Films about protest delve into stories of resistance, rebellion, and demonstrations against established powers or injustices. These films often highlight social, political, or environmental issues, portraying the struggle of individuals or groups to enact change or fight for their rights. They can span various genres, including drama, documentary, and even comedy, but are unified by their focus on the act of protesting as a central theme. Below is a list of films that illustrate the breadth of narratives centered around protest.
“Selma”, 2014
Director: Ava DuVernay
This historical drama portrays the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King Jr. and other prominent civil rights leaders. It sheds light on the efforts to overcome racist voter suppression and the struggle for African Americans to achieve legal equality in voting.
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 Square”, 2017
Director: Ruben Östlund
A documentary that captures the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 from its roots in Tahrir Square, offering a powerful account of the protests, the struggle of the people against the government, and their quest for democracy in Egypt.
Starring: Claes Bang, Elisabeth Moss, Dominic West, Terry Notary, Christopher Læssø, Lise Stephenson Engström, Lilianne Mardon, Marina Schiptjenko, Annica Liljeblad, Elijandro Edouard;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 152 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “The Square” on the website imdb.com
“Suffragette”, 2015
Director: Sarah Gavron
Tells the story of the early feminist movement and the women who risked everything in their fight for the right to vote in the United Kingdom. It focuses on the radical and violent struggle of the suffragettes as they battled a system rigged against them.
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
“Gandhi”, 1982
Director: Richard Attenborough
This biographical film recounts the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi, leading to the Indian independence movement through non-violent protest. It beautifully captures his philosophy and the strength of peaceful resistance.
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
The film is a biopic of Harvey Milk, California's first openly gay elected official, focusing on his activism in the 1970s, his fight for gay rights, and his eventual assassination. It's a poignant reflection on protest through political channels.
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
“Norma Rae”, 1979
Director: Martin Ritt
This drama is based on the true story of a factory worker who becomes involved in labour union activities to improve the working conditions in the textile factory where she works, signaling the importance of collective bargaining and protest in the labor movement.
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
“Detroit”, 2017
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Set during the 1967 Detroit riots, the film focuses on the Algiers Motel incident, a confrontational event between police and civilians that highlights the racial tensions and protests against police brutality.
Starring: John Boyega, Will Poulter, Algee Smith, Jacob Latimore, Jason Mitchell, Hannah Murray, Kaitlyn Dever, Jack Reynor, Ben O'Toole, Chris Chalk;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 143 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Detroit” on the website imdb.com
These films, through their portrayal of protests, sit-ins, and movements across various periods and settings, underline the universal and timeless nature of the struggle for justice and rights.
The narratives explored in this selection of films about protest not only encapsulate the raw emotions and complex ideologies fuelling societal movements but also serve as a poignant reminder of cinema's power to reflect and influence the socio-political landscape. Through a variety of lenses—be it the impassioned rallying cries of the oppressed, the silent struggles against systemic injustices, or the vibrant tapestry of resistance movements across history—these films imbue audiences with a sense of urgency, empathy, and, most importantly, a call to action. They don't merely recount tales of dissent; they are testaments to the indomitable spirit of humanity and its relentless pursuit of justice. In doing so, they not only immortalize the essence of protest in the annals of film history but also inspire a new generation of viewers to question, challenge, and engage with the world around them.
