As someone who has spent a good chunk of my life down South, I can say with confidence that this list is a testament to the rich culture and history that the region offers. From the grit and glory of professional wrestling in Texas, as portrayed in “The Iron Claw”, to the raw, unfiltered depiction of the Jim Crow era in “Green Book”, these films capture the essence of the South in ways that are both heartbreaking and inspiring.
There are numerous compelling films that delve into the history and traditions of the American South. While not all of them portray a rosy picture, given that every history and culture has its complexities, and the South is no exception to this rule. Some of these movies evoke feelings of warmth uniquely associated with Southerners, while others provoke sadness for various reasons. Regardless, they are significant, impactful, and entertaining narratives about life in the regions south of the Mason-Dixon line.
Fried Green Tomatoes
“Fried green tomatoes is the epitome of Southern cuisine, much like the movie bearing the same name, which radiates Southern charm. Kathy Bates shares the screen with Jessica Tandy, as Tandy’s character recounts her life journey, mirroring the experiences of life in the South during the 20th Century, encompassing both its triumphs and tribulations.”
My Cousin Vinny
A fish out of water tale and Joe Pesci portraying a lawyer, or someone feigning as one, in the Southern region fits perfectly. The movie “My Cousin Vinny” doesn’t belittle anyone, but instead provides an amusing perspective on both the South and the North, highlighting their cultural differences and similarities, particularly when they collide, yet underscoring that beneath it all, they are essentially the same people.
Selma
The Civil Rights Era holds a significant place in American history, often depicted in various films, yet “Selma” stands out as one of the most compelling and comprehensive narratives of this era. David Oyelowo delivers an exceptional portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., leaving viewers captivated.
No Country For Old Men
Texas stands out as unique within the broader Deep South, yet shares similarities in many aspects. Numerous films are set in Texas, and “No Country For Old Men” effectively captures much of its distinctive culture while preserving the imaginative essence of its storyline. This is quite impressive considering the Coen Brothers, the directors, originate from Minnesota.
To Kill A Mockingbird
Without a shadow of a doubt, the novel and film “To Kill A Mockingbird” is undeniably one of the most significant stories narrated during the 20th Century. It masterfully portrays small-town existence in the American South during the Great Depression. Furthermore, it fearlessly delves into the darker aspects of life in Alabama at that time, including the deeply ingrained racism that permeated society.
The Outsiders
In the late ’60s, when initially published, the novel “The Outsiders” gained significant cultural impact. It portrayed the struggles of working-class teenagers clashing with their wealthy counterparts in Tulsa during 1965. After a span of 15 years, Francis Ford Coppola assembled the iconic cast for “The Outsiders,” and the movie’s release proved to be well worth the wait.
O Brother Where Are Thou?
For a couple of guys from Minnesota, The Coen Brothers really know how to capture the essence of the American South. They set a few of their movies there, but O Brother Where Are Thou? really stands out as a great example of how to tell a wild story that is sarcastic, fantastical, and over-the-top, but grounded in realism.
Smokey And The Bandit
When a guy needs a bunch of beer you can only buy west of the Mississippi for a party in Georgia, there’s only one person to hire to smuggle the load. The Bandit (Burt Reynolds). The movie basically covers all of what we call the Deep South from Texarkana to Atlanta. Jackie Gleason’s Texas sheriff, Buford T. Justice, is the icing on the cake.
12 Years A Slave
As a gamer, I often find myself immersed in worlds where stories are crafted to captivate and entertain. Yet, there are some tales that while hard to swallow, carry a weighty message we can’t ignore. Take the film “12 Years A Slave,” for instance – a movie you may only want to watch once, but one that every person should experience at least once. It’s a raw and unflinching portrayal of an ugly chapter in American history that many of us prefer to avoid, yet it’s a time we must remember vividly, not just for what it was, but for the lessons it holds.
A Street Car Named Desire
Tennessee Williams significantly shaped the perception of Southern culture through his plays such as “The Glass Menagerie” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”. Among them, “A Streetcar Named Desire”, an adaptation that was particularly successful, vividly portrays mid-20th Century New Orleans with a legendary cast featuring Marlon Brando, Vivien Leigh, and Karl Malden.
Dazed And Confused
1976 Austin, TX seems to have been a blast as portrayed in the cult classic comedy, “Dazed And Confused,” directed by Richard Linklater. The movie is adored nationwide not just for its clever dialogue, but also for its star-studded cast of rising stars like Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, and Matthew McConaughey.
A Time To Kill
Matthew McConaughey, who hails from Texas with great pride, doesn’t shy away from criticizing the problematic past in the American South. A Time To Kill, for instance, offers a stark portrayal of racism in 1990s rural Mississippi, and it showcases one of Samuel L. Jackson’s most compelling performances as Carl Lee Hailey, the accused.
Baby Driver
In truth, the film “Baby Driver” could have taken place in various cities, but its setting is Atlanta. To many who have navigated its roads, Atlanta offers an ideal backdrop for a movie centered on car chases. With expansive highways, spacious streets, and noticeable elevation changes, it provides an excellent landscape for exhilarating car pursuits, and “Baby Driver” boasts some of the most impressive chase sequences in cinema history.
Glory
As a history enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the incredible tale of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment – a pioneering Black unit that served valiantly in the Union Army during the tumultuous era of the American Civil War. Although its name suggests a New England origin, and the acclaimed film “Glory” draws inspiration from its heroic deeds, this regiment’s battles were predominantly fought on Southern soil throughout the conflict. Among war films, it ranks as one of the greatest ever crafted, and among stories set in the South, few can match its raw, powerful impact.
Friday Night Lights
Across the South, from Virginia to Texas, if it’s Friday night during fall, you can find intense high school football games taking place. “Friday Night Lights,” a series inspired by a book of the same name chronicling a small Texas town’s team, is an exceptional portrayal of that culture on screen. The story is so compelling that they later adapted it into a TV show as well, maintaining its authenticity and impact. As a fan, I can’t help but feel a sense of connection to the passion and dedication displayed in this captivating narrative.
The Color Purple
Steven Spielberg astonished everyone with his direction of The Color Purple, as it deviated significantly from the typical summer action movies he’s known for. It’s not surprising that his skillful storytelling brought to life a powerful narrative about the struggles faced by a Black woman in the American South during the early 1900s.
Steel Magnolias
For an authentic portrayal of Southern living on the silver screen, nothing surpasses the movie Steel Magnolias. Although it may not always be pleasing, it’s undeniably genuine. The film vibrantly depicts the ups and downs of life, all while emphasizing the charm and positivity inherent in small-town Southern culture.
Gone With The Wind
Among Southern movie sets, none may be more renowned than “Gone With The Wind.” Despite its fair share of valid criticism, this film remains one of the most impressive cinematic masterpieces ever made. It narrates the struggles that even the wealthiest endured in the South during the Civil War, adding depth and complexity to our understanding of history.
Hustle & Flow
As a gaming enthusiast, delving into the world of hip-hop, I can say that the genre was born on the bustling streets of New York City. Yet, it wasn’t long before the Southern states began weaving their own distinctive threads into this vibrant tapestry. If you want to witness the evolution of rap in Memphis, “Hustle & Flow” is an exceptional journey. Memphis has always been a significant player in the grand symphony of American music, and it’s fascinating to explore hip-hop’s contribution to this rich legacy.
Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil
High society in the South is perfectly represented in Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil. Kevin Spacey, as problematic as he is, puts in his typically great performance here, as a member of Savannah, Georgia’s elite. It’s just a darn good crime story.
Beasts of the Southern Wild
In simpler terms, “Beasts of the Southern Wild” embodies a form of magical realism, specifically with a Louisiana flair. The fantastical elements serve as the storyline, while the raw, gritty reality of life in the Bayou amidst rising sea levels provides the setting for this remarkable film. Remarkably, this movie produced on a shoestring budget became financially successful.
Deliverance
There are a whole lot of negative stereotypes in Deliverance that have to be acknowledged off the top here. The portrayals of locals as inbred, violent hicks are offensive to many, but that doesn’t mean the movie isn’t really scary and exciting. It’s legendary for a reason.
Driving Miss Daisy
At times, people may overlook the significant impact the film Driving Miss Daisy had. While some debate its authenticity as a portrayal of the South, it does hold a considerable amount of truth. This is particularly evident in the characters of Miss Daisy (Jessica Tandy) and her initial attitude towards her chauffeur (Morgan Freeman).
Norma Rae
In the movie titled “Norma Rae“, Sally Field plays the character Norma Rae Webster, a role inspired by real-life labor activist Crystal Lee Sutton from North Carolina. While the challenges faced by African-American communities in the South have frequently been emphasized, the struggles of economically disadvantaged white Southerners are less frequently depicted. This is one reason why “Norma Rae” stands out when portraying the story of the American South during the 20th Century.
Nashville
One of Robert Altman’s most notable works, the 1975 film “Nashville,” serves as a powerful portrayal of the influence of country music, particularly within the Southern region. Various genres like Rock and Roll, Blues, Jazz, and undeniably Country music, all trace their origins back to the South. By sharing this musical gospel – another genre born in the South – we gain valuable insights into its rich history and culture.
The Green Mile
Frank Darabont might have directed the best movie of the 1990s with The Shawshank Redemption, but it’s another prison movie by the director that lands on this list. The Green Mile, which like Shawshank, was based on a Steven King story tells a very different kind of story, in a very different kind of prison. Of all the places in the world you wouldn’t want to get locked up in, Louisiana in the 1930s would have to be close to the top of the list.
The Iron Claw
Professional wrestling truly flourished in the American South during the 50s and 60s, although it has always held a strong following across the nation. However, the South can be considered its birthplace. Notably, Texas was where the renowned Von Erich family hailed from. The film “The Iron Claw” eloquently portrays their heartbreaking saga against the vivid backdrop of 1970s and 1980s Southern society.
Green Book
2018’s “Green Book” offers a brutally honest portrayal of the Jim Crow South, capturing the harsh realities faced by Black men, particularly musicians, during their travels in the early 1960s. Mahershala Ali portrays Don Shirley, a renowned jazz pianist of his time, who despite his great talent, encountered little respect due to the prejudice against his skin color in many Southern regions.
Cape Fear
Martin Scorsese’s 1991 reimagining of “Cape Fear” could have been located in various places, but choosing North Carolina as the backdrop seemed fitting. The distinctly Southern coastline provides an ideal setting, and Robert De Niro’s compelling portrayal with a local accent adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story.
Moonlight
In Florida, it’s often joked that as you travel south, you’re actually heading north. This is because northern Florida shares many similarities with the deep south rather than Miami. However, Miami is the southernmost point on the U.S. mainland, making it an ideal setting for a movie like Moonlight, even though the film focuses more on the rough streets of Miami, as opposed to high school football or other typical southern themes.
Coal Miner’s Daughter
Kentucky isn’t frequently portrayed positively in films, and when it is, the depiction is often bleak. However, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” offers a more balanced view of life in a coal-mining town, specifically focusing on the challenging upbringing of Loretta Lynn, a young girl who later achieved great success as a country singer. Yes, that Loretta Lynn, who faced difficult circumstances but ultimately found fame and success.
The Princess And The Frog
This list wouldn’t be complete without a touch of Disney magic. Although they’ve strategically kept Song of the South hidden away, possibly even beneath the archives, The Princess And The Frog stands alone as another tale. It offers one of the most authentic portrayals of New Orleans in cinema, capturing the essence of its culture, cuisine, and above all, its music.
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2024-08-28 23:10