My Movie ListTina Warren

Schindler’s ListStars Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph FiennesDirector Steven SpielbergMusic by John WilliamsYear 1993Released by UniversalOskar Schindler is a vain, glorious and greedy German businessman who becomes unlikely humanitarian amid the barbaric Nazi reign when he feels compelled to turn his factory into a refuge for Jews. Based on the true story of Oskar Schindler who managed to save about 1100 Jews from being gassed at the Auschwitz concentration camp. A testament for the good in all of us. Written by Harald Mayr[IMDB.COM]

I believe that everyone should watch this film. It is one of thegreatest of our time. The story is compelling and provocative.The acting superb. One of Spielberg’s best! I also believe thatit is important to retell events from the past, even if they arehorrific. People need to be reminded of our history so thatatrocities such as the genocide that occurred during theHolocaust are not repeated.

Philadelphia Stars Tom Hanks, Denzel WashingtonDirector Jonathan DemmeYear 1993

Andrew Beckett, a gay lawyer infected with AIDS, is fired from his conservative law firm in fear that they might contract AIDS from him. After Andrew is fired, in a last attempt for peace, he sues his former law firm with the help of a homophobic lawyer, Joe Miller. Written by Geoffrey Middleton[IMDB.COM]

This is another heart-wrenching story that I think is worthyof viewing by every single human being. The film was done at the height of the AIDS epidemic when people were still ignorant of the disease. It shows how fear can rule us. It is a sad story, but ultimately the message is a positive one.It is about living life to the fullest and making it meaningful. I think this is Tom Hanks most powerful performance.

The Shawshank Redemption

Stars Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob GuntonDirector Frank DarabontYear 1994

Andy Dufresne is a young and successful banker whose life changes drastically when he is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife and her lover. Set in the1940's, the film shows how Andy, with the help of his friend Red,the prison entrepreneur, turns out to be a most unconventional prisoner.Written by Martin Lewison[IMDB.COM]

Stephen King is one of my favorite writers so when I heard they were doing this film I was ecstatic. They could not have picked a more perfect cast. This is probably my number one pick. This film is not full of special effects. It needs none. It is a simple story about hope, friendship and redemption. Just as StephenKing is one of the most influential writers of my life, this film based on his work is the most influential film of my life. I cannot fathom that anyone would leave this movie feeling disappointed.

Sling BladeStars Billy Bob Thorton, J.T. Walsh, Dwight YoakamDirector Billy Bob ThortonYear 1996

Thornton plays Karl Childers, a mildly retarded man who spent most of his life in a mental institution. When Karl was a boy, he was severely mistreated by his abusive father (Robert Duvall). At age 12, Karl found his mother having intercourse with a man who tormented him endlessly; he snapped, flew into a homicidal rage, and killed both individuals by decapitating them. Years later, as a middle-aged man, Karl is deemed harmless to society and released from the mental institution where he resides. Karl sayshe has learned his lesson and adds, "I reckon I got no reason to kill no one." He returns to the town of his boyhood, where he's befriended by Frank (Lucas Black), the son of a widowed mother who sees the eccentric but open-hearted Karl as a kindred spirit.[IMDB.COM]

This is one of those films you either love or hate. I loved it. The story and the characters seem simple on the surface, but are verycomplex. Carl is prone to violence, but he is probably the mostpure and honorable character in the film. A must see.

Forrest GumpStars Tom Hanks, Gary Senise, Robin WrightDirector Robert ZemeckisYear 1994

A picaresque story of a simpleton's charmed odyssey through 30 years of tumultuous American history, Forrest Gump is whimsy with a strong cultural spine.[IMDB.COM]

Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors and he does not disappoint in this film. I cannot imagine anyone other than Hanksplaying the title role in Forrest Gump. He was superb. The film isone of my favorites because it truly has something for everyone. There is action, adventure, history, laughter, love and tears.

The ultimate message of the story is one of integrity. Forrest does not allow society to define him. He defies the odds,breaks barriers and does what is right no matter what the circumstances. He does not compromise his integrity and I thinkthat each of us wishes that we could be more like him.

Dead Poet’s SocietyStars Robin Williams, Ethan HawkeDirector Peter WeirYear 1989

Painfully shy Todd Anderson has been sent to the school where his popular older brother was valedictorian. His room-mate, Neil, although exceedingly bright and popular, is very much under the thumb of his overbearing father. The two, along with their other friends, meet Professor Keating, their new English teacher, who tells them of the Dead Poets Society, and encourages them to go against the status quo. Each, in their own way, does this, and are changed for life.[IMDB.COM]

This film could quite possibly change your life. It is poetry on film. Robin Williams gives a stellar performance that encourages peopleto seize the moment, live life to the fullest, and stand up for what you believe in no matter how hard that may be. There are some sad moments in the film, but the message you take away is one that is uplifting, if not life changing.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Stars Brad Pitt, Cate BlanchettDirector David FincherYear 2008

Daisy Williams (nee Fuller) is on her deathbed in a New Orleans hospital. At her side is her adult daughter, Caroline. Daisy asks Caroline to read to her aloud the diary of Daisy's lifelong friend, Benjamin Button. Benjamin's diary recounts his entire exceptional life, the primary unusual aspect of which was his aging backwards, being diagnosed with several aging diseases at birth and thus given little chance of survival, but who does survive and gets younger with time.[IMDB.COM]

This is another film that people either love or hate. It is a bitslow moving at times, but you will be rewarded for your patience. One of the things that I found remarkable about this film was that it seemed so real. There is an element of fantasy to it, people do not age backwards, but the characters are so compelling that you never question it. The story teaches use that age is just a number, and that love can transcend all things.

American History XStars Edward Norton, Edward FurlongDirector Tony KayeYear 1998

Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two thugs who tried to break into/steal his truck. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.[IMDB.COM]

This film is not easy to watch, some of the scenes are extremely violent, but it is an accurate portrayal of racism in America. This film is as profound as Schindler’s list, but may be more difficult forus to watch, because it hits too close to home. We don’t want to admit that these horrible things still happen in America. What I love about this movie is that it shows the ability that people havefor change, remorse and redemption.

The Green MileStars Tom Hanks, Michael Clark-DuncanDirector Frank DarabontYear 1999

The story about the lives of guards on Death Row leading up to the execution of a black man accused of child murder and rape, who has the power of faith-healing.[IMDB.COM]

Another film based on a novel by Stephen King. The Green Mile isright up there with Shawshank Redemption in terms of both actingAnd filmography. It is beautifully adapted and stays true to the story.This book and film is one of the first things that made me really question the death penalty. I had doubts before, but this film made me really think about what it means to make a mistake when whatis at stake is another life.

It is about life and death. It is about the gifts and kindness that are contained within the human spirit, if we only bother to look. But itis also about the cold reality of the fact that people are flawed, quick to judge and slow to admit they are wrong.

What Dreams May ComeStars Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr, Annabella SciorraDirector Vincent WardYear 1998

Chris Neilson dies to find himself in a heaven more amazing than he could have ever dreamed of. There is one thing missing: his wife. After he dies, his wife, Annie killed herself and went to hell. Chris decides to risk eternity in hades for the small chance that he will be able to bring her back to heaven.[IMDB.COM]

Aside from being one of the most visually breathtaking films that I have ever seen, What Dreams May Come is also one of the most thought-provoking. Robin Williams gives a heart-wrenchingPerformance that will convince you of the idea of a soul mate andever lasting love.

The love that Chris (Robin Williams) has for his wife is the kind of love that we all dream about. He is literally willing to walk throughhell for her and to spend eternity there to be with her, if that is what it takes. Have the tissues ready when you watch.