Movies: Drama

There is no ideology more anathema to Objectivism that Nazism. And nothing characterizes the evil of Nazism more than the “Final Solution” – the systematic murder of over six million Jews in death factories throughout German-occupied eastern Europe during the final years of World War II. With chilling brilliance, Conspiracy dramatize... (See the whole review)

This film is a celebration of, and tribute to, the power of great art to inspire the human spirit. The subject of the film is Greet, a servant in the house of Vermeer. Her natural intelligence and ability enables her to contribute to the creation of Vermeer's painting. This is not a factual piece but every frame reflects a respect for Vermeer's wor... (See the whole review)

This film has gotten a bad rap, plain and simple.  But plain and simple, it's amazing. ... (See the whole review)

This is the classic story of the deaf and blind Helen Keller (Patty Duke) and her teacher, Annie Sullivan (Anne Bancroft). Pitied for her handicaps and thought to be retarded, Helen has been indulged and left in ignorance, resulting in a spoiled child without any concept of language. Annie, herself raised in a home for blind and deaf children, must... (See the whole review)

The Red Shoes is based around the fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson.  It is not, however, a reproduction of that story but a development of its central theme.  And in spite of its tragic ending, the film is inspiring. ... (See the whole review)

You will never find a more chillingly suspenseful, perversely funny, or viciously satirical political thriller than The Manchurian Candidate, based on the novel by Richard Condon (author of Winter Kills). The film, withheld from distribution by star Frank Sinatra for almost a quarter century after President Kennedy's assassination, has lost none of... (See the whole review)

As a symbol of freedom and adventure, space is also a romantic frontier. The 1999 film, October Sky, based on Homer Hickam's biographical novel, Rocket Boys, illustrates the excitement, motivation, and sense of personal potential and achievement that can result when private individuals set out on their own to conquer the final frontier. Just after ... (See the whole review)

Scripted by Rand herself, this movie adaptation inevitably leaves out some elements of the novel and plays down others, but still presents the essentials of the storyline in an accessible manner.

The movie that gives the lie to that old collectivist platitude, "No man is an island."  Chuck Noland (played by Tom Hanks), an employee for FedEx, survives a terrifying plane crash and winds up deserted on a small Pacific island.  Most of the movie becomes a one-man show as Chuck applies his mind and the meager resources available to secure shelte... (See the whole review)

Truman Burbank has unknowningly lived his entire life with paid actors, surrounded by millions of cameras recording his every move and broadcasting them throughout the world. As a child, Truman displays a desire to travel and explore the world, so he is psychologically manipulated by the show's creators to fear water and any forms of travel that wo... (See the whole review)

'I will not make any deals with you. I've resigned. I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own. I resign.' Set in a surreal village located who-knows-where and  run by who-knows-whom; populated by people who once had ideas in their head that were valuable, but are now prepared to die 'like ro... (See the whole review)

With a gorgeous soundtrack by two of this century’s master musicians - ebullient jazz composer Duke Ellington, and soundtrack maestro John Barry - and lushly-stylised cinematography by the Godfather Godfather, Cotton Club simply exudes STYLE! Cotton Club integrates superbly high-spirited jazz with a story - though occasionally lacking cohesi... (See the whole review)

Whatever your political opinions may be about either of the main actors in this movie, it's brilliant and heroic nonetheless.  This film is a testimony to the power of heretical logic, and the almost limitless positivity it offers the human race. ... (See the whole review)

Feared and loathed by a world of conformity, X-Men entertainingly presents the struggle of frightened, lonely "mutant" individuals who possess superior abilities to find comfort and happiness with others of their kind. ... (See the whole review)

Even more compelling today than when it was first released, Network is a wickedly funny, dead-on indictment of the TV news media.  Winner of four Academy Awards including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Screenplay, this searing satire pulses with "vitality and a provocative excitement that is forever rare" (Charles Champl... (See the whole review)

Did you ever have a long, philosophical, intimate conversation with a person or a group of people that lasted for hours, and that was a totally life-affirming experience for you?  ... (See the whole review)

An irresistible, comic drama from director Alan Parker (Evita, Mississippi Burning), overflowing and alive with passion, humor, and music, The Commitments showcases some old R&B standards in a new light. A headstrong, fast-talking, ambitious young Dubliner (Robert Arkins) fancies himself a promoter of talent, and sets about assembling and packaging... (See the whole review)

The story of a lifelong love affair with the movies, Cinema Paradiso tells of a young boy in a small Italian village, where the only pastime is a visit to the movies at the Cinema Paradiso.  Enchanted by the flickering images, Salvatore yearns for the secret of the cinema's magic and is overjoyed when Alfredo, the projectionist, agrees to reveal th... (See the whole review)

Mel Gibson stars on both sides of the camera, playing the lead role plus directing and producing this brawling, richly detailed saga of fierce combat, tender love and the will to risk all that's precious for something more precious:  freedom.  In an emotionally charged performance, Gibson is William Wallace, a bold Scotsman who used the steel of hi... (See the whole review)

"Grave of the Fireflies" is an animated film that tells the lives of two Japanese kids, a boy and his chubby little sister, after they are orphaned by the bomb during the war in Japan.  The older brother takes on the responsibilities very naturally and in turn finds comfort in his little sister's joyful presence as he seeks ways to resolve the enor... (See the whole review)

Heartwarming British comedy-drama set in nothern England during the tumultuous miner's strike in the early 1980s. 11 year old Billy chances upon a ballet class after his weekly boxing lesson, quickly discovering a natural affinity for dancing. His teacher, struck by his surprising talent, suggests he apply to the Royal School Of Ballet. This all go... (See the whole review)

Based on the true story of ambitious Welsh poet Ellis Evans, who wrote under the pen name Hedd Wyn (which translates as "white peace"), and desired to win the chair at the Welsh National Eisteddfod. Tragically, Evans was torn from his home in rural North Wales and conscripted into the trenches of World War I, being killed just days before his submi... (See the whole review)

The oscar winning movie based around the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. The movie is a tribute to the human spirit, and the importance of following one's heart. The sense of life here is tremendous - from Jack's determination to "make it count", to the musicians continuing to play on deck as the ship sinks. There are some irritating (though... (See the whole review)

Shot in sepia-grey tones, and closeted, ulcerated detail, this film adaption of George Orwells' novel is as close to high fidelity as anyone could wish. John Hurt plays the skeletal, haunted Winston Smith exceedingly well and Suzanna Hamilton, as lover Julia, brings just the right amount of cool calculation and sex to the screen. As vainglor... (See the whole review)

A wonderful portrayal of character and the ethics of doing the right thing. A love story, a comedy, a morality play. Three outstanding performances from Holly Hunter as Jane Craig the slightly neurotic but brilliant tv producer, William Hurt as Tom Grunick the flashy, up & coming news anchor and Albert Brooks (who steals the show) as Aaron Altman t... (See the whole review)