Delving into the gritty underbelly of society, this collection of crime films sheds light on the harsh realities of poverty. These stories are not just about crime; they're about the human spirit's resilience, the struggle for survival, and the moral dilemmas faced by those living on the edge. Whether it's the bleak urban landscapes or the desperate acts of individuals, each film in this selection offers a profound look at how poverty can lead to crime, providing both entertainment and a poignant social commentary.
Once Were Warriors (1994)
Description: This New Zealand film examines the impact of poverty and cultural displacement on a Maori family, leading to crime and domestic violence.
Fact: The film was a major success in New Zealand and sparked national debate about Maori issues.
Watch Now
The Departed (2006)
Description: While not solely about poverty, this film delves into the criminal underworld of South Boston, where economic hardship often leads to a life of crime.
Fact: The film was a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs." It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Watch Now
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Description: This film captures the essence of poverty and the relentless pursuit of a better life. Chris Gardner's journey from homelessness to success is a testament to the human spirit's tenacity.
Fact: Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, plays his on-screen son in the film. The movie was based on a true story.
Watch Now
The Town (2010)
Description: Set in the economically depressed Charlestown neighborhood of Boston, this film explores how poverty and crime are passed down through generations.
Fact: Ben Affleck, who directed and starred in the film, grew up in Boston and drew from his own experiences for authenticity.
Watch Now
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Description: Set in the slums of Mumbai, this film intertwines a rags-to-riches story with a crime thriller, showing how poverty can lead to desperate measures and unexpected opportunities.
Fact: The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The child actors were found through auditions in Mumbai's slums.
Watch Now
A Prophet (2009)
Description: This French film follows a young Arab man's rise through the ranks of the French prison system, highlighting the intersection of poverty, crime, and the quest for power.
Fact: The film won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. It was also nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.
Watch Now
The Florida Project (2017)
Description: This film offers a child's perspective on poverty, living in the shadow of Disney World, where the line between innocence and crime is often blurred.
Fact: The film was shot in a real motel, and many of the residents were extras. The director, Sean Baker, used an iPhone for some scenes to capture the child's eye view.
Watch Now
The Wire (1996)
Description: This film captures the lives of young heroin addicts in Edinburgh, where poverty and crime are both cause and effect of their addiction.
Fact: The film's title refers to the act of watching trains, a metaphor for the characters' aimless lives. It was adapted from Irvine Welsh's novel.
30 Days Free
City of God (2002)
Description: This Brazilian film portrays the lives of two boys growing up in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, where poverty and crime are intertwined, offering a raw and unfiltered look at survival.
Fact: The film was shot in the real City of God slum. Many of the actors were non-professionals from the area.
30 Days Free
