You need something that points toward the light but does not insult your intelligence to get there. No easy fixes, no tidy resolutions. Just something that makes the future feel possible without lying about it.
Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two African-American men. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.
It points toward the light without pretending the darkness is not there. The right calibration.
Earned hope
Eighties teenager Marty McFly is accidentally sent back in time to 1955, inadvertently disrupting his parents' first meeting and attracting his mother's romantic interest. Marty must repair the damage to history by rekindling his parents' romance and - with the help of his eccentric inventor friend Doc Brown - return to 1985.
It points toward the light without pretending the darkness is not there. The right calibration.
Points toward the light honestly
At an elite, old-fashioned boarding school in New England, a passionate English teacher inspires his students to rebel against convention and seize the potential of every day, courting the disdain of the stern headmaster.
The hope in this film is earned rather than given. That is the only kind that works tonight.
Earned hope
Dictator Adenoid Hynkel tries to expand his empire while a poor Jewish barber tries to avoid persecution from Hynkel's regime.
It points toward the light without pretending the darkness is not there. The right calibration.
Points toward the light honestly
George Bailey has spent his entire life giving to the people of Bedford Falls. All that prevents rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town is George's modest building and loan company. But on Christmas Eve the business's $8,000 is lost and George's troubles begin.
It points toward the light without pretending the darkness is not there. The right calibration.
Points toward the light honestly
Earned hope
The silence is part of it. Let it be quiet.
A bumbling tramp desires to build a home with a young woman, yet is thwarted time and time again by his lack of experience and habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time..
It points toward the light without pretending the darkness is not there. The right calibration.
Points toward the light honestly
A hack screenwriter writes a screenplay for a former silent film star who has faded into Hollywood obscurity.
The hope in this film is earned rather than given. That is the only kind that works tonight.
Earned hope
At the height of the Vietnam war, Captain Benjamin Willard is sent on a dangerous mission that, officially, "does not exist, nor will it ever exist." His goal is to locate - and eliminate - a mysterious Green Beret Colonel named Walter Kurtz, who has been leading his personal army on illegal guerrilla missions into enemy territory.
The hope in this film is earned rather than given. That is the only kind that works tonight.
Earned hope
A commanding officer defends three scapegoats on trial for a failed offensive that occurred within the French Army in 1916.
It points toward the light without pretending the darkness is not there. The right calibration.
Earned hope
Young lion prince Simba, eager to one day become king of the Pride Lands, grows up under the watchful eye of his father Mufasa; all the while his villainous uncle Scar conspires to take the throne for himself. Amid betrayal and tragedy, Simba must confront his past and find his rightful place in the Circle of Life.
It points toward the light without pretending the darkness is not there. The right calibration.
Points toward the light honestly
The right film for the right state is a specific thing. These are specific.