Family Films About Forgiveness

Description: An elderly man rides a lawnmower across Iowa to reconcile with his estranged brother. This gentle film by David Lynch is a testament to the power of forgiveness and the simplicity of human connection.

Fact: This is the only G-rated film directed by David Lynch.

Description: Set in 1964, this film follows a young girl who finds solace and learns about forgiveness from a group of beekeeping sisters after her mother's death. It's a story of healing and the power of forgiveness within a makeshift family.

Fact: The film is based on the best-selling novel by Sue Monk Kidd.

Description: Akeelah, an 11-year-old girl from South Los Angeles, learns to forgive herself and others as she competes in the National Spelling Bee. The film showcases how forgiveness can lead to personal growth and community support.

Fact: The film was inspired by the documentary "Spellbound" and features real-life spelling bee champions.

Description: Chris Gardner's struggle to provide for his son while pursuing his dream job is a poignant tale of perseverance and forgiveness. The film highlights the father-son relationship, where forgiveness plays a crucial role in their journey.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith starred together in this film, which was based on the true story of Chris Gardner.

Description: This film tells the inspiring true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American teenager who is taken in by a caring family. The Tuohy family's act of kindness and their journey to understand and forgive Michael's past is a testament to the power of forgiveness and acceptance.

Fact: Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.

Description: Matt King must navigate his wife's infidelity and her impending death, learning to forgive her and himself in the process. This film explores the nuances of family forgiveness and reconciliation.

Fact: George Clooney won a Golden Globe for Best Actor for his role as Matt King.

Description: This film adaptation of Tracy Letts' Pulitzer Prize-winning play examines a dysfunctional family forced to confront their issues and seek forgiveness after the patriarch's disappearance.

Fact: Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts both received Academy Award nominations for their roles.

Description: A teenage boy learns about self-acceptance and forgiveness during a summer at a water park, where he finds a surrogate family that helps him heal from his stepfather's harshness.

Fact: The film was co-written and co-directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, who also won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for "The Descendants."

Description: A successful lawyer returns home to defend his estranged father, a judge accused of murder. Their journey to forgiveness is both emotional and complex, highlighting the importance of family bonds.

Fact: Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall both received Golden Globe nominations for their performances.

Description: A holiday gathering turns into a lesson in family dynamics and forgiveness when a conservative daughter-in-law-to-be clashes with her liberal future in-laws. The film explores how forgiveness can mend broken relationships.

Fact: The film's script was originally written as a play by director Thomas Bezucha.