From our perspective, it's great to see an A-list actor putting his own time and money into something that matters to everyone: our planet. Below are 10 more movies that we think matter. Take a peek, and let us know, what are the important films that make a difference in your life?
Schindler's List - This depiction of the Holocaust was the turning point in Steven Spielberg's career, from mainstream movie maker to serious artist. For all who've seen this and Saving Private Ryan, the images are indelible. The director moved people, and motivated them to a greater appreciation of our neighbors and loved ones who lived through the era.
Do the Right Thing - Spike Lee's best film is unafraid to look at race issues right in the eye, in all of their ugly and absurd forms. At the end, there is no definitive answer as to whether we can all get along. But a discussion has begun.
Super Size Me - You'll never look at a french fry in quite the same way after seeing this devastating documentary. Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock subjects himself to a 30 day diet of McDonalds so that (hopefully) everyone will be a little more careful about that All-American concept known as fast food.
Cry Freedom - Denzel Washington, Kevin Kline and filmmaker sir Richard Attenborough bring the story of Apartheid and slain activist Steven Biko to the big screen in moving fashion. The timing was right. Only a few years later, spurred on by the world's opposition to the policy of ethnic separation, Apartheid was abolished.
Sicko - Michael Moore's latest documentary about the American health care system presents less Moore and more real-life health crises. Wherever one stands on the issue, the movie does a great job of prompting more debate on the subject. Maybe no one has the perfect answer. But everyone should keep acting to find one that works for more people in our country.
Dead Man Walking - A nun (Susan Sarandon) forms a relationship with a killer (Sean Penn) on death row, and the victim's family. This movie about capital punishment isn't easy to watch, nor should it be. It is extremely affecting, though, and it is honest enough to stick to its convictions.
Glory - This epic Civil War film was the first to tell the story of black Union soldiers who fought alongside their white counterparts. It was something that many moviegoers in 1989 probably didn't know about. Even now, it’s quite an inspirational message.
Traffic - The war on drugs is still a complicated issue. Steven Soderbergh's powerful, dense film covers all of the key bases and opinions, and ends on a moving, graceful note (which no one would find issue with): simply the image and sounds of young kids, enjoying a game of baseball at night, in a park with new lights.
United 93 - Bourne Identity director Stephen Greengrass is at the top of his game here, presenting in almost documentary fashion the events of 9/11 as seen through the prism of United Flight 93. Without injecting any other point of view, Greengrass creates a perfect tribute, an unforgettable one, to everyday heroes who strived for life in the face of literal terror.
E.T. - It might seem strange to end with Spielberg's imaginary fantasy, but this is truly a movie that continues to make a difference. The world embraced Spielberg's little movie and little alien for a reason. We all know what it's like to be a kid, to grow up, and we all know what a difference a friend, and a connection can make.
Here's to all of these movies that matter to us...now, let's hear yours!
