Not many genres have earned appreciation of rebellion. Since the 1970’s, stories of rebellion have often made for engaging movies. Whether its rebellious teenagers, poetic professors or political leaders, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about rebellion which deserve to be appreciated.
1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Mental institutions have shaped my personality. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with the disease of Autism that caused grim damage. I remember visiting dark mental institutions that gave me valuable tips how to overcome my mental disorder. A hopeless location, the institution cared for patients with mental conditions. It was fascinating to observe ways that the institution functioned by taking care of rebellious patients with mental illness that faced a price to pay. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured mental disorders that cause people to face unrest as powerfully as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Ever since its release in 1975, Milos Forman’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about rebellion. Forman has always had an aptitude for capturing mental institutions in which people face grave danger, and “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which McMurphy is given an electric shock after refusing to obey orders of his mental institution causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary role by Jack Nicholson, who embodied a rebel patient of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” my favourite film about rebellion of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged well with themes that are relevant today. It delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years after the release of a commemorated film about rebel men breaking rules of a mental hospital causing unrest, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has impressed by manufacturing movies which have stood the test of time as best.
2. Star Wars: A New Hope
Star Wars is a spectacular science-fiction franchise that shaped my grandfather’s identity. I remember my grandfather adored a sci-fi series about galaxies in grave danger. A force to be reckoned with, he spoke fondly about a series that shaped his identity. Mentors have played a pivotal role in the franchise as figures that inspire hope, and they are most evident in the first film “Star Wars: A New Hope”. Released in 1977, George Lucas’ movie introduced the iconic franchise about mentors. Lucas uses stunning special effects to capture the strong roles that mentors play guiding jedis in galaxies far far away. For instance, the iconic Cantina scene in which Han Solo is introduced becoming an inspiring mentor for Luke in a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Harrison Ford, who created one of the most iconic rebellious characters in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Star Wars: A New Hope” a science-fiction classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Star Wars movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about teamwork which would resonate with everyone. As powerful as the force, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies which are a source of happiness rather than depressing emotional remorse.
3. Parasite
Social class is a barrier that 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 social class barriers 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 social class barriers families in South Korea fight, it’s a bold reminder of a genre manufacturing great movies that deserve tremendous spotlight.
4. Gladiator
Gladiators are grand historical figures that my grandfather loved dearly. At an early age, I bonded with a grandfather having knowledge about gladiators with courage. As courageous as Maximus, he always spoke fondly about gladiators he considered precious. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather appreciating ancient gladiators, I adored “Gladiator”. Released in 2000, Ridley Scott’s movie captured gladiators that fought in the ancient Roman era. Scott has always had an aptitude for capturing historical events in his movies, and “Gladiator” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scott effectively recreated the time period of ancient Rome through production-design. For instance, the iconic scene in which Maximus asks the crowd of spectators in the Colosseum whether they are entertained is one of the greatest moments of the historical genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Russell Crowe, who embodies a brave gladiator that fought in ancient Rome centuries ago. Ultimately, what makes “Gladiator” Ridley Scott’s greatest movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about vengeance which would resonate with everyone. A grand depiction of gladiators that fought in the Colosseum, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has made memorable movies achieving tremendous stardom.
5. Fight Club
Anxiety has shaped my personality. As far as I can remember, I have always been an anxious person under intense pressure. This anxiety first began in my high school when I faced painful pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. No matter how hard I often tried, I could never cope with feelings of anxiety that had left me terrified. As someone that has faced anxiety causing adversity, I adored “Fight Club”. Released in 1999, David Fincher’s movie depicted the lives of terrorists forming fight clubs causing tragedy. Fincher used captivating voice-over narration to capture a rebellious terrorist forming a fight club organization causing tension. For instance, the scene in which Tyler Durden first creates the fight club causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Edward Norton, who embodied a rebellious terrorist facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Fight Club” a timeless classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of mental health which would resonate with everyone. As precious as fight clubs Tyler Durden seeks to create, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about identities audiences appreciate.
6. The White Tiger
Rebellious housekeepers facing trauma are common in India. India has built an image of being a nation where rebellion started by lower-class servants is common. The negative impact of rebellions causing families in India to face disaster is beautifully depicted in the movie “The White Tiger”. Released in 2021, Ramin Bahrani’s movie captured rebellious 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 struggle rebel 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 trauma in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies about rebellions attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.
7. V for Vendetta
When it comes to the greatest comic books ever written about rebellions causing a dilemma, it’s worth discussing V for Vendetta. Since its publication in 1982, Alan Moore’s series has become literature readers value. In 2005, James McTeigue honoured the comic-book about rebellious vigilantes with a vendetta in his movie “V for Vendetta”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “V for Vendetta” stand out is its depiction of terrorism. McTeigue uses captivating handheld camera capturing a vigilante embarking on a journey of revenge causing trauma. Assisted by Hugo Weaving who is amazing in the lead role, McTeigue honoured a comic-book about vigilantes that are frightening. A wonderful tribute to a comic series about vengeful men seeking vengeance, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies attracting a huge audience.
8. Snowpiercer
Trains are compelling settings that often make for engaging movies. Ever since detectives solved murders on the orient express, trains are larger-than-life setting which have often been used in movies with success. In 2013, Bong Joon-ho captured the enduring appeal of trains facing disaster in his movie “Snowpiercer”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Snowpiercer” stand out is its depiction of social class. Bong Joon-ho uses the confined location of the commemorated train to capture the lives of individuals starting a groundbreaking rebellion. Bong Joon-ho effectively used the confined location of a claustrophobic train to build tension. As strong as Curtis’ desire to save his train, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has managed to gain a huge following making commemorated movies which commonly consistently entertain.
9. Footloose
Dancing has always been a common form of rebellion. Since the 1980’s, dancing has often caused rebellious teenagers to face adversities. The impact of rebellion on teenagers that are footloose is beautifully depicted in the movie “Footloose”. Released in 1984, Herbert Ross’ movie captured rebellious teenagers forming dancing societies. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Footloose” stand out is its depiction of dance. Ross uses captivating musical montages capturing a teenager engaging in rebellious dancing. Assisted by Kevin Bacon who is extraordinary in the lead role, Ross created a captivating rebellious dance movie. As strong as Ren’s love for dancing, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made captivating movies about the negative consequences of rebellion worth celebrating.
10. 10 Things I Hate About You
Few movies ever made about struggles rebellious adolescents go through are as beloved as “10 Things I Hate About You”. Released in 1999, Gil Junger’s movie captured teens in high school. Junger used captivating montages capturing frightening obstacles that rebels in high schools are facing. Assisted by Heath Ledger who is extraordinary in the lead role, Junger created a captivating high school comedy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of rebels as outcasts rejected by girls they fall in love with causing adversity has tarnished its legacy. As strong as Katarina’s life for Patrick, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured iconic movies about heroic rebels which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of becoming a film critic.
The Film Buff 