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Running On Empty (1988)
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Running On Empty (1988)

The Popes are a family who haven't been able to use their real identity for years. In the late sixties, the parents set a weapons lab afire in an effort to hinder the government's Vietnam war campaign. Ever since then, the Popes have been on the run with the authorities never far behind. Today, thei …r eldest son wants a life of his own although he is aware that would mean that his parents would either get caught or he will never see them again. (Read More)

Subgenre:
teen romancecoming of ageindependent film
Themes:
revolutionenvironmentblindnesssurveillancecancerdeath of motherpovertyterrorismtheftracismescapedrunkennessdrinkingprisonpolitics …friendshipdeathlove (See All)
Mood:
high schoolrain
Locations:
research laboratorylaboratorybaseballkitchenwoodstaxibicyclechurchschoolrestaurantbeachnew york cityhospital
Characters:
teacher student relationshipgrandmother grandson relationshipgrandfather grandson relationshipbullythiefmusiciandancerstudentteacherteenage boybrother sister relationshipteenage girlbrother brother relationshipsingerdoctor …boyfriend girlfriend relationshipfriendmother daughter relationshipfather daughter relationshipmother son relationshipfather son relationshipfamily relationships (See All)
Period:
year 19711960s1970s1980s
Story:
1960s radicalstudent radicalclass photographpolitical radicalliberation armyact of consciencepizza delivery boyhiding in a closetpolitical protestreference to ludwig van beethovenfbi agentpiano duethappy birthday to youaspiring musicianbirthday party …music teachermusic schooljuilliard school manhattan new york cityschool photochamber musicreference to james taylorphiladelphia philliesquestioning authoritytoxic waste dumpingmedical receptionistrolling downhillmost wanted listreference to norman rockwellmusical compositionhome economicstoy whalebrooklyn dodgerstake out foodpumping gasrest areauniversity of california los angelessafety pinsteinwayco optape deckyale universitydying hairbirth certificatefirewoodlicense plateoakland californiastolen identityreference to james deandiamond ringhidden identitymicrofilmfinger cutnapalmmedia frenzyfather daughter reunionbolshevikfoot massageobituarypayphonefederal agentpolitical activismimperialismfleeingkeyboardradicalliberationauto mechanicscarfbomberanarchistscholarshipconsciencemuggingbunk bedstakeoutanarchylsd17 year oldlaundromatearringhikingcafeteriaanti warparalysisearphonesrevolutionaryviolinistactivistpollutionironynew jerseysandbombingdentistjanitoraccidental deathpassportorchestraviolinlistening to musicphone boothvietnam warcomposerfloridarehearsalwristwatchhidingpatientmutilationrecordingbreaking and enteringlawshavingundergroundapplauseeyeglassesrecord playerpizzabank robberyclassrock 'n' rollsadnessgovernmentpursuitpianistpassionauditionfugitivepay phoneliarfbiprotestkarateconfessionon the runpainvanterroristconcertcookingnewspaperkung fumanhattan new york citycriminalguitarclassroompianocollegecafebirthdaybomblieundressingdrinkwatching tvcomputerunderwearsongfiretelephone callchaseknifesingingphotographdancingdogsexgunkiss (See All)

The Company You Keep (2012)
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The Company You Keep (2012)

After years in hiding, ex-Weather Underground militant, Nick Sloan aka Jim Grant, learns about his old compatriot's arrest for a bank robbery turned deadly in the 1970s, which he is wanted for as an accomplice. This puts the ambitious young local reporter, Ben Shepard, on the scent of a story that e …xposes Nick as well. As such, Nick goes on the run while taking his daughter to safety. With that accomplished, Nick stays one step ahead of the FBI while pursuing a faint hope to clear his name. Meanwhile, Shepard digs deeper into the case himself as he discovers the true complexities of another times' determined ideals even as Nick faces their consequences with another. (Read More)

Themes:
revolutionsurveillanceterrorismprisonpoliticsdeathlovefriendship
Mood:
rain
Locations:
woodstaxirestaurant
Characters:
brother brother relationshipboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfriendmother daughter relationshipfather daughter relationship
Period:
year 19711970s
Story:
student radicalpolitical radicalpolitical protestfbi agentquestioning authorityhidden identitymedia frenzyfather daughter reunionfederal agentpolitical activismradicalanarchistconscienceanarchylaundromat …anti warrevolutionarypassporthidingbreaking and enteringlaweyeglassesbank robberypursuitfugitiveliarfbiproteston the runterroristnewspapermanhattan new york citycafeliecomputertelephone callchasephotographdog (See All)

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August Rush (2007)
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August Rush (2007)

The story of a charismatic young Irish guitarist and a sheltered young cellist who have a chance encounter one magical night above New York's Washington Square, but are soon torn apart, leaving in their wake an infant, August Rush, orphaned by circumstance. Now performing on the streets of New York  …and cared for by a mysterious stranger, August uses his remarkable musical talent to seek the parents from whom he was separated at birth. (Read More)

Themes:
drinkingfriendshiplove
Mood:
rain
Locations:
taxichurchschoolrestaurantnew york cityhospital
Characters:
bullymusiciandancerbrother brother relationshipsingerfriendfather daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
1980s
Story:
juilliard school manhattan new york citybunk bedviolinistorchestraviolincomposerpizzaclassrock 'n' rollpursuitpianistliarconcertmanhattan new york cityguitar …pianocafeliedrinksongtelephone callchasesingingphotographdancingkiss (See All)

Detroit Rock City (1999)
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Detroit Rock City (1999)

Four members of a high school band called Mystery do everything they can to attend a KISS concert in Detroit. In order to make it to the show they must steal, cheat, strip, deal with an anti-rock mom and generally do whatever it takes to see the band that has inspired them to be musicians.

Subgenre:
coming of age
Themes:
theftdrinkingfriendship
Mood:
high school
Locations:
churchschoolrestaurant
Characters:
thiefstudentteacherteenage boyteenage girlbrother brother relationshipsingerfriendfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
1970s
Story:
pizza delivery boylsdcafeterialistening to musicrecordingrecord playerpizzaclassrock 'n' rollpay phoneliarvanconcertguitarclassroom …cafeliedrinkunderwearsongfiretelephone callchasesingingdogsexkiss (See All)

Nowhere Boy (2009) is one of the best movies like Running On Empty (1988)
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Nowhere Boy (2009)

The story of John Lennon's childhood and teenage years from 1944 to 1960, his relationship with his aunt Mimi and his mother Julia -the two dominant women in the first part of his life-, his first meeting with Paul McCartney and George Harrison, their friendship, their love for music and the birth o …f The Beatles. (Read More)

Subgenre:
coming of age
Themes:
death of mothertheftdrunkennessdrinkingdeathlovefriendship
Locations:
bicycleschoolrestaurant
Characters:
thiefmusiciandancerstudentteacherteenage boyteenage girlsingerboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfriendfather son relationshipmother son relationship
Period:
1960s
Story:
birthday partybirth certificatepassportlistening to musicrecordingrecord playerrock 'n' rollsadnessguitarpianocollegecafebirthdayliedrink …underwearsongtelephone callsingingphotographdancingkisssex (See All)

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The Soloist (2009)
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The Soloist (2009)

In 2005, the only thing hurting Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez more than his face from a recent bike accident was his pressing need for story ideas. That is when he discovers Nathaniel Ayers, a mentally ill, homeless street musician who possesses extraordinary talent, even through his half- …broken instruments. Inspired by his story, Lopez writes an acclaimed series of articles about Ayers and attempts to do more to help both him and the rest of the underclass of LA have a better life. However, Lopez's good intentions run headlong in the hard realities of the strength of Ayers' personal demons and the larger social injustices facing the homeless. Regardless, Lopez and Ayers must find a way to conquer their deepest anxieties and frustrations to hope for a brighter future for both of them. (Read More)

Themes:
drunkennessdrinkingfriendshiplove
Locations:
taxibicyclechurchhospital
Characters:
musiciandancerteacherbrother sister relationshipsingerfriendfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
reference to ludwig van beethovenmusic teacherjuilliard school manhattan new york cityviolinistorchestraviolinlistening to musicphone boothrehearsalhidingshavingeyeglassespassionpay phoneliar …concertnewspaperlieundressingdrinkunderwearsongfiretelephone callsingingdancing (See All)

Across The Universe (2007)
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Across The Universe (2007)

Across The Universe is a fictional love story set in the 1960s amid the turbulent years of anti-war protest, the struggle for free speech and civil rights, mind exploration and rock and roll. At once gritty, whimsical and highly theatrical, the story moves from high schools and universities in Massa …chusetts, Princeton and Ohio to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the Detroit riots, Vietnam and the dockyards of Liverpool. A combination of live action and animation, the film is paired with many songs by 'The Beatles' (qv) that defined the time. (Read More)

Themes:
revolutionescapedrunkennesspoliticslovedeathfriendship
Mood:
high schoolrain
Locations:
taxichurchbeachnew york cityhospital
Characters:
dancerstudentteacherbrother sister relationshipsingerboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfriendmother daughter relationshipfather daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationship
Period:
1960s
Story:
imperialismradicallsdlaundromatanti warjanitorphone boothvietnam warcomposerclassrock 'n' rollsadnessprotestconcertnewspaper …manhattan new york cityguitarclassroombombundressingwatching tvsongfiretelephone callchasesingingphotographdancingkissgun (See All)

Persepolis (2007)
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Persepolis (2007)

In 1970s Iran, Marjane 'Marji' Statrapi watches events through her young eyes and her idealistic family of a long dream being fulfilled of the hated Shah's defeat in the Iranian Revolution of 1979. However as Marji grows up, she witnesses first hand how the new Iran, now ruled by Islamic fundamental …ists, has become a repressive tyranny on its own. With Marji dangerously refusing to remain silent at this injustice, her parents send her abroad to Vienna to study for a better life. However, this change proves an equally difficult trial with the young woman finding herself in a different culture loaded with abrasive characters and profound disappointments that deeply trouble her. Even when she returns home, Marji finds that both she and homeland have changed too much and the young woman and her loving family must decide where she truly belongs. (Read More)

Subgenre:
coming of age
Themes:
revolutiontheftdrinkingprisonpoliticsfriendshiplovedeath
Mood:
high schoolrain
Locations:
taxibicycleschoolrestauranthospital
Characters:
thiefdancerstudentteacherteenage boyteenage girldoctorboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfriendfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
1970s1980s
Story:
fleeinganarchistearphonesrevolutionarybombingpassporthidinglawclasspursuitpay phoneliarprotestkaratepain …cookingnewspaperclassroomcafeliedrinkwatching tvtelephone callchasedancingdogkiss (See All)

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I'm Not There (2007) is one of the best movies like Running On Empty (1988)
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I'm Not There (2007)

Six incarnations of Bob Dylan: an actor, a folk singer, an electrified troubadour, Rimbaud, Billy the Kid, and Woody Guthrie. Put Dylan's music behind their adventures, soliloquies, interviews, marriage, and infidelity. Recreate 1960s documentaries in black and white. Put each at a crossroads, the a …rtist becoming someone else. Jack, the son of Ramblin' Jack Elliott, finds Jesus; handsome Robbie falls in love then abandons Claire. Woody, a lad escaped from foster care, hobos the U.S. singing; Billy awakes in a valley threatened by a six-lane highway; Rimbaud talks. Jude, booed at Newport when he goes electric, fences with reporters, pundits, and fans. He won't be classified. (Read More)

Subgenre:
coming of age
Themes:
theftdrunkennessdrinkingpoliticslove
Mood:
rain
Locations:
taxirestaurantnew york cityhospital
Characters:
thiefmusiciandancersingermother daughter relationshipfather daughter relationship
Period:
1960s1970s
Story:
radicalanti waractivistnew jerseyvietnam warrecordingapplauseeyeglassesrecord playerrock 'n' rollpianistprotestconcertnewspapermanhattan new york city …guitarpianocafedrinkwatching tvunderwearsongfiretelephone callknifesingingphotographdancingdogsex (See All)

Au Revoir Les Enfants (1987)
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Au Revoir Les Enfants (1987)

In 1944, upper class boy Julien Quentin and his brother Francois travel to Catholic boarding school in the countryside after vacations. Julien is a leader and good student and when the new student Jean Bonnet arrives in the school, they have friction in their relationship. However, Julien learns to  …respect Jean and discovers that he is Jewish and the priests are hiding him from the Nazis. They become best friends and Julien keeps the secret. When the priest Jean discovers that the servant Joseph is stealing supplies from the school to sell in the black market, he fires the youth. Sooner the Gestapo arrives at school to investigate the students and the priests that run and work in the boarding school. (Read More)

Themes:
theftescapedrinkingfriendshiplovedeath
Locations:
bicyclechurchschoolrestaurant
Characters:
bullythiefstudentteacherbrother sister relationshipbrother brother relationshipsingerdoctorfriendfather son relationshipmother son relationship
Story:
piano duetmusic teacherviolinistironybombingviolinlistening to musichidingclasspianistliarconfessionclassroompianobomb …lieundressingdrinkunderwearsongtelephone callchasesingingphotograph (See All)

Munich (2005)
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Munich (2005)

After Black September's assassination of Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics in 1972, Prime Minister Golda Meir okays a black-box operation to hunt down and kill all involved. A team of five gathers in Switzerland led by Avner, a low-level Mossad techie whose father was a war hero and whose wife … is pregnant. It's an expendable team, but relying on paid informants, they track and kill several in Europe and Lebanon. They must constantly look over their shoulders for the CIA, KGB, PLO, and their own sources. As the body count mounts -- with retribution following retribution -- so do questions, doubts, and sleepless nights. Loyalties blur. What does it mean to be a Jew? (Read More)

Themes:
cancerterrorismescapedrunkennessdrinkingprisonpoliticslovedeath
Mood:
rain
Locations:
kitchentaxibicyclerestaurantbeachnew york cityhospital
Characters:
dancersingerdoctorfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipmother son relationshipfather son relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
1970s
Story:
bomberstakeoutanarchyrevolutionarybombingaccidental deathlistening to musicphone boothbreaking and enteringlaweyeglassesgovernmentpianistpay phoneterrorist …cookingmanhattan new york citypianocafebombdrinkwatching tvunderwearsongtelephone callchaseknifesingingphotographdancingsexgundog (See All)

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The Baader Meinhof Complex (2008)
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The Baader Meinhof Complex (2008)

Germany in the 1970s: Murderous bomb attacks, the threat of terrorism and the fear of the enemy inside are rocking the very foundations of the yet fragile German democracy. The radicalised children of the Nazi generation lead by Andreas Baader, Ulrike Meinhof and Gudrun Ensslin are fighting a violen …t war against what they perceive as the new face of fascism: American imperialism supported by the German establishment, many of whom have a Nazi past. Their aim is to create a more human society but by employing inhuman means they not only spread terror and bloodshed, they also lose their own humanity. The man who understands them is also their hunter: the head of the German police force Horst Herold. And while he succeeds in his relentless pursuit of the young terrorists, he knows he's only dealing with the tip of the iceberg. (Read More)

Themes:
revolutionterrorismtheftescapeprisonpoliticsdeath
Locations:
bicyclebeach
Characters:
bullythiefdancerstudentdoctorboyfriend girlfriend relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather daughter relationship
Period:
1960s1970s
Story:
imperialismradicalanarchyanti warearphonesrevolutionaryactivistsandvietnam warhidingeyeglassesbank robberygovernmentpursuitprotest …confessionvanterroristnewspaperbombundressingwatching tvunderwearfiretelephone callchasephotographdancingkissdoggun (See All)

Mona Lisa Smile (2003) is one of the best movies like Running On Empty (1988)
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Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

Katherine Ann Watson has accepted a position teaching art history at the prestigious Wellesley College. Watson is a very modern woman, particularly for the 1950s, and has a passion not only for art but for her students. For the most part, the students all seem to be biding their time, waiting to fin …d the right man to marry. The students are all very bright and Watson feels they are not reaching their potential. Altough a strong bond is formed between teacher and student, Watson's views are incompatible with the dominant culture of the college. (Read More)

Subgenre:
coming of age
Themes:
drunkennessdrinkingpoliticslovefriendship
Mood:
rain
Locations:
taxibicycleschoolrestaurantbeachnew york city
Characters:
teacher student relationshipdancerstudentteacherteenage girlsingerboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfriendfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationship
Story:
university of california los angelesyale universitylawclassrock 'n' rollpassionliarnewspapermanhattan new york cityclassroomcollegecafeliedrinkwatching tv …songtelephone callsingingphotographdancingkiss (See All)

Birth (2004)
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Birth (2004)

Anna is a young widow who is finally getting on with her life after the death of her husband, Sean. Now engaged to be married, Anna meets a ten-year-old boy who tells her he is Sean reincarnated. Though his story is both unsettling and absurd, Anna can't get the boy out of her mind. And much to the  …concern of her fiance, her increased contact with him leads her to question the choices she has made in her life. (Read More)

Themes:
drinkingdeath
Locations:
taxirestaurantbeachnew york cityhospital
Characters:
studentteachersingerdoctormother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
music teacherviolinistorchestraviolinclasspianistpay phoneconcertmanhattan new york cityclassroompianocafebirthdaylieundressing …drinkunderwearsongtelephone callsingingkisssex (See All)

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Boy A (2007)
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Boy A (2007)

A young man is released from prison after many years and given a new identity in a new town. Aided by a supervisor who becomes like a father to him he finds a job and friends and hesitantly starts a relationship with a compassionate girl. But the secret of the heinous crime he committed as a boy wei …ghs down on him, and he learns that it is not so easy to escape your past. (Read More)

Subgenre:
coming of age
Themes:
cancerescapedrunkennessdrinkingprisondeathfriendshiplove
Locations:
taxischoolrestaurantbeach
Characters:
bullydancerstudentteacherbrother brother relationshipboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfriendmother son relationshipfather son relationship
Story:
birthday partymedia frenzyfleeingapplauseclassliarconfessionvannewspapercriminalclassroomcafebirthdaylieundressing …drinkwatching tvunderweartelephone callknifephotographdancingkiss (See All)

The Wave (2008)
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The Wave (2008)

High school teacher, Rainer Wegner, may be popular with the students, but he's also unorthodox. He's forced to teach autocracy for the school's project week. He's less than enthusiastic at first, but the response of the students is surprising to say the least. He forces the students to become more i …nvested in the prospect of self rule, and soon the class project has its own power and eerily starts to resemble Germany's past. Can Wegner and his class realize what's happening before the horrors start repeating themselves? (Read More)

Themes:
politicsfriendshipdeath
Mood:
high schoolrain
Locations:
bicycleschool
Characters:
teacher student relationshipbullydancerteacherteenage boybrother sister relationshipteenage girlboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfriendmother daughter relationshipfather daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
anarchistanarchyactivistlistening to musicrehearsallawapplauseclassrock 'n' rollgovernmentliarnewspaperclassroomliewatching tv …computerunderweardancingkisssexgun (See All)

Hesher (2010) is one of the best movies like Running On Empty (1988)
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Hesher (2010)

T.J., a high school freshman, lost his mother two months before in a car accident: his father pops pills and sits on the couch; his grandmother holds things together, chatting and cooking. T.J. wants the car back from the salvage yard where the owner's son is a bully. By happenstance, Hesher, a foul …-mouthed squatter, moves in with T.J's family. T.J. also meets Nicole, a grocery clerk near poverty who helps him once. Hesher involves T.J. in crime, the bully is omnipresent, mom's car is slipping away, dad has checked out, T.J. watches Nicole at work, and his grandma invites him to join her morning walk: the odds are long that T.J. can assemble a family to help him thrive. (Read More)

Themes:
death of motherpovertydrinkingfriendshipdeath
Mood:
high schoolrain
Locations:
bicycleschool
Characters:
grandmother grandson relationshipbullyteacherteenage boysingerdoctorfriendfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationship
Story:
listening to musichidingbreaking and enteringshavingeyeglassespizzaclasspursuitliarpainvancookingguitarclassroomlie …undressingdrinkwatching tvunderwearsongfiretelephone callchasesingingphotograph (See All)

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Billy Elliot (2000)
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Billy Elliot (2000)

County Durham, during the endless, violent 1984 strike against the Thatcher closure of British coal mines. Widower Jackie Elliot and his firstborn, fellow miner Tony, take a dim view of 11 year-old second son Billy's poor record in boxing class, which worsens when they discover he sneakily transferr …ed to the neighboring, otherwise girls-only-attended ballet class. Only one schoolmate, closet-gay Michael Caffrey, encourages Billy's desire, aroused by the teacher, who judged him talented enough for private lesson, to train and try out for the world-renowned Royal Ballet audition. Only the prospect of a fancy career unimagined in the pauper quarter may twist pa and big brother's opposition to indispensable support. (Read More)

Subgenre:
coming of ageindependent film
Themes:
death of motherpovertydrunkennessdeathfriendship
Locations:
school
Characters:
teacher student relationshipgrandmother grandson relationshipbullydancerteacherbrother sister relationshipbrother brother relationshipdoctorfriendfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
1980s
Story:
earphoneslistening to musicrecordingshavingrecord playerclasssadnesspianistauditionclassroompianolieunderweartelephone callchase …photographdancingkisssex (See All)

Ray (2004)
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Ray (2004)

The story of Ray Charles, music legend. Told in his adult live with flashbacks to his youth we see his humble origins in Florida, his turbulent childhood which included losing his brother and then his sight, his rise as pianist in a touring band, his writing his own songs and running his own band an …d then stardom. Also includes his addiction to drugs and its affect on his working life and family life. (Read More)

Themes:
blindnessdeath of motherracismdrunkennessdrinkinglovedeath
Mood:
rain
Locations:
baseballchurchbeachhospital
Characters:
musiciandancerbrother brother relationshipsingerdoctorfather son relationshipmother son relationship
Period:
1960s1970s
Story:
political protestbirthday partyorchestrafloridaapplausepianistliarconcertmanhattan new york cityguitarpianobirthdayliedrinksong …singingdancingkisssexdog (See All)

School Of Rock (2003)
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School Of Rock (2003)

Down and out rock star Dewey Finn gets fired from his band, and he faces a mountain of debts and depression. He takes a job as a 4th grade substitute teacher at an uptight private school where his attitude and hijinx have a powerful effect on his students. He also meets Zack, a 10-year-old guitar pr …odigy, who could help Dewey win a "battle of the bands" competition, which would solve his financial problems and put him back in the spotlight. (Read More)

Themes:
drunkennessdrinkingfriendship
Mood:
high school
Locations:
school
Characters:
teacher student relationshipmusicianstudentteachersingerfriendfamily relationships
Story:
keyboardrehearsaleyeglassesclassrock 'n' rollpianistliarvanguitarclassroompianoliedrinkcomputersong …telephone callsinging (See All)

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The Squid And The Whale (2005) is one of the best movies like Running On Empty (1988)
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The Squid And The Whale (2005)

In 1986, In Brooklyn, New York, the dysfunctional family of pseudo intellectuals composed by the university professor Bernard and the prominent writer Joan split. Bernard is a selfish, cheap and jealous decadent writer that rationalizes every attitude in his family and life and does not accept "phil …istines" - people that do not read books or watch movies, while the unfaithful Joan is growing as a writer and has no problems with "philistines". Their sons, the teenager Walt and the boy Frank, feel the separation and take side: Walt stays with Bernard, and Frank with Joan, and both are affected with abnormal behaviors. Frank drinks booze and smears with sperm the books in the library and a locker in the dress room of his school. The messed-up and insecure Walt uses Roger Water's song "Hey You" in a festival as if it was of his own, and breaks up with his girlfriend Sophie. Meanwhile Joan has an affair with Frank's tennis teacher Ivan and Bernard with his student Lili. (Read More)

Subgenre:
independent film
Themes:
drunkennessdrinkingfriendshiplove
Mood:
high school
Locations:
schoolrestaurantnew york cityhospital
Characters:
teacher student relationshipstudentteacherteenage boybrother sister relationshipteenage girlbrother brother relationshipsingerdoctorboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfriendmother son relationshipfather son relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
1980s
Story:
tape deckcafeteriaearphoneslistening to musicrecordingrecord playerclassliarcookingguitarclassroomcafeliedrinkwatching tv …underwearsongtelephone callsingingphotographsexkiss (See All)

Milk (2008)
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ActionAdventureAnimationComedyCrimeDocumentaryDramaFamilyFantasy
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Milk (2008)

Using flashbacks from a statement recorded late in life and archival footage for atmosphere, this film traces Harvey Milk's career from his 40th birthday to his death. He leaves the closet and New York, opens a camera shop that becomes the salon for San Francisco's growing gay community, and organiz …es gays' purchasing power to build political alliances. He runs for office with lover Scott Smith as his campaign manager. Victory finally comes on the same day Dan White wins in the city's conservative district. The rest of the film sketches Milk's relationship with White and the 1978 fight against a statewide initiative to bar gays and their supporters from public school jobs. (Read More)

Themes:
revolutiondrunkennessdrinkingpoliticsdeathfriendship
Mood:
rain
Locations:
kitchenchurchschoolrestaurant
Characters:
dancerteachersingerfriend
Period:
1970s
Story:
happy birthday to youbirthday partyrevolutionaryactivistlistening to musicfloridarecordinglaweyeglassesrecord playergovernmentpay phoneprotestcookingnewspaper …cafebirthdayundressingdrinkwatching tvunderwearsongtelephone callsingingdancingdogkiss (See All)

Woman In Gold (2015)
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ActionAdventureAnimationComedyCrimeDocumentaryDramaFamilyFantasy
HorrorMysteryMusicalRomanceSci-FiThrillerWarWestern

Woman In Gold (2015)

Maria Altman sought to regain a world famous painting of her aunt plundered by the Nazis during World War II. She did so not just to regain what was rightfully hers, but also to obtain some measure of justice for the death, destruction, and massive art theft perpetrated by the Nazis.

Themes:
theftescapedrinkingdeath
Locations:
taxibicycle
Characters:
grandmother grandson relationshipgrandfather grandson relationshipdancerbrother brother relationshipsingerdoctorfriendfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
fleeingpassportlistening to musiccomposerwristwatchrecordingapplauseeyeglassesrecord playerpursuitliarprotestconcertnewspaperlie …drinkcomputersongtelephone callchasesingingphotographdancing (See All)

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Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
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Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

Follow a week in the life of a young folk singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Guitar in tow, huddled against the unforgiving New York winter, he is struggling to make it as a musician against seemingly insurmountable obstacles -- some of them of his own making.

Themes:
drinkingfriendship
Mood:
rain
Locations:
restaurantnew york city
Characters:
musicianbrother sister relationshipsingerdoctorfriendfather son relationship
Period:
1960s
Story:
listening to musicrecordingapplauserecord playerpursuitauditionpay phoneliarconcertcookingmanhattan new york cityguitarcafeliedrink …underwearsongtelephone callchasesingingphotograph (See All)

All Good Things (2010) is one of the best movies like Running On Empty (1988)
MovieTV-SeriesTV-Mini-SeriesTV-MovieTV-SpecialStraight-To-Video
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All Good Things (2010)

A love story and murder mystery based on the most notorious unsolved murder case in New York history. The original screenplay uses newly discovered facts, court records and speculation as the foundation for a story of family, obsession, love and loss.

Themes:
drunkennessdrinkinglovefriendshipdeath
Mood:
rain
Locations:
taxibicyclerestaurantnew york city
Characters:
dancerstudentbrother sister relationshipbrother brother relationshipsingerfriendmother daughter relationshipfather daughter relationshipmother son relationshipfather son relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
year 19711970s1980s
Story:
birthday partyphone boothfloridarecordingeyeglassesrecord playerpay phonenewspapermanhattan new york citycollegecafeundressingdrinkunderwearsong …telephone callsingingphotographdancinggundogkiss (See All)

An Education (2009)
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An Education (2009)

In the early 1960's, sixteen year old Jenny Mellor lives with her parents in the London suburb of Twickenham. On her father's wishes, everything that Jenny does is in the sole pursuit of being accepted into Oxford, as he wants her to have a better life than he. Jenny is bright, pretty, hard working  …but also naturally gifted. The only problems her father may perceive in her life is her issue with learning Latin, and her dating a boy named Graham, who is nice but socially awkward. Jenny's life changes after she meets David Goldman, a man over twice her age. David goes out of his way to show Jenny and her family that his interest in her is not improper and that he wants solely to expose her to cultural activities which she enjoys. Jenny quickly gets accustomed to the life to which David and his constant companions, Danny and Helen, have shown her, and Jenny and David's relationship does move into becoming a romantic one. However, Jenny slowly learns more about David, and by association Danny and Helen, and specifically how they make their money. Jenny has to decide if what she learns about them and leading such a life is worth forgoing her plans of higher eduction at Oxford. (Read More)

Subgenre:
coming of age
Themes:
theftdrinkingfriendship
Mood:
rain
Locations:
kitchenbicycleschoolrestaurant
Characters:
teacher student relationshipthiefdancerstudentteacherteenage boyteenage girlsingerfriendfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
1960s
Story:
17 year oldviolinistorchestraviolinlistening to musicrehearsalrecordingrecord playerclassrock 'n' rollpursuitpainconcertclassroomcafe …birthdaylieundressingdrinksongsingingdancingdogkisssex (See All)

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October Sky (1999)
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October Sky (1999)

In a 1950's mining town called Coalwood, Homer Hickam is a kid with only one future in sight, to work in the local coal mine like his father. However in October 1957, everything changes when the first artificial satellite, Sputnik goes into orbit. With that event, Homer becomes inspired to learn how … to build rockets. With his friends and the local nerd, Homer sets to do just that by trial and a lot of error. Unfortunately, most of the town and especially Homer's father thinks that they are wasting their time. Only one teacher in the high school understands their efforts and lets them know that they could become contenders in the national science fair with college scholarships being the prize. Now the gang must learn to perfect their craft and overcome the many problems facing them as they shoot for the stars. (Read More)

Themes:
theftdrunkennessdrinkingdeathfriendship
Mood:
high schoolrain
Locations:
woodsschoolhospital
Characters:
teacher student relationshipthiefdancerstudentteacherteenage boybrother brother relationshipfriendfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
scholarshipcafeteriarecordingrecord playerclassclassroomcollegebombdrinkwatching tvfiredancing

City Of God (2002)
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ActionAdventureAnimationComedyCrimeDocumentaryDramaFamilyFantasy
HorrorMysteryMusicalRomanceSci-FiThrillerWarWestern

City Of God (2002)

Brazil, 1960s, City of God. The Tender Trio robs motels and gas trucks. Younger kids watch and learn well...too well. 1970s: Li'l Ze has prospered very well and owns the city. He causes violence and fear as he wipes out rival gangs without mercy. His best friend Bene is the only one to keep him on t …he good side of sanity. Rocket has watched these two gain power for years, and he wants no part of it. Yet he keeps getting swept up in the madness. All he wants to do is take pictures. 1980s: Things are out of control between the last two remaining gangs...will it ever end? Welcome to the City of God. (Read More)

Subgenre:
coming of age
Themes:
environmentdeath of motherpovertytheftescapefriendshiplovedeath
Locations:
woodsbicyclechurchbeach
Characters:
thiefdancerteenage boyteenage girlbrother brother relationshipboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfriendfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
1960s1970s1980s
Story:
hidingrecord playerbank robberypursuitfugitivepainnewspapercriminalbirthdaywatching tvunderweartelephone callchaseknifephotograph …dancinggunkiss (See All)

Black Book (2006) is one of the best movies like Running On Empty (1988)
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Black Book (2006)

Israel 1956. Rachel, a Jew, rather unexpectedly meets an old friend at the kibbutz where she is working as a teacher. It brings back memories of her experiences in The Netherlands during the war, memories of betrayal. September 1944. Rachel is in trouble when her hiding place is bombed by allied tro …ops. She gets in contact with a man from the resistance and joins a group of Jews who are to be smuggled across the Biesbosch by boat to the freed South Netherlands. Germans from a patrol boat murder them all however. Only Rachel is able to escape. She is rescued by a resistance group under the leadership of Gerben Kuipers. When Kuipers' son is captured after trying to smuggle weapons, he asks Rachel to seduce SS-hauptsturmfuhrer Ludwig Muntze. Soon she will find out the attack in the Biesbosch wasn't a coincidence. (Read More)

Themes:
surveillancedeath of mothertheftescapeprisondeathfriendshiplove
Mood:
rain
Locations:
taxibicycle
Characters:
thiefdancerteacherbrother sister relationshipsingerdoctorfriendfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
1960s
Story:
diamond ringliberationbomberbombinglistening to musichidingrecordingundergroundrecord playerclasspianistfugitivevanterroristcooking …classroompianobirthdaybombundressingsongchasesingingphotographdancingkiss (See All)

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Taking Woodstock (2009)
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Taking Woodstock (2009)

Mood:
rain
Locations:
woodschurchnew york city
Characters:
musiciandancerbrother sister relationshipbrother brother relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
1960s
Story:
lsdanti warpollutionvietnam warrecordingeyeglassesrecord playerrock 'n' rollvanconcertnewspaperguitarundressingwatching tvunderwear …telephone callphotographdancinggunsexkissdog (See All)

The Reader (2008)
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The Reader (2008)

THE READER opens in post-war Germany when teenager Michael Berg becomes ill and is helped home by Hanna, a stranger twice his age. Michael recovers from scarlet fever and seeks out Hanna to thank her. The two are quickly drawn into a passionate but secretive affair. Michael discovers that Hanna love …s being read to and their physical relationship deepens. Hanna is enthralled as Michael reads to her from "The Odyssey," "Huck Finn" and "The Lady with the Little Dog." Despite their intense bond, Hanna mysteriously disappears one day and Michael is left confused and heartbroken. Eight years later, while Michael is a law student observing the Nazi war crime trials, he is stunned to find Hanna back in his life - this time as a defendant in the courtroom. As Hanna's past is revealed, Michael uncovers a deep secret that will impact both of their lives. THE READER is a story about truth and reconciliation, about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another. (Read More)

Subgenre:
coming of age
Themes:
prisonfriendshipdeath
Mood:
high schoolrain
Locations:
taxibicyclechurchschoolrestaurantnew york city
Characters:
teacher student relationshipstudentteacherteenage boybrother sister relationshipteenage girlfriendfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
1960s1970s1980s
Story:
consciencelistening to musiclawclassprotestconfessionclassroomcafebirthdaylieundressingunderwearfiretelephone callphotograph …kissgun (See All)

Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)
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Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)

Glenn Holland is a musician and composer who takes a teaching job to pay the rent while, in his 'spare time', he can strive to achieve his true goal - compose one memorable piece of music to leave his mark on the world. As Holland discovers 'Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other … plans' and as the years unfold the joy of sharing his contagious passion for music with his students becomes his new definition of success. (Read More)

Themes:
lovefriendship
Mood:
high school
Locations:
school
Characters:
teacher student relationshipmusicianstudentteacherteenage boyteenage girlfather son relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
1960s1970s1980s
Story:
music teachercomposerrecord playerrock 'n' rollsadnesspassionclassroompianosongsinging

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Love & Mercy (2014) is one of the best movies like Running On Empty (1988)
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Love & Mercy (2014)

Brian Wilson is the creative soul of the Beach Boys, but he paid a heavy price for his talent. That especially shows during his peak artistic years in the 1960s, as his inner demons and obsessions trying to please his abusive father drive him to a mental breakdown that would plague him for years. In … the 1980s, with Brian barely functional under the domination of the unscrupulous Dr. Landy, Brian meets and falls in love with Melinda Ledbetter. As their relationship grows, she observes Brian's crippling subservience to the abusive psychotherapist with growing alarm. Ultimately, she must take action with a love willing to stand up to oppression she cannot ignore. (Read More)

Themes:
drinkingdeathlovefriendship
Locations:
restaurantbeach
Characters:
musicianbrother brother relationshipsingerdoctorfriendfather daughter relationshipmother son relationshipfather son relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
year 19711960s1970s1980s
Story:
reference to ludwig van beethovenlsdearphonessandlistening to musiccomposerapplauseeyeglassesrock 'n' rollsadnesspianistliarconcertguitarpiano …cafeliedrinksongtelephone callsingingkissdog (See All)

Bicycle Thieves (1948)
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Bicycle Thieves (1948)

Ricci, an unemployed man in the depressed post-WWII economy of Italy, gets at last a good job - for which he needs a bike - hanging up posters. But soon his bicycle is stolen. He and his son walk the streets of Rome, looking for the bicycle. Ricci finally manages to locate the thief but with no proo …f, he has to abandon his cause. But he and his son know perfectly well that without a bike, Ricci won't be able to keep his job. (Read More)

Themes:
povertytheftdrinkinglove
Mood:
rain
Locations:
bicyclechurchrestaurant
Characters:
thiefdancersingermother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
act of consciencelicense plateviolinrehearsalshavingpizzapursuitliarcriminalguitarcafeliedrinkunderwearsong …chasesingingdancingdog (See All)

The Great Debaters (2007)
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The Great Debaters (2007)

Marshall, Texas, described by James Farmer, Jr. as "the last city to surrender after the Civil War," is home to Wiley College, where, in 1935-36, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and his clandestine work as a union organizer, Professor Melvin Tolson coaches the debate team to a nearly-undefeated s …eason that sees the first debate between U.S. students from white and Negro colleges and ends with an invitation to face Harvard University's national champions. The team of four, which includes a female student and a very young James Farmer, is tested in a crucible heated by Jim Crow, sexism, a lynch mob, an arrest and near riot, a love affair, jealousy, and a national radio audience. (Read More)

Themes:
revolutionracismdrinkingpoliticslove
Locations:
churchnew york city
Characters:
teacher student relationshipdancerstudentteacherteenage boybrother sister relationshipteenage girlbrother brother relationshipsingerfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
radicalclassprotestnewspapermanhattan new york cityclassroomcollegedrinkunderwearsongfiretelephone callchaseknifesinging …dancingdoggunkisssex (See All)

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Danny Collins (2015)
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Danny Collins (2015)

Inspired by a true story, Al Pacino stars as aging 1970s rocker Danny Collins, who can't give up his hard-living ways. But when his manager (Christopher Plummer) uncovers a 40 year-old undelivered letter written to him by John Lennon, he decides to change course and embarks on a heartfelt journey to … rediscover his family, find true love and begin a second act. (Read More)

Themes:
cancerdrunkennesslove
Locations:
taxinew york city
Characters:
musiciansingerdoctorboyfriend girlfriend relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather daughter relationshipfather son relationship
Period:
year 19711970s
Story:
dying hairnew jerseyrecordingeyeglassesrecord playerpianistconcertpianobirthdaywatching tvunderwearsongtelephone callsingingphotograph …kiss (See All)

Sing Street (2016) is one of the best movies like Running On Empty (1988)
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Sing Street (2016)

This is the beginning of the eighties and everybody is moving to the beat of Pop music, as the brand-new concept of the music video appears on television for the first time. However, in Dublin, Conor, a teenager with a sensitive heart, is trying to deal with a tense family relationship, reconnect wi …th his older brother while dealing with the hostile environment in his new public school. And then one day, he sees her. Tall, with long chestnut hair, a buttery complexion and big, dark eyes; an enigmatically beautiful girl standing in front of his school's gate, indolently observing people passing by. But who is she and how could a boy ever get noticed by such a distant girl? That's easy. He would form a band. Surprisingly, with every lyric Conor writes, the gap narrows and with every song he plays, her heart fills with affection. In the end, before a sea of opportunities lying ahead of them, what will the future hold for a brave love like this? (Read More)

Subgenre:
coming of ageindependent film
Themes:
environmentdrinkinglovefriendship
Locations:
bicycleschool
Characters:
teacher student relationshipgrandfather grandson relationshipbullydancerteacherteenage boybrother sister relationshipteenage girlbrother brother relationshipsingerboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfriendfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather son relationship …mother son relationshipfamily relationships (See All)
Period:
1980s
Story:
earphoneslistening to musicrecordingapplauseeyeglassesrecord playerrock 'n' rollsadnessconcertpianoliedrinksongsingingdancing …sexkiss (See All)

Garden State (2004)
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Garden State (2004)

Andrew Largeman is a semi-successful television actor who plays a intellectually disabled quarterback. His somewhat controlling and psychiatrist father has led Andrew ("Large") to believe that his mother's wheelchair bound life was his fault. Andrew decides to lay off the drugs that his father and h …is doctor made him believe that he needed, and began to see life for what it is. He began to feel the pain he had longed for, and began to have a genuine relationship with a girl who had some problems of her own. (Read More)

Subgenre:
coming of age
Themes:
blindnessdeath of motherdrinkingfriendship
Mood:
high schoolrain
Locations:
kitchenrestaurant
Characters:
grandfather grandson relationshipdancerstudentbrother sister relationshipsingerdoctorboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfriendmother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
paralysisnew jerseyphone boothrecord playersadnessauditionpay phoneliarpainguitarcafeliedrinkwatching tvunderwear …songtelephone callsingingdancinggunkisssexdog (See All)

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Catch Me If You Can (2002)
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Catch Me If You Can (2002)

New Rochelle, the 1960s. High schooler Frank Abagnale Jr. idolizes his father, who's in trouble with the IRS. When his parents separate, Frank runs away to Manhattan with $25 in his checking account, vowing to regain dad's losses and get his parents back together. Just a few years later, the FBI tra …cks him down in France; he's extradited, tried, and jailed for passing more than $4,000,000 in bad checks. Along the way, he's posed as a Pan Am pilot, a pediatrician, and an attorney. And, from nearly the beginning of this life of crime, he's been pursued by a dour FBI agent, Carl Hanratty. What starts as cat and mouse becomes something akin to father and son. (Read More)

Themes:
blindnesssurveillanceescapeprison
Mood:
high school
Locations:
taxichurchrestaurantnew york cityhospital
Characters:
thiefteenage boysingerdoctorboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationship
Period:
1960s1970s
Story:
fbi agentlaundromatphone boothfloridaeyeglassesrecord playerauditionfugitivepay phonefbiconfessionon the runmanhattan new york citycriminalclassroom …liechasesingingphotographdancingdog (See All)

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
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Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Adam ('Tom Hiddleston' (qv)), an underground musician, reunites with his lover for centuries ('Tilda Swinton' (qv)) after he becomes depressed and tired with the direction human society has taken. Their love is interrupted and tested by his wild and uncontrollable little sister ('Mia Wasikowska' (qv …)). (Read More)

Themes:
drinkinglovedeath
Locations:
taxibicyclehospital
Characters:
musiciandancerteachersingerdoctor
Story:
earphonesviolinistpassportviolinlistening to musiccomposerrecordingundergroundapplauserecord playerrock 'n' rollguitardrinkwatching tvsong …telephone callsingingphotographdancingkissgun (See All)

Dreamgirls (2006) is one of the best movies like Running On Empty (1988)
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Dreamgirls (2006)

Detroit, the early 1960s. Curtis Taylor, Jr., a car salesman, breaks into the music business with big dreams. He signs a trio of young women, the Dreamettes, gets them a job backing an R&B performer, James "Thunder" Early, establishes his own record label and starts wheeling and dealing. When Early  …flames out, Curtis makes the Dreamettes into headliners as the Dreams, but not before demoting their hefty big-voiced lead singer, Effie White, and putting the softer-voiced looker, Deena Jones, in front. Soon after, he fires Effie, sends her into a life of proud poverty, and takes Deena and the Dreams to the top. How long can Curtis stay there, and will Effie ever get her due? (Read More)

Themes:
povertydrinkingfriendshiplovedeath
Locations:
new york city
Characters:
musiciandancerbrother sister relationshipteenage girlsingerdoctorfriendmother daughter relationshipfather daughter relationshipfamily relationships
Period:
1960s1970s
Story:
vietnam warcomposerrehearsalrecordingapplausepianistauditionconcertguitarpianodrinkwatching tvsongfiretelephone call …singingdancingsexkissgun (See All)

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Half Nelson (2006)
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Half Nelson (2006)

Young Caucasian Dan Dunne teaches history and coaches the girls basketball team at a Brooklyn high school populated primarily by black and Hispanic students. To the chagrin of his superiors, Dan bucks the outlined curriculum of historical facts in favor of the philosophy of historical events, genera …lly discussing the concept of dialectics. As such, he captures the imagination of his students, at least in the classroom. Outside of the classroom, Dan's life is in shambles. He has a distant but cordial relationship with his family. He uses illicit drugs rampantly. Although his former girlfriend Rachel was able to clean up her drug habit, Dan believes that rehab will not work for him. Due to a combination of these issues, he treats women poorly. Thirteen year old Drey is a student in his class and a player on his basketball team. Drey has her own problems. Her parents are divorced, with her father a virtually non-existent figure in her life and her EMT mother generally absent as she is always working to provide for Drey. Her older brother Mike is incarcerated for selling drugs for a local dealer named Frank. Mike took the fall for Frank, who in turn protects Drey whether she wants to be associated with him or not. Dan and Drey's relationship changes when Drey catches Dan, believing he is alone, smoking crack in the girl's locker room bathroom. He is totally stoned. Their resulting friendship, which is seen as inappropriate by the few who know, is based on each being unable to dea… (Read More)

Subgenre:
independent film
Themes:
theftracismdrinkingprisonfriendship
Mood:
high school
Locations:
kitchenbicycleschoolrestaurant
Characters:
teacher student relationshipthiefdancerstudentteacherteenage boybrother sister relationshipteenage girlbrother brother relationshipsingerfriendfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipmother son relationshipfather son relationship …family relationships (See All)
Story:
earphonesvietnam warclassprotestcookingnewspaperclassroomcafedrinkunderwearsongtelephone callsingingphotographdancing …kisssex (See All)

Australia (2008)
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Australia (2008)

In northern Australia at the beginning of World War II, an English aristocrat inherits a cattle station the size of Maryland. When English cattle barons plot to take her land, she reluctantly joins forces with a rough-hewn stock-man to drive 2,000 head of cattle across hundreds of miles of the count …ry's most unforgiving land, only to still face the bombing of Darwin, Australia, by the Japanese forces that had attacked Pearl Harbor only months earlier. (Read More)

Subgenre:
coming of age
Themes:
death of mothertheftracismescapedrunkennessdrinkingdeathfriendship
Mood:
rain
Locations:
school
Characters:
grandfather grandson relationshipthiefdancersingerdoctorfriendmother daughter relationshipfather daughter relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
bomberbombinglistening to musichidingrecordingrecord playerpursuitnewspaperguitarbombundressingdrinksongfiretelephone call …chasesingingphotographdancingdogsexkiss (See All)

The Battle Of Algiers (1966)
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The Battle Of Algiers (1966)

A film commissioned by the Algerian government that shows the Algerian revolution from both sides. The French foreign legion has left Vietnam in defeat and has something to prove. The Algerians are seeking independence. The two clash. The torture used by the French is contrasted with the Algerian's  …use of bombs in soda shops. A look at war as a nasty thing that harms and sullies everyone who participates in it. (Read More)

Themes:
revolutionpovertyterrorismescapedrinkingprisonpoliticsfriendshipdeath
Mood:
rain
Locations:
schoolrestaurantbeach
Characters:
thiefdancerteacherdoctorfriendmother daughter relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
dying hairnapalmliberationbomberrevolutionarybombingpatientbreaking and enteringgovernmentprotestterroristcriminalclassroomcafebomb …drinkunderwearfiretelephone callchasephotographdancingdoggun (See All)

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Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011) is one of the best movies like Running On Empty (1988)
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Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)

Cal (Steve Carell) and Emily (Julianne Moore) have the perfect life together living the American dream... until Emily asks for a divorce. Now Cal, Mr Husband, has to navigate the single scene with a little help from his professional bachelor friend Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). Make that a lot of hel …p... (Read More)

Themes:
drunkennessdrinkingfriendship
Mood:
rain
Locations:
baseballbicycle
Characters:
dancerteacherteenage boybrother sister relationshipboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfriendmother daughter relationshipfather daughter relationshipmother son relationshipfather son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
17 year oldlistening to musicrecordingapplauserecord playerclasssadnesspursuitclassroomliedrinkwatching tvcomputertelephone callchase …photographdancingkiss (See All)

Snowden (2016)
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Snowden (2016)

SNOWDEN stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and is written and directed by Oliver Stone. The script is based on the books The Snowden Files: The Inside Story of the World's Most Wanted Man by Luke Harding and Time of the Octopus by Anatoly Kucherena.

Themes:
surveillanceterrorismtheftescapedrunkennessdrinkingpolitics
Locations:
woodschurchbeachnew york cityhospital
Characters:
teacher student relationshipgrandfather grandson relationshipteacherboyfriend girlfriend relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather daughter relationshipfather son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
consciencebunk bedhikinganti wardentistpassportapplauseeyeglassespizzaclassfugitivefbiprotestvancooking …newspapercriminalcafebirthdaybomblieundressingdrinkwatching tvcomputertelephone callphotographsexkissdog (See All)

The Red Violin (1998)
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The Red Violin (1998)

In present day Montreal, a famous Nicolo Bussotti violin, known as "the red violin," is being auctioned off. During the auction, we flash back to the creation of the violin in 17th century Italy, and follow the violin as it makes its way through an 18th century Austrian monastery, a violinist in 19t …h century Oxford, China during the Cultural Revolution, and back to Montreal, where a collector tries to establish the identity and the secrets of "the red violin." (Read More)

Subgenre:
independent film
Themes:
theftdeath
Mood:
rain
Locations:
taxi
Characters:
teacher student relationshipthiefmusicianteacherdoctorfather daughter relationship
Story:
fleeingrevolutionaryviolinistorchestraviolincomposerpursuitpassionauditionconcertfirechasephotographsexgun

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Thirteen (2003)
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Thirteen (2003)

At the edge of adolescence, Tracy is a smart straight-A student--if not a little naive (it seems...she smokes and she cuts to alleviate the emotional pain she suffers from having a broken home and hating her mom's boyfriend, Brady.) When she befriends Evie, the most popular and beautiful girl in sch …ool, Evie leads Tracy down a path of sex, drugs and petty crime (like stealing money from purses and from stores). As Tracy transforms herself and her identity, her world becomes a boiling, emotional cauldron fueled by new tensions between her and her mother--as well as, teachers and old friends. (Read More)

Subgenre:
coming of ageindependent film
Themes:
death of mothertheftdrunkennessdrinkingfriendshipdeath
Locations:
school
Characters:
teacher student relationshipthiefdancerstudentteacherteenage boybrother sister relationshipteenage girlfriendfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
lsdclasspay phoneliarpainvanclassroomliedrinkunderweartelephone calldancingsexkissdog

Easy A (2010) is one of the best movies like Running On Empty (1988)
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Easy A (2010)

After a little white lie about losing her virginity gets out, a clean cut high school girl sees her life paralleling Hester Prynne's in "The Scarlet Letter," which she is currently studying in school - until she decides to use the rumor mill to advance her social and financial standing.

Themes:
drinkingfriendship
Mood:
high school
Locations:
kitchenchurchschoolrestaurant
Characters:
teacher student relationshipstudentteacherteenage boybrother sister relationshipteenage girlsingerboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfriendfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
cafeteriafloridaclassliarprotestconfessionguitarclassroomcafebirthdayliedrinkwatching tvsongtelephone call …singingphotographkissdog (See All)

Ikiru (1952)
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Ikiru (1952)

Kanji Watanabe is a civil servant. He has worked in the same department for 30 years. His life is pretty boring and monotonous, though he once used to have passion and drive. Then one day he discovers that he has stomach cancer and has less than a year to live. After the initial depression he sets a …bout living for the first time in over 20 years. Then he realises that his limited time left is not just for living life to the full but to leave something meaningful behind... (Read More)

Themes:
cancerdeath of motherdrunkennessdrinkingpoliticsdeathlove
Mood:
rain
Locations:
baseballbicyclerestaurant
Characters:
dancersingerdoctormother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipfamily relationships
Story:
birthday partylistening to musicsadnesspianistpassionprotestpainnewspaperpianocafebirthdaydrinksongtelephone callsinging …dancingdog (See All)

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