Idol Chatter has posted a list of the five best movies celebrating the American Dream. All good choices: Avalon
and An American Tail
(about the immigrant experience), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
about an idealistic young Senator, and Rocky
, the Bicentennial boxing classic. I was especially happy to see one of my favorites that never got the audience it deserved on the list: America’s Heart & Soul
a touching, inspiring, stirring, and thrilling documentary about the American spirit. 
Loyal reader jestrfyl suggests the “Back to the Future” movies, the “National Treasure” movies, and “Pleasantville.” I would add movies like Best Picture Oscar winners You Can’t Take It With You
, All the President’s Men
, and On the Waterfront 
, because an essential element of the American dream is the triumph over tyranny and corruption. And I’d also include fact-based movies like “Glory,” “Young Mr. Lincoln,” and “The Right Stuff,” because the most American of dreams is the idea that there are no limits on what we can accomplish beyond the limits of our own imagination and daring.
Nell wrote, “And I’d also include fact-based movies like “Glory,” “Young Mr. Lincoln,” and “The Right Stuff,” because the most American of dreams is the idea that there are no limits on what we can accomplish beyond the limits of our own imagination and daring”.
To those I would add “October Sky” – talk about taking it to the limit! From the depths of the earht – a coal mine – to the outer limits of space!
An interesting counterpoint to these would be “Gangs of New York”.
How about “Norma Rae” or “Erin Brockovich”?
I thought of a couple more – “Americana” (which I’ve never actually seen) but is supposed to be a labor of love (about a Vietnam veteran refurbishing a Merry-Go-Round in small town America) by actor-director David Carradine. “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and then there are the films of John Ford. Also, “The Music Man.”
Great suggestions, jestrfyl and Alicia! Thanks so much for writing.
I´d suggest that you check the lists of that site http://www.weshow.com/top10/en/ there you´ll find real video lists about cinema. Worthy to watch and learn
Mulan is the best animated feature since Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs,Sleeping Beauty and Pinocchio.
American Beauty, Citizen Cane, To kill a mockingbird, Persuit of Happiness, It could happen to you, Pretty Woman…..
Good choices, Anne!