deliberate backdrop

Movies with deliberate vibe

Fire at Sea

471. Fire at Sea

Documentary Social & Political Documentary
6.7

20161h 54min

France, Italy

Director: Gianfranco Rosi

Overview

Capturing life on the Italian island of Lampedusa, a frontline in the European migrant crisis.

Themes

Memory of wartime ships, Humanitarian aid dynamics, Migration crisis frontline, Radio as lifeline, Resilience through families, Refugees and rescue

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Risen

472. Risen

Action Adventure Drama History Mystery
6.3

20161h 47min

United States

Director: Kevin Reynolds

Overview

Clavius, a powerful Roman military tribune, and his aide, Lucius, are tasked with solving the mystery of what happened to Jesus in the weeks following the crucifixion, in order to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.

Themes

Political manipulation, Deception and rumor, Belief under pressure, Authority vs doubt, Loyalty under fear, Transformation through doubt

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Alone in Berlin

473. Alone in Berlin

War Thriller Drama World War II Political Thriller
6.5

20161h 43min

France, Germany

Director: Vincent Perez

Overview

Berlin in June of 1940. While Nazi propaganda celebrates the regime’s victory over France, a kitchen-cum-living room in Prenzlauer Berg is filled with grief. Anna and Otto Quangel’s son has been killed at the front. This working class couple had long believed in the ‘Führer’ and followed him willingly, but now they realise that his promises are nothing but lies and deceit. They begin writing postcards as a form of resistance and in a bid to raise awareness: Stop the war machine! Kill Hitler! Putting their lives at risk, they distribute these cards in the entrances of tenement buildings and in stairwells. But the SS and the Gestapo are soon onto them, and even their neighbours pose a threat.

Themes

Propaganda vs truth, Surveillance and coercion, Moral courage under threat, Resistance through small acts, Collective risk and solidarity, Ordinary people as political actors

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Choice

474. The Choice

Drama Romance Passionate Romance Relationship Drama
6.5

20161h 51min

United States

Director: Ross Katz

Overview

Two neighbors—Travis, a veterinarian, and Gabby, a medical student—fall for each other soon after they meet. But their connection is tested right away: Gabby already has a boyfriend, and Travis wants no commitments.

Themes

Illness and resilience, Commitment through adversity, Competing romantic loyalties, Family formation and growth, Disaster and recovery, Cheating and consequences

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Chocolat

475. Chocolat

Comedy Drama Historical Drama Dark Comedy
7.0

20161h 59min

France

Director: Roschdy Zem

Overview

Chocolat the clown, the first black stage performer in France, goes from anonymity to fame after forming an unprecedented duo with fellow performer Footit in the very popular in Belle Epoque Paris. But easy money, gambling, and discrimination take their toll on their friendship and Chocolat's career.

Themes

Class inequality, Deception in performance, Racial stigma, Spectacle and exploitation, Fame versus marginalization, Power imbalance in entertainment

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Miles Ahead

476. Miles Ahead

Drama Music History Historical Drama Music Biopic
6.4

20161h 40min

United States

Director: Don Cheadle

Overview

An exploration of the life and music of Miles Davis.

Themes

Isolation and artistry, Memory and decline, Relationship betrayal, Muse and creation, Intrusion and privacy, Pain and performance

Available on

Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Where to Invade Next

477. Where to Invade Next

Documentary Comedy Social & Political Documentary Satire
7.5

20152h 1min

United States

Director: Michael Moore

Overview

To understand firsthand what the United States of America can learn from other nations, Michael Moore playfully “invades” some to see what they have to offer.

Themes

Economic inequality mitigation, Womens rights leadership, Education access debt-free, Welfare states expansion, Drug policy reform, Labor rights co-determination

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

He Never Died

478. He Never Died

Comedy Drama Fantasy Horror Thriller
6.3

20151h 39min

United States, Canada

Director: Jason Krawczyk

Overview

Jack is a solitary man with a mysterious past. His strange habits will soon become stranger when his past catches up with him.

Themes

Immortal burden, Bible imagery, Vampire violence, Father daughter relationship, Isolation and routine, Violence and restraint

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Heidi

479. Heidi

Adventure Family Drama Adventure Epic
7.4

20151h 51min

Germany, Switzerland

Director: Alain Gsponer

Overview

Heidi, is an eight-year-old Swiss orphan who is given by her aunt to her mountain-dwelling grandfather. She is then stolen back by her aunt from her grandfather to live in the wealthy Sesemann household in Frankfurt, Germany as a companion to Klara, a sheltered, disabled girl in a wheelchair. Heidi is unhappy but makes the best of the situation, always longing for her grandfather.

Themes

Family displacement, Homesickness and adaptation, Return to home and renewal, Guardianship and belonging, Friendship across classes, Urban vs rural life

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Danish Girl

480. The Danish Girl

Drama Historical Drama
7.1

20151h 59min

Belgium, United Kingdom

Director: Tom Hooper

Overview

When Gerda Wegener asks her husband Einar to fill in as a portrait model, Einar discovers the person she's meant to be and begins living her life as Lili Elbe. Having realized her true self and with Gerda's love and support, Lili embarks on a groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer.

Themes

Public reception and gatekeeping, Gender identity and self-representation, Art and personal truth, Medical risk and ethics, Mourning and memory, Supportive friendship and loyalty

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.