1. The Help
First up is The Help. It is a melodrama that frames the push for racial equality. The film follows a tale of oppressed African Americans who have been given a voice by a journalist. This screenplay concentrates on personal injustices and the hardship and inequalities that have been experienced by African Americans. The films pulls on your heartstrings and is definitely one that you cannot miss!
2. Moonlight
This coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Barry Jenkins, is based on Tarell Alvin McCraney's unpublished semi-autobiographical play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue. It follows a man's journey from a deprived childhood to self-realisation- Jenkin's film has won multiple oscars and it is obvious why!
3. Selma
Ava DuVernay's film of Selma is an inspiring picture about Martin Luther King and his civil rights march in 1965. The film stars David Oyelowo as King. This film highlights the racism evident in America, emphasising both the wider ramifications for the public and the personal implications for those involved in the civil rights movement.
4. The Colour Purple
This film by Steven Spielberg is a tale of the years in the life of Celie (Whoopi Goldberg). Goldberg wonderfully portrays an African-American woman in the South who survives incredible abuse and bigotry. The film is a close adaptation to the book by Alice Walker. It is definitely recommended for the Spielberg fans out there. But even if you are not a fan, still give it a shot. (or give the book a shot!)
5. Invictus
Invictus is a biographical film about Nelson Mandela unifying a country divided by race after his imprisonment. Morgan Freeman portrays Mandela wonderfully. The film is inspiring at its best and will no doubt tug at your heart strings.