Here are movies which address things that are so important that one would hope them to be common knowledge, self-explanatory or a given, though that may not always be the case.
This is just a small list of movies which represent that, or include such aspects, for me. I consider each one of these eight a must-see.
I didn’t want to include any trailers, they mostly ruin the fun of discovering a movie, and reveal too much, too soon. If you are interested in the storylines, follow the imdb links, provided with each recommendation. I’ve tried to keep my descriptions to a minimum.
Gattaca (1997)
A movie about faith, in oneself, one’s dreams and goals, against any and all odds. Determination and spirit. As above, so below.
imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119177/
The Matrix (1999)
Impossible to choose any one quote or any one part. The Matrix is deliciously stuffed with wisdom and life-altering advice. It has everything, and it is a movie for eternity.
imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133093/
Instinct (1999)
– Is that all you want ?
– No, l want to finish this.
– Finish what ?
– Telling you what l know.
– What makes you think what you know is any different than what other people know ?
– l had different teachers.
Primarily a dialogue movie. On control. On freedom. Magnificent.
imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0128278/
The Man from Earth (2007)
Another dialogue movie. Slow. Beautiful.
imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0756683/
The Wave / Die Welle (2008)
What good are the lessons of the past? The story of an experiment.
imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1063669/
American History X (1998)
“Has anything you’ve done made your life better?”
An incredibly powerful movie.
imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120586/
The Last Supper (1995)
How far would you go for your convictions? A group of friends explores this topic, in depth. Surreal. Twisted.
imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113613/
The Mosquito Coast (1986)
The fine line between genius/creator and madman/destroyer. Also on trust and love.
imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091557/
Into the Wild (2007)
“I’m going to paraphrase Thoreau here… rather than love, than money, than faith, than fame, than fairness… give me truth.”
