Here are films that explore themes of progressivism in the United States, along with brief descriptions:
“Selma”, 2014
Director: Ava DuVernay
Focusing on the pivotal 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Selma” chronicles the struggle for equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The film offers a powerful depiction of this crucial moment in the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting the perseverance of those who fought for justice and the effectiveness of nonviolent protest.
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
“The Big Short”, 2015
Director: Adam McKay
This movie explores the build-up of the housing and credit bubble leading to the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Through the stories of several financial industry professionals who predicted the collapse, “The Big Short” critiques the corruption and greed inherent in the financial industry, advocating for greater transparency and ethical practices in finance.
Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Melissa Leo, Hamish Linklater, John Magaro, Rafe Spall, Jeremy Strong, Marisa Tomei;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, comedy, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 130 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “The Big Short” on the website imdb.com
“RBG”, 2018
Director: Julie Cohen, Betsy West
A documentary that examines the life and career of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “RBG” celebrates Ginsburg's trailblazing work on behalf of women's rights and equality under the law. Through interviews and archival footage, the film highlights Ginsburg's foundational role in fighting for gender equality and her status as a cultural icon for progressive ideals.
Starring: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Ann Kittner, Harryette Helsel, Nina Totenberg, Martin D. Ginsburg, Arthur R. Miller, Clara Spera, Brenda Feigen, James Steven Ginsburg, Jane C. Ginsburg;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: documentary, biography;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “RBG” on the website imdb.com
“Just Mercy”, 2019
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Based on the life of Bryan Stevenson, a defense attorney fighting for the wrongfully condemned, this film showcases the racial injustice present within the American legal system. It underscores the importance of advocacy, justice, and the fight against systemic racism.
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson, Rob Morgan, Rafe Spall, Tim Blake Nelson, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Lindsay Ayliffe, C.J. LeBlanc, Ron Clinton Smith;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: biography, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 137 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Just Mercy” on the website imdb.com
These films, spanning different eras and aspects of progressivism, demonstrate the ongoing struggle for equality, rights, and social justice in the United States. They serve as powerful tools for understanding the complexities of progressivism and its impact on American society.
In examining films about progressivism in the United States, we navigate through a cinematic tapestry rich with narratives of struggle, empowerment, reform, and profound change. These movies not only entertain but also educate and provoke thought, offering viewers a lens through which to examine the past, understand the present, and imagine a future shaped by ideals of equality, justice, and social betterment. From the gritty realism of early 20th-century battles for workers' rights to the vibrant protests of the civil rights movement, and onto contemporary struggles for environmental justice and economic equality, these films capture the essence of the progressive spirit. They remind us of the power of collective action and the never-ending quest for a more equitable society. As we reflect on these cinematic journeys, it's clear that the story of progressivism in the United States is ongoing, fraught with challenges yet unwavering in hope and resilience. These films not only chart the course of historical movements but also serve as a catalyst for future change, inspiring new generations to carry the torch of progressivism forward.
