creekland Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 In the past couple months we've watched The Blind side, Gifted Hands, and Freedom Writers. All three have been superb movies at inspiring both my already dedicated middle son and my fairly lazy youngest son AND they've provided some deep family conversations about life and the way this world tends to operate. I've really enjoyed both the movies and the conversations thereafter. Besides recommending all of these (if anyone is looking) are there others I should add to our netflix queue? In the further past we've also watched Hotel Rwanda, Slumdog Millionaire and various documentaries about self-made people like George Washington Carver. The Killing Fields is in our queue. The teen years can be such rewarding years when it comes to in depth conversations... I wish we didn't have to let them fly away so quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deniseibase Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 It's an older one, but have you seen Stand and Deliver? Also older, but we LOVE October Sky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Akeelah and the Bee? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted April 26, 2011 Author Share Posted April 26, 2011 It's an older one, but have you seen Stand and Deliver? Also older, but we LOVE October Sky. We've seen both of those - and Dead Poets Society (came to mind with these). I agree with those suggestions though! Akeelah and the Bee? That's one we missed... thanks! Rainman and Forrest Gump were also great conversation starters now that my brain is clearing some older cobwebs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelly in VA Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 October Sky is a good suggestion. Also, Remember the Titans is something we watched recently with our teens, and it was a movie I was glad we watched with them. Invictus was also a good movie, although only dh and I have seen it so far. Great question to post! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 (edited) We watch a lot of movies with our teens and discuss them. Here are some more recent films -- but older classics are very worthwhile, too! Enjoy, warmest regards, Lori D. OVERTLY CHRISTIAN - Amazing Grace -- William Wilberforce's fight to overturn slavery in Britain - Chariots of Fire -- Eric Little and his faith vs. running in the 1920 Olympics - Shadowlands -- courtship of CS Lewis and Joy Davidson - Beyond the Gates of Splendor -- tribal warriors who killed Jim Elliiot and fellow missionaries are reconciled with the children of the slain missionaries - The Gospel of John -- powerful; the book of John narrated and spoken while acted out REDEMPTION / TRANSFORMATION / SELF-SACRIFICE - Enchanted April -- a single act of grace overflows and transforms everyone's lives - Babbette's Feast (subtitled) -- humorous; 2 charitable Danish sisters take in a French refugee -- who beautifully transforms not only their lives, but the lives of most of the villagers - Cold Comfort Farm -- PREVIEW; humorous (almost black comedy); 1920s British young woman helps all her odd duck relatives blossom UPHOLDING HONOR, DUTY, SACRIFICE (note: most are hard PG-13 or R-rated) - Master and Commander - Robin Hood -- duty; upholding sworn word; importance of a father figure; protecting others at cost to self - Kingdom of Heaven -- PREVIEW; duty; upholding sworn word; importance of a father figure; protecting others at cost to self - Gladiator -- PREVIEW; soldier upholds his word to his father-figure emperor, even to cost of himself - Master and Commander -- duty and honor; responsibility vs. personal drive - Witness -- duty and honor, as a police officer goes undercover in an Amish community to protect an innocent boy RELATIONSHIP and RECONCILIATION - Iron Giant (animated) -- great film about identity, relationships, and willingness to sacrifice self - animated films by Pixar -- most have a LOT going on thematically and will spark discussion - The Family Man -- PREVIEW; gentle drama and romance with humor; a "It's a Wonderful Life" that might have been - Dear Frankie -- gentle drama, almost a romance; a mother's fierce and sacrificial love for her deaf son - Lars and the Real Girl -- off-beat gentle drama, with humor; a socially-inept man begins to transform by first being able to relate to a mannequin - Where the Wild Things Are -- lovely reconciliation between the mom and son at the end - The Sensation of Sight -- off-beat, mostly gentle drama; a former teacher's self-imposed isolation and journey trying to reconcile a student's suicide - I Am David -- boy escapes communist camp, travels to find his mother and has to learn to trust people - Truman Show -- raises questions about free will, and Creator/creature rights & responsibilities - Stranger Than Fiction -- raises questions about free will, and Creator/creature rights & responsibilities FOOD FOR THOUGHT - Batman Begins -- PREVIEW; great questions on justice vs. power vs. the Law vs. revenge - Dark Knight -- PREVIEW; great questions about terrorism, chaos vs. personal integrity and "crossing the line"; how the Enemy kills, steals and destroys - O Brother Where Art Thou -- PREVIEW (language); a comedic 1930s "The Odyssey", but which also shows the 3 possible responses to the call of Faith: child-like acceptance; the skeptic; accept, but backslide - Gattaca -- great questions on DNA manipulation and ethics - Island of Dr. Moreau -- PREVIEW; raises GREAT questions of science and ethics - Cold Souls -- off-beat drama with humor; raises the question: what is the value of a soul - Millions -- raises questions on the ethics of money, charity, and what really IS important in life - Moon -- raises interesting questions on cloning and other topics - The Dust Factory -- definitely a B- grade film, but it raised some interesting questions about death and our attitudes about dying in a gentle way that young teens would find very interesting - Happy Accidents -- PREVIEW; sci-fi, love story, comedy, a mystery all in one; underlying theme of what does true love endure/sacrifice for the beloved FOREIGN (all subtitled) - Hotel Rwanda -- true story; man who risked his own life and saved people from Rwandan massacre - The Island -- Russian monk thru whom miracles sometimes occur struggles with his own faith - The Lives of Others -- PREVIEW! a hardened East German secret police man's transformation - Tsotsi -- tough, South African gang boy's transformation due to contact with an innocent toddler - Children of Heaven -- self-sacrifice of an Iranian brother for his younger sister - Story of the Weeping Camel -- beauty of the simple lives of a Mongolian nomadic family - The Cave of the Yellow Dog -- beauty of the simple lives of a Mongolian nomadic family - Baran -- transformation of an Iraqi teen angry at illegal Afghan boy taking his job, until he realizes the boy is really a girl DOCUMENTARIES - Objectified -- thought-provoking look at how the shape of things actually shapes us - Between the Folds -- fascinating connections between math, science, art, and origami - Wordplay -- just for fun; crossword puzzles (makers, solvers, competitions, etc.) - Paper Clips -- powerful and moving; elementary kids learns first-hand how many 6 million is in relationshipship to the Holocaust when they collect that many paper clips - Rivers and Tides -- inspiring; artist Andy Goldsworthy and his amazing temporary natural sculptures Edited January 28, 2022 by Lori D. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choirfarm Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 I second Amazing Grace. It took him so many years to get England to outlaw slavery. Talking about the character of John Newton in the film who wrote the old hymn is a great discussion as well. End of the Spear is good as well. My oldest didn't want to watch it. ( Mom, it will be depressing. I know how it ends!) Well, the missionaries get killed halfway through. The rest of the journey is what happens to the tribe and to Nate Saint. My boys really liked this movie. We loved the biography we read about Eric Liddel a couple of years ago. He is SO inspiring, but it made the movie Chariots of Fire a dud for us. He did so much more than is listed in the movie. He taught a child Chemistry so well in the prison camp that when she ( I think..can't remember if it was a boy or girl) aced Chemistry in college. His drawings and explanations of the labs were that clear. Remember the Titans with Denzel Washington is excellent. It showed how hard it was for both races to see the other side. Akellah and the Bee is another favorite around here. We just watched it again on our last vacation as it was on. We are about to watch October Sky. I remember really liking it when it came out and it being sympathetic to the father. They made him a real character. He was a good man even though he didn't want his son to go to school and to be a coal miner like him. Enjoyable discussion will probably ensue about parental expectations. There is a little bit of language in this film. The HBO film Temple Grandlin is EXCELLENT and completely clean other than a scene where they put bull testicles on her windshield. No cuss words, nudity or anything. We LOVED this movie. We watched it several times...to see how she thought and how she dealt with her disability was inspiring. The HBO series John Adams is also excellent. You might want to preview it. There is typically once scene in each episode that you might want to edit. Examples: sawing off someone's leg when they were attacked on the way to France, catching Franklin in the bathtub with his mistress, showing a breast while performing a mastectomy. Overall, the series was clean and showed what a tough job John Adams had. We all agreed after studying him and watching the movie that he was an underrated and underappreciated president. Very good movie. I'm going to have to watch Freedom Writers in Netflix. I haven't heard of that one. Have fun. Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mooooom Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Invictus and also Offside Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanceXToo Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 I've got a book called "Talking Pictures, A Parents' Guide to Using Movies to Discuss Ethics, Values, and Everyday Problems with Children" by Ronald J. Madison and Corey Schmidt. It's broken down by age group (Part 1: Early Childhood, Ages 3-7; Part 2: Middle Childhood, Ages 8-12; and Part 3: The Teenage Years, Ages 13 and up). Then within each of those age groups, there are movies listed by category. For the teenage years, which is where you are at, it has: Family Life The Great Santini Ordinary People Parenthood The Ice Storm Avalon Social Life And Friends The Outsiders The Breakfast Club Lucas Clueless Fried Green Tomatoes Coming Of Age Boyz N the Hood Good Will Hunting Little Women Slums of Beverly Hills Rebel Without a Cause Sex and Romance Reality Bites Summer of '42 Splendor in the Grass Kids Values, Morals, and Ethics Dead Man Walking Scent of a Woman Stand and Deliver Quiz Show Eve's Bayou Prejudice and Diversity School Ties Torch Song Trilogy Dances With Wolves Do the Right Thing Guess Who's Coming to Dinner Death and Disability Mask One True Thing Children of a Lesser God Truly, Madly, Deeply My Life Divorce and Single Parents Kramer Vs. Kramer Men Don't Leave Stepmom Irreconcilable Differences Drugs and Alcohol Clean & Sober Basketball Diaries When a Man Loves a Woman The Doors Paranormal and the Unknown Contact Defending Your Life Pi Total Recall The Sixth Sense And then within the book there's a synopsis of each movie, a list of discussion questions, and a "pointer" for the discussion. And in the index in the back, it will tell you for each movie it's length, its rating, its recommended age group, the year it was released, info about the director, cast, and subject, and "possible problems" (i.e. "Mature subjects" or "Violent knife fights between gangs" or "Implied teen sexuality" or "Mature Language" or sometimes "None." :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabuford Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Chariots of Fire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelly in VA Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Master and Commander was a great film, and while my teenage son enjoyed it, my teenage daughter liked it just as much. Seems like a complete teen boy film, but don't skip it if you only have daughters! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josie Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Soul Surfer Precious -- warning: language and behavior The Ultimate Gift Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-FL Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Charlie St. Cloud--(sail racing) brother's promise, dealing with grief (some language & a "love" scene) Rudy--(football) persistence Glory Road--(basketball) early 60's dealing w/Jim Crow/race relations Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachnut Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 How about "Super Size Me" and "Food, Inc."? Great documentaries worthy of discussion about food, obesity, healthy eating, sustainable farming, the business of agriculture, etc. Also, I haven't seen it yet, but "Waiting for Superman" is supposed to be very good. It's about the state of the American education system. And "Race to Nowhere" was also very good. It's about the intense pressures put upon today's public school kids. Some older ones about persistence and self-belief ("Rudy") and inclusion ("Radio") are also great for conversations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloridaLisa Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Great thread. I would add to LoriD's excellent list about redemption/sacrifice: Les Miserable The Count of Monte Cristo Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skyline Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 haven't read the other comments so forgive me if some of these have been mentioned already. We just watched "The Kings Speech" with our 10, 12, and 14 year old boys. We had a long talk about speech impediments and therapies of "the dark ages" and profanity. They loved the movie and it provoked both discussions of why Logue's therapy worked, the deep sense of responsibility King George felt and yet his own humility and sense of being inadequate to the task, and then Britain at the time of WWII. Very thought provoking for them. October Sky, Apollo 13, The Last Legion, Jurassic Park - great conversation about science research pushing the line of what we can do vs. what we should do and how to define that line - Contact (Matthew McConahey (sp) and Jodie Foster - she is a SET science researcher who falls in love with a pastor...she has a possible "contact" with alien life and how they attempt to reconcile their beliefs...good discussions and I don't remember anything inappropriate. The Manhatten Project - depending on the age of your kids, there is a scene in which Oppenheimer is in bed with his mistress, it's definitely inappropriate for youngers but I don't remember anything to graphic or any nudity and then later, his wife discusses with her husband's boss, though again not graphically, the subject of her husband's daliances. Otherwise, a wonderful movie to discuss the moral issues with the development of nuclear bombs. It has an amazing cast! Amazing Grace - William Wilburforce and his struggle to abolish slavery in Britain. Unbelievably fantastic...I can't think of a thing wrong with it but when I wanted to show it to a group of friends, one particularly conservative one objected on the basis that the dresses of that era - amongst wealthy women - were low. Good gravy, her husband is a high school math teacher...I'm pretty certain he sees worse everyday and it isn't the focal point of the movie. Schindler's List - we don't watch this one until later in high school. I still cry. As for the nudity, I consider a lot like National Geographic kind of nudity...non-voyeuristic and definitely not erotic. I don't know how Spielburg would have really been able to accurately convey the profound inhumanity in which the death camp prisoners were treated if he had glossed over this. The scene where the women prick their fingers and rub blood on the cheeks and the children's cheeks so they look "rosy" or more healhy, really just gets me. But along these lines and not quite as disturbing/without the nudity, is The Pianist with Adrian Brody...wonderful, wonderful movie. Dances with Wolves - there are two s8x related scenes that could be fast forwarded without affecting the story line at all. Losing Isaiah - get the kleenex box out - abandonded preemie baby, compassionate social worker, drug addict mother, what's best for the child, etc. lots of themes. Pay it Forward - I think that one is rated R for drunkeness and language. It's been so long, I can't remember that much except for this concept of random acts of kindness and "paying it forward". Medicine Man - Just profanity a little bit of topless native women. We had some great discussionsa bout indigenous people groups, the ethics of research, destruction of the rainforest, the implications of that, and SEAN CONNERY!!! Seriously, there is just something surreal about being able to fawn over Sean Connery and call it a "science or ethics assignment." A Beautiful Mind - again only for older kids. We had some awesome talks about mental illness, medications, "dark ages" therapies, the treatment of the mentally ill, the implications of drugs medicating the "gift" away, defining mental illness, dealing with altered mental status, etc. Very thought provoking. Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MBM Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Although it's a documentary, The New Heroes is an inspiring series that shows people at their best. Good for kids and adults. Here's a summary: The New Heroes tells the dramatic stories of 14 daring people from all corners of the globe who, against all odds, are successfully alleviating poverty and illness, combating unemployment and violence, and bringing education, light, opportunity and freedom to poor and marginalized people around the world. http://www.pbs.org/opb/thenewheroes/ I liked it so much, I bought it. It's definitely one of my favorites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choirfarm Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 The Ultimate Gift OHH!!! YES!!!! My edition of the movie comes with a great discussion guide. It isn't a religious movie exactly, but it had a Bible study that went with it in my version. Bring tissues. I showed it to the youth and then we discussed it. So many great things to discuss: the gift of work, the gift of starting over, etc. Great movie!!!! Great for all ages. All of my children love this movie. We've watched it 4 or 5 times. The other movies I used for the youth this summer was The Count of Monte Cristo. A great movie to discuss the idea of revenge and how it can destroy you if you let it. We just watched I am David also starring Jim Cavezial(count) and it is good to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 I heartily recommend The Last Lecture by Randy Pauch. The video is free on YouTube. Preview for language. There is a book that was written as a follow up that is also really good (it doesn't have a language issue). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in MN Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Hmmm, fun to read thru the lists. How about something about folks helping someone during the Holocaust such as: The Hiding Place Shindler's List or others I can't think of now Psychological problems might be a theme, and comparing different viewpoints on what is helpful: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Rainman Temple Grandin The Madness of King George Shutter Island Maybe movies that talk about historic events where you can discuss the choices people make and such: Gandhi 7 Days in October and lots more... Have fun! Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8filltheheart Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Faith included the 2 that I was going to recommend: Amazing Grace and A Beautiful Mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choirfarm Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 There are 2 books I own that are helpful: Movie Nights: 25 Movies to Spark Spiritual Discussions with Your Teen by Bob Smithhouser and its sequal..More Movie nights I think. I found them cheap on Amazon. It summarizes the movie, gives caution about language and such, gives you some Bible verses, before the movie, talking points, follow up activity and just for fun activities. The first book has Apollo 13, Chariots of Fire, Count of Monte Cristo, Ever After, Fiddler on the Roof,, Groundhog Day, Hoosiers, It's a Wonderful Life, etc. tons more. It is what I used with our youth group this summer when we were without a youth minister and they came to my house to watch The Count of Monte Cristo. Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ORP Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 For an older teen maybe Peaceful Warrior or The boy in Striped Pajamas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted April 28, 2011 Author Share Posted April 28, 2011 Thanks all! We now have a queue of 22 items on our Netflix list... some are still "fun" things to watch (e.g. Burn Notice), but I've filled in some others too. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted April 28, 2011 Share Posted April 28, 2011 We just watched the Magnificent Seven, thanks to a recommendation by Martin Cothran. It was excellent, and it sparked some great conversations about love, revenge, and motivations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nan in Mass Posted April 28, 2011 Share Posted April 28, 2011 We have this but haven't had a chance to watch it yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nan in Mass Posted April 28, 2011 Share Posted April 28, 2011 The things that have inspired the most discussion in our household are Shakespeare movies and the Star Trek: The Next Generation series. Many of the stories revolve around an ethical issue, and the format (short tv show) means that there are flaws in the plotlines of many. Both of those tend to inspire conversation. Other things that we have watched (with older teens - beware) and inspired some discussion were Rabbit Proof Fence (good) and Pay It Forward (bad movie but GREAT idea). -Nan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amyco Posted April 28, 2011 Share Posted April 28, 2011 One of my favorites is The Emperor's Club with Kevin Kline. It really inspired me when I was deciding to homeschool classically. Some language and "adult" themes (teen boys looking at a magazine, offering to skinny dip with girls from the next school over). The overall theme is the importance of good character, and how it is obtained. It's one of the best movie endings ever, imho! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bugs Posted April 28, 2011 Share Posted April 28, 2011 Love this thread, thanks for all the ideas. I'm glad someone mentioned the King's Speech. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted April 28, 2011 Share Posted April 28, 2011 The things that have inspired the most discussion in our household are Shakespeare movies and the Star Trek: The Next Generation series. Many of the stories revolve around an ethical issue, and the format (short tv show) means that there are flaws in the plotlines of many. Both of those tend to inspire conversation. Us too! Nan -- DSs and I *just* finished watching the Aussie sci-fi TV series "Farscape" -- really entertaining, and lots to discuss comparing it with U.S. sci-fi (especially the Star Trek world). Do be aware there are characters with *ahem* libidos stuck on high, and a fair amount of skin (only seen from the back) -- but I think the show at times draws your attention to that for the purpose of showing you the flaws in some of these characters -- and they are ALL flawed, which makes it much more interesting. Also, even MORE skin and steaminess, BUT some absolutely fascinating current events discussion fodder is the Battlestar Galactica series. We're also REALLY enjoying the newer Doctor Who series (a 2005 re-start of the original show/world that ran from 1963 to 1987). Lots to think about and discuss in those episodes, too! And again, like the above Aussie sci-fi, we find the trends, themes and ideas in British sci-fi to be very different from American sci-fi. Fun to compare! Hugs, Lori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share Posted April 29, 2011 We just watched the Magnificent Seven, thanks to a recommendation by Martin Cothran. It was excellent, and it sparked some great conversations about love, revenge, and motivations. This movie sparked a bit of conversation in our house, too, but mainly to the effect of, "Wow, I didn't realize how much Bug's Life (animated) was a "remake" of this movie!" :D The things that have inspired the most discussion in our household are Shakespeare movies and the Star Trek: The Next Generation series. Many of the stories revolve around an ethical issue, and the format (short tv show) means that there are flaws in the plotlines of many. Both of those tend to inspire conversation. -Nan Star Trek (Original and Next Gen) have always been favorites in my den of guys. I watch them too. Our whole family watches things together when we watch TV. The only exception can be the news. Star Trek has definitely been conversation worthy at times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choirfarm Posted April 29, 2011 Share Posted April 29, 2011 already. Schindler's List - we don't watch this one until later in high school. I still cry. As for the nudity, I consider a lot like National Geographic kind of nudity...non-voyeuristic and definitely not erotic. I don't know how Spielburg would have really been able to accurately convey the profound inhumanity in which the death camp prisoners were treated if he had glossed over this. The scene where the women prick their fingers and rub blood on the cheeks and the children's cheeks so they look "rosy" or more healhy, really just gets me. But along these lines and not quite as disturbing/without the nudity, is The Pianist with Adrian Brody...wonderful, wonderful movie. Faith Faith, I have to disagree with you on this a bit. The scenes that you mentioned I completely agree. They need to be in there. There are two scenes that I think could have been left out: someone interupts Schindler while he is making love to his mistress in bed. They could have done that in a more tastefull manner and we could have done without the nudity. The other one is the commandant's mistress lying nude on the bed while he shoots prisoners. We could have had the same effect without her being naked. Have her covered up with a sheet. I chose not to show this one to my boys. Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readinmom Posted April 30, 2011 Share Posted April 30, 2011 To spark conversations on personal integrity: Finding Forrester The Emperor's Club School Ties Quiz Show Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted April 30, 2011 Share Posted April 30, 2011 Chariots of Fire the old black and white Luther movie A Letter to Nancy Prince Valiant LOTR Schindler's List Esther To Kill a Mockingbird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 The teen years can be such rewarding years when it comes to in depth conversations... I wish we didn't have to let them fly away so quickly. :iagree: So very true. Dh and I talk about this all the time. Agreeing with so many of the fabulous suggestions here. Especially these: October Sky is a good suggestion. Also, Remember the Titans is something we watched recently with our teens, and it was a movie I was glad we watched with them. Invictus was also a good movie, although only dh and I have seen it so far. All 3 of these have been amongst our favorites. Invictusand also Offside We loved both. I absolutely love Offside - we all do - the Iranian thing makes it even more enjoyable for us. Very, very sad that he's been imprisoned. Horrible, horrible government. The Ultimate Gift Absolutely LOVED this. :) Rudy--(football) persistence Rudy is one of our all-time favorites. :) We just watched the Magnificent Seven, thanks to a recommendation by Martin Cothran. It was excellent, and it sparked some great conversations about love, revenge, and motivations. We LOVE this. Also loved High Noon. Love many oldies. Star Trek: The Next Generation series. Many of the stories revolve around an ethical issue, and the format (short tv show) means that there are flaws in the plotlines of many. Both of those tend to inspire conversation. :iagree: Some others that may not have been mentioned: Cinema Paradiso Shawshank Redemption The Color Purple Ground Hog Day Five People You Meet in Heaven Pride and Prejudice and all others in A&E Romance Collection – Scarlet Pimpernel and so on - their Lorna Doone is PHENOMENAL. All of them are out of this world. Other Period Classics – Nicholas Nickelby etc. We LOVE period classics. Big Fish Jean de Florette and Manon of the Spring Runaway Jury Shine A Beautiful Mind Billy Elliott Cinderella Man The Pianist V for Vendetta Namesake - some sex, but deep story Princess Bride Who Shot Liberty Valance Magnificent Seven Antz Ever After (Drew Barrymore) Paulie High Noon Willow Duma Miracle Worker Karate Kid UP Series - love these - The Hobbit Secondhand Lions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 I've got a book called "Talking Pictures, A Parents' Guide to Using Movies to Discuss Ethics, Values, and Everyday Problems with Children" by Ronald J. Madison and Corey Schmidt. This book sounds great and I love your list. Thank you for sharing all that. :) I'm hesitant to get the book, however, since any book would have to be constantly updated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonibee Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 Here are some other movies we have enjoyed: Riding the Bus with My Sister (mental retardation) Magic of Ordinary Days (unwed pregnancy) Something the Lord Made (African-American heart surgeon) Front of the Class (Tourette's syndrome) In a Class of His Own (school janitor with no diploma) Mad Money (just fun) Pursuit of Happyness (single father, homeless) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 Something the Lord Made Schindler's List Taking Sides Breaker Morant Cry the Beloved Country Sophie Scholl: The Final Days Gallipoli Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 I want to second a couple of your suggestions: Oh Brother Where Art Thou Lives of Others-but only for older teens. Sex depicted realistically. But it's a well done film about ordinary people trying to function while under constant surveillance in communist East Germany Also, for older teens: The Pianist-still one of my all time favorite movies. Read Szpilman's book too. Breaker Morant-soldiers during Boer War accused of killing terrorists Shawshank Redemption-another all time fave of mine-depicts a true friendship between men-rare in cinema Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Also second the Up series. My dh teaches medical students, and he uses this is his course because it's such a uniquely revealing look at growth and development. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Also second the Up series. My dh teaches medical students, and he uses this is his course because it's such a uniquely revealing look at growth and development. Now that's interesting. I wish all college professors would do this. Fabulous series. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamato4 Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Subscribing to this thread just because of the great lists! Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonibee Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 This one came to my mind today and we loved it here: Taking Chance, with Kevin Bacon. It the story of the delivery of a soldier's body to his hometown. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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