Family Films Celebrating Peace and Non-Violence

Description: This epic biographical film follows the life of Mohandas K. Gandhi, who used non-violent civil disobedience to lead India to independence from British rule, making it a quintessential pacifist tale.

Fact: Ben Kingsley won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Gandhi, and the film was shot in over 200 locations across India.

Description: A surgeon's life changes when he becomes a patient, leading him to embrace a more compassionate and peaceful approach to medicine.

Fact: William Hurt, who plays the lead, was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance, and the film was based on the book "A Taste of My Own Medicine" by Dr. Edward Rosenbaum.

Description: Directed by David Lynch, this film is about Alvin Straight, an elderly man who travels 240 miles on a lawnmower to reconcile with his estranged brother, showcasing the power of patience and peaceful resolution.

Fact: The film is based on a true story, and it's one of the few G-rated films directed by Lynch, known for his more surreal works.

Description: While not explicitly about pacifism, this film showcases the peaceful resilience and determination of Chris Gardner, who overcomes adversity through non-violent means.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden played father and son in the film, and the title misspells "Happiness" as it was on a mural in San Francisco.

Description: A lonely professor's life changes when he finds a couple living in his apartment, leading to a story of cultural understanding and peaceful coexistence.

Fact: The film was shot in New York City, and the lead actor, Richard Jenkins, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Description: This film tells the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector during WWII who saved 75 men without firing a single shot, embodying the spirit of a pacifist in the midst of war.

Fact: Andrew Garfield underwent extensive physical training to portray Doss, and the film was shot in New South Wales, Australia, to replicate the battlefields of Okinawa.

Description: Based on the life of Fred Rogers, this film explores his philosophy of kindness, empathy, and peace, showing how his gentle approach changed lives.

Fact: Tom Hanks was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Fred Rogers, and the film uses real footage from Rogers' TV show.

Description: This coming-of-age story set in South Africa during WWII and apartheid, focuses on a young boy's journey to fight injustice through education and peaceful resistance.

Fact: The film features a young Morgan Freeman in one of his earlier roles, and it was shot in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Description: This documentary follows Jeremy Gilley's quest to establish an annual Peace Day, highlighting the global efforts of individuals and organizations to promote peace through non-violent means.

Fact: The film includes interviews with celebrities like Jude Law and Annie Lennox, who support the Peace One Day initiative.

Description: This Chinese film tells the story of an old street performer who adopts a girl, only to discover she's not what he expected, teaching lessons in acceptance and peaceful coexistence.

Fact: The film won several awards at international film festivals, including the Golden Rooster Award for Best Actor.