Movies With a Message Related to Compassion
Last Updated:
Aug, 2007
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Stars: Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, Haley Joel Osment
Title: Resurrection
Year: 2000
Comments: An interesting look at empathy, or "taking/giving" practice. There is no other movie that presents a message quite like this.  The possible link between advanced empathy and developed compassion can be pondered after watching this film. 
Title: Pay It Forward
Stars: Ellen Burstyn, Sam Shepherd, Robert Blossom, Eva LeGallienne
Year: 1980
Comments: One could argue that this movie is more about altruism than compassion, but that depends upon your perspective.  What is nice is that it offers a simple way, something everyone can do, to begin the compassionate journey of "passing in on". It is a beginners first step.
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Title: Joshua
Year: 2001, 2002
Stars: Tony Goldwyn, F. Murray Abraham
Comments: A strong Christian flavor to this but it doesn't detract from the message of how a compassioante being might appear in today's world.  How this might be perceived in modern times is well presented and can easily be translated across communities and faiths.
Title: Patch Adams
Year: 1998
Stars: Robin Williams, Daniel London
Comments: A look at one doctor's attempts to bring compassion into the profession.  This is based upon a true story which makes it a bit more compelling.  There is a bit of an emphasis on humor, but the message still comes through. 
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Title: Children of Heaven
Comments: I have not experienced another movie that has evoked such compassion for its characters and their lives. If I were given the choice of only one movie, this would be that movie.  It is subtitled. The compasion it evokes crosses all what might be defined as cultural boundaries. It is truly a heavenly story of family. It is a universal story of love and overcoming obstacles - a triumph of the human spirit.
Year: 1999
Submitted by LadyEarth August 2007
Title: Simon Birch
Year: 1998
Staring: Ian Michael Smith, Joeseph Mazzello, Ashley Judd, Jim Carey
A boy believes that he has been called by God for a purpose to do something good in the world. He demonstrates heroic compassion for others throughout the movie.  It is a deeply moving story of facing obstacles, and yet remaining true to a calling of compassion. Courage is often a part of strong compassion.
Staring: Aishwarya Rai, Miranda Richardson, Naveen Andrews, Nandita Das, Robbie Coltrane
Title: Provoked
Year: 2006 
Although the reviews of this movie by the critics were not favorable, and perhaps it is weak in places as a movie,  but it is added here because it is strong in many places as a message of compassionate behavior.  In addition it is a true story (note the dates of the court case).  Several characters in the movie demonstrate compassion in difficult situations "against bullies" and against cultural views about oppression of women.  The message at the end of the movie is important for us to pass on to all young men.  It may not be great cinema and the heroine's initial actions can be questioned, but it does show how when a few people reach out with compassion they can make a difference.
WARNING - violent content in the movie below