The holiday season is upon us once again. Time for friends, family, food and thought-provoking flicks.
For those of you who prefer smarts over sexy, here's a great selection of films and documentaries that will leave you feeling more informed and more energized to bring positive change to your world. These films are available on either YouTube or Netflix and are worth watching with loved ones, or simply on your own!
Films about economic inequality
Here are a handful of films that taken together will make you both wiser, and angrier, about the North American economic system gone awry.
From rising tuition in the U.S. in the 'Ivory Tower' (Andrew Rossi, 2014), to corporations that take out insurance on their employees' lives in 'Capitalism: A Love Story' (Michael Moore, 2009), the myriad of ways fat cats have gotten fatter off deregulation is made crystal clear.
My favourite of the bunch has to be 'Inequality for All' (Jacob Kornbluth, 2013), which is modeled on Al Gore's, 'An Inconvenient Truth'. It follows former U.S. Labour Secretary Robert Reich and his explanation of all that's gone wrong economically. Expect several 'A-ha' moments.
Moore's film is a close second, with its typical incredulous and humorous narratives and poignant interviews.
'Inside Job' (Charles H. Ferguson, 2010) is an academy-award winning film exploring the same themes. Finally, you'll know what derivatives are. Lots to shake your fist at here.
Foreign films with a message
For thoughtful dramas that bring the world's realities into your home -- its joys, sorrow, and injustices- here are a select few you'll thoroughly appreciate.
'The Lunchbox' (Ritesh Batra, 2013) is a contemporary Indian love story that explores themes of marriage, divorce, work, class and generational change.
'The First Grader' (Justin Chadwick) is an exuberant yet heart-wrenching true story of an elderly man who fights for the right to be educated and becomes the oldest student to attend elementary school in Kenya.
'Omar' (Hany Abu-Assad, 2013) is another award-winning film from Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad, which explores complex themes of life in Israel and Palestine. Full of suspense, intrigue and betrayal, it's an intense drama that brings home the realities of occupation and struggle and the painful choices people in unimaginable circumstances sometimes decide to make.
Lighter in tone, but equally as compelling, 'Wadjda' (Haifaa al- Mansour, 2012) is the first feature-film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia. Hard to believe in this day and age, but the concept of a girl riding a bike still makes for a controversial subject in some parts of the world. Yet there it is. Wadjda is a 10-year-old girl who simply longs to race her male counterpart, her young, playful neighbour. Trouble is, she lives in the ultra-conservative kingdom where women are rarely seen, nor heard.
Echoing the ludicrous claims that driving a car will harm a woman's reproductive organs, everyone around the young girl warns her against wishing for the impossible. Both gender and class struggle feature heavily in this well-told tale that offers a glimpse at a world very few ever see.
Films that make you want to feel better
And what more opportune time than now to watch films that remind us all that material wealth is not the key to happiness?
Two excellent documentaries produced by Hollywood director Tom Shadyac explore both the purpose of life and the elusive search for happiness. Shadyac, best known for those comedy classics 'The Nutty Professor' and 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective', among other forgettable flicks, had an awakening of sorts which he describes in the documentary 'I AM' (Shadyac, 2009). He's also the executive producer of 'Happy' (Roko Belic, 2011), another award-winning film introducing viewers to those who have managed to find much to be grateful for in their lives (essentially unlocking the secret to their emotional well-being).
Finally, a health documentary 'Vitality' (Pedram Shojai, 2012) is the third film of this trio that complements the others by providing concrete steps and ideas about how to stay healthy and vital. While the narrative is a bit stiff and feels slightly canned, the content is still worthwhile. It's particularly timely for those of us who make New Year's resolutions to improve our health. This year, you might just be able to keep 'em.
On that note, best wishes for a healthy, happy, and well-informed new year!
To suggest films for review, email Amira@rabble.ca or tweet her at @AmiraElghawaby
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