Out of movies in the "Pandemic Era?"

TEN GREAT MOVIES YOU PROBABLY HAVEN'T/MAY NOT HAVE SEEN

   I don't know about the rest of you, but I've spent a significant portion of "Pandemic Season" watching movies and reading books. "Rona" has shut us down for far longer than initially expected however, and quality material is becoming as scarce as hand sanitizer and common sense. So if you find yourself in a position similar to my own, (the "What else is there?" position) I may be able to offer some assistance. 

   Below are ten of my favorite films, specifically those few of my favorites that I believe are less exposed and circulated in current movie digestion. These are films that didn't explode at the box office like a Marvel movie, or those that have been dropped by the wayside in the long history of Hollywood successes. You might be familiar with some of them, and you might not. Hopefully you'll find a few new favorites! 

   I initially planned to write a summary for each title below, but I firmly believe that the best way to experience a great story is to dive in and see/hear/learn it all for yourself. (I now resolutely refuse to answer the question "What's going to happen?" when I watch movies with family these days.) 

   So instead of a summary I will give a quick prelude and share what I believe is a message or value that can be gained from watching each of the films listed below. Going into a story with a context in that style can be an incredibly rewarding experience. 

   I believe I've been fairly successful in choosing a variety of genres and themes that all have something great to offer, (including two Christmas movies for those of us wishing for an early change of season). Some of them are top-notch universal comedies, and some are thought provoking stories that can teach us about ourselves and others. I have included the year, rating, and my own "Family Friendliness" assessment for each film, so that you can decide if you think the film is appropriate for you. 

   I hope you enjoy the list and find something great to watch!

LOST HORIZON 1937 UNRATED

Theme: A small group of people become stranded in the Himalayas and discover a wonderful new home that may change and heal their hearts. 

Message: Being open to healing and goodness is essential to recovery. 

 Rated Family Friendly Meter! 7/10 

• An innocent scene of many young village children running nude into a river to swim. (non-explicit) A woman swims nude and is just visible from behind at a distance. It is difficult to tell that she is nude and the scene is very tame compared to modern filmmaking. (non-explicit)
  

THE LAST SAMURAI 2003 RATED R

Theme: A troubled veteran finds peace in a culture very different from his own, and discovers a cause worth fighting for.

Message: Honor is of great value and must be sought after diligently. 

 Family Friendly Meter! 4/10

• This is primarily a war movie and has frequent gory battle scenes. It depicts Japanese ritualistic suicide (Seppuku) that viewers may find disturbing.

ITS A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD 1963 RATED G

Theme: A dysfunctional and diverse group of people race frantically for a treasure, wreaking hilarious havoc along the way.

Message: None, this movie is pure fun from beginning to end and is one of the greatest comedies of all time.

Family Friendly Meter! 10/10

• An "All-Audiences" comedy from the 1960s. Acceptable for all viewers.

ABOUT TIME 2013 RATED R

Theme: A man with a useful supernatural ability experiences life, love, and loss in a very real-life way.

Message: Value every beautiful moment of life and take nothing for granted. 

 Family Friendly Meter! 2/10

• Unfortunately, strong explicit profanity is used occasionally throughout the film. There are references to sexual acts as well as a non-explicit sex scene. The storyline and themes are relevant only to adults so this film is not intended for young family members.

IT HAPPENED ON 5TH AVENUE 1947 UNRATED

Theme: A group of strangers take up shelter together in a glorious mansion during the Christmas season.

Message: All material wealth and comfort is meaningless without love and joy. 

 Family Friendly Meter! 10/10

• An innocent and delightful family film from the 1940s. Acceptable for all viewers. 

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS 2011 RATED PG

Theme: The younger, estranged son of Santa Clause fights to resolve an injustice alongside his hilarious and endearing comrades. 

Message: Families are most beautiful when acting in mutual love, respect, and admiration. 

 Family Friendly Meter! 10/10

• A Christmas movie from Aardman Animations. Acceptable for all viewers. 

KINGDOM OF HEAVEN 2005 RATED R

Theme: A man struggling with his faith and self-assurance unexpectedly becomes the leader of a powerful faction during a terrible war.

Message: Doing what is right is rarely easy, but truth and justice must not be abandoned. 

 Family Friendly Meter! 4/10

• This is primarily a war movie and has frequent gory battle scenes. A scene alludes to two characters having sex but nothing is shown. 

SABRINA 1954 UNRATED

Theme: A captivating girl and a cold businessman discover true life and joy in an unexpected place.

Message: Our obsessions can deprive us of hidden greater things. 

 Family Friendly Meter! 10/10

• A character attempts suicide by carbon monoxide but is quickly interrupted and saved.
  (non-explicit)

DEFIANCE 2008 RATED R

Theme: Four brothers assist Jews in escaping the holocaust in an incredible true story of innovation and courage.

Message: God never abandons us, even in our darkest hours.

 Family Friendly Meter! 3/10

• This is a primarily a war movie and has frequent gory gun battles. The story takes place during, and shows strong depictions of the Nazi Holocaust. Viewers may be disturbed by the dark nature of much of this film, however it is one of few Holocaust films that depicts a factual "Happy Ending" that is wonderfully uplifting to see. Strong profanity is used a handful of times throughout this film. Sex between characters is alluded to twice in a way inappropriate for young viewers although it is not explicit.

FANTASTIC MR FOX 2009 RATED PG

Theme: A fox seeks adventure in dangerous places, putting his family and friends in jeopardy.

Message: Contentment is essential to happiness, as is taking joy in who you truly are. 

 Family Friendly Meter! 9/10

• Any profanity that would be in the film is replaced with the word "cuss" to comedic effect, though some parents may be uncomfortable with the joke. There is mild animated violence in a few scenes of the film.