Films to teach adolescents about gun violence are a crucial resource for sparking conversations and raising awareness about this pressing issue. These films can provide a platform for discussing the impact of gun violence on individuals, families, and communities, as well as exploring the complexities of the issue.
“The Hate U Give”, 2018
Director: George Tillman Jr.
This film follows the story of Starr Carter, a teenager who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of a police officer. The movie delves into themes of systemic racism, police brutality, and the effects of gun violence on young people.
Starring: Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby, Anthony Mackie, Issa Rae, Common, Algee Smith, Sabrina Carpenter, K.J. Apa, Dominique Fishback, Lamar Johnson, TJ Wright, Megan Lawless, Rhonda Johnson Dents, Tony Vaughn, Marcia Wright, Al Mitchell, Karan Kendrick, Javon Johnson, Mike Stoudt, Tye Claybrook Jr., Andrene Ward-Hammond, Drew Starkey, Monique Grant, Kurt Yue, Marc Fajardo, DJames Jones, Abby Glover, William J. Harrison, Susan Santiago, Brittany Inge, Chantel Bryant, Brian Lafontaine, Parker Sack, Kaleigh Rivera, Chris Cavalier, Ansley Davis, Gino La Mont, Joe Hardy Jr., Jeff Cole, Nick J. McNeil, Josh Henry, Brett Gentile, Kelvin Witherspoon, Iyana Halley, Dustin Lewis, Tanya Christiansen, Myles Evans, Shay Mack, James Healy Jr.;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 133 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Hate U Give” on the website imdb.com
“Fruitvale Station”, 2013
Director: Ryan Coogler
Based on the true story of Oscar Grant, this film recounts the events leading up to Grant's tragic death at the hands of a transit police officer in Oakland, California. It provides a poignant portrayal of the impact of gun violence on a community and the lives it touches.
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Kevin Durand, Octavia Spencer, Chad Michael Murray, Ahna O'Reilly, Ariana Neal, Keenan Coogler, Trestin George, Joey Oglesby, Michael James, Marjorie Crump-Shears, Destiny Ekwueme, Bianca Rodriguez III, Julian Keyes, Kenny Grimm, Tommy Wright, Jemal McNeil, Steven C Johnson, Alejandra Nolasco, Alessandro Garcia, Marvin Greene, Laurel Moglen, Victor Toman, Herman Tsui, Liisa Cohen, Darren Bridgett, Caroline Lesley, Lucena Herrera, Brian Richardson, Razon Alicia Tramble, Maya Tapia, Nassir Zughayer, Patrick Sieler, Thomas Cokenias, Wanda Johnson, Christina Elmore, Tamera Tomakili, Chris Riedell, Denzel Worthington, Alan C. Foster, Saul Ramirez, Charmaine Davis, Jonez Cain, Jasmin Bristow, Chris Morocco, Robert Ajlouny, Noah Staggs, Kurt Cotton, Nicholas Crispen;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, melodrama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
“We Need to Talk About Kevin”, 2010
Director: Lynne Ramsay
This film explores the aftermath of a high school massacre from the perspective of the perpetrator's mother. It delves into the complexities of parenting, mental health, and the warning signs of potential violence, prompting important discussions about gun violence and its root causes.
Starring: Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller, Jasper Newell, Rocky Duer, Ashley Gerasimovich, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Alex Manette, Kenneth Franklin, Leslie Lyles, Paul Diomede, Michael Campbell, Jamal Mallory-McCree, Mark Elliot Wilson, James Chen, Lauren Fox, Blake DeLong, Andy Gershenzon, Kelly Wade, Ursula Parker, Jason Shelton, Simon MacLean, Erin Darke, Annie O'Sullivan, Georgia Ximenes Lifsher, Aaron Blakely, Polly Adams, Suzette Gunn, Joseph Melendez, Rebecca Dealy, Louie Rinaldi, Johnson Chong, Kimberley Drummond, Leland Alexander Wheeler, Daniel Farcher, Jennifer Kim, Caitlin Kinnunen, J.J. Kandel, Maryann Urbano, Jose Joaquin Perez, Tah von Allmen, Joseph Basile, Susan-Kate Heaney, Paul Marra, Francesca Murdoch;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: thriller, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “We Need to Talk About Kevin” on the website imdb.com
“Bowling for Columbine”, 2002
Director: Michael Moore
Directed by Michael Moore, this documentary investigates the circumstances surrounding the 1999 Columbine High School massacre and examines America's gun culture. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of the societal factors contributing to gun violence and its impact on young people.
Starring: Michael Moore, Salvador Allende, Mike Bradley, Arthur A. Busch, Michael Caldwell, Richard Castaldo, Dick Clark, Steve Davis, Ngo Dinh Diem, Mike Epstein, Joe Farmer, Denny Fennell, Barry Glassner, Dick Herlan, Charlton Heston, Jeremy Hix, Ernest F. Hollings, Jimmie Hughes, Emir of Kuwait, Amanda Lamante, Mary Lorenz, Marilyn Manson, Daniel Mauser, Tom Mauser, Evan McCollum, Carey McWilliams, Mohammed Mossadegh, James Nichols, Terry Nichols, Manuel Noriega, Tamarla Owens, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, Trey Parker, Robert J. Pickell, Jeff Rossen, Nicole Schlief, David Smith, Susan Smith, Matt Stone, Mark Taylor, Damian W. Williams, Jacobo Árbenz, Denise Ames, John Ashcroft, Emma Bunton, King Charles III, Dick Cheney, Aline Chrétien, Jean Chrétien, Reginald Denny;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: documentary, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
These films serve as powerful tools for initiating conversations about gun violence, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering empathy and understanding among adolescents.
In conclusion, the selection of films to teach adolescents about gun violence offers a powerful and thought-provoking insight into the impact of firearms on individuals and society. These films provide a platform for meaningful discussions and introspection, encouraging young viewers to critically examine the consequences of gun violence and its far-reaching effects. By presenting diverse narratives and perspectives, these films not only raise awareness but also foster empathy and understanding, empowering adolescents to become advocates for positive change in their communities. Through the lens of cinema, these impactful stories have the potential to inspire meaningful dialogue and shape a generation that is informed, compassionate, and committed to creating a safer world for all.
