Daily Kos

Most Inspiring Movies

by HairOnFire

Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:13:05 AM PDT

CNN has a front page poll and a story about AFI wanting to come up with the 100 most inspirational films of all time

http://www.cnn.com

http://www.cnn.com/...

Their choices in the poll:

8 Mile
It's a Wonderful Life
The Passion of the Christ
The Sound of Music

Seriously, those are CNN's choices - 8 Mile, Passion; talk about your primacy-recency effect.

Where's Miracle Worker, Grapes of Wrath, Norma Rae, Stand by Me...

Of course, the poll also begs the question what defines "inspiration" with regards to a film. Is it overcoming obstacles and odds, compassionate sacrifice for a larger goal. Is it religious inspiration, military, social, or something else?

Obviously the difference between a liberal list and a conservative list would be striking and defining.

So, everybody, what is your most inspirational film(s) of all time...

(And I dare someone to say Rocky or Flash Dance) ;-)

---------------------------------------

Update

AFI
The AFI Critera posted on their site:

CRITERIA

FEATURE-LENGTH FICTION FILM

Narrative format, typically over 60 minutes in length.

AMERICAN FILM

English language film with significant creative and/or production elements from the United States.

CHEERS

Movies that inspire with characters of vision and conviction who face adversity and often make a personal sacrifice for the greater good. Whether these movies end happily or not, they are ultimately triumphant--both filling audiences with hope and empowering them with the spirit of human potential.

LEGACY

Films whose "cheers" continue to echo across a century of American cinema. *AFI defines an American film as an English language motion picture with significant creative and/or financial production elements from the United States. AFI defines a feature-length film as a motion picture of narrative format that is typically over 60 minutes in length. Only feature-length American films released before January 1, 2005, will be considered.

-------------------------

Tags: Movies (all tags) :: Previous Tag Versions

Permalink | 60 comments

  •  "Animal House." Seriously. (none / 1)

    The frat boys who get their comeuppance are the same College Republican types who are powering today's Republican Noise Machine.

    John McCain's Straight Talk Express runs on fossil fuels.

    by Dump Terry McAuliffe on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:13:52 AM PDT

  •  an oldie (none / 1)

    Man for All Seasons

    Rome wasn't burnt in a day.

    by Miss Devore on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:14:38 AM PDT

  •  Schindler's List (none / 1)

    I mean, come on. Of COURSE Schindler's List

    "Our long national nightmare is over. Our constitution works. Our great republic is a government of laws and not of men." --Gerald Ford, August 9, 1974

    by JohnReed on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:16:04 AM PDT

  •  A List... (none / 0)

    • The Shawshank Redemption
    • I Am Sam
    • Forrest Gump
    • Schindler's List
    • Babe

    by Rimjob on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:17:48 AM PDT

  •  One? (none / 0)


    What about:

    Charly
    Z
    Central Station

    What's so hard about Peace, Love, and Truth and Progress?

    by melvin on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:23:02 AM PDT

  •  A couple... (4.00 / 2)

    of the top of my head:

    The Killing Fields

    Rashoman

    by kishik on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:25:06 AM PDT

  •  compassionate sacrifice for a larger goal (none / 0)

    Lord of the Rings

    "We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty." -- Edward R. Murrow

    by juniper on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:25:36 AM PDT

  •  American History X (none / 0)

    (-2.5, -4.3) Meta-Buddha is not perturbed. All will scroll away, as it should. --melvin

    by BrianK on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:35:47 AM PDT

  •  The Devil's Advocate (none / 1)

    ..."Why the law? Because it's the new priesthood."

    by DianeA on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:40:10 AM PDT

  •  Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer (none / 0)

    (Oh fuck, did I just click Post ...?)

    I live in my own little world...but it's okay. They know me here.

    by John Campanelli on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:44:38 AM PDT

  •  12 Angry Men (4.00 / 7)

    In the face of adversity, one man with conviction can convice others of their folly.

    Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony!

    by BenM on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:50:37 AM PDT

    •  To Kill a Mockingbird, for the same reason. (4.00 / 5)

      Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony!

      by BenM on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:52:03 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  High Noon (none / 0)

      The true hero is the one that attempts to do the right thing in the face of indifference.

      Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony!

      by BenM on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:55:03 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  science fiction (none / 0)

      In the face of adversity, one man with conviction can convice others of their folly.

      Come on, that could never happen.

      Just kidding. It is in fact a fantastic movie. The most poignant scene to me is the last holdout's conversion. Oddly enough, the only modern movies in which I've seen very dramatic moments done well because they were done simply (instead of violins to tell you it's a dramatic moment) were those of Spike Lee (in Mo Better Blues, the scene where the protagonist tries to make his comeback but fails; in Crooklyn, when the two kids are sitting on the couch after their mother's death; pure silence in both cases, very chilling).

      My teeth aren't white enough for DailyKos, so adios.

      by DrReason on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:58:13 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  In All Seriousness... (none / 0)

    I hate to sound like a kid, but I seriously give props to the original Star Wars from 77.  I ws five when it first came out, and I honestly credit it with teaching me the value of rebelling against an evil monolithic government for the good of all.

    I guarantee SW is what made the word "empire" such a dirty word for most Americans. And frankly, this year's ep. 3 showing how it happens deserves a little prop as well.

    You cannot sedate all that you hate.

    by Antibush Superstar on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:50:37 AM PDT

    •  SW '77 (none / 0)

      I floated out of the theatre after watching it.

      Star Wars and LOTR show the different contexts people can take when descibing "inspirational" - and I think LOTR is also a great choice.
      -----------------------------------

      by HairOnFire on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:55:18 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Rocky... (4.00 / 2)

    Horror Picture Show.

    "When I said we, I was only referring to Magenta and myself"- Riff Raff

    Ok, ok.  Some that aren't snark-

    Casablanca
    To have and have not
    To Kill a Mocking Bird
    Mr. Smith goes to Washington

    by ek hornbeck on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:50:37 AM PDT

    •  Rocky Horror (none / 1)

      yesterday watching part of the House debates, hearing about Schmidt in that dress, I thought of:

      "come, we are ready for the floor show"

      Scary when politics is getting so crazy that Rocky Horror quotes spring to mind.

      by astraea on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 10:41:02 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  The Last Temptation of Christ (none / 0)

    definitely.

    you wanna piss off a fundie.  don't tell 'em god doesn't exist.

    if you feel like pissin' off a fundie, tell 'em their god was and IS conflicted and dreams of not being god.

    I want Lamont to win, but I won't cry when he doesn't.

    by BiminiCat on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:52:50 AM PDT

  •  top 10 (none / 0)

    Casablanca, Its a Wonderful life, Wizard of Oz, Gone With The Wind, Ben Hur, Outlaw Josey Wales, Grapes of Wrath, One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest, Shane,and Jeremiah Johnson.

    by Lawdog on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:53:45 AM PDT

    •  and To Kill a Mocking Bird it (none / 0)

      would be a sin to leave this movie out.

      by Lawdog on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:54:44 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  casablanca (none / 0)

      for the scene where the crowd is swayed away from the German military song to the french allegience alone and for its general selfless morality.  Any Stewart Capra film from the 30's, including Mr. Smith goes to Washington.  Oddly, Chinatown, for the idea that a relatively plain guy can get at the heart of corruption, even if he ultimately can't do anything about it.

      by robo848 on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:24:29 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Lumumba (none / 1)

    Outstanding film about Patrice Lumumba, leader of the movement for the indepence of Zaire and its first prime minister. He was assassinated by the CIA and the Belgians. Belgium admitted its role after the movie came out.

    In case I haven't made it clear: unbelievably powerful movie.

    Also, Baraka is a trip around the world without dialogue. Must see.

    My teeth aren't white enough for DailyKos, so adios.

    by DrReason on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:54:43 AM PDT

  •  Off-the-top-of-my-head... (4.00 / 2)

    ..."inspirational" list:
    Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
    Contact
    Living Out Loud
    Scrooged
    Shawshank Redemption
    The Rapture (a wake-up call/get-your-head-out-of-your-ass moment for Newton)

    "Personal density is directly proportional to temporal bandwidth." Mondaugen's Law

    by Newton Snookers on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 08:57:43 AM PDT

  •  aoeu (none / 0)

    Demon Island, a.k.a. Piñata: Survival Island

    "Presumptuous" is the new "uppity"

    by TealVeal on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:05:28 AM PDT

  •  "They Call Me Mr. Tibbs" (none / 0)

    In the Heat of the Night, Sidney Potier as a true professional, in a hostile environment who is commited to doing what is right. (Kind of like Pat Fitzgerald).

    Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony!

    by BenM on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:05:36 AM PDT

  •  As a European, I feel compelled to ask, (none / 0)

    Is this a case of that "World Series" terminology?Does the phrase "most inspirational films of the century" mean, by definition, "most inspirational American films of the century?"  

    If not, my choises are "You're the one"
    http://www.imdb.com/...

    and, IMO the greatest documentary of all times,
    Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus
    http://www.searchingforthewrongeyedjesus.com/

    If you haven't seen them, you should.

    The yellow ribbon has been overtaken as the company's best-selling product by a wristband promoting chastity before marriage with the slogan "True Love Waits".

    by LodinLepp on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:05:42 AM PDT

    •  Well of the top of my head, (none / 0)

      I would also add The Nasty Girl, Hero, and Raise the Red Latern.

      Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony!

      by BenM on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:14:57 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  speaking of documentaries (none / 0)

      have you seen Herzog's "Grizzly Man"? A must for viewing.

      Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto. ~Thomas Jefferson

      by libertarian socialist on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:20:39 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      •  Startet watching it (none / 0)

        but there was something about the narrative that just made me feel uncomfortable. Perhaps I should give it another chance..

        The yellow ribbon has been overtaken as the company's best-selling product by a wristband promoting chastity before marriage with the slogan "True Love Waits".

        by LodinLepp on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:42:43 AM PDT

        [ Parent ]

    •  According to the AFI site (none / 0)

      English language film with significant creative and/or production elements from the United States.

      - that's what they're voting on
      --------------------------------------------

      by HairOnFire on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:20:40 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      •  Ah, so.. (none / 0)

        Well, then The Wrong-Eyed Jesus should certainly qualify, although I seem to remember the BBC was among those credited for production.

        Also, The Great Dictator should not be forgotten.

        The yellow ribbon has been overtaken as the company's best-selling product by a wristband promoting chastity before marriage with the slogan "True Love Waits".

        by LodinLepp on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:45:26 AM PDT

        [ Parent ]

    •  Also, (none / 1)

      I must admit that the screen version of Fear And Loathing was really superbly done. I felt very inspired while watching it.

      The yellow ribbon has been overtaken as the company's best-selling product by a wristband promoting chastity before marriage with the slogan "True Love Waits".

      by LodinLepp on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:53:26 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Politically speaking (none / 1)

    The Polish filmaker Andrzej Wajda has two of the greatest poltical films ever made under his belt. First, Kanal, the story of the last days of the Polish Resistance to the Nazis in Warsaw, is steeped with raw realism. It is unmatched in its study of human beings fighting for dignity and survial against intense oppresion.

    Secondly, Danton, with Gérard Depardieu, illustrates the power of revolution, the crisis of parliment, and the depth of betrayal when cloaked in nationalism. See these films.

    Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto. ~Thomas Jefferson

    by libertarian socialist on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:06:40 AM PDT

  •  Oh man, how could I forget: Deep Throat (none / 0)

    I live in my own little world...but it's okay. They know me here.

    by John Campanelli on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:09:17 AM PDT

  •  JFK (none / 1)

    The closing monologue in JFK is by far the most inspiring piece of film I've seen.

    by Norcalvb on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:11:38 AM PDT

  •  Zorba the Greek (none / 0)

    and the book, of course, rocks.

    Let the great world spin for ever down the ringing grooves of change. - Tennyson

    by bumblebums on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:25:38 AM PDT

  •  Costa-Gavras (none / 0)

    Z and Missing

    wikipedia entry for Costa-Gavras

    by YellowDogBlue on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:26:00 AM PDT

  •  The Big Lebowski (none / 0)

    It has the needy little inner-city kids (and aren't we proud of all of them), embezzlement, Korean War veterans, Vietnam veterans, conscientious objectors, 6000 years of Jewish tradition . . .

    And as for: "Movies that inspire with characters of vision and conviction who face adversity and often make a personal sacrifice for the greater good."

    The Dude spends the whole movie (making considerable sacrifices--need I remind you of his "fuck bowling" comment) trying to help that poor woman and solve the mystery of a missing million dollars.

    More seriously, if you forget the business about it being an English-Language film, there is:
    The Seven Samurai. The first half of the movie is the long, slow, quiet build-up, the gathering of the Samurai, etc., and then when 6 of the samurai are talking with the old man in the mill, asking why the villagers are afraid of them, SUDDENLY, the village alarm sounds, and all of the Samurai take off at a run, racing to the defense of the villagers. It's a fantastic scene. Their only purpose, their only interest, is to fight to protect the village.

    by astraea on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:38:00 AM PDT

    •  Fargo (none / 0)

      Frances McDormand's character is very inspirational: the force of the folksy decency of normal people against the forces of incredibly stupid criminality.

      Yes, there are still FEMINISTS on Daily Kos! Join the fabulous Supervixens every Thurs. night

      by hrh on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:52:42 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  please do... (none / 0)

    Herzog strives to reveal how a troubled American without direction found emotional strength creating an unrealistic fantasy about nature in the Alaska bush. It has a lesson for urbanite enviros that often create illusions about nature. Plus the shots of bears in Alaska up close is worth the price of admission. And while your at it check out some of Herzog's older stuff, Fitzcaraldo and Agurrie The Wrath of God.

    Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto. ~Thomas Jefferson

    by libertarian socialist on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:51:38 AM PDT

  •  Some inspirational movies (none / 0)

    • Rudy
    • Rocky
    • Shawshank Redemption
    • Forrest Gump
    • Babe
    • Breakfast Club
    • Say Anything
    • Saving Private Ryan
    • Wizard of Oz
    • A League of Their Own
    • 12 Angry Men
    • It's a Wonderful Life
    • Philadelphia Story

    This is a start.

    No complacency. Donate. Contribute. Volunteer.

    by jim bow on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:54:50 AM PDT

  •  Malcolm X (none / 1)

    Spike Lee's greatest accomplishment.

    Two bit hustler transitions to radical Black nationalist, then has his racist assumptions challenged. The promise of who the fully transformed Malik el'Shabazz could have been is suggested at the end when Nelson Mandela is shown lecturing a group of Black school children. As it was, he was cut down by assassins months after returning from Mecca.

    Other very inspiring and challenging movies not mentioned in anyone's list:

    Grand Canyon
    Chisholm '72: Unbought and Unbossed

    Yeah, these are all about Race. Very important issue now, not very represented on this list.

    Arnold and Dubya star in "Twins II"
    http://msgeek703.googlepages.com/thearnoldanddubyashow
    Remember Katrina: throw the bastards out!

    by MamasGun on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:57:44 AM PDT

    •  Why didn't I remember this one? (none / 0)

      Reds.

      Jean Stapleton steals the show as one of my personal heroines, Emma Goldman. It's all about making the ultimate sacrifices for what you believe, and about standing up to the power-hungry on behalf of the powerless.

      Runner up, also from the future Governor of California (Just kidding! ;-)): Bulworth. Another meditation on speaking Truth to Power.

      Arnold and Dubya star in "Twins II"
      http://msgeek703.googlepages.com/thearnoldanddubyashow
      Remember Katrina: throw the bastards out!

      by MamasGun on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 05:24:53 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Let's see (none / 0)

    Lady Jane
    Contact
    Ben Hur
    Ten Commandments
    JFK
    Saving Private Ryan

    all I can think of for now..but for the record, I LOVE Flashdance...:-) but it's not exactly the pinnacle of inspiration, which for me has more serious focus on the noble, higher principles of life. Truth...justice...conviction on matters of life/death, war/peace, following dreams/fading away in nothingness.

    by Dazy on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 09:58:07 AM PDT

  •  Some.. (none / 0)

    • Der Untergang
    • Im Toten Winkel
    • Täällä Pohjantähden alla
    • Trembling Before G_d
    • Bladerunner :)
    • Tuntematon sotilas

    -7.13, -8.10

    by tzt on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 10:01:58 AM PDT

  •  Blues Brothers (none / 0)

    They'll get the money for the Penguin.  They're on a mission from God.

    "now this is not the end, it is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." W. Churchill

    by Thor Heyerdahl on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 10:35:47 AM PDT

  •  Let me add... (none / 0)

    ...Groundhog Day.

    And what about the musicals? Oklahoma deserves a mention.

    by Elwood Dowd on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 10:50:02 AM PDT

  •  Spartacus (none / 0)


    Ask the electorate... are you Spartacus or a Roman? Gladiator worked along the same lines.

    the blue sea seethes with reason

    by howth of murph on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 11:01:26 AM PDT

  •  This poll sucks. (none / 0)

    Yes I know it's cnn's so no offense to the diarist of course.

    8-mile:  White men have been stealing the black man's music for years so let's honor this fine tradition with a paean to one of the lamest of the lame.  You want inspirational in music look for Coal Miner's Daughter for vanilla, Ray for chocolate.

    It's A Wonderful Life:  I'll be honest.  I've never seen more than 5 unbroken minutes of this but apparently it doesn't bother the masses that Stewart goes batshit crazy after hearing voices in his head and runs screaming up the street about his "good news".  No wonder Christian America has made a tradition out of a movie that tanked upon release and was pumped into their gullible minds for years by tv execs too cheap to buck up for programming.  For X-mas get your TNT on for 24 hours of A Christmas Story, a truly inspirational movie about friends and family.

    The Passion of the Christ:  Changed from just "The Passion"  out of fear moviegoers would think it was a soft-core porn movie instead of an orgy of violence.  Propaganda for the self-loathing fundie set, I'm not even going to get into why this made the list.  Spiritualists with a brain might prefer The Last Temptation of Christ or The Mission.

    The Sound of Music:  Did anyone at CNN actually watch these movies before they picked them?  Again too excruciating to watch in it's entirety, the cardinal sin of musicals is committed by dubbing 90% of Plummer's voice (and screwing his career for 20+ years) in a movie that was a massive flop in it's time for reasons made obvious upon further viewing.  I'm not big on musicals in any case but if you must, look for Moulin Rouge, My Fair Lady or even Paint Your Wagon and watch the performance it took Eastwood 50 Dirty Harry movies to make us forget.

    Further titles that actually inspire:

    Hoosiers
    O Brother Where Art Thou?
    Titanic (sorry, I love it)
    The Princess Bride
    Black Hawk Down
    Dances With Wolves
    The Right Stuff
    Rocky
    Fast Times at Ridgemont High.  They put in their sentimental favs, I can too.

    by will freeman on Sat Nov 19, 2005 at 12:32:05 PM PDT

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