Most of the movies screened in cinemas these days tend to be filled with violence or below the belt humour, or both! It’s not that good movies aren’t made anymore, they’re just a little harder to find in this day and age.
We’ve put together a list of movies from the 2000s that we truly believe are good. If you care for films that make you think and feel good afterwards, you might find these suggestions useful.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) IMDB Rating 7.3
This movie is about a group of British retirees who travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. It doesn’t quite meet their standards/expectations, but despite this small setback, the new residents manage to discover the charm of the hotel and each other.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is light-hearted and cute. It’s listed as a comedy and since the situations pictured in the movie are just like in real life, you might find yourself laughing out loud. This is the type of movie that you should watch if you’re looking for entertainment and colourful characters. It features Judi Dench, so come on, you can’t go wrong!
The King’s Speech (2010) IMDB Rating 8.0
The King’s Speech is the story of King George VI of England/United Kingdom specifically focusing on his sudden ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped to ensure the monarch become worthy of the title.
Watch The King’s Speech if you enjoy stories based on real life events, this is magnificent tale based on true events.
Colin Firth is fascinating in his role, he nails your eyes to the screen and makes you hold your breath in suspense and wonder. Firth has won an Oscar for the role and he truly deserved it. In addition to the award for best actor The King’s Speech received three more Oscars and many other awards.
The Help (2011) IMDB Rating 8.1
The story takes place in the 1960s America. A young lady, who has just graduated from The University of Mississippi wants to become a writer and decides to write a book about black maids working in white households. Being white, she is struggles to gain the trust of the maids. At the same time, she is disgusted by the attitudes of her white socialite friends towards their “help” and the poor treatment their staff have to suffer.
Racism is a serious matter and one could say that as long as the problem exists, the topic never really goes away. But how much do we know about the lives and problems of black housekeepers in the southern states of USA in the middle of the 20th century? It’s an interesting movie with great acting. Definitely worth your time.
Gran Torino (2008) IMDB Rating 8.2
A young teenager trying to impress his friends attempts to steal a car from a disgruntled Korean War veteran. The boy doesn’t succeed, but establishes a friendship with the old man.
The title of this movie could be considered confusing and at the same time secretly informative. This makes it quite probable that you haven’t seen it. Don’t be thrown off by the title, this movie is actually very deep; sad, beautiful and touching all at once. It is highly praised and this comes as no surprise as it not only stars Grand Old Man Clint Eastwood, but is also produced and directed by him. It’s a story about relationships between family members, caring for and taking care of each other. Make sure you grab some tissues before you start watching, the waterworks are inevitable.
Concussion (2015) IMDB Rating 7.1
Accomplished pathologist Dr. Bennett Omalu uncovers the truth about brain damage in American football players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play.
Concussion is a sports drama. I personally am not the biggest fan of Will Smith and didn’t have high hopes before watching the movie, but I was surprised, he’s good in his role! The movie is enjoyable and raises awareness of the medical conditions that American football can cause. Don’t skip the movie if you don’t care for American football too much, the game itself is hardly seen in any scenes. It’s not about the game itself, it’s about something much more.
Ratatouille (2007) IMDB Rating 8.0
Who said rats can’t cook? In this funny animation, they can! Especially one particular rat, named Remy, who makes an alliance with a young kitchen worker at a famous restaurant.
Sometimes when watching animated films with children or grandchildren, you might discover that some of them are so interesting and entertaining that kids’ presence isn’t necessary. Ratatouille is definitely one of these. The story is about dreams, friendship and hard work. A bit naïve (most kids animations have a touch of naïveté) but watching Ratatouille leaves you feeling happy and warm.