I just watched Born on the 4th of July and am feeling patriotic so how about a top 5 movies about America.
5. Do The Right Thing: This is the film Crash was trying to be, an unflinchingly honest and subtle (subtle, Crash needed more of that) look at racism in a NYC neighborhood. The opposing quotes at the end by two of Americas leading civil rights fighters are genius.
4. The Grapes of Wrath: While it ultimately doesnt acheive the power of the book, (My favorite novel of all time) Ford's film does retain the overall theme of Steinbeck's masterpiece, finding dignity in the most undignified of situations.
3. My Family/ Mi Familia: A heartfelt look at the struggles of a few generations in an imigrant family as they adapt to life in America.
2. Nashville: My favorite Altman film, Nashville offers a funny, touching look at the most American of music, Country. Lily Tomlin is a standout in a true ensemble piece.
1. Brokeback Mountain: A uniquely American love story and western all in one. Its funny but it took a group of foreigners (Ang Lee, Rodrigo Prieto, Gustavo Santoallala, Heath Ledger) to create a true piece of American cinema.