Do the Right Thing (1989)
Set in late 80’s New York City, a huge heat wave hits the neighborhood, which has a major affect on the racial tensions between all those that live there.
This film is the very intimate look at how race and culture interact with one another. Almost all kinds of ethnic and racial cultures are represented in this film including Whites, Hispanics, Blacks, and Asian. While the film may be set more than twenty years ago, it is still relevant, deep, and personal when it came out and maybe even more so today. Do the Right Thing raises a lot of points for the audience to think about and the ending is even better by referring to the title. This is a great pick especially since UIC has a huge diversity of students and faculty.
Black Swan (2010)
A ballet performer lands the lead role in the next ballet production. However, as she feels the pressure she tries to delve into what the “black swan” role should be.
Black Swan grabs you and shows you what it feels like to fall under pressure. The film is all a psychological mind twister. Natalie Portman again delivers an outstanding performance this time as a naïve woman who needs to become more “free” to perform the role she wanted to play. Essentially the movie plays out as a story within a story. This movie is creepy and well done as it will get under your skin. A definitive watch.
Malèna (2000)
A young boy in World War II Italy falls for the town’s most beautiful and notorious woman.
Malèna is one of the best films to represent the Italian cinema. It is emotional and disturbing at the same time. For a movie about a boy growing into manhood, it illustrates the realities including sexual awakening and desire. The story though also focuses on the beautiful Malena, who has to do what she has to do to survive especially in the town where all the men want her and all the woman loathe her. The film is powerful and moving and worth two hours on a lazy day. In fact, it’s a good film to watch anytime…like right now!