An alien ship crash lands and are forced to live as refugees in a camp that, through overcrowding and militarization, eventually turns into the slum known as District 9. Issues of racism, refugees, the role of the United Nations (called Multi-National United) are explored.
Man of the Year (2006) PG-13
A comedian (Robin Williams) who hosts a news satire program decides to run for president, and a computerized voting machine malfunction gets him elected.
Syriana (2005) R
Syriana is a thriller of corruption and power related to the oil industry that tells four parallel stories involving a CIA agent, an attorney, an analyst, and an immigrant worker.
Star Wars Episode III; Revenge of the Sith (2005) PG-13
In this pivotal turning point for the galaxy, Anakin Skywalker must chose between the Chancelor (whose actions parallel that of Hitler and the Reichtag) and the Jedi. Must justice and peace be brought about by democracy, or can it be brought about by a dictatorship? The emperor thinks so.
The Contender (2000) R
Sometimes you can assassinate a leader without firing a shot. After the death of the vice president, a senator who is nominated to become Vice President following the death of the previous office holder. During the confirmation process, Laine is the victim of a vicious attack on her personal life in which stories of sexual deviancy are spread. She is torn as to whether she should fight back, or stick to her high principles and refuse to comment on the allegations. Issues about the nomination process, slander, and the relevance of a politician's personal life are explored.
Enemy of the State (1998) R
A lawyer becomes a target by a corrupt politician and his NSA goons when he accidentally receives key evidence to a serious politically motivated crime. National Security Agency agents utilize the full power of technological power of the federal government to track down Will Smith. Issues of the oversight of an increasingly powerful government and the intrusive power of the federal government to invade the right to privacy are explored.
The Siege (1998) R
On November 6th our freedom is history. The secret US abduction of a suspected terrorist leads to a wave of terrorist attacks in New York that lead to the declaration of martial law. Issues regarding how to fight a war on terrorism at home, as well as the concept of "martial law" are explored.
Wag the Dog (1997) R
Before elections, a spin-doctor and a Hollywood producer join efforts to "fabricate" a war in order to cover-up a presidential sex scandal. The role and ethics of the media are explored.
Air Force One (1997) R
Harrison Ford is the President of the United States. Hijackers seize the plane carrying the President of the United States and his family, but he (an ex-soldier) works from hiding to defeat them. The 25th Amendment regarding presidential secession is explored as his cabinet considers if the taking of the president's family has "incapacitated" him from making decisions as a president.
Executive Decision (1996) R
Some Arabs hijack an airliner and demand the release of their leader who is in American custody. They also intend to land in Washington for refueling. At the Pentagon, everyone there advises the National Security Advisor that they should let the plane land and then let the counter terrorist team of Colonel Austin Travis take them out.
The American President (1995) PG-13
>H5>The widowed President of the United States becomes smitten with a paid political activist working for an environmental lobby group. His relationship opens the door for his prime political opponent to launch an attack on the President's character, something he could not do in the previous election as Shepard's wife had only recently died.
Dave (1993)
In a country where anybody can become President, anybody just did. To avoid a potentially explosive scandal when the U.S. President goes into a coma, an affable temp agency owner with an uncanny resemblance, is put in his place.
Not Without My Daughter (1991)
In 1984, Betty Mahmoody's husband took his wife and daughter to meet his family in Iran. He swore they would be safe. They would be happy. They would be free to leave. He lied. Now she is trapped in Islamic Iran and must find a way to escape with her daughter as well. International laws, diplomacy, and different cultures are explored.
All the President's Men (1976)
Reporters Woodward and Bernstein uncover the details of the Watergate scandal that leads to President Nixon's resignation.
The Candidate (1972)
Robert Redford stars as a political idealist recruited to make a run for the U.S. Senate from California. A very accurate reflection of what goes on in a modern day political campaign.
Advise & Consent (1962)
A movie with an all-star cast speculates how far some politicians in Congress are willing to go to defeat a presidential nominee.
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
A former Korean War POW is brainwashed by Communists into becoming a political assassin.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Director Frank Capra caused quite a stir with this 1939 classic when he dared suggest that corruption existed in the U.S. Congress of all places.
Fit to be president? A lesson through political ads:
