Do you have a favorite 'liberal' film? What is it?

[bliss_eternal]

By liberal film, I mean movies that have an overwhelming liberal spin to the entire story, a liberal ending or moral to the story, or the key characters make liberal choices in the development of the film that affect the entire story.

I'll use one of my all time favorite liberal films as an example, "It's a Wonderful Life." How is it liberal? It points out the difference between monetary wealth and greed vs. being generous of heart. The protagonist of the film is saved from financial ruin and jail when all the people he has loved, helped and supported over the years come to his aid. The richest man in town's plan to destroy George is foiled.

There are other liberal films out there if you just think about it. So, what are your favorites? What liberal aspect of it did you most enjoy?

:hi:
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hannukah and Joyous Kwanza to all!

[GrpCaptMandrake]

1. "Matewan"

directed by John Sayles.

It can't be viewed as anything *but* liberal. It tells the true story of union men who dared stand up against the mine company thugs in Matewan, West Virginia, leading to the most profound labor war in this country's history.

But for John Sayles' efforts, it would likely be utterly forgotten, instead of just mostly.

Also provided early boosts for David Strathairn and Chris Cooper, both excellent actors.

[bliss_eternal]

3. I hope I can find this to rent--

it sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing! :hi:

I can't think of a performance by David Straithairn that I haven't enjoyed--he's amazing! I'm less familiar with
Chris Cooper's work, but have also enjoyed his work.

[GrpCaptMandrake]

8. You'll be moved

I promise. It's some of the finest of the filmmaker's art. It was shot about fifteen miles from my house.

I'm really looking forward to "Good Night and Good Luck" coming out on video.

[sendero]

16. I'll second that....

... nomination. Great movie. You can almost never go wrong with a Sayles film, or a Jarmusch :)

[WCGreen]

29. The very first Newsletter I sent out for the Democratic PArty

here in Cleveland pointed out that Matewan and The Grapes of Wraith were two movies every democrat should watch every few years just to remind us why we are democrats....

[Lisa]

31. I'll third (or fourth) it!

I ended up getting a new DVD of it for the public library, because their video copy was on its last legs. If you want a Sayles double bill, "Lone Star" and "Silver City" also have Chris Cooper in them.

[fishwax]

61. Great movie

that was my first thought too. Anything by Sayles is usually a good bet. :D

[BigMcLargehuge]

2. Gentleman's Agreement

1947 Starring Gregory Peck and John Garfield. Directed by Elia Kazan.

An exploration of antisemitism in the USA. When Philip Green (Peck) is stumped for a story to write for a "liberal" New York magazine he stumbles on the idea of exploring antisemitism. However, he can't seem to get an angle, until he decides to masquerade as a jew. The masquerade reveals not only the obvious antisemitism but also the deep roots of antisemitism in his closest friends.

Unbelievably powerful movie.

Another great one is M (1931) Dir Fritz Lang

The story of a child murderer and sadist in post WW1 Dusseldorf who throws the city into chaos, befuddles the police, and unites the underworld. MAny liberal themes in this including release of mentally ill and dangerous patients, and a stunning final act where compulsion is weighed against crimes of the will by a court of gangsters, robbers, and murderers, saved from the crooks by the cops then tried and hanged by the courts.

The mothers of the victims sit below the bench as the killer's lifeless body swings from the gallows. They cry for their children and admit that the hanging will not bring back their babies.

Peter Lorre plays the twitchy and disturbed killer on the run from both police and criminals yet still compelled to lure very young girls to their deaths. He brings pathos and horror to the role.

Amazing film. Set the standard for thriller, cop movie, gangster flick. Just amazing.

[bliss_eternal]

4. I rented an old copy of M--

and didn't get to finish it, because ten minutes into the film, the video fell apart. I've heard so
many great things about it and not least of which is Peter Lorre's performance. I've got to find this
movie again somewhere.

Gentleman's Agreement sounds like it would be interesting, too. Has Gregory Peck EVER had a bad performance?
LOL!

Thanks for sharing--I love starting these kind of threads as it allows me to hear about films I may not
have otherwise considered, or known much about.

[BigMcLargehuge]

5. Gregory Peck has never been in a dud that I've ever seen

Gentleman's Agreement is definitely worth picking up. Watch for the scene when he reacts to something his girlfriend says to his son after his son is beaten up for being "a jew". Also, it's John Garfield's best performance as a jewish war vet.

M too is worth owning. It is as fresh and amazing today as it must have been in 1931.

[bliss_eternal]

6. Thank you--

I'll watch for those moments.

You watch movies like I do. I have 'momentts' in films that I just cherish watching over and over again!
Where the acting is just so beyond anything I've ever seen and/or everything in the scene comes together
in a way that words just can't describe.

[BigMcLargehuge]

7. Indeed we seem to have the same movie watching style

:)

[CBHagman]

14. Just out on a new DVD edition.

I've just seen a brand-new DVD edition of M. No reviews yet, but it ought to be good.

By the way, I've heard more than one version has been floating around on video, including one where the ending is changed.

I saw it back in college, and it definitely haunts one for decades...

[bliss_eternal]

26. Haunting is the perfect word--

Though I only saw 15 or 20 mins. of the film, I was SO creeped out by what I saw! :wow: I was simultaneously pissed and relieved that the tape gave out. LOL! Wasn't sure I could handle much more of it...

But Peter Lorre's performance--wow! ...the cinematography and mood set with the filming--incredible and so effective.

Thanks for the tip on the dvd collection, I'll look for that! :hi:

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

9. bob roberts

SO BELIEVEABLE IT'S FRIGHTENING

[bliss_eternal]

10. I didn't see Bob Roberts--

Should I try to rent that one?

Thanks for posting--not many seem interested in this topic. LOL!

[LynneSin]

49. Hell yes, want to borrow my copy

If I didn't know any better I would have sworn that Tim Robbins was a Neo-con.

It's so scary but very realistic

[bliss_eternal]

53. OMG!

Being almost convinced that Tim Robbins was a neo-con--that's some major acting, and a convincing piece of work! I'll definitely be checking this one out--

Thanks, LynnSin! :hi: Always good to see you!

[LynneSin]

54. You have to rent it only to see Jack Black's first movie role

And he was amazing as a Bob Robert's groupie

[bliss_eternal]

55. How'd you know I LOVE Jack Black?

He's just the best! Any movie with Jack is worth the cost of rental--well with a couple of exceptions (lol)--but he and Tim Robbins, that's a worthy selling point.

[LynneSin]

57. He has a minor role but it's very memorable

he's very un-Jack Black like but awesome nonetheless

[Taverner]

20. It's happneing now

[chat_noir]

11. Turn Left's list

Covers a host of "liberal" ideas...

http://www.cjnetworks.com/~cubsfan/movies.html

[Guitarman]

12. Billy Jack

Well, actually any of the three "Billy Jack" films. "Billy Jack," "The Trial of Billy Jack" and "Billy Jack Goes To Washington." The message of each of the films, even though they are thirty years old, is still relevant.

[bliss_eternal]

25. I'll look into these--

thanks for responding! :hi:

[Guitarman]

70. Billy Jack website

Go to www.billyjack.com or www.endtheiraqwar.com. Tom Laughlin, the actor/writer/director of the films is NO G.W.B fan!

[bliss_eternal]

79. Cool-

thanks so much for the link, Guitarman!!!

I'm always willing to check out stuff by those that are not * fans.

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

13. Inherit The Wind

the classical liberal movie fictionalization of the Scopes trial on the struggle between the teaching of evolution and creation in the public classroom.

Great performances by Spencer Tracy and Fred Astaire (in a non-dancing role).

[BigMcLargehuge]

15. Gene Kelly not Fred Astair

:)

[Heddi]

32. I just watched that today on showtime

it was a great movie and it amazes me that such a movie with such obvious athiest/agnostic/religious questioning would be allowed to be released back then. I guess I think of the 30's-50's as being pretty repressive to non-conformist-thinking types.

GREAT movie, though!

[cmkramer]

46. It was a play first

So perhaps people saw it as a piece of theatre and not so much "real life". Also, even during the time the movie is set, most people supported evolution -- and that includes Southerners. The fundies were a distinct minority.

[Rabrrrrrr]

17. Koyaanisqatsi et. al.; Lord of the Rings; Chocolat; Babette's Feast;

Star Wars

[bliss_eternal]

27. Good ones--

I've wanted to see a few you named, and just hadn't got around to it--now I have an excuse,
a DU'er recommended them! Particularly Lord of the Rings, Chocolat and Babette's Feast--haven't heard
of the other you mentioned, but will see if I can find some info on it on-line.

Thanks! :hi:

[RagingInMiami]

18. Billy Jack

A childhood favorite. And Happy Festivus to you.

:party: :party: :toast: :toast: :hi: :hi:

[bliss_eternal]

39. Wow--

another Billy Jack fan--I've got to check this movie out!

:hi: Happy Festivus to you too!

[RagingInMiami]

69. It's a classic (1971 I believe)

The theme song is One Tin Soldier by Coven. A song that suits our current era.

[formerrepuke]

19. Definitely Bob Roberts.. It was considered over-the-top when it was

released in 1992.. but not, you'd think Tim Robbins was consulting a crystal ball. It's not really an enjoyable film, though.. its kind scary.

[bliss_eternal]

42. I recall what you said--

that it was considered over the top after it's release. Thanks for the warning about it being a tad scary.

:hi:

Thanks for your response!

[ReadTomPaine]

62. Post moved..

to proper place in thread.

[Initech]

21. Fight Club

It's liberal in that it talks heavily about anti-consumerism, and has a lot of anti-corporate, sentament.

[bliss_eternal]

40. Good point--

I can see what you mean, since you point it out. Wasn't my cup of tea, but sounds like it's got a liberal message just the same.

Thanks for responding! :hi:

[Taverner]

22. "American Dream"

Documentary chronicling the failure of a strike, and the subsequent destruction of Small Town America.

Show this to any Rethug looking for "good old fashioned family values"

[bliss_eternal]

43. I love documentaries--

Sounds like this would not be a republican fave. LOL!

[Heidi]

23. Kundun. (nt)

[bliss_eternal]

51. Don't know much about this one--

thanks for recommending it!

[nytemare]

65. I love that movie.

Profound, sad, and hopeful.

[BigMcLargehuge]

73. That was great

wonderful amazing film.

[Heidi]

76. How widely seen was "Kundun"

in the US? Do you know, BigMcLargehuge? We bought the DVD earlier this year but, being so far away and being biased by how much we loved the film, I've no clue whether anyone in the US actually went to the theaters to see beautiful film.

[BigMcLargehuge]

78. I do

Budget
$28,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend
$1,620,041 (USA) (19 January 1998) (429 Screens) (wide release)

It flopped, it flopped hard. It was rereleased in March of the same year, and did about 15 million in the US.

Kundun opened against the following films -

American Werewolf in Paris, An (1997) USA 1997
As Good as It Gets (1997) USA 1997
Crime Defense (1997) USA 1997
Education of Little Tree, The (1997) USA 1997
Jackie Brown (1997) USA 1997
Kundun (1997) USA 1997
Mr. Magoo (1997) USA 1997
Postman, The (1997) USA 1997
Wag the Dog (1997) USA 1997
Civil Action, A (1998)

[populistdriven]

24. BRAZIL

[bliss_eternal]

52. I've tried to watch this film--

but sadly have a tough time getting past the visual imagery--it's so stunning and stimulating, it's a bit distracting for me for some reason. I wish it wasn't the case,as I've read some intriguing analysis of this film.

[warrens]

28. It's a Wonderful Life

My rightwing parents hated that movie.

[Kashka-Kat]

35. omg, how can anyone hate "its a wonderful life"

Just goes to show ya...

I know I'd rather live in Bedford Falls than Pottersville!

[bliss_eternal]

38. I guess that just proved

how liberal the film is.

Wouldn't it be cool if we could bottle that film somehow as rw repellant? ;)

[Aristus]

30. "The American President". A Rob Reiner (great liberal!) film.

This movie is explicitly liberal in its message and approach. Aaaron Sorkin (Sports Night, West Wing) wrote the screenplay about a liberal President, widowered for three years, dating an environmental lobbyist. The sleazy Republicans (or is that a waste of words?) try to swift-boat him on a "family values" charge for the crime of having a consensual, non-extramarital relationship of which his own daughter approves.

Great liberal cast, including some future "West Wing" actors:

Michael Douglas
Annette Bening
John Mahoney
Martin Sheen
Michael J. Fox
Samantha Mathis
Richard Dreyfus (a liberal playing a sleazy, opportunistic Republican Senator)

Wonderful movie, and a favorite.

[bliss_eternal]

41. I can't believe I haven't see this one yet!

It's on my immediate see list, now--Reiner is a favorite director, sounds like a wonderful film!
Thanks for the recommendation!:hi:

[Aristus]

67. You'll love it.

One trivial note: The main theme of the musical soundtrack from "The American President" has been appropriated for many film trailers, including one for "Saving Private Ryan", that needed an 'inspirational' music cue for the trailer.

[momophile]

33. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Jimmy Stewart bringing down the greedy SOBs. Is this a Frank Capra theme? I'm not sure. I've only seen It's a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

[WeRQ4U]

34. Dogma was good.

And fairly left-leaning.

[bliss_eternal]

50. Don't know much about this film--

thanks for recommending it!

[cssmall]

84. Any of the Jersey Films are that way.

Clerks, Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back are all pretty left-leaning.

[we can do it]

36. 12 Angry Men

[bliss_eternal]

48. Such a great film--

I always enjoy watching it--and seeing the rw standard of generalized bigotry fall flat on it's ass.

[we can do it]

83. Yeah Me Too -

I love B&W movies, too.

[lastliberalintexas]

37. Personal favorite is To Kill a Mockingbird

But then it's my favorite book as well.

Others-

Grapes of Wrath
Norma Rae
12 Angry Men
Inherit the Wind
Meet John Doe
The Great Dictator
Judgment at Nuremberg
Talk of the Town
Gentlemen's Agreement
Schindler's List
John Q.

Those are the ones that immediately come to mind anyway.


And it's Kwanzaa. :)

[speedoo]

45. mine too.

"Mockingbird" is a classic.

[bliss_eternal]

59. Happy Kwanzaa--and your list rocks!

You've listed so many wonderful films--it just bears repeating! Who can ever forget the image of Sally Field with that UNION sign held high above her head--so classic, and so inspiring!

:hi:

[CBHagman]

68. Oh, thanks for mentioning Talk of the Town!

I'll bet only classic movie maniacs and DUers of the right age would know about that one.

Talk of the Town is one very entertaining movie about the judicial system. It'll definitely take you away from your Supreme Court blues! Cary Grant plays a man on the run, having been convicted of arson in the court of public opinion, though not by the law. Jean Arthur is the childhood friend who shelters him, and Ronald Colman is a Supreme Court nominee who walks into this interesting situation. Oh, and the men are both interested in the lady, but you knew that.

Then there's a movie with a similar title: People Will Talk. It's Cary Grant again, this time in an adaptation (with a happier ending) of the Curt Goetz play Dr. Praetorius. Grant is a controversial professor, Hume Cronyn (most entertaining) is the humorless moralist on his case, and the film deals with the double standard, the death penalty, and other matters.

[bliss_eternal]

44. Shawshenk Redemption

Not at all sure at this moment how this one could be construed as liberal, but it's just got to be! I love it too much for it to not be. LOL!

It's just going to take a little thought to solidify in my mind the liberal message. ;)

[Jade Fox]

47. "Sneakers". Funny and lefty too. n/t

[bettyellen]

56. Hairspray! " Intergration Now, Segregation Never!"

and that Tracy really knew how to rock the Madison.

[bliss_eternal]

58. Oh MAN--how could I forget Hairspray??!?

LOVE that movie! The chant you quote is sooo funny--and the heart of what makes John Waters such a cool guy and this such a great liberal film!

Thanks for reminding me of this great movie--so much fun!

"...you look like a Hair Hopper to me!"

"Let's get naked and smoke!" :rofl:

[bettyellen]

60. don't love Pia Zadora and that Rick from the Cars as Beatnicks!

Bwaaah, so much good stuff in that.
They are filming it again- a new version from the Bway musical.
Looove that movie!

[ReadTomPaine]

63. The Americanization of Emily & Johnny Got His Gun - two liberal war films

Great stuff. Not my favorite two films of all time, but high on the list. Mentioned because they haven't been listed here as of yet and are highly topical.

[Metta]

64. Face in the Crowd or Giant.

Both less politically than socially liberal. Both movies I could watch anytime, for the most part.

[nytemare]

66. "All Quiet on the Western Front" and "The Great Dictator"

Some oldies and goodies.

[Bridget Burke]

71. "The Cradle Will Rock" is a good one....

The Federal Theater Project was founded by FDR to support artists. But some found their productions excessively Leftist. Will John Houseman & Orson Welles be allowed to present their new production?

Tim Robbins directed & a large cast revels in the wit--& the message. Nelson Rockefeller, William Randolph Hearst, Frida & Diego all show up. ("Frida" is another wonderful film. Less politics & more art, but definitely not Right.)

Of course I like many already mentioned, but had to add this one. As a Texan, I love "Lone Star" by John Sayles. As a Southerner, "O Brother" shows another side of the South. And "Fear & Loathing" means a lot to this 60's survivor.

Most of these films are not specifically "liberal" in a political sense. But I'm sure that few of the Far Right would like them.

[jus_the_facts]

72. Cameron Crowe's ~ Say Anything.....

...."I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know, as a career, I don't want to do that." Lloyd Dobler ~ John Cusack

[DanCa]

74. Billy Jack seriously.

And Happy Festivus to you. :hi:

[jus_the_facts]

75. Network...

..."I'M MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE!"

[Orsino]

77. Hearts And Minds

http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0071604/

[Yollam]

80. JFK.

Because it's the one that woke my ass up.

[Burma Jones]

81. Citizen Kane

Skewered the Rupert Murdoch of the day. Showed how someone wanted to be a Progressive for all the wrong reasons.....

[merh]

82. Godspell

When it was released it drove the "religious" crazy. It still gives the fundies fits and it has great music.

What is more liberal than a big red froed Jesus and hippies, male & female, apostles acting out parables according to the gospel.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hannukah and Joyous Kwanza to you bliss! :hug: :loveya:

[Conan_The_Barbarian]

85. Army of Darkness

Doesn't matter the genre, that movie will always be the best.

[Dark]

86. Brokeback mountain. Its turned so many guys gay. "Its raining men!"

[Xithras]

87. Princess Mononoke

One of the greatest anime films of all time, and one that delivers a very liberal message.