Movies where the thematic elements revolve around a group of people banding together against an oppressive force, but not really a chosen one style story. I have Braveheart in mind but I don’t know if that really hits the same notes, because so much of it is also a love revenge story.
Avatar and Avatar 2
Star Wars. I think it came out in 1977.
Luke Skywalker’s story is definitely a chosen one style story. He’s the son of the big bad guy!
the wind that shakes the barley
Braveheart gets so close - as long as you don’t think too hard about how all of the named characters are nobles and all of the people dying by the hundreds are peasants.
There’s The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) about the Irish war of independence. Tierra y Libertad (1995) is good too, about the Spanish civil war. Both are directed by Ken Loach even. Good movies, very level depictions of them without showing anyone as being a superhero. Ken Loach is good at showing humanity.
There’s The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)
Just watched this today on your rec. It was very good.
I’ve not seen any other of Ken Loach’s films, but The Wind that Shakes the Barley is one of the most beautiful and heart-wrenching movies I’ve ever seen. I’m not a big crier but I was in tears at the end of it.
Ken was expelled from the Labour party as part of the leftwing purge following Sir Keith’s coronation, so that gives you a decent idea of his beliefs.
He is one of the most important directors of recent times, his films (and tv work) are acute depictions of the struggles and fight facing the working classes. Brutally emotional at times but never mawkish, just utterly honest.
