Age discrimination, often manifested as ageism, is a prevalent theme in the cinematic world, exploring the bias and unfair treatment individuals face due to their age. Films tackling this subject matter shine a light on societal attitudes towards aging, the challenges of growing older, and the marginalization of both the young and the elderly in various social, professional, and personal contexts. These stories range from serious dramas and biting satires to heartwarming comedies, each offering a unique perspective on how age discrimination impacts lives and relationships. Below are some films that delve into the theme of age discrimination, providing insights and evoking empathy through their narratives.
“The Intern”, 2015
Director: Nancy Meyers
This film offers a refreshing take on age discrimination in the workplace. Robert De Niro stars as a 70-year-old widower who becomes an intern at an online fashion website, led by a young and ambitious entrepreneur played by Anne Hathaway. The movie charmingly reverses the typical generational gap narrative, highlighting the value of experience over youth in a modern work culture that often overlooks the elderly.
Starring: Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway, Rene Russo, Anders Holm, JoJo Kushner, Andy Rannells, Adam Devine, Zack Pearlman, Jason Orley, Christina Scherer;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “The Intern” on the website imdb.com
“Driving Miss Daisy”, 1989
Director: Bruce Beresford
Set against the backdrop of the American South during the latter half of the 20th century, this film explores the unlikely friendship between an elderly Jewish woman and her African American chauffeur. It addresses age discrimination alongside racial tensions, showcasing the challenges and societal limitations placed on individuals based on age as well as race.
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy, Dan Aykroyd, Patti LuPone, Esther Rolle, Jo Ann Havrilla, William Hall Jr., Alvin M. Sugarman, Clarice F. Geigerman, Muriel Moore;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 99 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Driving Miss Daisy” on the website imdb.com
“Up”, 2009
Director: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
This animated masterpiece from Pixar tells the story of Carl Fredricksen, a widowed 78-year-old who embarks on an adventure to South America by attaching thousands of balloons to his house, fulfilling a promise to his late wife. The film subtly comments on how society often discounts and marginalizes the elderly, portraying Carl's journey as one of rediscovery and resilience in the face of age discrimination.
Starring: Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo, Jerome Ranft, John Ratzenberger, David Kaye, Elie Docter, Jeremy Leary;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: animation, drama, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Up” on the website imdb.com
“Gran Torino”, 2008
Director: Clint Eastwood
Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, this film tells the story of a cantankerous and prejudiced Korean War veteran who finds himself confronting his own biases, including those related to age, when he stands up to protect his immigrant neighbors from gang violence. The movie delves into the isolation and invisibility felt by the aging protagonist in a changing world.
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Christopher Carley, Ahney Her, Brian Haley, Geraldine Hughes, Dreama Walker, Brian Howe, John Carroll Lynch, William Hill;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Gran Torino” on the website imdb.com
“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”, 2011
Director: John Madden
This film follows a group of British retirees who decide to “outsource” their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India, taking residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. It humorously and heartwarmingly explores themes of aging, adaptation, and the societal and self-imposed limitations on older individuals.
Starring: Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Tom Wilkinson, Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilton, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, Patrick Pearson, Hugh Dickson;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” on the website imdb.com
These films, among others, bring important conversations about age discrimination to the forefront, using storytelling to challenge stereotypes and advocate for a more inclusive society that values individuals at every stage of life.
In conclusion, films about age discrimination serve as potent narratives that challenge our societal norms and provoke a much-needed discourse on the value and respect that should be accorded to individuals regardless of their age. Through a blend of empathy, humor, and stark realism, these stories invite audiences to confront their biases, fostering a deeper understanding of ageism's impact on personal dignity, professional life, and interpersonal relationships. By highlighting the resilience, wisdom, and contributions of older characters, such films not only entertain but also educate, paving the way for a more inclusive and age-diverse society. As cultural artifacts, they remind us that the fight against age discrimination is not merely a matter of policy reform but a continuous struggle for empathy, equity, and the recognition of the undeniable worth of every stage of human life.
