Not many genres have achieved popularity of poverty. Since the 1970’s, impoverished families have often made for engaging movies. Whether it’s parasitic housekeepers, impoverished fathers or Wall Street 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. Parasite
Housekeepers have impacted my family. Several years ago, my grandparents faced emotions of grief when they found that their beloved housekeeper was a thief. I remember that he was a generous housekeeper that would often tend to my grandparents’ needs in a kind-hearted manner. However, my housekeeper’s strong bond with my family ended when he engaged in grim criminal behaviour. My grandparents were shocked to find that he had stolen precious jewelry. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured parasite poverty affecting families as powerfully as “Parasite”. Ever since its release in 2019, Bong Joon-ho’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about poverty. With the greatest film of his career, Bong Joon-ho used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an impoverished Korean family facing despair. Bong Joon-ho has always had an aptitude for making great movies about poverty in his home country, and “Parasite” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Bong Joon-ho effectively used symbolism to capture a poor Korean family impacted by poverty causing tragedy. For instance, the scene in which the Kim family’s house is destroyed by a frightening flood causing a nerve-wracking dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Song Kang-ho, who demonstrated a desperate Korean man seeking to commit grim crimes to provide for his family. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” my favourite poverty film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies occurring in South Korea that are targeted towards citizens of the country, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a heartbreaking message concerning frightening inequalities which would resonate with everyone. A phenomenal portrait of parasite challenges that housekeepers in South Korea fight, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies acknowledging impoverishment which deserve to achieve the newsworthy spotlight.
2. Slumdog Millionaire
India is a misunderstood country that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. At an early age, I formed bonds with a friend that would criticize movies giving India a bad image. Born in Mumbai slums, he was critical of movies depicting his country. He believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour a country holding a special place in his heart. As someone treasuring a friend that sought to become an Indian millionaire, I adored “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie captured poverty in India. Boyle effectively used real-life locations across India to capture the downtrodden lives of impoverished orphans in the country. For instance, the scene in which Jamal is overcome with joy after he 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 an incredible performance from Dev Patel, who played a poor Indian boy seeking to become a millionaire. Ultimately, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” a classic is its depiction of India. Unlike most movies about India, it tackles strong themes that would resonate with everyone. It delivers a bold message about poverty in India which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jamal’s desire to be a millionaire, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made movies about which audiences commonly care.
3. The Pursuit of Happiness
Fathers are powerful figures that shape children’s futures. As far as I remember, I have always shared bonds with my father. A role model, he motivated me to achieve dreams that I am pursuing. I appreciate sacrifices he has made in business in order to ensure my pursuit of happiness. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father in the pursuit of happiness, I appreciated “The Pursuit of Happiness”. Released in 2006, Gabriele Muccino’s movie captured dedicated fathers. Muccino uses captivating montages to capture an impoverished father working hard in business to ensure his son’s happiness. For instance, the final scene in which Chris receives the joyous news that he has been hired for his job in media is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Will Smith, who embodied a father seeking to ensure his son’s bright future. Ultimately, what makes “The Pursuit of Happiness” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Chris’ pursuit of happiness, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced movies raising awareness about poverty which have always given audiences lasting feelings of happiness.
4. Moonlight
Gay people often face poverty that comes with a painful price to pay. Years ago, I witnessed the hardships faced by a gay cousin that sought acceptance in Toronto. Fond of wearing women’s feminine attire, he was a person that my entire family would admire. He would often be bullied in school due towards his poverty-stricken upbrgining. As someone treasuring a gay cousin that had bullies to fight, 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 grows up in a lifestyle of poverty. 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 queer black boy struggling to find acceptance in society. Ultimately, what makes “Moonlight” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. It delivers a bold message about importance of finding identity which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be members of the LGBTQ community to appreciate it. A fantastic portrait of barriers experienced by poverty-stricken teenagers that are gay, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies that deserve appreciation today.
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 movies that definitely deserve to be seen on big-screen.
6. Blood Diamond
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 consequences faced by men that smuggle diamond artifacts in poverty-stricken Africa are beautifully depicted in the movie “Blood Diamond”. Released in 2006, Edward Zwick’s movie offered a powerful portrait of poverty in Africa. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Blood Diamond” stand out is its depiction of Africa. Zwick uses captivating montages capturing hardships African diamond smugglers are facing. Assisted by Djimon Hounsou who is exceptional in the lead role, Zwick created a captivating drama. As precious as diamonds Africans value, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies which make audiences’ dreams come true.
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 commonly precious.
8. Saltburn
Social inequality is a tradition that is common in Britain. Britain has built an image of being a country that follows traditions of social inequality. The struggles faced by lower-class people seeking to earn prosperity in Britain are beautifully depicted in the movie “Saltburn”. Released in 2023, Emerald Fennell’s movie offered a powerful portrait of social disparity in the country. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Saltburn” stand out is its depiction of wealth. Fennell uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a wealthy family owning an estate is facing. Assisted by Barry Keoghan who is amazing in lead role, Fennell captured social disparity in Britain. As precious as the Saltburn estate, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies audiences appreciate.
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 poverty are as beloved as “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. Since its release in 1971, Mel Stuart’s movie has become a celebrated classic. Stuart staged captivating musical numbers capturing a child overcoming poverty. Assisted by Gene Wilder who is extraordinary in the lead role, Stuart created a beautiful adaptation of a book. Although I loved the movie, its depiction of poverty has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a child overcoming poverty by 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 wonderful reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about the dangers of poverty which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 