5 Movies That Tackle Important Issues

As part of the Student Action Series, here are five awesome movies that tackle important issues. Written by Madi Wong, Writer/Blogger for RU Student Life

1. Moonlight

Moonlight / Via moonlight.movie

Moonlight didn't just win an Oscar for Best Picture for no reason. From the storyline to the cast to the overall production of this film, everything was influential and was showcased in the a spectacular way.

The film showcases three different stages of life that a young man goes through, through which he tackles the difficulties of sexuality and identity, as well as physical and emotional abuse.

2. Room

Ruth Hurl / TNS / Via theatlantic.com

Room is about a woman (Brie Larson) and her son (Jacob Trembley) who has been held captive for seven years by a man they call "Old Nick."

Larson's character was abducted by "Old Nick" and has been sexually abused by him since her abduction. She however remains optimistic for her son and only allows him to believe that the shed they live in is the world around them.

The movie follows their story and how they are finally able to get the freedom they have been vying for for years.

3. Lion

The Weinstein Company / Via variety.com

In case you haven't heard of Lion before, this story follows a young boy who gets lost on a train that takes him away from his home in India. He's forced to learn how to survive on his own until he is adopted by an Australian family. As an adult he decides to search for his family and try and find his way back home.

This film is so well done and if you have read the book, it is just as great. It is based on a true story and it really makes you think about your own life and the world around you. Also, Dev Patel is killer.

4. Joy Luck Club

Buena Vista Pictures / Via cbc.ca

Before Crazy Rich Asians, Joy Luck Club was the biggest film to star an entirely Asian-American cast.

This film is an incredible portrayal of Chinese immigrant stories. It showcases the relationships particularly between Chinese women and their mothers. The two generations butt heads due to the difference in generations. However, they both face the same hardships as immigrant women; the hardships of assimilating into an American society, racial discrimination and tackling the unexpected things that pop up in life.

5. Coco

Coco

Although this is a Disney animated film, there is a lot that can be taken away from this beautifully made film.

Coco follows the journey of a young boy named Miguel who wishes to become a musician despite his family's opposition. On the Day of The Dead, he breaks into the mausoleum of a famous musician he looks up to. He makes the mistake of strumming the guitar in the mausoleum that once belonged to the deceased artist and is turned invisible. He can only interact with those who are skeletal and visiting from the Land of The Dead for the holiday.

This film represents and touches on some of the stories and elements within Mexican culture, which is not always shown accurately or enough in big motion pictures. Also, the entire cast is made of Latino actors, actresses, etc. I think every part of this film was incredible. It gave me more insight into Mexican culture, was constructed to perfection, gave me a sense of heartfelt and ties to family relations.