Films About Principled Characters

Description: Atticus Finch, a principled lawyer, defends a black man accused of rape in the racially charged South. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality makes this film a timeless classic in the study of moral courage.

Fact: Gregory Peck won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Atticus Finch, and the film was nominated for eight Oscars in total.

Description: This film tells the story of Sir Thomas More, who stood by his principles and refused to endorse King Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine of Aragon, leading to his eventual execution. It's a testament to the power of conviction and the cost of integrity.

Fact: The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Paul Scofield, who portrayed More.

Description: Paul Newman plays Frank Galvin, a washed-up lawyer who takes on a medical malpractice case, rediscovering his sense of justice and integrity in the process. His battle against the odds showcases the power of personal redemption through principled action.

Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Newman.

Description: Sister Helen Prejean, portrayed by Susan Sarandon, becomes a spiritual advisor to a death row inmate, Matthew Poncelet. Her journey to understand and support him, despite his crimes, is a profound exploration of compassion and moral conviction.

Fact: Susan Sarandon won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role, and the film was nominated for four Oscars.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows Jeffrey Wigand, a tobacco executive who becomes a whistleblower, risking everything to expose the truth about the tobacco industry. His principled stand against corporate corruption is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Fact: Al Pacino and Russell Crowe both received Academy Award nominations for their performances in this film.

Description: Julia Roberts stars as Erin Brockovich, a single mother who takes on a powerful utility company after discovering they've contaminated a town's water supply. Her tenacity and moral outrage make her a symbol of the fight for justice.

Fact: Julia Roberts won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role, and the film was nominated for four Oscars.

Description: Set in East Germany, this film follows a Stasi officer who, while spying on a playwright, begins to question the morality of his actions. His transformation from a loyal agent to a man of conscience is both subtle and powerful.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and it was the first German film to win this award since

Description: Based on real events, this film depicts Kathryn Bolkovac, a Nebraska police officer who uncovers a human trafficking scandal in post-war Bosnia. Her determination to expose the truth, despite personal and professional risks, is a testament to her principles.

Fact: The film was screened at the United Nations to raise awareness about human trafficking.

Description: This film recounts the true story of The Washington Post's decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, highlighting the courage of publisher Katharine Graham and editor Ben Bradlee in the face of government pressure.

Fact: Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks both received Academy Award nominations for their performances.

Description: Mark Ruffalo plays Robert Bilott, a corporate defense attorney who takes on a case against a chemical company, uncovering a massive environmental scandal. His journey from corporate lawyer to environmental advocate showcases the power of personal conviction.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Bilott's legal battle against DuPont, which lasted over 20 years.