Cinema is a powerful storytelling medium for spreading awareness about social issues.
Recently, we have witnessed several world events that have brought some complicated problems into our society. For example, the pandemic has exposed our society’s economic and racial issues.
The tension between the nations has served as another wake-up call for the world. With the recent Russian aggression in Ukraine, we are all acutely aware that peace is fragile, and many of us take it for granted in democratic countries.
At the very least, we are responsible for raising awareness of these social issues. Social problems take many forms, and the most common ones differ from one geographical region to another.
Today, we are sharing a collection of films on social issues. These films challenge us to think deeper and help us to understand the social problems that change our perceptions and inspire us to take action.
Dark Water (2019)
Director: Todd Haynes
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Where to watch: Vudu, Prime Video, Apple Tv
In this film, the attorney advocates a fight to uncover a corporate giant suspected of dumping toxic waste in West Virginia.
Based on actual events surrounding the destruction of DuPont’s chemical plant, this movie shows the destructive effects of environmental pollution.
Tom Tarp files a complaint after knowing the truth, which is the reason for beginning an epic 15-year battle. This event will test not only his relationship but also his prestige, health, and livelihood.
This movie represents corporate corruption and the attorney’s struggle to retain a multi-billion dollar company responsible for its shameful actions.
The Whistleblower (2011)
Director: Larysa Kondracki
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: Vudu, Prime Video, Apple Tv
The United States considers human trafficking a “serious crime” and a “violation of human rights.”Approximately 25 million individuals worldwide are victims of human traffickers at any given time.
The movie was about the real-life experiences of Kathryn Balkovac when she worked as a UN police officer in post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina with a private American military contractor.
During her work, she uncovered a sex-trafficking ring and tried to expose and bring those groups involved in this, and she tried to get justice while UN officials turned a blind eye.
Parasite (2019)
Director: Bong Joon Ho
Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Thriller, Drama
Where to watch: Vudu, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple Tv
With his films, Bong Joon-ho is not far behind, but there are countless examples of income imbalances, but parasitism is the most obvious.
While discussing economic inequality in this film, one of the fascinating aspects is how the wealthy family is portrayed. This fact is something that we also observed in our film evaluation.
Wealthy family members do not have a negative self-image, so they don’t have any grudge against anyone. They don’t have any grudge against anyone. They don’t seem bad on the outside.
A more accurate way to describe income inequality is that it highlights the indifference or ignorance of a much broader social problem, which is one of the most prevalent ways to perpetuate terrible things and alarming systems.
I, Daniel Blake (2016)
Director: Ken Loach
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: Vudu, Prime Video
One of the most famous films at this year’s Sundance Film Festival was a British film about a man who can’t find work and thus can’t afford to live.
It is easy to see how other countries could benefit from the concerns raised in the film and how they support residents who would otherwise not be able to pay for their basic needs. It’s a disappointing film, but it should be, given its subject matter.
Daniel Blake played by Dave Johns is a 59-year-old carpenter who must depend on welfare after a recent heart attack leaves him incapable of working.
British authorities denied Blake benefits and ordered him to return to his job. As Daniel navigates through a complicated application process, he develops a strong bond with a needy, single mother struggling to care for her two children.
The Hate U Give (2018)
Director: George Tilman Jr.
Genre: Crime, Drama
Where to watch: Vudu, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple Tv
The film tackles the issue of racism that morphs into racism and white privilege. It’s based on a YA book of the same title by Angie Thomas.
Starr Carter constantly switches between two worlds — the poor, primarily black neighborhood and the wealthy, mostly white prep school she appears in.
The awkward balance between these worlds is soon shattered when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend by a police officer.
Confronting pressure from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what is right.
If you are looking for a film that presents the social issue of racial conflict to your teenagers, this movie is worth trying.
Selma (2014)
Director: Ava DuVernay
Genre: History, Drama
Where to watch: Vudu, Prime Video , Showtime, Apple Tv
Here’s another film that tackles the problem of racism. This movie is about the movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to fight for the right to vote.
Though the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally segregated the South, segregation still prevailed in some areas, making it very difficult for blacks to register to vote.
In 1965, an Alabama city became a battleground in the fight for voting rights. Despite forceful opposition, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his followers proceed in an epic march from Selma to Montgomery. Their efforts were so deep that President Lyndon Johnson had to sign the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The movie also portrays Dr. King’s humanity, showing his efforts and passion for making the world better for his brothers and sisters.
Gia (1998)
Director :Michael Cristofer
Genre: Drama, Lgbtq+
Where to watch: Vudu, Prime Video , HBO Max, Apple Tv
This movie’s central message is about Gia Marie Carangi. After surrendering to drug addiction, her life ended in tragedy.
Gia Carangi, played by Angelina Jolie, travels to New York City with the dream of becoming a fashion model.
Within minutes of arriving, he meets Wilhelmina Cooper, a knowledgeable and high-powered agent who takes Gia under her wing.
With the help of Cooper and her instincts, Gia quickly rose to the top of the modeling world. Gia’s electrifying personality and intense sexiness will soon find their way onto America’s best-selling magazine cover.
Being loved by the world is not the same as being loved by one – and dissatisfied passion can lead Gia to dangerous places.
When Cooper dies from lung cancer, however, Gia turns to drugs — and both she and her career start to twist out of control.
Flight (2012)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Where to watch: Vudu, Prime Video , Paramount+, Apple Tv
Another movie reminds us of the adverse effects of substance abuse. It encourages the audience to choose the right thing.
In this film, a pilot is initially regarded as a hero for crash-landing a plane, but the impact of his actions haunts him until he is forced to face the consequences.
Commercial airline pilot Whip Whittaker has had problems with drugs and alcohol, though he has been able to complete his flights safely.
His luck runs out when a catastrophic mechanical failure sends his plane crashing into the ground.
The Whip pulled off a miraculous crash-landing that resulted in only six lives being lost. Bumped to the core, Whip vows to get sober — but when a crash investigation reveals his addiction, he finds himself in a much worse situation.
On the Basis of Sex (2019)
Director: Mimi Leder
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Where to watch: Vudu, Prime Video , Apple Tv
Gender discrimination and inequality still exist in many workplaces, even in the American government.
This biographical drama portrays the early life of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The film shows her as a young mother and struggling lawyer who has to do everything she can to gain parity in her career.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an attorney who struggles in her life and a new mother who faces trouble and numerous obstacles in her fight for equal rights.
When Ruth takes on a landmark tax case with her husband, Attorney Martin Ginsburg, she knows it could change the course of her career and how the court views gender discrimination.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: Vudu, Prime Video , Apple Tv, Paramount+
Life is a struggle for a single father, Chris Gardner. Evicted from their apartment, he and his young son find themselves alone with nowhere to go.
Based on the true story of Christopher Gardner. Gardner invested heavily in a “bone density scanner. Device”
He thinks he sold these devices. However, they could have sold a little better than X-rays at a much higher price. While Gardner works to make ends meet, his wife leaves him, and he loses his apartment.
Forced to live on the road with his son, Gardner continues to sell bone density scanners while taking an unpaid internship as a stockbroker, with little chance of advancing to a paying position.
Before getting paid, he has to undergo six months of training to advance to the competition and sell his device to stay afloat.
They must remain in a shelter and bear many difficulties, but Chris refuses to give in to misery as he struggles to build a better life for himself and his son.
Featured Image Source: NY