A lifetime of change can happen in a single moment.

Starring: Bill Bob Thornton, Halle Berry, Heath Ledger, Sean Combs, Mos Def, Peter Boyle, Gabrielle Witcher, Amber Rules

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I've always believed that a portrait captures a person far better than a photograph. It truly takes a human being to really see a human being." - Lawrence Musgrove

Why watch this? Most of the film is about pain, its aftermath, and how folks try to move on.

Plot Summary: A white corrections officer, Hank Grotowski, works on death row. After a series of personal tragedies, he quits his job and meets Leticia Musgrove, an African-American woman also dealing with immense personal loss. Unbeknownst to them both, Hank was one of the officers who carried out the execution of Leticia's husband, creating a complex and tragic connection between them.

Dad's Preview: This is a brutally hard film to watch at times. There are many tragedies that befall its flawed characters: A prisoner is executed. A young man takes his own life. A mother's child is killed by a car. Each calamity is peppered with generational racism. Still, amid all that, two lost, emotionally wounded people find each other and try to salvage something from the carnage. Performances are stellar all the way around, including Thornton and the late Heath Ledger. However, it is Halle Berry, whose pain is palpable, who shines, and she justifiably won the Oscar for Best Actress.

Lee Daniels Entertainment; Lions Gate Films

a love story of today

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Sidney Poitier, Katharine Hepburn, Katharine Houghton, Cecil Kellaway, Beah Richards, Roy E. Glenn Sr.

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that your son feels for my daughter that I didn't feel for Christina. Old? Yes. Burnt out? Certainly. But I can tell you the memories are still there – clear, intact, indestructible." - Matt Drayton

Why watch this? Racism is our history. This film attempts, successfully, to talk about it.

Plot Summary: This drama film is about a young white woman who introduces her African-American fiancé to her wealthy, liberal parents. The parents are forced to confront their own latent prejudices as they grapple with the implications of their daughter's choice in a society where interracial marriage was still controversial. The story unfolds over the course of one day, culminating in a dinner where both sets of parents meet for the first time.

Dad's Preview: This is one brave film from the 1960's that took on the controversial topic of interracial marriage, and it does so head-on. A young couple are determined to marry; Joanna, a white girl, and John, a black man. They have planned a dinner with both sets of parents to make their announcement and clear the air on some issues. It turns into quite a memorable evening as the stubborn parents squabble over their differences. Spencer Tracy's final speech is one for the ages.

Stanley Kramer; Columbia Pictures

It's the hottest day of the summer. You can do nothing, you can do something, or you can...

Starring: Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richards Edson, Spike Lee, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, John Tuturro, John Savage

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"They're - They're not really black. I mean, they're black, but they're not really black. They're more than black. It's different." – Pino, trying to explain why Magic Johnson, Eddie Murphy and Price are "different" black people.

Why watch this? Race relations get to a boiling point in Spike Lee's NYC masterpiece.

Plot Summary: On the hottest day of the year in a Brooklyn neighborhood, racial tensions simmer between the residents and the owners of a local pizzeria. The story follows various characters as conflicts escalate over the course of the day. This increasing friction ultimately leads trouble.

Dad's Preview: As typical for a white man, my first viewing of this film kinda upset me. I just was incapable of getting it. Now I think I am starting to. The film is centered around Sal's Pizzeria, located in Brooklyn, which is mostly a black neighborhood. Racial tensions increase in the hot summer weather, as an argument over Sal's all-white picture "Wall of Fame" in his restaurant. Films like this make me want to do the work to understand racial issues in our country. We have to co-exist, folks. We'll be better, when we finally do.

40 Acres and a Mule; Filmworks; Universal Pictures

Before they could win, they had to become one.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Donald Faison, Nicole Ari Parker, Hayden Panettiere, Kip Pardue

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"If we don't come together right now on this hallowed ground, we too will be destroyed, just like they were. I don't care if you like each other of not, but you will respect each other. And maybe... I don't know, maybe we'll learn to play this game like men." - Coach Boone

Why watch this? I do like a good high school football movie. This is a great one.

Plot Summary: In 1971, amidst forced school integration, a Black head coach is hired to lead a Virginia high school football team, replacing a respected white coach. This change creates significant racial tension and conflict amongst the players and the community. Despite the challenges, the coaches and team members strive to overcome their differences and unite to achieve success on the football field.

Dad's Preview: This may be a football movie, but the theme is unmistakably that racism is destructive to building a team and society as a whole. As it builds up to the final big game, the team finally comes together, sometimes by addition and sometimes by subtraction. By the end, the Titans stand together as brothers. And I can't say enough about another Denzel Washinton triumph.

Walt Disney Pictures; Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Technical Black Films;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

12 Years a Slave (2013), Director: Steve McQueen, rated R for violence, torture, cruelty, nudity

The extraordinary true story of Solomon Northup

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Garret Dillahunt, Paul Giamatti, Scoot McNairy, Lupita Nyong'o, Adepero Oduye, Sarah Paulson, Brad Pitt, Michael Kenneth Williams, Alfre Woodard

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"If you want to survive, do and say as little as possible. Tell no one who you really are and tell no one that you can read and write."
Clemens

Why watch this? You want to play down slavery? Watch this film, then we'll talk.

Plot Summary: In the pre-Civil War United States, a free Black man named Solomon Northup from upstate New York is abducted and sold into slavery. He endures twelve years of brutality and hardship on cotton plantations in Louisiana, facing cruelty from his owners and struggling to survive. Despite the challenges, Solomon fights to maintain his dignity as he desperately looks for ways to regain his freedom.

Dad's Preview: There are great performances from an all-star cast. I wept long and hard after this film. The audacity of anyone to justify the owning of fellow human beings makes me want to scream. The direction and acting are top-notch. Slavery is a gaping scar on our country's legacy. To EVER move on, American citizens need to face it, teach it in our schools, and accept responsibility.

Regency Ent., River Road Ent., Plan B Ent., Film4; Fox Searchlight Pictures

For justice. For loyalty. For friendship.

Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Barry Pepper, Dwight Yoakam, January Jones, Julio Cesar Cedillo, Melissa Leo, Levon Helm, Mel Rodriguez

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"You try to run away again, and I'll kill you. I guess you know that by now." - Pete Perkins

Why watch this? A memorable Texas border tale about murder, penance and retribution.

Plot Summary: When an undocumented Mexican ranch worker is mistakenly killed and improperly buried, his friend, a Texas ranch foreman named Pete Perkins, remembers his promise to bury him in his hometown. Taking matters into his own hands, Pete kidnaps the border patrol agent responsible for the death and exhumes the body. With his captive and the deceased tied to a mule, Pete embarks on a long, arduous journey across the border to fulfill his vow.

Dad's Preview: This powerful neo-Western is both compelling on it's own, and as an allegorical tale, as it wanders through a young man's racism, crime and torture... and eventual redemption - all at the hands of a hard Texas man. After the murder of his friend, Melquiades, Pete Perkins is hell bent on justice and keeping a promise he made. Jones and Pepper deliver wonderful performances in this grueling film, which was Jones' first hand at directing. Pretty darn good job, Tommy Lee. 

EuropaCorp, Javalina Film Company; Sony Pictures Classics

Inspired by a True Friendship

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco, Dimiter D. Marinov, Mike Hatton, P.J. Byrne, Von Lewis

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"So if I'm not black enough and if I'm not white enough, and not man enough, then tell me, Tony, what am I?" - Dr. Don Shirley

Why watch this? In a country divided by race, we just need to rub elbows to find our common ground.

Plot Summary: In 1962, a working-class Italian-American bouncer named Tony "Lip" Vallelonga is hired to drive renowned African-American classical pianist Don Shirley on a concert tour through the Deep South. Facing widespread racial segregation and prejudice, they must rely on "The Negro Motorist Green Book" to navigate safe havens for Black travelers. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and personalities, the two men form an unlikely bond and friendship as they confront adversity and learn from each other during their journey.

Dad's Preview:  This film was based on a true story, and won the Oscars for Best Picture and Supporting Actor (Mahersala). This thoroughly enjoyable film held my attention for every single second. The two lead characters could not be more different, yet their journey together carries the film forward to where we hope it goes. In the end, both men emerge with a larger world-view and a lot more empathy.

Participant Media, DreamWorks Pictures, Innisfee Pictures, Cinetic Media,
Alibaba Pictures; Universal Pictures

The border is just another line to cross.

Starring: Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio del Toro, Jon Bernthal, Maximiliano Hernández, Victor Garber, Daniel Kaluuya, Julio Cesar Cedillo

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"You should move to a small town, somewhere the rule of law still exists. You will not survive here. You are not a wolf, and this is a land of wolves now." - Alejandro

Why watch this? It will help you understand the brutal drug war border states faces every day.

Plot Summary: This intense film follows a female DEA officer who wants to make a difference. She is assigned to an experienced team working on a big drug bust. She quickly learns that things work very differently than the black and white world she's used to. She's also in way over her head.

Dad's Preview: Del Toro once again chews up every scene with his ability to portray the tough guy with a touch of heart. The scene where they infiltrate the drug tunnel at night using infrared goggles is heart-stopping! The driving, suspenseful soundtrack is beyond powerful, as is the stark desert backdrop. If you want an education on the real war on drugs, this is it.

Black Label Media, Thunder Road; Lionsgate

They're not just getting rich... They're getting even.

Starring: Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Denholm Elliott, Paul Gleason

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Yeah. You know, it occurs to me that the best way to hurt rich people is by turning them into poor people." – Billy Ray Valentine

Why watch this? I love the premise. I love the cast. I love the execution.

Plot Summary: Two incredibly wealthy brothers, the Dukes, make a bet about whether a person's surroundings or genetics determines their success. To settle this, they orchestrate a complete life swap between their successful, high-society commodities broker, Louis Winthorpe III, and a street-smart hustler, Billy Ray Valentine. The film then follows the hilarious chaos that ensues as both men navigate their drastically altered lives and eventually discover the Duke brothers' cynical scheme.

Dad's Preview: I was not an Eddie Murphy fan - after this film, I came around. The basic plot is two uber-rich old guys select one poor person and one rich person, then reverse their settings, all to settle a bet. In this well-written, smart, John Landis comedy, we are blessed with ex-SNL'ers Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, plus the stunning force of veteran actress, Jamie Lee Curtis. The scene where Aykroyd disguises himself as Santa is one of my all-time favorites. I'll pass on the smoked salmon...

Aaron Russo; Paramount Pictures

The most beloved Pulitzer Prize book now comes vividly alive on the screen!

Starring: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford, Brock Peters, Paul Fix, Robert Duvall, Frank Overton, John Megna, Rosemary Murphy, Ruth White

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"If you just learn a single trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." – Atticus Finch

Why watch this? It's a superb adaptation of the Pulitzer-winning classic novel.

Plot Summary: Scout Finch is a young girl growing up in a racially segregated Alabama town during the Great Depression. Her principled lawyer father, Atticus, defends a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Through the trial and interactions with their mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley, Scout and her brother Jem confront the complex realities of prejudice, injustice, and the loss of childhood innocence.

Dad's Preview: A wonderful, yet somber message film about a racially motivated 1930's trial in the deep Southern state of Alabama. There is a pivotal moment in the film, at night, when an angry mob descends upon the jail house, hell-bent on lynching the black man on trial. Only Atticus Finch, the black man's attorney, stands in their way, and he seems no match for their anger, torches and guns. Suddenly Scout, his 8 year-old daughter, steps forward from behind Atticus. What this precocious young lady does next will have you in tears.

Brentwood Productions; Universal Pictures

The story of a woman fighting for her children, for her land, for the greatest dream there is...the future.

Starring: Sally Field, Lindsay Crouse, Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, John Malkovich, Danny Glover

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"You took a no-account piece of land and a bunch of people that didn't know what they were doin' and you farmed that land better than anybody could - colored or white. You're the one that brought in the first bale of cotton this year. Don't you ever forget that." - Edna Spalding

Why watch this? ... two reasons, 1) it's about Texas country folk, and 2) Elsie loved it.

Plot Summary: In Depression-era Texas, a newly widowed woman, Edna Spalding, struggles to save her family's farm from foreclosure. Facing immense hardship, she takes the advice of a Black handyman, Moze, and decides to plant cotton, a crop she knows nothing about. To make ends meet and keep her children, Edna also reluctantly takes in a blind boarder, Mr. Will.

Dad's Preview: My mom, Elsie, lived through the Great Depression on a dirt farm in Texas. People today have no concept of a hard life. Oscar-winner Sally Field carries the story as a mother forced to take charge of her farm after the death of her husband. Amid all the hardships to run a 40-acre cotton farm, she enlists help from a kind black man, Mose. A tornado hits the small town, then the Klan attacks her farm and try to murder Mose. You will stand up and cheer at the courage and determination inside this little lady a she fights to defend and protect her own.

Delphi II Productions; Tri-Star Pictures

No One Gets Away Clean

Starring: Don Cheadle, Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro, Luis Guzmán, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Erika Chistensen, Jacob Vargas, Miguel Ferrer, Tomas Milian, Amy Irving, Topher Grace, Albert Finney, James Brolin, Benjamin Bratt

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"If there is a war on drugs, then many of our family members are the enemy. And I don't know how you wage war on your own family." – Robert Wakefield, U.S. Drug Tsar

Why watch this? It drives home that drugs are here, and the war is in our homes.

Plot Summary: This is a multi-narrative exploration of the illegal drug trade, from various perspectives including law enforcement, politicians, traffickers, and users. One storyline follows a judge appointed as the US drug czar, grappling with his new role while discovering his daughter's drug addiction. A second thread focuses on two DEA agents tracking drug distribution across the US-Mexico border, leading to the arrest of a major trafficker. The third narrative delves into the complex world of a jailed drug lord's wife who tries to navigate and maintain the family business.

Dad's Preview: This powerful film is a harsh blast of truth into the average suburban citizen's life, as it tells the story of drug use in the United States, and I am not talking pot. It covers all the related topics and gets down and dirty. There are unforgettable scenes that will make you flinch. It portrays its characters realistically - nobody is truly good or bad. Del Toro's performance really stands out as the Mexican cop working against the drug trade from the other side of the border. It is a parental must see.

Bedford Falls Prod., Laura Bickford Prod., Initial Ent. Group; USA Films

John Sayles invites you to return to the scene of the crime.

Starring: Chris Cooper, Kris Kristofferson, Matthew McConaughey, Ron Canada, Elizabeth Peña, Joe Morton

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I remember Charlie Wade came to my father's hardware store once... The man winked at me. I peed my pants." – Ben Wetzel

Why watch this? This Texas mystery centers on a cold-case murder and secret relationships.

Plot Summary: Sheriff Sam Deeds is notified to investigate the discovery of skeletal remains in a Texas border town. The bones belong to a notoriously corrupt sheriff who mysteriously disappeared decades earlier. As Sam delves into the past, he uncovers long-buried secrets involving his own legendary father, the town's former sheriff, Buddy Deeds.

Dad's Preview: I didn't expect to like this film, back in the 90's. I was not a huge fan of either McConaughey or Kristofferson, but man, they both won me over with these great performances. That said, the rock of this south Texas crime drama is Chris Cooper. He's calm and quiet, yet complex. The tale follows several seemingly unrelated stories, working through old mysteries being revisited due to new information. It all leads to a rewarding revelation. This is fine film-making by director John Sayles. The plot layers, and outstanding scene segues, give this masterpiece a richness. Then there is Kristofferson, as Sheriff Charlie Wade - he leaves quit an impression.

Castle Rock Ent., Columbia Pictures, Rio Dulce; Sony Pictures Classics

The most magnificent picture ever!

Starring: Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland, Thomas Mitchell, Hattie McDaniel, Ona Munson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I'm going to live through this and when it's all over, I'll never be hungry again. No, nor any of my folk. If I have to lie, steal, cheat or kill, as God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again." - Scarlett O'Hara

Why watch this? ... the burning of Atlanta, which is a spectacle on screen to behold.

Plot Summary: It follows the life of Scarlett O'Hara, a spoiled, rich plantation debutante. Then the Civil War begins... As the South's eventual loss becomes evident, Atlanta is burned. In the aftermath, Scarlett finally returns to her devastated plantation home. With her father dead, she has a fight on her hands to keep it. Luckily, the noble scoundrel, Rhett Butler, gives her aid.

Dad's Preview: This is the great American story of the Old South.  As I have watched this film through the years, my affection for Scarlett has evolved. The film is about her and the many conflicts she endures. My Mom, though, only saw the handsome Clark Gable and all his confident charm. Many have called this a "racist" film - I disagree. Sure, it portrays a racist South, yet also gave us an admirable black character in Hattie McDaniel as the strong-willed servant Mammy. She was the first African American to win and Academy Award (for Best Supporting Actress).

Selznick International Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Loew's Inc.

His Triumph Changed The World Forever.

Starring: Ben Kingsley, Candice Bergman, Trevor Howard, John Gielgud, Martin Sheen, Daniel-Day Lewis, Roshan Seth

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Whenever I despair, I remember that the way of truth and love has always won. There may be tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they may seem invincible, but in the end, they always fail. Think of it: always." – Mohandas Gandhi

Why watch this? This stunning epic still finds a way to intimately touch each heart that views it.

Plot Summary: This epic drama follows the life of Mohandas K. Gandhi, the influential leader of India's nonviolent independence movement against British rule. The story showcases his journey from his time as a lawyer in South Africa to his eventual leadership of the movement in India, promoting his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. It highlights significant events in his personal and political life, depicting both his successes and the challenges he faced in uniting his country and achieving self-rule.

Dad's Preview:  It's hard to argue with 8 Academy Awards. This film is massive and unrelenting, as it follows the life of Mohandas Gandhi, and his non-violent protests against the British occupation of India. Ben Kingsley's performance is hypnotic - he transforms into the peaceful leader. The man Gandhi, was a miracle of a humanity on this Earth and we should all acknowledge his beliefs and way of thinking.

Goldcrest Films; Int'l Film Investors, National Film Development Corp of India
Indo-British Films; Columbia Pictures

1964. When America was at war with itself.

Starring: Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand, Brad Dourif, R. Lee Emery, Gailard Sartain, Michael Rooker

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Down here, things are different; here, they believe that some things are worth killing for." - Anderson

Why watch this? ... Gene Hackman's visit to the private social club.

Plot Summary: In 1964, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, two FBI agents with starkly different methods are dispatched to a small Mississippi town to investigate the disappearance of three civil rights workers. They face a community steeped in racial prejudice and a local law enforcement system that proves resistant to their inquiries, seemingly complicit in the unfolding events. As the agents delve deeper, they uncover a deeply entrenched network of racism and violence, forcing them to confront the town's secrets and the dangers inherent in challenging the status quo in the segregated South.

Dad's Preview: This film is great for two reasons. First, it tells the true story of three missing civil rights college students who went missing in Mississippi - a story that needs to be told. Second, it unleashes Gene Hackman on a bunch of Southern racists who think they are above the law because the local sheriff is in on their deplorable activity. This film is an exposé on the Klan and the deep bigoted hate of the Old South. The cast is superb. Look for a young Frances McDormand in a key role.

Frederick Zollo, Robert F. Colesberry; Orion Pictures

Lt. John Dunbar is about to discover the frontier...within himself.

Starring: Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney Grant, Floyd Red Crow Westerman, Tantoo Cardinal, Jimmy Herman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #2 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Dances With Wolves

"I've never known a people so eager to laugh, so devoted to family, so dedicated to each other.  And, the only word that came to mind was harmony." - John Dunbar

Why watch this? This "Western" finally depicts Native Peoples with accuracy.

Plot Summary: This epic Western film, starring and directed by Kevin Costner, was adapted from Michael Blake's novel of the same name. It tells the story of a Union Army lieutenant who requests duty on the American frontier and develops a profound connection with a tribe of Sioux Indians. The film explores themes of cultural exchange, prejudice, and the conflict between expanding American civilization and Indigenous ways of life.

Dad's Preview: For five years Costner established himself as a leading man in such films as Silverado (1985) and Bull Durham (1988). Dances changed all that, by proving that he was a also a serious filmmaker. This beautiful work of frontier art strips away many previous notions of the American West as portrayed on film. A lone Northern soldier heads West. There he encounters Native Americans, namely a Lakota Sioux tribe. He learns that all the rumors about these people are false, and he embraces the relationship. However, in America, it's never that simple. The scenery is breath-taking, all set to an incredible musical score. This Oscar-winner is a glorious epic to behold. 

Tig Productions, Majestic Films Int.; Orion Pictures

It's about life. It's about love. It's about us.

Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Adolph Caesar, Margaret Avery, Rae Dawn Chong

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"A girl child ain't safe in a family of mens, but I ain't never thought I'd have to fight in my own house! I loves Harpo, God knows I do. But I'll kill him dead 'fo I let him beat me." - Sofia

Why watch this? This incredible saga shows that courage can be silent and strength is enduring.

Plot Summary: The film follows timid Celie, an African-American woman in early 1900's rural Georgia, as she endures difficult circumstances, including domestic violence and bigotry. Separated from her beloved sister Nettie, Celie finds strength and hope through various relationships, particularly with the strong-willed singer Shug Avery and her own growing self-reliance. The story spans forty years, depicting Celie's journey from oppression to finding her voice.

Dad's Preview: This film is a journey wrought with pain, cruelty and oppression. This inspiring film was our introduction to the amazing Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and the indomitable Oprah Winfrey. Spielberg, though he took a lot of crap for it, again, hits the cinematic mark. If you don't see only black and white, check out this valuable American story.

Amblin Entertainment, The Guber-Peters Company; Warner Bros.

No one would take on his case... until one man was willing to take on the system.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Jason Robarbs, Mary Steenburgen, Antonio Banderas, Joanne Woodward

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #27 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Philadelphia

"Every now and again - not often, but occasionally - you get to be a part of justice being done. That really is quite a thrill when that happens." - Andrew Beckett

Why watch this? ... are all men created equal? Apparently not all men.

Plot Summary: Andrew Beckett is a gifted lawyer at a prestigious firm who is unjustly fired after his firm discovers he has AIDS. Beckett decides to sue the firm for wrongful termination, but struggles to find legal representation due to his illness and sexual orientation. He eventually hires Joe Miller, a initially homophobic lawyer played by Denzel Washington, who is the only attorney willing to take on the difficult case.

Dad's Preview: I've always been a fan of courtroom dramas. Philadelphia is that, and much more. An attorney, Andrew Beckett, is fired from a prestigious firm. The stated reason? - bad performance. The real reason: He is a gay man with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Andrew hires Joe Miller, one of the few lawyers willing to take his case. Together they take on the firm's corrupt practices, fueled by society's fear and hatred towards the community most impacted by the deadly disease. This amazing film should serve as a gut-punch regarding false fears and bigotry. Please have the courage to watch it.

Clinica Estetico Productions; TriStar Pictures

The Biggest, Roughest, Toughest ...and Most Beautiful Picture Ever Made!

Starring: John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, Natalie Wood, John Qualen, Olive Carey, Henry Brandon, Ken Curtis, Harry Carey Jr.

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #8 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of The Searchers

"Seems like he never learns there's such a thing as a critter that'll just keep comin' on. So we'll find 'em in the end, I promise you. We'll find 'em. Just as sure as the turnin' of the earth." – Ethan Edwards, referring to the Indians who kidnapped Debbie

Why watch this? Basically to watch the greatest Western ever made.

Plot Summary: Confederate veteran Ethan Edwards has returned to his brother's Texas homestead only to find it raided by Comanches, his family massacred, and his niece Debbie abducted. Fueled by a complex mix of hatred and a desire for vengeance, Ethan embarks on a years-long search with Debbie's adopted brother, and half-breed, Martin.

Dad's Preview: This is by far the most complex character in John Wayne's long, storied career. Set in the stark, beautiful desert landscape of Monument Valley, famous director John Ford masterfully delivers this Western odyssey filled with danger, tragedy, and two lost men - determined to rescue a kidnapped family relative, young Debbie. After years of making movies together, Ford knew Wayne could create a compelling, conflicted character, and not just play himself. Throw in our history's racism towards Native Americans, and you've got a powerful film. The final scene forever belongs to cinematic history. Wayne deserved the Oscar for Best Actor, in my opinion.

C.V. Whitney Pictures; Warner Bros.

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