I frankly don’t want to derail the thread over this, but I suspect both of us ought to let the OP speak for him/her self.JonNC:
No, we don’t want our children standing up “in face of adversity “.
We want them standing up for what’s right.
Being the lone pro abortion person in the room full of pro lifers is prolly not what the OP is shooting for.
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Buks
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The Verdict.
Norma Rae.
Norma Rae.
Tis_Bearself
Patron
This one is not completely historically accurate. The stories of Jose Sanchez Del Rio and Fr. Miguel Pro are close enough to the truth, but they made Fr. Vega out to be more heroic than he probably was in reality. It’s still okay to watch if your kids are old enough to understand and accept that Fr. Vega likely wasn’t as nice of a guy as the film makes him out to be.
While I enjoyed this movie when it came out, it portrays the Catholic Church as being pretty corrupt. IDK if I’d show it to kids or teens.
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Tis_Bearself
Patron
Adding to the suggestions list:
To Kill a Mockingbird
High Noon
To Kill a Mockingbird
High Noon
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Peeps
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Juno.
An incredible secular, pro-life movie with actors that we have actually heard of (Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, etc.). Won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and received several other Oscar nominations. Amazing–a pro-life movie! Wow.
The scene in the abortion clinic is beautiful.
It’s not squeaky clean–don’t expect high necklines, long skirts, and family prayer times. It’s contemporary (2007) and at the time, was right where teens were then, minus the addiction to the I-Phone that affects around 95% of teenagers in 2020. There’s still pre-marital sex (keep in mind that according to the stats, a huge percentage of teens lose their virginity by 18 years old–sigh).
But the pro-life message is obvious. And the family love is so sweet to see.
I generally hate movies, but I liked this one.
An incredible secular, pro-life movie with actors that we have actually heard of (Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, etc.). Won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and received several other Oscar nominations. Amazing–a pro-life movie! Wow.
The scene in the abortion clinic is beautiful.
It’s not squeaky clean–don’t expect high necklines, long skirts, and family prayer times. It’s contemporary (2007) and at the time, was right where teens were then, minus the addiction to the I-Phone that affects around 95% of teenagers in 2020. There’s still pre-marital sex (keep in mind that according to the stats, a huge percentage of teens lose their virginity by 18 years old–sigh).
But the pro-life message is obvious. And the family love is so sweet to see.
I generally hate movies, but I liked this one.
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PaladinSword
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some people might frown about it nowadays but Braveheart probably recommend more for the adolescent though than small children.
there is also the last unicorn
there is also the last unicorn
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MNathaniel
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This might seem a strange and dusty suggestion, but Man of La Mancha with Peter O’Toole and Sophia Loren.
Depends on your kids liking musicals, though.
Also on their being able to parse a potential subliminal negative glance at the Catholic Church (mainly, the protagonist has been thrown in jail by the Spanish Inquisition, but the reason is never really detailed; I fell in love with the movie as a Christian allegory long before becoming Catholic so any possible nudge against Catholicism wouldn’t have been on my mind at the time). I suppose it’s possible one could interpret the story as implying something about religious people being madmen; but then, these madmen are the noble heroes, who have come in a world of iron, to make a world of gold…
Basically, the plot is an imprisoned playwright putting on a play with the inmates, and most of the film is the content of that play. And it’s a sort of riff on Don Quixote but not exactly the same (eg different ending). And who’s more alone than a madman like Don Quixote, mocked and dismissed on all sides (except for his loyal manservant, who sticks by him despite thinking he’s mad, only because he likes him. But even the people who like him basically think he’s mad, and on a fundamental level the protagonist stands alone). And it’s ultimately a gorgeous ending. Tragic in a most Christian way, and a convert is won.
Preview perhaps; here’s a song from the film:
Depends on your kids liking musicals, though.
Also on their being able to parse a potential subliminal negative glance at the Catholic Church (mainly, the protagonist has been thrown in jail by the Spanish Inquisition, but the reason is never really detailed; I fell in love with the movie as a Christian allegory long before becoming Catholic so any possible nudge against Catholicism wouldn’t have been on my mind at the time). I suppose it’s possible one could interpret the story as implying something about religious people being madmen; but then, these madmen are the noble heroes, who have come in a world of iron, to make a world of gold…
Basically, the plot is an imprisoned playwright putting on a play with the inmates, and most of the film is the content of that play. And it’s a sort of riff on Don Quixote but not exactly the same (eg different ending). And who’s more alone than a madman like Don Quixote, mocked and dismissed on all sides (except for his loyal manservant, who sticks by him despite thinking he’s mad, only because he likes him. But even the people who like him basically think he’s mad, and on a fundamental level the protagonist stands alone). And it’s ultimately a gorgeous ending. Tragic in a most Christian way, and a convert is won.
Preview perhaps; here’s a song from the film:
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Inquisitor85
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He has an army, he’s hardly standing alone. Also you need to make sure your kids have an understanding of history before you let them near it.
How about The Pursuit of Happyness?
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Inquisitor85
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It’s not pro-life. I realise this falls into the grey area between authorial intent and death of the author, but the writer is pro-choice. She is also on the record as saying that she’d re-write the clinic scene today in light of the Georgia and Alabama abortion bans.
Source. Diablo Cody Talks About 'Juno' & 'Pro-Life' Reaction To It | The Mary Sue
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Irishmom2
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I am going to second Rudy, and add Radio.
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EugeneCharles
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ANGELA’S CHRISTMAS!!!
I’m 16 but I prefer to watch this kiddie movie above all. This movie always reminds me to love Jesus in a simple way. I prefer this movie because I feel that it speaks of the child’s pureness and love for God. And there are scenes that somehow make me realize that we should trust Jesus and He will make a better way!
No wonder why Jesus said that we should imitate them.
I’m 16 but I prefer to watch this kiddie movie above all. This movie always reminds me to love Jesus in a simple way. I prefer this movie because I feel that it speaks of the child’s pureness and love for God. And there are scenes that somehow make me realize that we should trust Jesus and He will make a better way!
No wonder why Jesus said that we should imitate them.
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fredystairs
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I liked “A Man for All Seasons” about St Thomas More ( 1968 version)
Also “Stand and Deliver” about Jaime Escalante who taught calculus to inner city kids who no one thought could master the subject. They got college credit for it.
Pax
Also “Stand and Deliver” about Jaime Escalante who taught calculus to inner city kids who no one thought could master the subject. They got college credit for it.
Pax
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Peeps
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Doesn’t matter what she would re-write. The movie stands as it is–a pro-life film. It was endorsed by pro-life organizations when it came out. And it appeals to teens. Some of the movies suggested on this thread…really? For teens? You’all think? I…yi yi…I don’t know. Maybe some of the homeschooled, classically-educated teens might like them, but the average teen…?
I know two groups of teens–the classically-educated teens, mainly home-schooled or educated in the “traditional Catholic school” in our city (Latin Mass parish)–they’re into learning to play multiple instruments, reading high-level books, graduating from high school at age 16, attending pro-life rallies, campaigning for Pres. Trump…they would like some of those high-level movies suggested in these threads.
The other group of teens I know are into their phones, online games, video games, rap music and other “street” music, sleeping 14 hours out of 24, and drinking Mountain Dew, and the only movies they watch are those streamed series about castles and kingdoms and hunger and other worlds.
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scousekiwi
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To be honest, it is hard to think of a film in which somebody stands entirely alone. Most people have at least somebody on their side. Perhaps it would be more realistic to think of examples where somebody stands up for something in the face of adversity or opposition. A few suggestions would include:
- Darkest Hour In the years leading up to the Second World War and during the early part of his premiership, Churchill was not quite a lone voice, but he was certainly unpopular and faced widespread hostility, including from many in his own party. In the film, Churchill says that his aim is “Victory at all costs—Victory in spite of all terror—Victory, however long and hard the road may be”. It now seems obvious that Churchill was right, but this was by no means universally accepted at the time.
- White House Farm This British TV series may seem a surprising suggestion, but I think it is a good one. I don’t know where you are from and I therefore do not know whether you will be familiar with Jeremy Bamber, the notorious perpetrator of the White House Farm murders. The hero of this story is Detective Sergeant Stan Jones. Bamber claims that the murders were committed by his sister, Sheila Caffell, a story which the police are all too ready to accept, despite compelling evidence to the contrary. DS Jones stands his ground to ensure that Bamber, and not his innocent sister, takes the blame.
- A Confession Another British true crime drama series. Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher is accused of obtaining evidence in a manner which is said to be unlawful under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and which is therefore inadmissible in court. Fulcher was in fact eventually vindicated and the evidence he obtained ruled admissible, but not before he had lost his health and his career.
- The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies Another true crime story. Jefferies was falsely accused of a notorious murder and was vilified in the media. He cleared his name, won apologies and compensation from the newspapers, and contributed to a public inquiry into the culture, practices, and ethics of the press.
- Philadelphia Based in part on a true story, or possibly a combination of two true stories, this tells the story of a lawyer who sues his own law firm when he faces discrimination as a gay man with HIV/AIDS. It was groundbreaking when it was released in 1993.
- Legally Blonde and Legally Blonde 2 You may assume that these are silly films, and they are, but I think the main character is a genuinely good role model. She defies everybody’s expectations by deciding to pursue a career in law, and she uses her legal knowledge to fight for good causes.
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scousekiwi
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@Peeps I don’t know whether the situation is hugely different in the United States, but the distinction that you draw between teenagers who have and have not enjoyed the benefits of a classical education seems rather stark.
I am lucky to live and work in Cambridge, where we have one of the most famous universities in the world. 52% of students at Cambridge attended private schools or grammar schools; 48% attended non-selective state schools. The number of non-selective state schools which offer a classical education is vanishingly small. At best, a handful of students may have the opportunity to learn rudimentary Latin and to read some classical texts in translation. Even when one considers the private schools and grammar schools, the state of classical education is not much better. Of course, there are the great public schools, such as Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Westminster, and St Paul’s, but these are by no means representative. At most private schools and grammar schools, Latin is compulsory for perhaps one year. Therefore, the vast majority of students in those schools will receive no more than one year of Latin and no Greek at all. Indeed, in the whole of England and Wales, the number of students studying Greek through to leaving school at 18 stands at around 250 per year. My point is that here in Cambridge we have over 20,000 students, who are among the brightest young people in the country, if not the world, and perhaps 500 or 1,000 of them are classically educated.
As I say, the situation may be different in the United States. It may be that it is as stark as you say. Perhaps there is one cohort of young people who have enjoyed the benefits of a classical education and another which comprises barely functional human beings.
As a PS to the OP, I would also mention:
I am lucky to live and work in Cambridge, where we have one of the most famous universities in the world. 52% of students at Cambridge attended private schools or grammar schools; 48% attended non-selective state schools. The number of non-selective state schools which offer a classical education is vanishingly small. At best, a handful of students may have the opportunity to learn rudimentary Latin and to read some classical texts in translation. Even when one considers the private schools and grammar schools, the state of classical education is not much better. Of course, there are the great public schools, such as Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Westminster, and St Paul’s, but these are by no means representative. At most private schools and grammar schools, Latin is compulsory for perhaps one year. Therefore, the vast majority of students in those schools will receive no more than one year of Latin and no Greek at all. Indeed, in the whole of England and Wales, the number of students studying Greek through to leaving school at 18 stands at around 250 per year. My point is that here in Cambridge we have over 20,000 students, who are among the brightest young people in the country, if not the world, and perhaps 500 or 1,000 of them are classically educated.
As I say, the situation may be different in the United States. It may be that it is as stark as you say. Perhaps there is one cohort of young people who have enjoyed the benefits of a classical education and another which comprises barely functional human beings.
As a PS to the OP, I would also mention:
- The Post Follows Katharine Graham, publisher of The Washington Post, as she is required to make a heroic decision while standing virtually alone.
- Spotlight Somewhat similar to The Post in that it is about a newspaper uncovering crime and corruption on a vast scale. The journalists involved do not quite stand alone, but they do have to stand up to powerful institutions and fight for the truth to come out.
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Tis_Bearself
Patron
Why are you suggesting that a Catholic parent show his children a movie about sexual abuse and corruption in the Catholic church?
We have enough struggles with dealing with the clergy sex abuse situation in the USA as it is.
We’re also all well aware of that movie.
It seems like you may be trying to stir the pot, especially since you are not Catholic according to your profile (although a previous post by you suggested you were born into the Church and left).
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CoffeeCatholic
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To Kill a Mockingbird came to mind instantly. I’m sure I could think of more if I take a moment, but that one was instantaneous. 
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F_Marturana
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Rome Open City
Its about the Nazi occupation of Rome. The characters are a widowed mom, her son, her fiancé. A priest, some nazis, a housing tenement in Rome and a showgirl.
The priest is one of the best depiction of priests I’ve seen in a film.
It’s in Italian with subtitles. Anna Magnani is it one of the best actresses ever.
Its about the Nazi occupation of Rome. The characters are a widowed mom, her son, her fiancé. A priest, some nazis, a housing tenement in Rome and a showgirl.
The priest is one of the best depiction of priests I’ve seen in a film.
It’s in Italian with subtitles. Anna Magnani is it one of the best actresses ever.
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Julius_Caesar
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Beckett with Richard Burton and Peter O Toole.
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Peeps
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The Hiding Place (Julie Harris, Jeannette Clift, Eilenn Heckart, Arthur O’Connell)–a move about a Dutch family that worked with the underground to save Dutch Jews during the Nazi occupation. The movie was made by World Wide Films, which was a Christian company, so there is overt Christianity in the film. (One of the “overt Christianity” scenes shows a Catholic woman hiding a crucifix under her tongue before she is inspected by the Nazis before entering the Ravensbruck. Also, in real life, when Corrie is released from Ravensbruck through a clerical error, she leaves her precious Bible with a Catholic woman–so no prejudice against Catholics!)
I met Julie Harris and talked to her about the film, and she told me that meeting Corrie ten Boom and getting to know her was an honor.
Corrie ten Boom is listed among the Righteous Gentiles in Israel.
I have wondered since my teen years if I would have had the courage and faith to stand up to the Nazis and help the Jews and other persecuted peoples during those days.
I met Julie Harris and talked to her about the film, and she told me that meeting Corrie ten Boom and getting to know her was an honor.
Corrie ten Boom is listed among the Righteous Gentiles in Israel.
I have wondered since my teen years if I would have had the courage and faith to stand up to the Nazis and help the Jews and other persecuted peoples during those days.
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