HRI Staff Film Recommendations
Ray, chosen by Joy Allen
Personal Quote: “This movie advocates for disability rights; I firmly believe that individuals with disabilities should be seen as people first, with their disabilities not defining their limitations, which is why this movie is such a great adaptation of this idea!”
The 2004 biographical drama Ray, directed by Taylor Hackford, tells the inspiring story of iconic musician Ray Charles, whose journey from a challenging upbringing in Georgia to worldwide acclaim is beautifully captured. The film highlights his resilience as he navigates the hardships of losing his sight at a young age, overcoming addiction, and confronting racial barriers, all while transforming the music industry with his unique blend of rhythm and blues, jazz, gospel, and country. Jamie Foxx’s Academy Award-winning performance masterfully portrays Ray's charisma, vulnerabilities, and resourcefulness, such as his use of hollow soles and tactile methods to adapt to blindness. A powerful message of empowerment and advocacy emerges, resonating deeply with personal experiences, like helping a blind friend defy expectations. With its poignant depiction of Ray’s mother teaching him to stand strong and its celebration of the human spirit’s tenacity, Ray is not only a tribute to a musical genius but also a profound reminder of the transformational power of resilience and music.
The Color Purple, chosen by Faith Clark
Personal Quote: “The Color Purple is not only a story about hardship and struggle but more importantly about love, growth, and empowerment. The relationships that the main character Celie makes along the way shapes her into becoming the best version of herself, learning to have hope, love herself and to have the strength not to take abuse from anyone.”
The Color Purple explores themes of empowerment, resilience, and the intersection of race, gender, and spirituality, depicting the profound personal growth of Celie as she transforms through the support of strong female relationships. Characters like Shug Avery and Sofia teach Celie self-love, resilience, and the importance of standing up against abuse, helping her reclaim her independence and self-worth. The film delves into the emotional and psychological scars of abuse, showing how Celie and Sofia grapple with the systemic oppression they face due to their race and gender. It contrasts Celie’s meekness with Sofia’s assertiveness and Shug’s independence, illustrating how their bonds inspire Celie’s empowerment. Faith and religion also play pivotal roles, as Celie’s evolving relationship with God fosters hope and a renewed understanding of her worth beyond societal constraints. Finally, the titular color purple symbolizes beauty, freedom, and spiritual awakening, emphasizing how the characters find strength and joy amidst suffering, with Celie’s journey culminating in a triumphant reconnection with her sister and her sense of self.
12 Years a Slave, chosen by Yerlin Holguin
Personal Quote: “I would recommend this movie for educating people about the historical realities about the things going on during slavery. It is an amazing movie, though a hard watch only because of how raw it is in depicting the suffering and brutality of the lives of enslaved individuals.”
12 Years a Slave is a movie based on a true story about a free black man named Solomon Northup, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. This film forces the viewers to confront the harsh truths about the human cost of slavery. This movie highlights the complicity of society through the many people who didn’t help Solomon. It sheds light to the horrors of injustice of kidnapping and enslavement but also the importance of freedom and human rights. The film’s portrayal of these events and the actors were all truly exceptional. Chiwetel Ejiofor's performance of Solomon Northup really brang the harrowing experience of his character to life and was deeply moving. This movie is wonderful and can get the viewers really emotional. In essence, this movie truly speaks for itself and is a must watch. Trigger warning for physical and sexual abuse, racial language, and emotional distress.