Excellent films we found uplifting despite some tension
due to the presence of moderate violence or other negative
elements. The listings in this category describe the nature
of content which may be disturbing.
Directed by ?, w. Melanie Griffith,
Michael Douglas
A thrilling, edge of your seat true story
of a woman who spies for the allies in Germany during
World War II. A great love story as well, which bring
tears of joy to your eyes at the end. There is some violence
in the film, but as it is a true story, and such a great
moviegoingexperience, we judge that it is worth seeing
- like eating too much too sweet dessert - not great for
your body, but definitely a memorable and worthwhile experience.
Directed by Suzanne Schiffman, w.
Tcheky Karyo, Christine Boisson.
Historical drama, new age metaphysical.
The true story of a 13th century woman whose ability to
heal with herbs is powerfully depicted. Herpurity, dedication,
and knowledge are inspirational.
A woman acts as doctor and nurse using herbs and psychic
projection to heal the ill of the village. The story of
her struggle withthe church with an uplifting ending.
(There are several other films on video with the same
title. On eis a sci-fi exploitation, another a 1953 french
film. This film is distributed by "Mystic Fire Video.")
Directed by Woody Allen w. Mia Farrow,
Alec Baldwin, Blythe Danner, Judy Davis, William Hurt,
Julie Kavner, Keye Luke, Joe Mantegna, Bernadette Peters,
Cybill Shepherd, James Toback, Gwen Verdon
Mia Farrow stars in Woody Allen's film
about a rich housewife who is no longer content to shop
till you drop and gets involved with Chinese mysticism
& herbs. Through this she discovers romance and spirituality,
and makes positive changes in her life. Totally charming
as well as spiritually illuminating, this is one of Allen's
best films, very funny but not wacky.
Directed by Rob Reiner with Michael
Douglas, Annette Bening, Michael J. Fox
An American President is an illuminating
statement about the political process and important contemporary
social issues. Great acting ,writing and directing are
combined to make it extremely entertaining, educational
and romantic.
It is the story of the personal and political
life of a young widowed President and his daughter. Michael
Douglas is at his best in this role, portraying the perfect
President. He's caring, relaxed, truthful,loving to his
staff, daughter and friends. Always gentle and kind, intelligent
and funny, never angry, compassionate to everyone's needs
and sensitive to killing even in the course of an apparently
justified military action.
Annette Benning as the President's ladyfriend
is totally charming and funny as the environmental activist
he falls in love with. She's feisty, intelligent and aggressive,
which turns the President on, not off as is usually the
case when a man is confronted by a strong woman.
The film is humanitarian and liberal and
makes fun of some of the superficial "conservative family
values" which are irrelevant to being loving, truthful
and caring. It is about the necessity and ultimately the
success of "right action," by people who are part of the
political process. Important issues like gun control,
anti-crime bills and environmental legislation are examined.
It also has many important comments on
the press, makes you aware that the purpose of government
is to care for the people's welfare, handle global conflict
gently with compassion, care for the environment, etc.
Probably its most important message is to be aware of
the real issues regarding who to vote for, not to buy
into the character assassinations which plague politics
today.
This film parallels the present situation
where Clinton is obviously a caring politician with an
intelligent eye on issues like the environment, welfare,
education, etc., while the Republicans are constantly
attacking him with negative character issues unrelated
to his real hopes and dreams for this country. It's obvious
Clinton/Gore care about allp eople. They are good human
beings dedicated to the balanced and just resolution of
the real issues.
Ultimately this film makes its point that
we want to live in a just society led by a loving government,
not in one which controls the electorate through fear
and misrepresentation, while supporting industry to the
detriment of the environment, allowing weapons lobbies
to have thei rway.
Directed by Ron Howard, w. Tom Hanks,
Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton,Gary Sinese, Ed Harris.
The story of the ill fated, but not tragic,
Apollo 13 mission to the moon in 19??. An incredible,
uplifting and thrilling tale of survival and faith, of
human intelligence, mastery, and God. This unique and
exciting film creates suspense without violence and is
as educational as it is fascinating. It shows the value
of calmness in the face of danger.
Although you know in the beginning that
it will end well, you are still on the edge of your seat,
not so much with tension, but with wonder and interest.
Superbly acted and directed, there are numerous scenes
of weightlessness which are, alone, worth seeing the film
for. Teenagers will like this non-violent film as much
as many otheraction films because it is interesting from
both the scientific and dramatic aspects. A good film
for everyone 6 and over.
Directed by Chris Noonan, w. James
Cromwell, Magda Szubanski
This is a rare and unusual film, equally
charming and enjoyable for both adults and children, it
contains lessons about life for both and teaches many
positive things in a really delightful way. It personifies
innocence in the form of a young pig, who is the heroine
of the film. Thisis not an animated film - the cinematography
is of real places and real animals. Animatronics are used
to simulate animal action scenes. But you don't notice
it at all. It all looks real. Animals talk lovingly and
intelligently to one another. Kids can get a good sense
of being connected to animals from this film. If you want
to persuade your child to be a vegetarian this film will
help you.
The film shows that love and communication
are more powerful in getting what you want than violence
and intimidation, that you should believe in your ideas,
even if no one else does, and has lots of other positive
messages for kids and adults alike.
Unlike most other contemporary children's
films which emphasize fear, violence, and fighting as
central plot devices, this is a truly gentle film. The
entire experience is soothing. The soundtrack is mellow
and the voices loving, even those of the "mean" animals.
Often in a children's film we are taken aback by the harsh
and shrill sounds of the musical score, but not here.
Enjoy this with your kids. It will enchant you. We feel
it was one of the top films of 95, and the 'Best Film'
Academy Award for which it was nominated (but did not
win) would have been justified.
Directed by Richard Linkletter w. Julie
Delphy, Ethan Hawke
Using a deceptively simple, cinema verite
style, "Before Sunrise" takes a breathtaking look at a
poetically written, deeply philosophical, and yet very
romantic encounter between two twenty-three year olds
who meet on an overnight train ride through Europe. French
actress Julie Delphy is superbly expressive and natural
in her role as a student of the prestigious Sorbonne School.
Ethan Hawke is excellent in therole of the awkward American,
"searching for himself". At the threshold of adulthood
they discuss the concerns of their generation,including
parents, the war in Bosnia, careers, love, God and the
meaning of life.
Vienna provides an evocative backdrop
for this extraordinary film. It is great to see such wisdom
and subtlety from Richard Linkletter, a very promising
young director.
Two women of very differing ages find
renewal and inspiration for life and for their music in
each other's friendship. Their adventures will make you
laugh. A good film for women about breaking down boundaries
that are either self imposed or prescribed by society.
Bridget Fonda is believable as her character goes through
her transformation. Jessica Tandy plays a woman independent
and proud, but with a sensuality that is an important
element of this sweet story. Tandy and Cronin are beautiful
together as usual and we are saddened that this was one
of Jessica's last performances.
Directed by Guiseppe Tornatore w. Philippe
Noriet, JacquesPerrin, Salvatore Cascio
A heartwarming story of Toto, a young
boy in love with the cinema and his mentor Alfredo, the
projectionist at the Cinema Paradiso movie theater in
a small fishing village in Sicily during World War 2.
This best picture Academy Award winning film is one of
the most exhilaratingfilms we have ever seen.
Toto becomes Alfredo's apprentice and
a beautiful father/son relationship develops over many
years. Alfredo teaches him about life as they share their
passion and love for cinema.
The film is a joyous ode to cinema and
its power to awaken the feeling of Paradise within simple
people. It strengthens their community, invigorates their
spirit, heals and transports them to a higher state, offering
the villagers a series of dream worlds beyond their own
simplelives. The faces of the townspeople are unforgettable
as we see them weep and roar with laughter watching films.
Comedy and drama make them forget their problems and bring
them together while women breast feed and teenage boys
sit and share emotions they would dare not otherwise express.
Alfredo instructs Toto with his cinema
wisdom, which in the end we see is his own. When Toto
grows into manhood Alfredo fiercely, but lovingly helps
him move on teaching him to love whatever he choose sto
do.
There are many magic cinematic moments
showing the miracle of destiny. You laugh and weep just
like the Sicilian villagers, profoundly touched by the
loving, real characters and romantic vision of this film.
The film shows the loss of cinema as a
major inspiration for our dreams, and the ensuing cultural
regression brought about by the advent of TV. Ultimately,
the film is about Alfredo's gift of love, joy, passio
nand delight to his young apprentice that serves as an
inspiration for his entire life.
Directed by Jesse Nelson, w. Whoopi
Goldberg, Ray Liotto, TinaMajorino, Don Ameche.
Set in the 1950's, this beautiful story
of a father (Ray Liotto) and his eight year old daughter
begins sadly just after the death of their wife/mother.
(Neither she nor her death is seen.) The father then hires
Corrina (Whoopi Goldberg) as a nanny for his daughter.
Corrina is a wise woman whose love and
spirituality help the child transcend her grief. She introduces
the concepts of angels and God to the little girl and
ultimately to her resistant father. The film shows howpositive
these concepts are for children and how readily they can
accept them.
Corrina is powerful and effective despite
the class conscious and prejudiced society of this time
period. Respect and love allow th echaracters to overcome
the narrow-mindedness they encounter. Whoopi and Liotto
play excellent role models, and the acting throughout
is superb.
The film contains wisdom about communication
with children, racial prejudice and injustice, dealing
with grief, the positive role of faith and religion in
the healing process, the evils of smoking, and more.
It is touching, humorous and serious.
Its many heart-warming moments will make you laugh and
cry. It is important to see loving people and relationships
such as these. An excellent musical soundtrack complements
this highly intelligent and meaningful story.
Caution: A parent dying and the ensuing
grief of the child makes it unsuitable for young children.
Directed by Ivan Reitman w. Kevin
Kline, Sigourney Weaver, BenKingsley, Charles Grodin,
Bonnie Hunt, Frank Langelia
Dave is a romantic comedy with a serious
political and humane message about governing and government.
Innocence and righteousness win against corrupt political
behavior - the nice guy comes out on top.
In this "Cyrano" type story, Kevin Kline
is a good-hearted community serving man who finds himself
forced to impersonate the President in a scandalous attempt
to keep the public in the dark about the real President's
illness. As he speaks for the President he starts interjecting
his own honesty and concern for the people, qualities
the real President does not possess.
The First Lady (Sigourney Weaver) is truly
concerned for the people, and is repulsed by the lack
of integrity and corruption of her husband and his advisors.
The beautiful values this film espouses warm theheart
and soul. It encourages ordinary people to contribute
something to the political process. Everyone has ideas
and beliefs that are important in a democracy. The professional
politicians who understand how the political process works
are not always the ones who will do the best thing for
the people.
We are educated about politics and enchanted
by the romance and warm-hearted comedy.
Directed by Jonathon Lynn w/Eddie Murphy,
Joe Don Baker, CynthiaHarris, James Garner This is an
unusual Eddie Murphy film - simultaneously funny, politically
incisive, and inspirational. As a low class petty con
artist who runs for Congress as a scam because there is
money in it, he shows us what seems to be a close-to-reality
portrait of politicians as common criminals. The romantic
sub plot is sweet and touching.
His campaign is hilarious and gives us
clear insight into some ofthe darker tactics used by politicians
to get elected. However, after winning, and managing to
fit in with other crooks in office, he is then confronted
by the honest intentions and integrity of people who he
represents. Slowly, he begins to feel responsibile to
them and becomes concerned about real issues and not just
accumulating power and money.
The film is a serious political statement
about the system of government today and how business
in Congress is done - showing us the "way it is." The
Capraesque screenplay of innocence gone to Washington
is brilliant and Eddie Murphy is at his best. He's extremely
loveable as a rogue, and his turnaround from slime to
integrity and caring is a joy as well as an education
for the audience. The Distinguished Gentleman explains
the pitfalls of government as well as any other film we
have seen while at the same time being a hilarious parody.
It's also about being a beneficial presence and finding
meaning in life by helping and caring for people rather
than just existing selfishly.
The film makes you think about who you
are and what principles ar eimportant in life. It discusses
environmental issues and helps you understand the nature
of the tough decisions facing politicians today. It beseeches
us to do the right thing despite pressure to the contrary
from special interest groups, and shows where the conservative
power interests lie and how money corrupts politicians,
and manages to be entertaining andh umorous throughout.
Directed by Robert Zemeckis (Back to
the Future, Peggy Sue GotMarried), w/ Tom Hanks, Sally
Fields, Gary Sinese.
Perhaps the best known Uplifting
Film of 1994, this wonderful portrait of innocence
rewarded is based on the book by Winston Groom. Hanks,
as Forrest Gump, takes us through a life of amazing achievements
and astonishing coincidences with a unique, funny and
charming sense of humanity. Forrest is a simple person
with a low IQ who acts from his heart rather than his
intellect and therefore unerringly does the loving and
right thing every time. Its basic concept is similar to
Being There.with Peter Sellers. Gump also provides
a striking vision of some of the most important historical
events of the 1950's and 60's to the present.
A whole passel of Oscars went to this
one, including best film and Hanks' second straight Oscar
for best actor. Provisio: There are some violent bloody
Vietnam War scenes which although a very small part ofthe
film are nevertheless disturbing.
Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg w.
Anne Parillaud, Matt Dillon, Gabriel Byrne
This film is an ode to life and love.
Despite some tragic events,its sheer joyous ness keeps
increasing as the film goes on. It is a very touching
depiction of many types of love and understanding.
Wartime trauma brings Bernadette, a young
French woman, to Ireland where she gives birth to a dwarfed
son "Frankie". This mother's absolute and unconditional
love for her son helps Frankie to accept who he is and
what he looks like. "We are all small in the universe"
she tells him. But the film is not about his physical
condition, it is about people, one of whom happens to
have been born a dwarf.
The adult male characters in the story
treat Frankie like a son. They respect him, love him,
and share their knowledge of life with him. Oneman (Gabriel
Byrne) shares his love of astronomy with Frankie whose
fervor and passion give us a feeling of child like wonderment
and fascination withthe beauty of the night sky.
There are exceptional women and their
triumph over pain and hardship by dint of their strong
and virtuous nature is amazing to see.They are able to
forgive and be forgiven.
Watching the beauty and depth of Frankie
as he grows is a great step towards empathetic learning.
Coming to accept our bodies as we are growing up is almost
always a challenge. When children are physically different
than others and are prejudged and treated cruelly, it
can be excessively painful. But Frankie matures with wisdom
and awareness. He explains his appearance to another child
as "just something that happens." Physical differences
don't hinder his ability to give and receive love, and
in this movie we find an amazing love story.
Proviso: an emotionally painful sex scene,
unexpected death
Directed by James Lapine; w. Judy Davis,
Hugh Grant, Mandy Patinken, Bernadette Peters.
A true historical depiction with comedy,
romance, & classical music. Nineteenth century England
is the setting for this more than a love story about George
Sand, an extremely independent woman writer, who often
wore stylish men's clothes and took a male nom de plume
in order to be published. She does not allow the mediocrity,
pettiness, and hypocrisy of ordinary life stop her from
being a sincere, loving, creative, intelligent, unique,
independent and strong spirited woman. A portion of the
film deals with her romance with Frederick Chopin. It
portrays the vicissitudes of an artist's life. Highly
inspirational for woman who dare to bedifferent.
Directed by Andrew Bergman w. Nicolas
Cage, Bridget Fonda, Rosie Perez
A romantic comedy about a New York City
policeman (Nicolas Cage) who wins the lottery, and honors
his promise to share the money witha waitress (Bridget
Fonda). Loosely based on a true story, the film has the
light hearted style of the old fashioned comedies of the
40's.
Their love story stresses the importance
of compassion as a basis for romance. Both characters
believe that it is better to give than to receive, and
neither treasures money for its own sake. Without revealing
the touching and surprising ending, we can say they are
ultimately rewarded for this philosophy. The film comically
contrasts the materialism and greed of society with the
innocence and generosity of Fonda and Cage.
These wonderful good samaritans personify
true spirituality and demonstrate the importance of integrity
and caring, especially in an environment as cynical as
New York City. Nicolas Cage shows dignity in the throes
of a bad marriage, while Bridget Fonda is angelic, strong
and independent.
It Could Happen To You portrays
faith in life, leaving you unafraid and expecting miracles.
The film's narrator Angel personifies its main message
- good things happen to good people. At the end of this
charming film, the audience applauded and left the theater
smiling.
Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci w/
Bridget Fonda, Chris Isaak, Keanu Reeves, Jo Champa
The story of Buddha, intertwined with
a parallel tale of a contemporary American boy identified
as being the reincarnation of a Tibetan Buddhist spiritual
leader. The Siddhartha legend is beautifully depicted.
An inspiring movie for all ages, it contains much love
an dwisdom. Through the eyes of the ten year old boy the
cultures of the Eastand West are brought together. We
gain insight into Buddhist principles, meditation and
reincarnation. An adventure story of the spirit rather
than the flesh.
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron w/ Eleanor Bron, Liesel Mathews,
Liam Cunningham
This is an extraordinary film for all,
but especially for young girls ages 6 - 16 It shows the
importance of faith, trusting your instincts and believing
in yourself. An 11 year old girl (Liesel Mathews,) forced
to live in a boarding school while her father is fighting
in World War I, creates a world of magical fantasy and
love for all those around her, even while suffering at
the hands of the head mistress. Every woman should see
this wisdom filled film because the young girl is an important
role model for woman. We found it totally enchanting.
Based on a novel by Francis Hodgson Burnette who wrote
The Secret Garden, (1994 film version is highly recommended.)
Another good film from Australia. A young
homely woman, trying not tobe as dysfunctional as her
family, dreams constantly of marriage and beinga desirable
women. A very funny and unique approach that displayshypocrisies
in people and society that lead young women to feelings
ofinadequacy. Although there is sadness, suicide, illness,
death and pathosin this film it is not the main focus
and the film remains uplifting. It isa film about coming
of age, finding yourself and keeping your integrity inthe
process. The heroine holds out for true love and friendship,
whiletaking care of her responsibilities and remains true
to herself. Proviso: suicide, paralizing accident, death.
Directed by Chris Columbus (Home Alone
2, Mrs. Doubtfire) w. Hugh Grant, Julianne Moore, Tom
Arnold, & Robin Williams.
A wonderful film with an important message
about fatherhood and commitment. Hugh Grant is in a loving
relationship with Julianne Moore, but is fearful of having
children - worried about changing his life, and moving
on to the next stage. Hilariously and sensitively, he
gets past it and finds something better than what he was
afraid to lose. A great film for young adults.
The dialogue is especially good when it
comes to differences between the way men and woman think
about relationships, children, etc. The filmmaker gives
you an incisive look at the limitations and drawbacks
tothe particular type of "male" thinking that Grant's
charactere mbodies - limitations which the characters
comes to recognize in the end. On the other hand the woman
discuss issues which are important to them (an dto nearly
all woman,) and appear stable, loving, and capable. It
is uplifting to see Julianne retain her integrity, strength,
and wisdom throughout, while helping Grant to mature and
become happy.
Even a silly slapstick brawling scene
has its serious message, when for example Grant and Arnold
begin fighting while their wives are in labor, showing
how aggressive tendencies can cause men to be disconnected
from important, loving things going on around them. Overall
the film is a really enjoyable light hearted evening at
the movies with the potential to do a great service for
some who are in the same mind space as the character played
by Hugh Grant.
Robin Williams shows that although he
is a very fine dramatic actor, as a comedian he has almost
no parallel. The film is worth seeing for his performance
alone. A soft and loving Julianne Moore, and an abrasive
Tom Arnold are more than engaging to watch in this well
directed film.
Directed by Simon Wincer, w. Danny
Glover, Ray Liotto, Corin Nemec.
A joyous surprise! We expected that it
might be a good kids'movie which would be reasonably tolerable
to us adults. Instead we got a great movie for nearly
eveyone. Based loosely on true events, this very original
human interest film tells the story of a group of US soldiers
who have to transport an elephant through the Vietnamese
jungles during the war.
Its amazing to see a film, set in war,
which has no onscreen killing or serious violence. The
film contains various themes, woven together interestingly,
showing brotherhood, trust, loving, friendship and faith,
and a good helping of adventure.
A story of courage, luck and good intentions,
it is very uplifting. Kids will enjoy the elephant (who
is airborne at times) and a little boy who befrends him.
The audience is deeply touched and the characters are
profound. The film is inspirational and memorable for
its scenes with the elephant and its depiction of a small
vietnamese village as well as for its unique story.
Directed by Daisy Von Scherler Mayer w. Parker Posey
An independent first feature by a woman
director about a woman (Parker Posey) finding her way
out of the party girl persona thrust upon her by the cultural
values girls are subjected to. An intelligent crazy comedy
with beautiful statements about the confusion, friendship,
pathos, problems and solutions of this generation.
If you are over 60 you will probably not
relate, but it is a must see for teenagers, 20 something
and their parents. This film is wonderfully uplifting
and funny, with serious insight into maturity, coming
of age and finding yourself. "Life is a garden and we
are all flowers." It has an excellent look despite its
low budget. Parker Posey is amazing as the young girl
finding her way from ditzdom to responsibility and integrity.
If she doesn't become a major film star it will be cinema's
loss.
This film and Clueless have many
of the same themes, but are set in totally different worlds
as far as age and social environment. "Clueless" offers
one view of a materialistic teen scene and was directed
by a seasoned Hollywood director where as "Party Girl"
offers a view of a 20 year old of the Generation X in
New Yorl's lower East Village and was directed by first
time female director with an extremely low budget. It
was wonderful to see them within a few days of one another.
Highly recommended.
Directed by John Sayles w/ Jeni Courtney,
Richard Sheridan
This mythological story takes us on a
captivating adventure that the whole family can enjoy.
Our heroine is an enchanting ten year old girl living
with her grandparents in a remote fishing village on the
Irish Coast where the local people tell fabulous tales
about seals. The characters are wise and loving and give
us insight into the past and fisherman's lives and love
of the sea.
The young girl's courage and relentlessness
as she uncovers a legend surrounding her family is spellbinding.
She undertakes and accomplishes incredible tasks with
the help of her cousin. This film is about following your
dreams and making the world a better place for those around
you. Young girls will especially enjoy this film. It is
a joyous film that will elevate your mind and heart!
Based on the children's classic by Francis
Hodgeson Burnette, the author of The Little Princess
(also highly recommended.) A magical film about a strong
willed ten year old girl who goes to live with her uncle
and cousin in the English countryside at the turn of the
century. This independent, strong and delightful character
impacts everyone around her and brings life and love to
her young cousin. Visually stunning and rewarding, the
film shows how illness and faulty belief systems can be
overcome by the power of love coupled with strength of
character. A film that all young girls should see, it
exalts the magic of nature, the power of love, and advances
a "believe in your inner feelings" ethic for young ladies.
Recommended for the whole family - all ages - to watch
together. This is a live character film, not animated,
so be careful to rent this version as there are several
on the market.
Directed by Martha Coolidge w. Patrick
Swayze, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
A mother and her two young sons experience
metaphysical magi cwhile trying to cope with the death
of their husband/father during the Korean War. Although
this film deals with illness, death and hard times it
joyously demonstrates how negative events can be turned
positive.
A kind, loving mother (Mastrantonio) feels
compelled to offer an injured drifter (Swayze) and his
dog a place to stay. This causes quite a stir in her conservative
suburban neighborhood in the 1950's. Family and friends
urge her to re-marry quickly. Neighborhood children lack
compassion for the sons' loss of their father. Their outlook
is bleak until the drifter arrives in town.
A mystical air surrounds the drifter.
His kind, gentle manner is so unlike the other men in
the neighborhood that they dismiss him as odd and distasteful.
However the mother and her sons begin experiencing magical
events with the arrival of this man and his dog. He teaches
the older son and his entire baseball team a meditative
non-aggressive approach which greatly improves their game.
Baseball becomes a metaphor for learning about life. The
younger son befriends the dog and soon learns that it
too has magical powers.
Both the mother and the drifter's patience
and non-judgemental attitudes make them terrific role
models. The mother is strong, loving and wants the best
for her children but not at the expense of her self respect.
She must choose between marrying someone she does not
love so her sons will have a father to support them, or
continuing alone and pursuing a business venture she feels
has good potential.
This film is about learning to be yourself,
appreciating all you have and the rewards of daring to
be different. The end is amazingly uplifting. You will
believe in the power of hope, magic and guardian angels
after seeing this film!
This is a film for the whole family. Children
from from age 7 can enjoy this as much as adults.
