Tilly, Jodelle Ferland, Janet McTeer
Rated R

From Sofia Coppola, starring Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning, Colin Farrell
Rated R