Growing up, Labor Day was just an excuse to have a long weekend and avoid school. But after my first job, which involved the weekly cleaning of a truck warehouse, I began to have serious respect for the working man. Since then, movies detailing hard workers stickin’ it to the man have carried more weight.
In honor of this nationwide celebration, let’s look back at ten films that show that if you work hard enough, and fight against the system, you can find success.
10.) The Pursuit of Happyness
My biggest flaw with this film remains the filmmakers insistence on a misspelled title. Beyond that strange choice, this remains a powerful drama. Having started with nothing in life himself, Will Smith is an inspired choice as Chris Gardner, a man just trying to do right by his family. Rarely have job interview scenes been more heart-breaking.
9.) Erin Brockovich
In one of his more mainstream efforts, Steven Soderbergh’s typically well-shot film tells the story of an unemployed single mother who wages a one woman war against a company accused of polluting the water supply. Julia Roberts won her first Oscar portraying the title character. Look for a great supporting role by Aaron Eckhart.
8.) Norma Rae
Few movies live and breathe “worker appreciation” more than Norma Rae. Sally Field won an Oscar for her portrayal of a textile worker attempting to unionize her factory. The production photo of Field holding up a sign with the words “UNION” has since become iconic.
7.) Newsies
This musical based on the New York City newsboy strike of 1899 has more to offer than just the sight of a young Christian Bale singing to a crowd, ripping newspapers to shreds. It’s also that rare strike film thats centered around the younger generation. Kids are oppressed by ‘The Man’ too.
6.) Office Space
I vividly remember considering an office job during my teen years. Office Space was the film that slapped some sense in to me. The sight of three men giving a printer a beatdown has since been parodied to extremes, and Stephen Root as Milton makes this entire film. Never, ever take his stapler, because he’ll set the place on fire.
5.) Philadelphia
This may seem an odd choice to some. Philadelphia tells the tale of a man with AIDS who is fired due to his sickness, who files a wrongful dismissal suit with the help of a homophobic lawyer. Jonathan Demme’s brilliant direction along with two powerhouse performances from Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington make Philadelphia a must-see.
4.) Jerry Maguire
Show Cuba Gooding Jr. the money and he’ll stick with you. At least, that’s what he does for Jerry Maguire, a sports agent who is fired for having an opinion, and loses all of his clients but him. Cruise, Gooding Jr., and Renee Zellweger all deliver fine work, in one of Cameron Crowe’s best films.
3.) The Insider
Michael Mann chose to get away from nighttime cityscapes and gunplay for an involving thriller focusing on one man who decides to tell all about the tobacco industry. An all star cast led by Russell Crowe and Al Pacino, along with a terrific script makes The Insider an intense, realistic film that could open your eyes to some startling truths about one of the most profitable industries in the world.
2.) The Grapes of Wrath
Henry Fonda was an actor ahead of his time. The Grapes of Wrath demonstrated this beyond the shadow of a doubt. As Tom Joad, he attempts to help his family survive after being kicked off their farm land. “When the people are eatin’ the stuff they raise, and livin’ in the houses they build, I’ll be there.”
1.) On the Waterfront
Generally any movie list of any kind contains a film starring Marlon Brando. Nowadays it is parodied so often for it’s famous “Contender” scene, I fear the average movie-going public only knows of it that way. This is a fantastic film featuring a brilliant performance and impressive camera work. There are few things more heart-wrenching than watching an average man trying to survive in a world that makes it so hard for him.
3 thoughts on “10 Great Labor Day Movies”
You are right, “Philadelphia” is an odd choice. So is “Erin Brokovich” Both are courtroom dramas, not really about working life. And your plot description of “Brokovich” isn’t accurate. Roberts’ worked for a law firm, she wasn’t unemployed.
And ugh, “Newsies” is an awful movie. Almost unwatchable.
Better choices would be “Matewan” about the deadly 1920 West Virginia coal miners’ strike. Or how about “9 to 5,” the classic workplace comedy? And not to include Chaplin’s “Modern Times” is unforgivable. And then there is “Clerks.” Not to mention “Up in the Air” and “Working Girl.”
Oh, and “Blue Collar,” a overlooked classic with a great non-comedic performance by Richard Pryor.
So many to add to that list. Like James said, Paul Schrader’s Blue Collar is fantastic. I’d toss in Metropolis, Modern Times, Harlan County USA, Salt of the Earth, Strike, and Killer of Sheep.