Film Choices


One Week (2008)

Directed by Michael McGowan, One Week is a Canadian film that depicts the story of twenty-something Ben Tyler (Joshua Jackson), who learns that he has stage IV cancer with a dim prognosis of recovery. Faced with the imminence of his own death, Ben embarks upon a cross-country motorcycle adventure from Toronto to Tofino, consequently delaying his treatment as a cancer patient, much to the chagrin of his fiancé and family. This film explores the immediacy of death, and it prompts serious reflection about "What would you do if you knew you only had one day, or one week, or one month to live?"

Starring: Joshua Jackson and Liane Balaban


Life Is Beautiful (1997)

Set in Italy and in a concentration camp, the film Life Is Beautiful, directed by Roberto Benigni, recounts the love story between its protagonist, Guido (Roberto Benigni), and his "principessa," Dora. Having two distinct moods, the film depicts the serendipitous events that bring the two characters together in Italy, and their subsequent struggle, five years and one child (Giosue) later, to keep their family together amid the horrifying backdrop of the Holocaust. Life Is Beautiful presents a powerful message of hope and sacrifice in the midst of great crisis, augmented by surprising and uplifting humour. Note: Because this is an Italian film, it has English subtitles. 

Starring: Roberto Benigni and Nicoletta Braschi


Life as a House (2001)

Immediately after losing his job, George Monroe is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Not wanting to alarm his estranged family, George secretly engages his wayward son in a project to build his dream home in hopes of rebuilding their relationship. While these circumstances are not without their challenges, these trials bring out the best in many, proving that love can nurture and prevail.

Starring: Hayden Christensen and Kevin Kline

Note: This film, directed by Irwin Winkler, contains mature content including language, drug use, and sexuality. 


Crash (2004)

Crash, directed by Paul Haggis, explores the intertwining lives of eight people in Los Angeles through various degrees of racism. As these people interact with each other, racial tension grows and hatred explodes between the characters, affecting their relationships. Two black men hijack the car of the Caucasian wife of the district attorney which reinforces her stereotypical views of non-whites. The district attorney uses race as a political card and the two black carjackers use their race to their advantage as an excuse for what they do. Into this mix come two police officers, one who is racist and the other who hates his partner for his harassment of non-whites. Tension increases through volatile relationships and action.

Starring: Don Cheadle and Sandra Bullock


The Fisher King (1991)

Directed by Terry Gilliam, The Fisher King is set in New York. Jack Lucas, a famous, arrogant, and egotistical New York City radio talk show host, goes on a quick downward spiral, both personally and professionally, after he makes a glib comment to one of his regular callers that results in that caller going on a shooting spree at a popular Manhattan bar. The Fisher King is a movie about hope, despair, and redemption and often mixes comedy and tragedy. Dejected and remorseful, Jack befriends a former professor who became unhinged and homeless after witnessing his wife's violent death in the bar shooting. 

Starring: Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams


The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Chris Gardner has big dreams for himself and his family in The Pursuit of Happyness. He has invested everything into a device called a "Bone Density Scanner." As Gardner tries to figure out how to sell these scanners, his wife leaves him and he loses his house, bank account, and credit cards. He is forced to live on the streets with his son and is desperate to find steady work. Chris has an opportunity to be a stock-broker, but he first must successfully complete six months of training without any pay. So they find themselves sometimes living on the street, struggling to get by but Chris is determined to make it. This film, directed by Gabriele Muccino, is based on a true story, and throughout his experiences and struggles, Chris is totally committed to his son. 

Starring: Will Smith and Thandie Newton


Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Directed by Clint Eastwood, Million Dollar Baby depicts the lives of Frankie Dunn and Maggie Fitzgerald. Maggie is a single and poor waitress. Her family is dysfunctional at best, and her life appears dismal. She is determined to make a significant change and seeks out Frankie Dunn, a seasoned boxing trainer. He is difficult to convince, but her persistence wears him down, and he agrees to train her. Together, they struggle to the top of women's boxing and face challenges that make their relationship stronger than either would have expected. The most important lesson Frankie teaches his boxers is the one that rules life: above all, always protect yourself.

Starring: Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman