I recently took a trip to the library and scored their movie selections and found that there were many wonderful movies waiting to be viewed. These films aren't recent, but they're definitely worth the couple of hours spent watching them.
1. Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
This fantastic movie follows the memories of an older woman relating her friendship with a phenomenal woman who changed the lives of everyone around her. Set in the 1920s Alabama, the story details the friendship of Idgie and Ruth, and their time spent together. Idgie defies every aspect of what a woman is thought to be; she wears pants, flirts with everyone (male and female), and fights for what's right.
2. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
If you haven't seen this wonderful musical, stop reading and go watch it because it's a classic. This was one of the first movies to ever be made in color. It follows a young woman who faces a plight concerning her dog and the local school teacher. Dorothy decides to run away until she realizes how much it would hurt her family. On her way home, a tornado tears through the small area and she is transported to the land of Oz where she meets colorful characters that help her realize the importance of family and friends.
3. Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
This is the story of a young girl who is sold to a geisha house to live in servitude. When she reaches a certain age, her owner decides that she is to be sent to geisha training, to learn to service men with her company. It's a story of triumph and heartbreak. It will captivate you entirely.
4. The Guardian (2006)
This wonderful film details a Coast Guard rescue swimmer training upcoming swimmers about what it means to risk your life to save others. Kevin Costner is brilliant in this film and everyone should see it at least once.
5. Simon Birch (1998)
This is probably my favorite film on this list. It follows the friendship of two young boys who experience the death of a beloved woman while playing a baseball game. Simon tries to find the answer to this tragic event through his faith, while Joe hides his depression inside. They spend some time apart before realizing that their friendship means a lot more than they had realized.
6. Charlotte's Web (1973)
I had to include an animated children's movie. This one is a classic as well, following a young piglet through his life on a farm after being raised by a young girl. He makes many friends, especially one that helps him grow emotionally.
7. Public Enemies (2009)
Johnny Depp stars in this film, set in the 1930's, portraying John Dillinger, a notorious bank robber.
8. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
George Clooney and John Turturro star in this hilarious comedy that follows three prisoners who travel the state after escaping from prison. These men are attempting to reach a so-called treasure that their leader insists he knows the whereabouts of. They face the law, the KKK, prostitutes, and bunch of other obstacles before reaching their destination, only to discover that there wasn't any treasure after all.