Not many subjects have made for memorable entertainment like impoverishment. Since the 1970’s, impoverished families have often made for movies. Whether it’s housekeepers, impoverished fathers or stockbrokers, the genre has created many characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about poverty that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Slumdog Millionaire
India is a misunderstood country that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a friend that would often criticize movies that gave India a bad image. Born in the poverty-stricken slums of Mumbai, he was always very critical of dark movies that depicted his country. An Indian without fear, he once had big dreams of being a famous millionaire. He would argue movies were an art form that could never capture the beauty of a great country that had held a precious place in his heart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the hardships faced by individuals living in impoverishment causing despair as powerfully as “Slumdog Millionaire”. Ever since its release in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about impoverishment. With the greatest film of his career, Boyle used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an impoverished Indian boy’s journey to become a successful millionaire. Boyle has always had an aptitude for making movies about poverty putting lives of people in danger, and “Slumdog Millionaire” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jamal is overcome with joy after he miraculously wins the game show becoming a millionaire in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great performance by Dev Patel, who portrayed an Indian boy seeking to become a millionaire. Ultimately, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” my favourite film about poverty of all-time is its appeal. Unlike most movies set in India that are targeted towards citizens of the country, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 20 years after the release of an iconic film about a orphan seeking to be a millionaire, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making great movies about which audiences commonly care.
2. Parasite
Impoverishment often impacts housekeepers. Years ago, my family faced grief when we found our housekeeper was a thief. I remember a housekeeper that treated my family in a generous manner. My grandparents were shocked when they found the housekeeper they trusted fully had stolen jewelry. As someone that has witnessed the barriers of poverty housekeepers fight, I adored “Parasite”. Released in 2019, Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning drama captured social class barriers affecting families in South Korea. Bong Joon-ho effectively uses symbolism to capture the plight of a parasitic family seeking money in a country divided by social inequality. For instance, the scene in which the Kim family hatch a plan to plant parasitic peaches to get ride of the Park family’s housekeeper causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Song Kang-Ho, who embodied a father facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be South Korean to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about social inequality which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of the parasite poverty barriers families in South Korea fight, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies that deserve spotlight.
3. Pride & Prejudice
Jane Austen is a legendary author whose literature always impressed my mother. I remember bonding with a mother that appreciated the author in English literature. She was drawn towards the sense and sensibility of an author that shaped her identity. My mother would always take pride in stories written by an author without any prejudice. Impoverishment has always been a prominent theme in Austen’s books and it is most evident in “Pride & Prejudice”. Released in 2005, Joe Wright’s movie honoured Jane Austen’s most celebrated book. Wright has an aptitude for adapting classic literature into compelling movies, and “Pride & Prejudice” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth confronts Mr. Darcy in the rain about destroying her sister’s marriage causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a bold performance by Kiera Knightley, who embodied a commemorated heroine. Ultimately, what makes “Pride and Prejudice” a commemorated adaptation is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Jane Austen to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries after the publication of a classic book about prejudiced women developing romantic relationships showcasing pride, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to leave audiences satisfied.
4. Moonlight
Gay people often face poverty that comes with a painful price to pay. Years ago, I witnessed hardships faced by a gay cousin that sought acceptance in Toronto. Raised in a poor middle-class family, he always kept his sexual identity shrouded in secrecy. Fond of wearing women’s feminine attire, he was a person that my entire family would admire. As someone treasuring a gay cousin that faced poverty’s plight, I appreciated “Moonlight”. Released in 2016, Barry Jenkins’ movie depicted bullying experienced by LGBTQ communities. Jenkins uses captivating montages to capture a black teenager that is bullied for his identity. For instance, the scene in which Chiron has a breakdown throwing a chair over a bully’s head causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Ashton Sanders, who embodies a poor homosexual African-American adolescent struggling to find acceptance in society. Ultimately, what makes “Moonlight” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be members of the LGBTQ community to appreciate it. A fantastic portrait of frightening barriers of poverty that queer teenagers in America fight, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has made strong movies shining light on the heartbreaking issues of impoverishment which deserve spotlight.
5. The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games is a legendary book about poverty that my cousin always loved dearly. I remember forming strong bonds with a cousin that loved a book series he considered to be iconic literature. A huge fan of Katniss Everdeen, he always spoke fondly about a book series that became a pivotal part of his routine. In 2012, Gary Ross honoured the iconic book about competitive games in his movie “The Hunger Games”. Ross used captivating montages capturing hardships that a teenager living in an impoverished district of society is facing. For instance, the scene in which Katniss volunteers as tribute participating in the games causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Jennifer Lawrence, who embodied a teenage girl facing an impoverished experience. Ultimately, what makes “The Hunger Games” a captivating classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book series to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about government corruption which would resonate with everyone. As strong as arrows used by Katniss Everdeen, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies that deserve to be seen on big-screen.
6. Beasts of No Nation
Impoverishment often causes children living in Africa to face trauma. Africa has built an image of being a country where citizens often face consequences of poverty. The hardships of poverty faced by children raised in Africa are beautifully depicted in the movie “Beasts of No Nation”. Released in 2015, Cary Joji Fukunaga’s movie depicted African children living in poverty. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Beasts of No Nation” stand out is its depiction of Africa. Fukunaga used captivating montages capturing hardships that orphan African children are facing. Assisted by Idris Elba who is exceptional in the lead role, Fukunaga captured orphaned children in Africa. As strong as guns used by Agu, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences commonly value.
7. The Great Gatsby
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about poverty, it’s worth discussing The Great Gatsby. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of adapting the book in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of the 1920’s. Luhrmann uses voice-over narration to capture the life of a mysterious millionaire overcoming poverty in the 1920’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours an iconic book published years ago. A great adaptation of a famous book about millionaires that are mysterious, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured bold movies which audiences consider precious.
8. The Pursuit of Happiness
Unemployment can affect fathers’ abilities to care for children. Several years ago, my friend’s father lose his job at BlackBerry causing sorrow. As someone recalling a father that struggled to ensure his children’s pursuit of happiness, I adored “The Pursuit of Happiness”. Released in 2006, Gabriele Muccino’s movie depicted fathers living in poverty. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Pursuit of Happiness” stand out is its depiction of fathers. Muccino uses voice-over narration to capture a father struggling to provide for his son in a dire economic situation. Assisted by Will Smith who is exceptional in the lead role, Muccino created a captivating fatherhood drama. As strong as Chris’ pursuit of happiness, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced commemorated movies contributing to greater poverty awareness.
9. The White Tiger
Housekeepers facing impoverishment are common in India. India has built an image of being a country where housekeepers are often treated poorly by masters causing damage. The negative treatment of housekeepers in India treated in an unfair manner is beautifully depicted in the movie “The White Tiger”. Released in 2021, Ramin Bahrani’s movie captured housekeepers in India. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The White Tiger” stand out is its depiction of India. Bahrani uses captivating narration capturing poverty housekeepers in India are facing. Assisted by Adarsh Gourav who is amazing in the lead role, Bahrani created a portrait of India. A powerful portrait of housekeepers facing poverty in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing great movies attracting audiences towards cinema.
10. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Few movies ever made about children overcoming poverty are as beloved as “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. Released in 1971, Mel Stuart’s movie honoured a legendary book about poverty. Stuart used captivating musical numbers capturing hardships impoverished children visiting chocolate factories are facing. Assisted by Gene Wilder who is amazing in the lead role, Stuart honoured Roald Dahl’s book. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s fantastical depiction of children overcoming poverty visiting a chocolate factory has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As precious as Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making memorable movies about poverty which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 