Movies Based On The 50s

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

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film directed by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. It tells the story of banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), 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 Shawshank, he befriends a fellow inmate, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), and finds himself protected by the guards after the warden begins using him in his money-laundering operation. After two decades, Andy is able to escape and reunite with Red, who has obtained a pardon. The film is a powerful portrait of hope, friendship and redemption, with inspiring performances from Robbins and Freeman. It is often considered one of the greatest films of all time, and has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by Albert S. Ruddy, based on Mario Puzo's best-selling novel of the same name. It stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino as the leaders of a powerful New York crime family. The story, spanning from 1945 to 1955, chronicles the family under the patriarch Vito Corleone (Brando), focusing on the transformation of his son Michael (Pacino) from reluctant family outsider to ruthless Mafia boss. The film also features an ensemble cast, including James Caan, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Cazale, Diane Keaton, and Talia Shire. The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest films in world cinema and one of the most influential in the gangster genre. It won three Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor (Brando) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Puzo and Coppola). Its nominations included Best Supporting Actor (Caan), Best Supporting Actress (Keaton), and Best Director (Coppola). The Godfather's legacy includes being selected for preservation in the National Film Registry and its influence on numerous subsequent films.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a continuation of the story of the Corleone crime family, focusing primarily on Michael Corleone, the son of Vito Corleone. The film opens with a flashback to Vito’s early life in Sicily, and then follows the story of Michael as he takes control of the family business and attempts to expand its reach. In the meantime, Vito’s youngest son, Fredo, struggles with his role in the family and the consequences of his own actions. The film deals with themes of loyalty and betrayal, ambition, and the toll that ambition takes on personal relationships. As Michael and his family maneuver in the criminal underworld, their story intertwines with that of Hyman Roth, an up-and-coming Jewish gangster with seemingly limitless ambition. The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation between Michael and Roth, in which the consequences of their ambition are made clear.

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

Forrest Gump is a comedy-drama film released in 1994 that follows the life of Forrest Gump, a slow-witted but kind-hearted and deep-thinking man from Alabama. Throughout the course of the film, Forrest meets and interacts with many significant individuals and historical figures of the 20th century, as he experiences life's ups and downs, love and loss, and struggles to make sense of it all. Despite having an IQ of only 75, Forrest manages to serve in the Vietnam War, become a successful shrimp fisherman, and run a successful business. Eventually, he finds true love with Jenny, the woman he has adored since childhood. The film is both heartwarming and funny, and its message of finding hope and inner strength in the face of adversity resonates with audiences of all ages.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas is a 1990 crime film directed by Martin Scorsese. The movie follows Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a mobster who rises up the ranks of the Italian-American mob in the 1950s and 1960s. As Hill's life progresses, he becomes increasingly involved in criminal activities, including loan-sharking, gambling, drug trafficking and various murders. Along the way, he is aided by his lifelong friends Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) and Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro). Goodfellas is a thrilling, violent and at times humorous exploration of what it means to be a gangster. The film is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time, and was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
Rated PG

Back to the Future is a 1985 American science fiction adventure comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale. It stars Michael J. Fox as teenager Marty McFly, who is sent back in time to 1955, where he meets his future parents in high school and accidentally becomes his mother's romantic interest. Christopher Lloyd portrays the eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown, inventor of the time-traveling DeLorean, who helps Marty repair history and return to 1985. With the help of Doc’s time-traveling DeLorean, Marty and Doc embark on an adventure to save Marty’s future parents from their troubled past. After a number of misadventures, they discover the secret to time travel, and Marty ultimately helps save the future. Along the way, the audience is treated to a nostalgia-filled romp through the past, present, and future of the 1980s.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin
Rated R

Psycho is a 1960 psychological horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time. It tells the story of Marion Crane, a young woman who steals money from her employer and goes on the run, ultimately winding up at the Bates Motel. There, she meets Norman Bates, the motel's strange proprietor, and his mother, whose domineering presence exerts a sinister influence on both of them. As Marion's stay at the motel continues, the tension mounts, leading to a shocking conclusion. The film features groundbreaking cinematography, a chilling score, and iconic performances by Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh, making it a classic of the horror genre.

From Curtis Hanson, starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger
Rated R

L.A. Confidential is a 1997 neo-noir crime drama that follows three police officers in 1950s Los Angeles as they investigate a series of corruption, violence, and murder cases with connections to Hollywood. The three officers – Sgt. Edmund Exley (Guy Pearce), Officer Bud White (Russell Crowe), and Officer Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) – have different approaches to their work, making them uneasy partners. The investigation leads them to a powerful figure, Pierce Patchett (David Strathairn), and a powerful, dangerous nightclub owner, Sid Hudgens (Danny DeVito). As the case unfolds, a web of deceit and betrayal begins to unravel, revealing a conspiracy that reaches all the way to City Hall. Meanwhile, the officers grapple with their own moral dilemmas and must choose between justice and loyalty.

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG-13

A Beautiful Mind is a biographical drama film based on the life of John Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics. The story follows John Nash's journey as a graduate student at Princeton University, his experiences as a code breaker during the Cold War, and his struggles with severe mental illness. After a series of breakdowns, Nash is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and must learn to cope with the disease while continuing to pursue his mathematical genius. With the support of his loving wife Alicia and friend Charles, Nash eventually learns to live with his disorder and goes on to earn the Nobel Prize in Economics. The film serves as a heart-wrenching and inspiring story of one man's will to succeed despite his mental illness.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
Rated R

Shutter Island is a psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as US Marshal Edward Daniels. Daniels is assigned to investigate the disappearance of an inmate from a mental institution on an island off the coast of Boston. Daniels is plagued by nightmares of his wife's death and struggles to uncover the truth of what happened on the island. As the investigation progresses, Daniels discovers a conspiracy involving the staff of the asylum and begins to doubt his own sanity. The film follows his journey as he confronts his own demons and the secrets being kept at Shutter Island.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent
Rated R

Raging Bull is a biographical black and white sports drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta, a middleweight boxer whose self-destructive behavior and volatile temper disrupt his career and family life. As Jake’s violent behavior becomes increasingly destructive, his wife, Vikki (Cathy Moriarty), and brother, Joey (Joe Pesci), struggle to remain loyal to him even as he continues to hurt himself and those he loves. The film follows Jake’s rise to the top of the boxing world and his subsequent fall into a downward spiral of self-destruction. Along the way, the audience is given insight into the motivations of both Jake and those around him, as well as the consequences of his actions. The film is widely praised for its realistic portrayal of the physical and psychological damage of boxing and its unflinching examination of the darker side of ambition.

From Rob Reiner, starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell
Rated R

Stand By Me is a coming-of-age drama directed by Rob Reiner, released in 1986. The film follows four best friends—Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern—on their journey to find the body of a missing boy in rural Oregon. Along the way, they must grapple with bullies, peer pressure, and the harsh reality of growing up. As the boys' bond grows stronger, so does their determination to discover the truth about what happened to the missing boy. By the end of the journey, each of them has gained a newfound appreciation for the fragility and preciousness of life.

From Brad Bird, starring Eli Marienthal, Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Aniston, Vin Diesel
Rated PG

The Iron Giant is a 1999 animated film directed by Brad Bird and based on the 1968 novel The Iron Man by Ted Hughes. The film tells the story of a giant metallic robot who falls from the sky and befriends a young boy named Hogarth Hughes. Together, they must stop a paranoid government agent and a military man from destroying the giant and the peaceful town of Rockwell, Maine. Along the way, Hogarth learns important lessons about friendship, loyalty, courage and the value of life. The Iron Giant is noted by critics as a modern classic and is often considered one of the best animated films ever made.

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

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 American drama film directed by Peter Weir and starring Robin Williams. Set in 1959 at the fictional elite conservative boarding school Welton Academy, it tells the story of an English teacher who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry. The film received critical acclaim and was a box office success. The story follows the inspirational English teacher John Keating, played by Williams, who stands out among the faculty of Welton Academy for his unconventional teaching methods. He encourages his students to "seize the day" and make their lives extraordinary. With the help of Keating, the students form the Dead Poets Society, a secret club where they read and discuss poetry. The members of the club soon learn to live life to its fullest potential, inspiring each other along the way. The film explores themes of non-conformity, rebellion, coming of age, and the conflict between realism and romanticism. The students ultimately learn to stand up for themselves, despite the disapproval of their stricter peers and faculty. Ultimately, the story serves as a lesson on the power of freedom and individuality.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi
Rated G

My Neighbor Totoro is an animated fantasy film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It follows the story of two sisters, Mei and Satsuki, as they move with their father to a new home in the countryside. While exploring their new home, the sisters discover friendly forest spirits, led by the majestic and magical creature Totoro. They then embark on a magical journey of discovery with their new friends, as they explore the wonders of nature and the joys of friendship. Along the way, they are aided by the mysterious Catbus, and aided by the friendly and wise character named Granny. In the end, the sisters learn the joys of living in harmony with nature.

From Gillo Pontecorvo, starring Brahim Hadjadj, Jean Martin, Yacef Saadi, Samia Kerbash
Rated Not Rated

The Battle of Algiers is a 1966 Italian-Algerian historical war drama film directed by Gillo Pontecorvo. It chronicles the history of the Algerian revolution against French colonial rule during the 1954–1962 Algerian War. The plot focuses on a three-day period between December 1956 and January 1957, during the most intense period of the Algerian revolution. The film follows Ali La Pointe, a resistance leader and revolutionary, and Ali's wife, Zohra, as they fight the French colonial forces, who are represented by Colonel Mathieu, a French army officer. As the French use increasingly brutal tactics to suppress the revolution, the revolutionaries become increasingly desperate and violent. The film culminates with a massive demonstration in the Casbah of Algiers, a march of Algerian women, led by Zohra, that ends in a battle between the resistance and the French military. The Battle of Algiers is widely considered to be one of the greatest films in the history of cinema, and a landmark in the realism of its portrayal of the Algerian struggle for independence. It received numerous awards, including the Golden Lion at the 1966 Venice Film Festival, the Palme d'Or at the 1967 Cannes

From Tim Burton, starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange
Rated PG-13

Big Fish is a 2003 American fantasy adventure film directed by Tim Burton, based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Daniel Wallace. The film stars Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, and Helena Bonham Carter. The film follows the story of Edward Bloom (Finney/Crudup), an elderly man who is dying and his son, Will (McGregor), who is trying to learn more about his father's mysterious past. As Edward's life progresses, Will discovers the truth about his father's seemingly impossible tales in order to understand the man he has become. Through Edward's fantastical tales, Will discovers the meaning behind his father's larger-than-life stories, ultimately leading him to accept Edward's life and his own.

From Je-kyu Kang, starring Jang Dong-Gun, Won Bin, Eun-ju Lee, Hyeong-jin Kong
Rated R

"Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War" is a 2004 South Korean war drama film directed by Je-kyu Kang. The film follows the story of two brothers, Jin-tae and Jin-seok Lee, who are drafted into the South Korean army during the 1950-53 Korean War. Jin-tae is determined to protect his younger brother, and they both struggle to survive the horrors of war while facing the moral dilemmas of their seemingly impossible situation. The film explores themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and patriotism, and ultimately asks the question of how far a man will go to protect those he loves and his country. In the end, the brothers must make a heartbreaking decision that will change their fates forever.

From Alan Parker, starring Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson, Eleanor David
Rated R

Pink Floyd: The Wall is a British live-action/animated musical drama film directed by Alan Parker, based on the 1979 Pink Floyd album of the same name. The film follows the story of a withdrawn rock star named Pink, who is driven into insanity by the death of his father during World War II and the subsequent alienation he faces. The film is presented with no dialogue and a soundtrack consisting mainly of the music of Pink Floyd. With the help of disturbing, surrealistic imagery, the film captures Pink's psychological journey as he builds an emotional wall between himself and the rest of the world. It is an exploration of themes such as love, abandonment, privacy, war, conformity, and creativity.

From Peter Bogdanovich, starring Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Ben Johnson
Rated R

The Last Picture Show is a 1971 American drama film directed and co-written by Peter Bogdanovich and adapted from a semi-autobiographical 1966 novel of the same name by Larry McMurtry. The film is set in a small town in north Texas in 1951 and follows two friends, Sonny Crawford (Timothy Bottoms) and Duane Jackson (Jeff Bridges), as they try to make sense of the bleakness and harsh realities of their hometown. As they struggle to come of age, they also face the gradual disintegration of the town around them, which is brought to a head by the closing of the local movie theater, the last picture show. Along the way, they explore themes of love, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, regret, and the loss of innocence. The film stars Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Ben Johnson, Cloris Leachman, Ellen Burstyn, and Randy Quaid, and is noted for its accurate portrayal of a 1950s-era small-town Texas.

From Federico Fellini, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anita Ekberg, Anouk Aimée, Yvonne Furneaux
Rated Not Rated

La Dolce Vita is a 1960 Italian drama film directed and co-written by Federico Fellini. Set in Rome during the 1950s and 1960s, the film follows Marcello Rubini, a journalist, as he wanders through the "sweet life" of Rome's high society, exploring themes of hedonism, loneliness and spiritual dissatisfaction. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including a movie star, an eccentric aristocrat, a young heiress and a religious leader, who all offer different perspectives on the same themes. The film ends with Marcello struggling to make sense of his place in the world and his own identity. La Dolce Vita is widely considered to be one of the most influential films of all time, and it is frequently cited as one of Fellini's greatest works.

From Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall
Rated PG-13

Edward Scissorhands is a fantasy romance film directed by Tim Burton and released in 1990. The film follows the story of Edward, an artificial man with scissors for hands, who is taken in by a suburban family after being created and abandoned by an eccentric inventor. Despite his kind and gentle nature, Edward’s scissorhands cause him to be viewed with mistrust and fear by the suburban community, leading to various misadventures. With the help of his newfound family, Edward attempts to fit in to the community and falls in love with a local woman, Kim. In the end, Edward's differences are embraced and accepted by the community, allowing him to find a place for himself in the world. The film stars Johnny Depp as Edward, Winona Ryder as Kim, and Dianne Wiest as the suburban mother who takes Edward in.

From John Frankenheimer, starring Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Janet Leigh, Angela Lansbury
Rated PG-13

The Manchurian Candidate is a 1962 political thriller directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, and Janet Leigh. It tells the story of a group of American soldiers who are captured and brainwashed during the Korean War by a group of Communist Chinese and Russians. The brainwashing makes one of the soldiers, Raymond Shaw, a "Manchurian candidate", a sleeper agent who can be triggered to assassinate on command. Upon their return to the United States, another soldier, Major Bennett Marco, begins to suspect that Shaw is a pawn in an international conspiracy. In order to uncover the truth, Marco and Shaw must confront their own secrets and the dark forces behind the conspiracy.

From Richard Brooks, starring Robert Blake, Scott Wilson, John Forsythe, Paul Stewart
Rated R

In Cold Blood is a 1967 crime drama directed by Richard Brooks and based on the non-fiction novel of the same name by Truman Capote. The story revolves around the 1959 murders of the Clutter family, who lived on a Kansas farm, and the subsequent investigation and trial of the killers, Perry Smith and Richard Hickock. It follows the two men as they plan and carry out the crime, their escape, and the eventual capture, trial, and execution of both men. It is a powerful and often haunting look at the nature of violence and justice in America, and features a score by Quincy Jones and performances from Scott Wilson, John Forsythe, Robert Blake, and Paul Stewart.

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormond
Rated PG-13

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a 2008 American fantasy romantic drama film directed by David Fincher. The plot follows Benjamin Button, a man who is born in his eighties and ages backward. The film stars Brad Pitt as Benjamin and Cate Blanchett as his love interest Daisy, and also features Taraji P. Henson, Jason Flemyng, Elias Koteas, and Tilda Swinton. The film follows Benjamin's life from the end of World War I in 1918 to his death in the 21st century. Benjamin is born an elderly man and ages backward, experiencing unusual events in his life as he moves from old age to childhood. Along the way, he falls in love with Daisy, a woman his age whose own life journey parallels his. The film explores issues of love, death, health, and the nature of time.