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A Patch of Blue (1965)
(Cast: Sidney Poitier, Elizabeth Hartman, Shelley Winters, Wallace Ford)
A young blind woman is befriended by a black gentleman who she meets in a park, and as they get to know each other, it becomes glaringly clear that she is being abused by her prostitute mother and alcoholic grandfather. The man takes her under his wing and helps her to adjust to the outside world, but, as can be expected, complications ensue. This is a touching and sensitive film that illustrates what even a little kindness and compassion can do for our fellow human beings. [ladyjean]
A Raisin in the Sun (1961)
(Cast: Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil, Diana Sands)
With an amazingly talented cast, featuring the great Sidney Poitier, this film can’t lose. Tough times for a black inner city family is further complicated by an insurance settlement that the matriarch is due to receive. Battles over the use of that money, but more importantly, values and moral issues, take center stage, as we watch these people deal courageously with a major turning point that will deeply affect all of their lives. [ladyjean]
City Slickers
Coming Home
Dave
Forrest Gump
Glory
Greenfingers
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
(Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore)
This classic tale has been woven and rewoven over the years with the theme being used in a number of newer films, but the original can’t be improved upon. A man bitterly thinks he’s had it with life, attempts suicide, but is saved by an angel. He then is shown what the world would be like without him and he soon realizes how precious life is and what is truly near and dear to him. Inspiration factor = 110%. “It’s a Wonderful Film.” [ladyjean]
Miracle (2004)
(Cast: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich)
Based on the true story of one of the greatest wins in sports history, “Miracle” brings together a disparate group of college hockey players who are incapable of leaving past loyalties behind. Their coach, a former U.S. Olympic team member himself, unites them through discipline, hard work, and a single-mindedness of purpose. In so doing, his coaching methods are called into question by everyone from his assistant coach to the Olympic committee. But as the team works together, they begin to trust and unite behind their coach, and in the end they are a unified group of talent and determination. The team meets the legendary Soviet hockey team at the 1980 Olympics and transcends prevailing beliefs, by taking home the gold medal. On a personal note, I am NOT a hockey fan, but this is one of my favorite films of all time due to its triumphant quality and its ability to strengthen the belief that anything is possible. [laciefae]
Mr. Holland’s Opus
Lillies of the Field
Love Comes Softly
Love’s Enduring Promise
Love’s Long Journey
Places In The Heart
Return To Paradise (1998)
(Cast: Vince Vaughn, Joaquin Phoenix, Anne Heche)
This film asks a moral question that the cast members themselves were unable to answer: would you voluntarily go back to a third world country and serve time in prison to save a friend’s life? A moving study of human soul-searching on a scale not often found in contemporary films, this story keeps you riveted to the very end. The fact is, there are so many ethical, moral and spiritual issues addressed here that it would be hard to list them all. Among them and probably the most important, however, is the true meaning of responsibility. If you enjoy well-written screenplays with depth, Oscar-worthy acting, and a true sense of spirituality, this film will not disappoint. [ladyjean]
Rocky
Tender Mercies (1983)
(Cast: Robert Duvall, Tess Harper, Betty Buckley, Ellen Barkin)
A drunken ex-country singer awakens in a small roadside motel, and through serendipity and the grace of God, he meets the love of his life (who happens to be the owner of the motel/gas station). As we follow both their stories, we see how redemption and faith can play a great role in keeping even the most downtrodden amongst us from going completely over the edge. As a huge bonus, there’s some great picking and singing from the film’s star, Robert Duvall. [ladyjean]
The African Queen (1951
(Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Morley)
Now here’s a situation you don’t want to be in: The Germans have invaded an African missionary village, living you (an English spinster) alone (after your minister brother dies), and your only way out is by taking a ride on the African Queen down a wild, winding river with its semi-sodden captain, Mr. Allnut. But along the way this unlikely pair fall in love and hatch a plan of attack on a German ship. Another true profile in courage and the strength of the human spirit. [ladyjean]
The Apostle
The Fisher King
The Fugitive
The Nun’s Story (1959)
(Cast: Audrey Hepburn, Peter Finch, Dame Edith Evans, Peggy Ashcroft, Dean Jagger)
I have loved this movie since I first saw it as a young girl. I'm not a Catholic, but you don't have to be religious at all to get something out of this well-made drama. The personal sacrifice and struggle that follows this young woman's decision to enter the convent is absorbing, and Audrey Hepburn's performance is deep and satisfying. The question asked here is: can human weakness be overcome through the commitment of pure devotion to God? Miss Hepburn went on to devote the latter part of her life to charitable causes, but she was always a beautiful, serene and classy lady, on-screen and off. [ladyjean]
The Poseidon Adventure
The Quick and the Dead
The River Wild
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
To Sir, With Love (1967)
(Cast: Sidney Poitier, Lulu, Judy Geeson, Suzy Kendall)
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Not only do you have the grooviness of Swinging London is the 60s, but this is a well-crafted film with a story worth telling. The generation gap between teacher and students is dissolved as Sir (Sidney Poitier) uses practical methods to teach the kids about life and the importance of true human values. The dance scene at the graduation party is the highlight of the movie, expressing the exuberance of the transformation that has taken place. This is a must-see film that will never be out of style. [ladyjean]
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