Family Films That Tackle Life’s Challenges

Description: Two outcast boys, one with a learning disability and the other with physical challenges, form an unlikely friendship. Their journey together is one of courage, adventure, and the power of imagination.

Fact: The film is based on the novel "Freak the Mighty" by Rodman Philbrick. It was one of the first films to address the topic of bullying in a sensitive manner.

Description: This film follows a young boy from a mining town in Northern England who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer, despite his family's expectations and the backdrop of the 1984 miners' strike. It's a story of overcoming adversity and following one's passion against all odds.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of Sir Thomas Allen, a British opera singer who also trained as a ballet dancer. The song "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston was originally intended for the film but was replaced with T. Rex's "Cosmic Dancer."

Description: Set in 1964 South Carolina, this film follows a young white girl who runs away from home to find solace with a trio of black beekeeping sisters. It addresses themes of racial tension, family, and healing.

Fact: The film was adapted from the best-selling novel by Sue Monk Kidd. The bees used in the movie were real, and the actors had to learn how to handle them safely.

Description: This film adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's novel explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's turbulent history.

Fact: The film was shot in China due to safety concerns in Afghanistan. The kite flying scenes were meticulously recreated to reflect the Afghan tradition.

Description: Akeelah, an 11-year-old girl from South Los Angeles, enters a spelling bee to escape her difficult circumstances. The film highlights the importance of education, community support, and personal growth.

Fact: The film was inspired by the documentary "Spellbound." The spelling bee words used in the movie were all real words from the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Description: Based on a true story, this film depicts the life of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son. It's a poignant tale of perseverance, fatherhood, and the relentless pursuit of a better life.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith played father and son in the movie, mirroring their real-life relationship. The film's title misspells "happiness" to reflect the misspelling on the mural that inspired the story.

Description: This film tells the story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who is taken in by a caring family. It explores themes of family, acceptance, and the transformative power of love and support.

Fact: Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in this film. The real Michael Oher was a professional NFL player, and his story continued to inspire many after the film.

Description: A teenage boy finds friendship and self-confidence during a summer vacation with his mother's new boyfriend. The film captures the essence of growing up, dealing with family dynamics, and finding one's place in the world.

Fact: The film was co-written and co-directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, who also won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for "The Descendants."

Description: During World War II, a young Scottish boy discovers a mysterious egg that hatches into a water horse, a mythical creature. The film explores themes of friendship, loss, and the impact of war on innocence.

Fact: The film was inspired by the book "The Water Horse" by Dick King-Smith. The CGI creature was created by Weta Digital, the same company that worked on "The Lord of the Rings."

Description: This Disney Channel Original Movie tells the story of an African-American girl hosting a South African exchange student during the apartheid era, leading to mutual understanding and friendship.

Fact: The film was based on a true story and was one of the first Disney productions to tackle the subject of racial segregation and apartheid.