This year Oscar turns 80 and with big show less than 5 days away I thought it might be nice to reflect on years past. Thus, I present to you the Top 10 Oscar Best Picture Winners That Inspire. Each title is listed along with the year it won.
Did I miss your favorite? Leave a comment with your pick for the most inspiring Best Picture winner and I’ll post the best comments next week on the Takepart Blog
1. Gandhi 1982 (directed by Richard Attenborough) - It makes sense that a biopic of one of the world’s most inspiring people would also be inspirational itself. Ben Kingsley gives an outstanding performance as Mahatma Gandhi, the lawyer turned activist and leader that confronted the British and urged for non-violent protest. In a way, I think it all comes down to this quote:
Gandhi: “Whenever I despair, I remember that the way of truth and love has always won. There may be tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they may seem invincible, but in the end, they always fail. Think of it: always.”
and learn more about the teachings of Gandhi.
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2. All Quiet on the Western Front 1929-1930 (directed by Lewis Milestone) - A striking meditation on the true nature of war, Milestone’s movie looks at a group of fresh German soldiers that sign up for World War I after a teacher talks them into enlisting. The journey of the young soldiers highlights war in a realistic way, and even examines what happens to soldiers when they return home. I would call this one of the first major anti-war films, and so would one of main characters, Paul:
Paul Bäumer: You still think it’s beautiful to die for your country. The first bombardment taught us better. When it comes to dying for country, it’s better not to die at all.
to learn about peace and the current anti-war movement.
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3. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest 1975 (directed by Milos Forman) - The story of a rebel names R.P McMurphy, who instead of going to jail on a statutory rape charge convinces the guards he’s crazy and gets himself transferred to a mental hospital, doesn’t seem especially inspiring on the surface. But when you a delve little deeper and get to know the movie better, it becomes clear that R.P. McMurhpy does more than just cause trouble, he gives the other residents of the hospital a new outlook on life - which for many of them is priceless, especially the Chief:
Chief Bromden: Mac… they said you escaped. I knew you wouldn’t leave without me. I was waiting for you. Now we can make it, Mac; I feel big as a damn mountain.
to learn about an awesome organization that is working to bring art and other cultural activities to folks like the characters in the film.
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4. Lawrence of Arabia 1962 (directed by David Lean) - Peter O’Toole’s T.E. Lawrence is one of my favorite movie haracters of all time. The movie itself is an epic and moving account of Lawrence’s experiences working with the Arabs to fend off attacks from the Turks. It is also one of the most beautiful films ever photographed. A fascinating character study, the film speaks to never giving up and to living life to the fullest, evem if it means defying convention and tradition:
T.E. Lawrence: There may be honor among thieves, but there’s none in politicians.
and learn more about how money is being spent for Arab aid.
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5. The Best Years of Our Lives 1946 (directed by William Wyler) - When a solider, sailer and pilot return home after serving in WWII they have trouble readjusting to their old lives. A classic film filled with great performances, drama and tears, The Best Years of Our Lives presents an honest take on what it means to go to war for all soldiers and their families:
Butch Engle: Give ‘em time, kid; they’ll catch on. You know your folks’ll get used to you, and you’ll get used to them. Then everything’ll settle down nicely. Unless we have another war. Then none of us have to worry because we’ll all be blown to bits the first day. So cheer up, huh?
to help make sure soldiers have what they need to re-adjust to civilian life.
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6. Amadeus 1984 (directed by Milos Forman) - The movie itself might be based on a somewhat depressing subject, the early death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the myth that Antonio Salieri drove him to his death, but what has always made this an inspirational film to me is how it illustrates the power of music. Both Mozart and Salieri live for their music and love creating it, thus adding more beauty to all of our worlds. The darkness of the film could never outshine the light that emanates from the songs Mozart writes:
Mozart: Sire, only opera can do this. In a play if more than one person speaks at the same time, it’s just noise, no one can understand a word. But with opera, with music… with music you can have twenty individuals all talking at the same time, and it’s not noise, it’s a perfect harmony!
and buy some Mozart and enjoy enjoy enjoy!
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7. How Green Was My Valley 1941 (directed by John Ford) - A film about transition and evolving societies, John Ford tells the story of a Welsh mining village and of the struggles the people in the town face everyday. As the world changes, the tight-knit community also changes and faces economic hardship. Regardless of of how hard life is, the Morgan family sticks together and reminds all of us of the importance of family and community:
Huw Morgan: There is no fence nor hedge around time that is gone. You can go back and have what you like of it, if you can remember. So I can close my eyes on my valley as it is today, and it is gone, and I see it as it was when I was a boy. Green it was, and possessed of the plenty of the Earth. In all Wales, there was none so beautiful. Everything I ever learned as a small boy came from my father and I never found anything he ever told me to be wrong or worthless. The simple lessons he taught me are as sharp and clear in my mind as if I had heard them only yesterday.
and learn how you can create community and family with Big Brother/Big Sisters
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8. All the King’s Men 1949 (directed by Robert Rossen) - The story of Willie Stark is one that lives by the phrase “power tends to corrupt.” Stark begins his political career in a rural area preaching against corruption and greed. As he delves deeper into the political system Stark has trouble keeping his populist promises and ends up being just another cog in the machines. Told from the point of view of a journalist, All the King’s Men is a film that inspires political dialogue and political action.
Jack Burden: What’s so special about him?
Madison, the Editor: They say he’s an honest man.
and take control of who represents you in political office.
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9. Kramer vs. Kramer 1979 (directed by Robert Benten) - Dustin Hoffman and Justin Henry steal the show as a father and son that have been deserted by their wife/mother (Meryl Streep) and have to figure out how to live together. Hoffman’s workaholic Ted Kramer doesn’t know how to manage a career with being a father, but as the film progresses, he soon realizes that his son means everything to him. When Mrs. Kramer comes back they have to fight for custody and Ted must prove that gender doesn’t mean anything when it comes to parenting. Kramer vs. Kramer is a delightful film that could convince any workaholic parent that family is just as important as success.
[Ted is having lunch with his boss]
Ted Kramer: So the other morning, I’m at the refrigerator… you know, getting Billy ready for school. So I’m just in my underwear and he notices I’ve lost weight. And he comes in and pats me. He comes up to here
[touches his stomach]
Ted Kramer: , and he says “Daddy, you’ve really lost a lot of weight”, he looks up at me and he says “And it’s all gone to your nose.”
[laughs]
Ted Kramer: He was so cute. You know?
and learn how you can help children who have no family.
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10. Annie Hall 1977 (directed by Woody Allen) - This selection may be a bit of a stretch, but alas I’m a cinephile and I had to pick one for me and my kind. Woody Allen directs and stars as Alvy Singer in this story of relationships and their pitfalls. Filled with quirks and quintessential Allen humor, Annie Hall can inspire people who have gone through a break-up, those who love New York City, those that simply need a good laugh or those who go to the movie theater a little too often.
Alvy Singer: [narrating] After that it got pretty late, and we both had to go, but it was great seeing Annie again. I… I realized what a terrific person she was, and… and how much fun it was just knowing her; and I… I, I thought of that old joke, y’know, the, this… this guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, “Doc, uh, my brother’s crazy; he thinks he’s a chicken.” And, uh, the doctor says, “Well, why don’t you turn him in?” The guy says, “I would, but I need the eggs.” Well, I guess that’s pretty much now how I feel about relationships; y’know, they’re totally irrational, and crazy, and absurd, and… but, uh, I guess we keep goin’ through it because, uh, most of us… need the eggs.
Add more laughter to your life, and catch up on those Woody Allen films you’ve been meaning to see.
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Tagged as:All Quiet on the Western Front • Alvy Singer • Amadeus • Annie Hall • Ben Kingsley • Best Picture • BigBrothers/BigSisters. All the King's Men • Butch Engle • Deavid Lean • Dustin Hoffman • Gandhi • How Green Was My Valley • IVAW • John Ford • Jsutin Henry • Kramer vs. Kramer • Lawrence of Arabia • Lewis Milestone • Meryly Streep • Milos Forman • Mozart • New York City • One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest • Oscar • Paul Baumer • Peter O'Toole • R.P. McMurphy • Richard Attenborougj • Robert Benten • Robert Rossen • Salieri • The Best Years of Our Lives • UFPJ • WIlliam Wyler • Willie Stark • Woody Allen • WWII
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Gina,
Thanks for inspiring this couple, now in our eighties. Though we haven’t set the world on fire, it is too easy to become a little jaded and burn out in personal relationships and with causes. All our years of experience notwithstanding, we still need inspiration not only from “the Book,” but also from entertaining movies. You really found some good ones, too. Tomorrow I shall join the decades younger mellenium generation and help pave the way for Obama. Meantime, this marital team may as well lighten up and “go for the eggs.”
The B & G Team in SCC[...] Top 10 Oscar Best Picture Winners That Inspire [...]
Supporting the Best Supporting Actor Nominees | TakePart Blog Network February 21, 2008 | 11:32 am ESTMovies and links to social outreach and change…you’ve got it all! Though jaded on the whole Academy Awards, I still can’t help getting so darned excited about the whole darned thing…kind of like Charlie Brown and the football. I am going to watch all the ones I haven’t seen (I put my tail between my legs as I say this), and get pumped for the AA’s. Also, it was so sweet what that couple in their 80’s said about your post. Hooray!
SalbrowskiGandhi was a great pick for number one! I loved it and loved the essence of the man. I was going to include him in my Many Powerful Men poem, but didn’t because I assumed only live men could help save our planet for my children.
lora brunckeWhat do I know!
Peaceful Pacifism!
We all have to die, so why kill each other?
I just read on Dr. Suzuki’s blog this quote from Gandhi:
“First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you.. and then you win.”
I think we are close to the finish line because many are now using agressive tactics to fight what’s right.
I love Amadeus! But my favorite Best PIcture winner (even though it isn’t so inspirational) is Hitchcock’s Rebecca
MariaGandhi thought the Native South Africans belonged at the bottom of the social structure, and he left South Africa because the Whites treated the Indians the same as the Blacks.
VincentDo Best Picture nominees count? If so, the list must include Zorba The Greek. 40+ years later, when things don’t go the way I’d like them to, I think of Anthony Quinn roaring “We’re Greek! We dance!”
GlennThe shame! No Shawshank redemption? No Papillion? No Les Miserables? No Count of Montecristo, Grapes of Wrath, or even a pashing reference to Big Fish? Hmm your list seems one that is best described as “classic, larger than life, slow-paced, looong films… that may inspire you if you manage to stay awake.” Sorry for the harsh words, but in my view, inspirational pictures deliver a strong punch, sharp bite, and a lasting sting - hardly the stuff of most (if not all) of the films in your list.
Everything listed here is good-no, make that great, but, with the exception of “All Quiet on the Western Front”, and “All the King’s Men”, they fail to come close to any of the fils I’ve listed above… or even “Rocky”. As a list of films that you should not miss, it is a good one, though.
edThere are as many movies that did not win Oscars that are equally inspiring, or great value, 2001: Space Odyssey is one.
Marv GozumIts one reason movie aficionados should not support Oscars, and it should return to its roots as an internal award for the industry. It props up awardees as ‘great’ to the expense of others appearing less great, is this a true condition?
These are all great films, and I don’t know which to drop, but Chariots of Fire is a simply amazing, inspiring movie.
MarkAfter Gandhi appeared here and on Dr. David Suzuki’s blog, I wrote him and Einstein back into my Powerful Men Poem.
Here is the verse and the beginning is at the end.
Powerful Dead Men
Gandhi, one holy man above, really inspires me.
We will have peace, if you will look, to see what we see!
Einstein was a master of math with scientific mind.
Who would use his ideas for war?. That was so unkind!
Abe Lincoln loved the many colours and nature of man.
His vision was one of justice, of which I am a fan.
John Lennon shared his passion for our world peace.
His words and his music give me so much release!
George Harrison, my first love, harmonized guitar
And sang for the Beatles. Now I wish upon his star.
Bob Marley wrote reggae for peace among all races.
I think he wanted to see a smile on all of our faces.
Dr. Suess wrote that Horton Heard A WHO,
The Cat in the Hat with Green Eggs and Ham, too.
John Belushi, Blues Brother, did his last speedball.
Surrounded by those who loved him. Did his saviour call?
Walt Disney, story teller and man with a dyslexic gift.
Shared the truth with love to give all his kids a lift.
Love Lora Bruncke
Many Powerful Men
A never ending poem
Inspired by women friends
Many powerful men with compassion, want the world to change.
I know that these men together, will bring survival into range!
A few who rule our countries, have lost conscience and common sense.
Powerful men can get them to stand down. Why are these rulers so dense?
David Suzuki, scientist, zoologist, and geneticist so bold!
Wants nature to survive bad business, or many species will fold!
Nobel Peace Prize winner, Al Gore, took carbon for his cause.
He tried to convince politicians to learn atmospheric laws.
Stephen Hawking with his genius, is astronomer extraordinare.
He investigates the universe; for the truth he has utmost care!
Paul McCartney inspires. He and the Beatles sang great songs,
Of freedom, love and peace, hoping one would right the world’s wrongs!
Jimmy Carter was a president, who thought we should use less oil.
Then and now he speaks out, against all businesses who spoil!
Bruce Cockburn, militant musician, uses his guitar instead of a gun.
He sings all people are equal to him and believes we could all live as one.
Neil Young sings Living with War. He refuses to silence his voice,
For freedom for all to live and let live. Most of us have got the choice.
George Clooney is spreading the truth, through film. He wants life more fair.
He produces and acts for mankind. His good looks give me reason to stare!
Noam Chomsky, a linguist at large, shares truth about corruption most high.
Stories that intrigue and inspire us all to take less. Now I do know why.
Nelson Mandela was punished by law for standing up as a man.
He has prayed that all men be just. I am sure that white man can!
Richard Gere brought compassion and peace with Buddhist friends.
To Atlanta, Georgia, to leaders and to me. Love he defends!
Sean Connery, sexy secret agent and extraordinary gentleman,
Gives to his country and education. He can help, I know he can.
Wayne Gretzky, hockey great and family man, helps kids when he can.
Skating was passion and his joy of the thrill, for each and every fan!
David R. Ford has researched sex and drugs by nature. He and I agree
Prohibition is a stupid law. God made it, so it should be free for me.
………
If all those above could just get together. They have right on their side.
Maybe they can stop war, poverty and abuse for all victims nations wide.
And all over the world where man has made a few mistakes and not cared.
We may have a chance to survive. So let’s have PEACE ON EARTH declared!
Love Lora Bruncke
More for
Many Powerful Men
Stephen Lewis wants help with HIV/AIDS.
Campaigning for Africa before her lite fades.
Bill Gates gives aid to Africa. Why?
Hardware, software, he is tech, most high.
Edward Hooper wrote The River for AID.
The source, of course, we must not evade.
Don Cheadle is another FOR AFRICA star.
He ACTs for all kind and inspires from afar.
Powerful Musical Men
Bob Dylan knows what’s blowing in the wind; he sings answers for us all.
Some ignore his visions, but he is right: A hard rain’s a-gonna fall.
Bruce Springsteen is the boss. For the working class he takes his stand,
Playing powerful guitar, friends at his side, for his American land.
Bob Geldof told world leaders that they need to help all others.
He created Live 8, a world musical event, to help us save our brothers.
Bono, with Dublin friends, sings at a place called Vertigo, and will
Until the end of the world, with or without you, running to stand still.
Bon Jovi is a singing man, who should become an American politician.
He has power, looks, and charisma. His government needs a musician!
More Powerful Men
Michael Moore, master of documenting fact,
Is trying to encourage US to try a new tact.
Kevin Trudeau thinks it is all about the money!
What he sees as poison some market as honey!
Bill Clinton was tried for trying to protect
His family. For him and them, I have great respect!
Marc Emery sold his bold seeds for change.
To grow the best drug Mother could arrange!
Barry Cooper wants all drug wars to end.
Marijuana is a natural way for our life to mend!
Barack Obama, politician, anti-war from the start.
Wants to “Bring ‘em Homeâ€! and play the lead part!
Love Lora Bruncke
lora bruncke