“Philadelphia”, 1993
Director: Jonathan Demme
This drama, directed by Jonathan Demme, tackles the ethics of discrimination, specifically focusing on a man with AIDS who sues his law firm for wrongful dismissal. It was one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to acknowledge HIV/AIDS, homosexuality, and homophobia.
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
“Hotel Rwanda”, 2004
Director: Terry George
A historical drama based on the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who housed thousands of Tutsi refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda. Directed by Terry George, the film explores the ethical obligations of individuals and nations in the face of genocide and indifference.
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 Constant Gardener”, 2005
Director: Fernando Meirelles
This Fernando Meirelles film is a dramatic adaptation of John le Carré's novel, delving into the unethical practices of pharmaceutical companies in Africa. It raises significant ethical questions about human rights and the exploitation of developing countries by Western corporations.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Hubert Koundé, Danny Huston, Archie Panjabi, Bill Nighy, Pete Postlethwaite, Gerard McSorley, Donald Sumpter, Richard McCabe;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Constant Gardener” on the website imdb.com
“Spotlight”, 2015
Director: Tom McCarthy
Directed by Tom McCarthy, this biographical drama follows the Boston Globe's “Spotlight” team, the oldest continuously operating newspaper investigative journalist unit in the United States, as they uncover a massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese. It explores the ethical responsibilities of journalists to expose the truth and the implications of institutional corruption.
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci, Brian d'Arcy James, Elena Wohl, Gene Amoroso, Doug Murray;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
“The Imitation Game”, 2014
Director: Morten Tyldum
A historical drama directed by Morten Tyldum, which tells the story of Alan Turing, the British mathematician, and computer scientist who cracked the Enigma code during World War II. The film addresses ethical questions related to war, the treatment of homosexuals, and the value of a single life in the greater context of humanity.
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear, Allen Leech, Matthew Beard, Charles Dance, Mark Strong, James Northcote, Tom Goodman-Hill;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: biography, war, drama, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Imitation Game” on the website imdb.com
These films, among others, offer profound insights into the ethical challenges and dilemmas faced by individuals and societies, making them compelling narratives for viewers interested in the complexities of moral reasoning and human conduct.
In conclusion, films about ethics offer a potent medium for exploring the complex dilemmas, choices, and personal responsibilities that are often found in the intersections of moral philosophy and human behavior. These films allow audiences to witness characters grappling with ethical crises, thus exposing them to moral quandaries and inviting them to question, reason and arrive at their own moral judgments. With their blend of narrative, cinematography, and character development, such films provide not only an entertaining cinematic experience but also serve as a profound reflection on the nature of right and wrong, ultimately enhancing viewers' understanding of ethics and its significance in our daily lives.
