The top of my list is:
1. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. The pitiful desparation of Mr. Smith's character as he clings to his ideals on the floor of Congress makes this movie my number one favorite of all time. I never fail to lose it in this movie. It is part of what inspires me to be in law school and stay in Government Service.
2. Glory.
To realize the extent of the sacrifice made by those men as they charged the fort at the end of the movie is truly inspiring. The danger to ALL of the men, black and white, was shared in that they would bear the brunt of that attack's casualties. If they were captured, they would be killed. Matthew Broderick's Character volunteered for what was essentially a suicide mission. To add insult to injury, the fort was never taken.
I have served as an officer in charge of troops and cannot imagine the level and scope of responsibility shouldered by that 23 year old young man. I remember watching the movie when I was 23 and in command of soldiers and felt the enormous weight of that situation just hit me.
3. Saving Private Ryan.
"Earn This" and "Tell me I am a Good Man" are two quotes that even now cause a lump in my throat. The movie's most enduring quality to me is the import conveyed on the actions of soldiers throughout history. No matter what you believe about a country's policies, there are men out there expressing that position with their lives. That is conviction. You have to respect that, be they our soldiers or the other side.
When I see people take a stand on their principles, it finds a special place in my heart.
