A previous version of this article originally ran on January 13, 2008.
We’re deep in movie mania, as the top honors for this year’s filmmakers and movie stars are handed out this weekend at the Academy Awards. Slumdog Millionaire has swept the lead-up and Kate Winslet reigns supreme in the acting category. We here at Tonic like to dig a little deeper, though, and figure out which movies make us feel good, or incite change, or teach us and move us. So … in honor of the season, we’ve put together a list of 2008′s “Good” movies. Below are 10 flicks with messages of hope, inspiration, social justice and change. I’m sure there are plenty that I missed, so comment away with your best picks!
Pray the Devil Back to Hell: This documentary is a Tonic favorite and tells the world about brave and determine group of women who sought peace, justice and change in a war-torn Liberia.
Why it’s Good: These women were able to stand together and seek change rooted in nonviolence and compassion. It proves that normal people can have the power create change — politically, socially and spiritually.
Man on Wire: Telling the story of Phillipe Petit, the man who braved a mind-bending high-wire walk between the newly constructed Twin Towers in 1974, Man on Wire is truly, completely and simply inspirational and extraordinary.
Why it’s Good: You’ll leave the theater feeling like anything is possible, and will be swept away by Petit’s commitment and passion. Although our protagonist’s tunnel vision and narcissism occasionally clouded the whimsy of his vision, nothing could disguise his drive to achieve a great act of courage, beauty and wonder in his lifetime.
WALL-E: Not settling as a mindless animation pic, WALL-E is both sweet and poignant. The story of a lonely robot comments heavily on a wasteful, lazy America and the potential catastrophes that our consumption proposes.
Why it’s Good: One of my favorite films this year, hands down. It reminded me of an artistic and heart-stealing version of Idiocracy. It made me want to be better to myself, my fellows and this planet. A+.
Blindsight: I kicked myself hard when I missed this at the theater, so I must confess that I’m reacting to reviews alone. Still, it garnered so many raves that I must include it. It’s a documentary about blind Tibetans climbing Mt. Everest. What’s not to like about that?
Why it’s Good: As if the movie’s subject matter weren’t enough, the messages of culture clash and coming together is supposed to be eye-opening, heart-wrenching and utterly inspiring.
Milk: This front-runner for major awards tells the story of San Francisco’s Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to serve in elected office. His legacy of civil rights activism and social justice initiatives changed the face of politics and society and also brought a face to the gay rights movement.
Why it’s Good: This film finally sheds light on someone whose life work was to make the world a better place for a repressed and misunderstood population. He proved that one person can have a voice to start a movement to chip away at positive change in the world.
Happy Go Lucky: A short time in the life of a Brit who lives up to her name. When star Sally Hawkins accepted her Golden Globe for this film, she said that this was ultimately a love story. Also one of healing, forgiveness and happiness, I’d say.
Why it’s Good: I loved it. This one simply reminds us that being nice and having a positive attitude can really change the shape of our lives and touch the people around us. As my mother always said, “There’s nothing wrong with being nice … and being happy takes so much less energy that being angry.” Amen.
Slumdog Millionaire: Danny Boyle sends an unlikely candidate on the fast-track to fame letting a millionaire-style gameshow serve as the vehicle for a love story.
Why it’s Good: I wasn’t sure if this counts as “Good,” but the reaction has been so strong and people seem to feel so moved that I realized its effect had to be considered. At the end of the day it shows the power of the human spirit to overcome great trauma, tragedy and heartbreak, and still believe in love. I suppose if we all had so much faith in love there would be a lot less of the trauma, tragedy and heartbreak, don’t you think?
Red Gold: Tonic’s own Kiva Iscol got the chance to see this film about Alaska’s Bristol Bay and the effects that the largest proposed gold and copper mine would have on the environment and the salmon that live in the bay. It shows how complex these issues are — how a mine can affect a species and can affect the choices that major corporations make.
Why it’s Good: The movie looks beautiful and so interesting. Kiva told us that the filmmakers point out the chain reaction of development and destruction of natural resources. Apparently, major high-end jewelers like Tiffany and Cartier have already pledged not to buy or use product from the mine if it is built. Corporate social responsibility? Very good!
Autism: The Musical: This aired on HBO and not the silver screen, but still well worth inclusion. It follows an amazing group of young people with autism who use song and dance to express themselves freely and connect with others.
Why it’s Good: Some friends of mine run a camp for adults with disabilities. Over the years, they’ve shot several movies and TV pilots (How’s Your News, The Return of the Muskrats) that have gotten great coverage and even better reviews. They have made me big believers in the power of performance as a therapeutic form of community-building and self-expression. Autism: The Musical confirms this.
War/Dance: This was technically released in 2007, but didn’t really hit theaters and reviewers until 2008. Another example of the human spirit rising above horrific acts of violence and hate, War/Dance shows Ugandan youth who heal and come together through music, dance and community.
Why it’s Good: You will believe in the essential goodness of humanity despite the unfathomable horrors that plague our planet. The power of art and connection rise above the potential for reciprocal hate. It is an extraordinarily powerful and beautiful film.
