Movies are a staple in many different aspects of Western culture. They're used in social gatherings for entertainment, date nights, and bind our culture together with a shared appreciation. While a great many movies are made with the sole intent of entertainment, there remains a small class of movies that are both entertaining and have deep symbolic meaning. Meanings that carry heavy messages and relevance to modern society. Meanings that beckon to be heard in this continually evolving world. Here is a list of the movies that I have seen that carry important and relevant messages for our culture.
Note: This is a spoiler-free article.
1. "V for Vendetta" (2005)
"Beneath this mask there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea, Mr. Creedy. And ideas are bulletproof" -- V
Let's start off with a cult classic. Often cited as the anarchists's movie, the theme of ideas being more powerful than people is strongly evident. That governments may be able to overpower its citizens for a short time, but freedom will always ring. In an era where distrust and disdain for governing bodies is rampant, this film remains a must-watch for the reminder that social change is a powerful tool.
It's also important to note the waves the film has already generated in the form of the group "Anonymous," who use the same mask as V.
2. "Silver Linnings Playbook" (2012)
"This is what I learned at the hospital. You have to do everything you can, you have to work your hardest, and if you do, if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining." -- Pat
An age of mental health reform is upon us, as more and more people are beginning to open up about their struggles with mental illness. Combating years of social stigma, they bravely share their stories, and do so in an attempt to normalize therapy and psychiatric care.
"Silver Linnnings Playbook" puts a human face to this story. Each character in the story battles some form of mental illness and, as the story unfolds, the film showcases the effects of mental illness on everyday activities. As mental illness becomes more of a hot topic, this film will remain a citation of those who have battled their disease.
3. "Her" (2013)
"Sometimes I think I have felt everything I'm ever gonna feel. And from here on out, I'm not gonna feel anything new. Just lesser versions of what I've already felt." -- Theodore
I can't say enough good things about this movie. The idea of a man dating a computer is certainly far-fetched, but as the story progresses you see how real the relationship really is.
The film says a great deal about our relationships with people, but, most importantly, it also tackles our relationship with technology. In a world that will never stop developing new technology, it raises important questions to ask ourself. Will our relationship to technology ever replace a human being? Warning: the answer provided in the film isn't quite what you'd expect.
4. "Gone Girl" (2014)
"When I think of my wife, I always think of the back of her head. I picture cracking her lovely skull, unspooling her brain, trying to get answers. The primal questions of a marriage: What are you thinking? How are you feeling? What have we done to each other? What will we do?" -- Nick Dunne
Warning: This movie is graphic and unsettling with nasty plot twists. If you can get past how crazy the people are in this movie, this movie makes a couple of relevant statements about today's society. The first is pretty apparent for those who've already seen it -- domestic violence. The film chronicles the unravelling of Nick and Amy Dunne's relationship to the point of violence on both individual's parts. But violence goes beyond punches and shoving. Some of the "violence" in question in this film is verbal in nature. If you want to know what I'm talking about, watch the film.
Another key and more subtle statement given in this movie is media infatuation. Nick Dunne becomes a huge celebrity for his "action," and the film follows him in his journey through controversial stardom. The ending also makes a profound statement on the media's impact in their relationship, but I won't spoil it.
5. "Dallas Buyers Club" (2013)
"Welcome to the Dallas Buyers Club!" -- Ron
One could watch this movie for the sole purpose of watching Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto give amazing acting performances. But this movie has so much more. Particularly with regards to the AIDS epidemic.
I was not alive during the time when HIV/AIDS was poorly understood and was a "homosexual" disease. It was a transformative experience to see the real impact of fear of the disease. In addition, the movie makes powerful statements about distrust in the government's regulation of medicine. We live in a time where a record number of people are refusing to vaccinate their children despite the amount of evidence to show their efficacy. This film tackles the mental structure and logic behind the distrust for the FDA.
6. "Lost In Translation" (2003)
"Let's never come here again because it would never be as much fun." -- Charlotte
If you've watched this movie and thought it was boring, you missed the entire point. In a world with superficial distractions and superficial desires, it can be hard to grasp hold of what really matters in life. "Lost in Translation" really hammers home how you need to chase happiness and not whatever distractions this world may throw at you.
7. "Inside Out" (2015)
"Take her to the moon for me. OK?" -- Bing Bong
If you thought I wasn't going to put in a Disney Pixar film, you were wrong.
Earlier I talked about the importance of accepting mental illness. But "Inside Out" answers another tougher question about mental illness: how do I explain it to my children? And boy, does it nail it.
