1. Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958)
This film is a dramatization of a period of time in the life of Gladys Alyward, a real-life, trailblazing, super-cool female missionary. My grandmother happened to own this one on VHS when I was a child, and we would watch it together when I spent time at her house. If you're interested in how Western cinema portrayed Chinese culture (and the priorities/experiences of Alyward herself) at this time, this film provides many opportunities to sharpen your critical thinking skills. The film opens in western Europe and follows Gladys Alyward's journey to China, where she teaches her belief system, but also does her best to practice compassion and respect the culture to which she has entered.
2. Rear Window (1954)
As a photographer, this movie holds a special place in my heart because of the classic photography materials shown throughout the film. James Stewart plays the role of a successful traveling photographer who is at home for six weeks with a broken leg. He spends the time in his beautiful New York apartment observing his neighbors, and he witnesses a series of events that leaves viewers (and the cast of the film) searching for answers. This is one of my favorite rainy day movies because of the cinematic quality and mystery elements.
3. Cool Hand Luke (1967)
I was introduced to this film during an American History course in high school. Paul Newman plays the antagonist in this movie, and the story follows him through the prison system in the 20th century American South. Many people draw elements of the film as an allegory for certain aspects of Christianity, so viewers can also practice some observational and critical skills as they watch. My favorite scene from this movie is one where Luke is playing "Plastic Jesus" on the banjo in the prison.
4. Vertigo (1958)
This famous Hitchcock film follows a detective, who is experiencing professional difficulty as a result of his fear of heights (and because he suffers from vertigo, like the name of the film). He takes on a case on the advice of a friend, and is asked to follow a woman who is thought to be possessed. The plot has many subsequent twists and turns including two deaths and, of course, some romance. I had not seen this movie until recently, and I saw the ending before re-watching the entire film.
