Growing up I've had a love of books and films. I spend my weekends at the movie theater or watching classic films, I believe that movies have a great influence on generations and people. Here are some films that I would recommend you watch if you want to feel something and that also starts up great discussions.
1. "Godfather" (1972)
The Godfather is my favorite series of movies, this classic is about a family involved in organized crime where the "don" wants to go legitimate but after a tragic event, Vito's youngest son Michael who stays out of the family business joins.
2. "Godfather II" (1974)
In my opinion, this is the best Godfather movie out the series, Michael Corleone takes the mantle of the Don and trying to figure out who's behind his assassination attempt. The reason this movie is so good is because of the flashbacks throughout the film with the rise of Vito Corleone.
3. "Mulan" (1998)
This is my favorite Disney princess this movie screams female agency, Mulan goes to war to take her ill fathers place. While she's away at war she learns her strength mentally and physically.
4. "Forrest Gump" (1994)
I remember watching this movie every Sunday in elementary school because I thoroughly enjoyed Tom Hanks acting in this film. There are so many themes in this tearjerker that you're bound to have a really long conversation after you watch it.
5. "Fresh" (1994)
Fresh is a coming of age film about a twelve-year-old drug dealer from the Bronx who is stuck in a web of poverty and is trying his best to get out and stay alive. The reason I enjoy this film so much is that growing up in Harlem, I've seen the struggle of not trying to end up like your circumstances.
6. "Casablanca" (1942)
This movie is clearly really old but Casablanca is a classic, in my opinion, Humphrey Bogart is an AMAZING actor so when I was introduced to this movie it showed me that you don't only have to connect or find interest in this from your generation.
7. "Beast of No Nation" (2015)
Idris Elba did that. This gut-wrenching film about a boy whose life is turned upside down when he is forced to become a child soldier. Idris Elba plays his villainous role so well I promise you'll have trouble liking even after the film is over.
8. "Timbuktu" (2014)
I could write an entire essay on this film here, this movie takes place in the north of Mali. In 2013 a rebellious group the Tuareg turned this region upside down when they came with their violence and bogus rules and stripped the people of Timbuktu of their happiness, art, education, and peace of mind.
The main thing this movie showed me was the hipocrasy of these so called Muslim extremist group and the way they handle and treat situations. Being a Muslim myself and from this country, watching this movie fustrated me and opened my eyesto how the world may see us.
