Not many genres have earned appreciation of redemption. Since the 1970’s, stories of redemptive characters have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s redemptive prisoners, police officers or gangsters, the genre has created several 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 redemption that deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Shawshank Redemption
Hope is something that I’ve often found hard finding. As far as I can remember, I’ve never been a hopeful person. Several years ago, my life hit crushing lows when I began to fail classes in my high school that caused sorrow. Unable to cope with the tense pressure that was posed by high school studies, I faced intense anxiety. During a painful time, it was impossible for me to see a bright light that shined at the end of the pitch-black tunnel. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how hope can allow people to achieve their redemption goals as powerfully as “The Shawshank Redemption”. Ever since its release in 1994, Frank Darabont’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about redemption. With the greatest film of his career, Darabont used innovative cinematic techniques to capture dark prisoners in jail seeking redemption that face despair. Darabont has always excelled at making great movies about the great power of redemption, and “The Shawshank Redemption” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Darabont used voice-over narration to capture the strong bonds between a pair of close inmates forming bold friendships in prison. For instance, the scene in which Red recounts his memories of laying eyes on Andy Dufresne in prison for the first time experiencing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is Morgan Freeman, who portrayed an inmate seeking redemption. Ultimately, what makes “The Shawshank Redemption” my favourite film about redemption of all-time is its appeal. Unlike most prison movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about friendships which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of a film about inmates questioning whether they should get busy living or get busy dying developing long-lasting relationships in a frightening prison, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which definitely deserve immense celebration.
2. Good Will Hunting
Therapists are powerful figures that shaped my identity. At an early age, I bonded with a great therapist that delivered an inspiring message. An inspirational mentor, my therapist gave me advice on how to overcome my disorder. Through his words of wisdom, I was able to overcome challenges of the education system. As someone treasuring memories of a therapist I found inspiring, I admired “Good Will Hunting”. Released in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s Oscar-winning movie depicted therapists guiding lives of adolescents in the right direction. Gus Van Sant effectively uses naturalistic dialogue to capture the strong bonds between a therapist and adolescent. For instance, the scene where Will breaks down crying discussing his trauma with his therapist is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Matt Damon, who embodied a janitor seeking mentors. Ultimately, what makes “Good Will Hunting” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about therapists, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about therapists which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Will Hunting’s desire to find meaning, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making commemorated movies about mentors which are worth absolutely celebrating.
3. Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino is a legendary filmmaker that inspired my cousin years ago. I remember my cousin was once a huge fan of a famous filmmaker making movies about the film industry in danger. He would always love having a discussion about a filmmaker making timeless pulp fiction. Redemption has often been a common theme in Tarantino’s movies, and it is clearly evident in “Pulp Fiction”. Released in 1994, Tarantino’s most iconic movie capturing redemptive gangsters facing adversity. Tarantino used captivating dramatic monologues capturing gangsters seeking redemption in a life of crime that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Jules seeks redemption for his crimes by forgiving bank robbers at a dinner causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Samuel L. Jackson, who embodied a gangster seeking redemption. Ultimately, what makes “Pulp Fiction” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Quentin Tarantino movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about forgiveness which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jules’ desire to become a gangster, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making engaging movies which audiences always treasure.
4. The Pursuit of Happiness
Unemployment is a tense situation that can affect fathers’ abilities to care for children. Several years ago, my friend’s father lose his job at BlackBerry causing sorrow. Left without a stable profession, he struggled to take care of his children. 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 honoured the true story of a father struggling raising his family. Muccino uses voice-over narration to capture a father struggling to provide for his son in a dire economic situation. For instance, the final scene in which Chris is hired by the stockbroker company resolving his life dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Will Smith, who embodies a father struggling to ensure his son’s happiness. Ultimately, what makes “The Pursuit of Happiness” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about stockbrokers, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about monumental sacrifices fathers make for children which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Chris’ pursuit of happiness, it’s a riveting reminder of a larger-than-life genre that has produced commemorated movies contributing to greater awareness of redemption business.
5. Leaving Las Vegas
Alcohol addiction causes tension. Years ago, I witnessed a companion endure alcohol addiction. He was a reckless kid that enjoyed heavy drinking. Nothing in the whole world gave him as much satisfaction as spending all day drinking. Our friendship ended when I decided I couldn’t longer bear seeing him get wasted. Alcohol addiction became a barrier that prevented him from achieving redemption. As someone treasuring a friend that suffered from alcohol addiction which was dangerous, I adored “Leaving Las Vegas”. Released in 1995, Mike Figgis’ movie painted bold portraits of alcohol addicts seeking redemption. Figgis uses montages capturing an alcoholic whose health is declining. For instance, the scene in which Ben has breakdowns after a night of drinking causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a bold performance by Nicolas Cage, who captures an alcoholic facing damage. Ultimately, what makes “Leaving Las Vegas” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about addiction which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies about alcohol consumption, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A phenomenal portrait of alcohol addiction causing writers in Las Vegas to crumble, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre which audiences consider extremely special.
6. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
It’s always challenging to cope with the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family lost a beloved relative causing sorrow. As someone that treasured memories of a relative that passed away in tragedy, I adored “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri”. Released in 2017, Martin McDonagh’s movie captured grieving mothers seeking redemption. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri” stand out is its depiction of grief. McDonagh uses captivating montages capturing hardships grieving families are facing. Assisted by Frances McDormand who is amazing in the lead role, McDonagh created a compelling portrait of grief. A powerful portrait of grief causing families to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing unforgettable movies audiences appreciate.
7. The Revenant
Hugh Glass is a legendary frontiersman that survived catastrophe. During the 19th Century, Glass was attacked by a grizzly bear that caused tragedy. Through a sheer miracle, Glass survived the worst disaster imaginable. In 2015, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu honoured the frontiersman with strong commitment to survive in his film “The Revenant”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Revenant” stand out is its visuals. Inarritu uses breathtaking visuals to capture a frontiersman seeking to survive catastrophe. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is exceptional in the lead role, Inarritu honours a commemorated fur trader that survived calamity centuries ago. As strong as Hugh Glass’ desire for survival, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies audiences consider extremely special.
8. Life of Pi
One of the most common characteristics of the redemption genre is themes of hope. The genre has often captured lives of characters with hope to survive disastrous situations. Hope that allows characters to survive situations which terrify is beautifully explored in “Life of Pi”. Released in 2012, Ang Lee’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about survival. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Life of Pi” stand out is its depiction of animal-human bonds. Ang Lee uses stunning CGI to capture the powerful bond between an Indian boy and tiger stranded in seas. Assisted by Suraj Sharma who is amazing in the lead role, Lee honoured legendary literature. As strong as Pi’s bond with Richard Parker, it’s a soul-stirring reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences commonly treasure.
9. Cinderella Man
When it comes to real-life boxers that sought redemption, it’s worth discussing James Braddock. During the 1920’s, Braddock was a boxer that lived a life of extreme poverty. Seeking to escape his impoverished situation, Braddock achieved redemption in the boxing profession. In 2004, Ron Howard honoured the iconic boxer with a redemption plan in his movie “Cinderella Man”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Cinderella Man” stand out is its depiction of boxing. Howard uses captivating montages capturing hardships boxers seeking redemption are facing. Assisted by Russell Crowe who is amazing in the lead role, Howard honoured a boxer that achieved redemption years ago. A beautiful tribute towards a boxer that achieved redemption with power, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies that audiences treasure.
10. Crash
Few movies ever made about individuals seeking redemption from a crash are as beloved as “Crash”. Released in 2004, Paul Haggis’ movie captured individuals in L.A. seeking redemption. Haggis used captivating montages capturing hardships that individuals in L.A. affected by racism are facing. Assisted by Michael Pena who is amazing in the lead role, Haggis captured redemption in America. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of redemption allowing people to overcome racism has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. A powerful portrait of individuals seeking redemption in L.A., it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking today.
The Film Buff 