Activism is at the heart of many powerful, influential films, portraying the struggles, strategies, and successes of activists who fight for change across a variety of causes. From civil rights and environmental protection to political revolutions and beyond, these films delve into the lives of individuals and groups who take a stand against injustice and seek to influence societal norms and policies. By exploring the motivations, challenges, and triumphs of activists, these movies not only entertain but also inspire viewers to reflect on their own values and the impact they can have on the world.
Here is a list of films about activism:
“Gandhi”, 1982
Director: Richard Attenborough
This biographical film depicts the life of Mohandas K. Gandhi, from his days in South Africa fighting discrimination to becoming the leader of the Indian non-violent independence movement against British rule.
Starring: Ben Kingsley, Roshan Seth, Geraldine James, Rohini Hattangadi, Candice Bergen, Ian Charleson, Martin Sheen, John Gielgud, Edward Fox, Trevor Howard;
Production year: 1982;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 191 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Gandhi” on the website imdb.com
“Milk”, 2008
Director: Gus Van Sant
A powerful portrayal of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, focusing on his activism for gay rights and his assassination.
Starring: Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, James Franco, Victor Garber, Denis O'Hare, Diego Luna, Emile Hirsch, Alison Pill, Joseph Cross, Stephen Spinella;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Milk” on the website imdb.com
“Selma”, 2014
Director: Ava DuVernay
This historical drama centers on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King Jr., James Bevel, Hosea Williams, and John Lewis.
Starring: David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Roth, Lorraine Toussaint, Common, Giovanni Ribisi, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr.;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Selma” on the website imdb.com
“Erin Brockovich”, 2000
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Based on a true story, this film follows Erin Brockovich, a determined legal assistant who takes on a California power company accused of polluting a city's water supply.
Starring: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart, Peter Coyote, Cherry Jones, Tracey Walter, Conchata Ferrell, Marg Helgenberger, David Brisbin, Dawn Didawick;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Erin Brockovich” on the website imdb.com
“Suffragette”, 2015
Director: Sarah Gavron
This historical drama focuses on the early feminist movement and the women who turned to radical and violent activism to gain the right to vote in the United Kingdom.
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Brendan Gleeson, Anne-Marie Duff, Ben Whishaw, Nathalie Press, Romola Garai, Meryl Streep, Grace Stottor, Geoff Bell;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Suffragette” on the website imdb.com
“Norma Rae”, 1979
Director: Martin Ritt
Starring Sally Field, this film is inspired by the true story of Crystal Lee Sutton, a textile worker who becomes involved in labor union activities to improve working conditions in her factory.
Starring: Sally Field, Beau Bridges, Ron Leibman, Pat Hingle, Barbara Baxley, Gail Strickland, Morgan Paull, Robert Broyles, John Calvin, Booth Colman;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Norma Rae” on the website imdb.com
“Hotel Rwanda”, 2004
Director: Terry George
Amidst the Rwandan genocide, hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina houses over a thousand Tutsi refugees in his hotel in a desperate attempt to save their lives.
Starring: Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte, Cara Seymour, Joaquin Phoenix, Jean Reno, Fana Mokoena, David O'Hara, Tony Kgoroge, Desmond Dube;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama, war, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Hotel Rwanda” on the website imdb.com
“The Act of Killing”, 2012
Director: Joshua Oppenheimer, Anonymous, Christine Cynn
A documentary that challenges former Indonesian death-squad leaders to reenact their mass-killings in whatever cinematic genres they wish, leading to surreal and shocking admissions.
Starring: Anwar Congo, Herman Koto, Ibrahim Sinik, Yapto Soerjosoemarno, Safit Pardede, Jusuf Kalla, Adi Zulkadry, Soaduon Siregar, Suryono, Haji Marzuki;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: documentary, crime, war, biography, history;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “The Act of Killing” on the website imdb.com
“Philadelphia”, 1993
Director: Jonathan Demme
One of the first mainstream Hollywood films to acknowledge HIV/AIDS, homosexuality, and homophobia, it tells the story of Andrew Beckett, a gay lawyer who is fired for his condition and fights back in court.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Antonio Banderas, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, Joanne Woodward, Charles Napier, Robert Ridgely, Bradley Whitford, Ron Vawter;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 125 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Philadelphia” on the website imdb.com
These films, touching upon a broad spectrum of issues and historical moments, highlight the enduring spirit of activism and its crucial role in shaping a more just and equitable society.
In summation, films about activism do far more than merely entertain; they inspire, educate, and provoke thought long after the credits roll. They serve as powerful tools for social change, illuminating the struggles and triumphs of those who fight for justice, equality, and the betterment of humanity. Through these stories, whether based on real events or fictional narratives, audiences are not only given a window into the experiences and challenges faced by activists but are also encouraged to reflect on their own role in society's collective journey towards progress. As such, these films stand as testament to cinema's capability to move hearts, change minds, and perhaps most importantly, incite action. They remind us that amidst a world often marked by indifference, every voice matters and that even the smallest of actions can contribute to the tide of change, echoing the enduring power of activism through the ages.
