Movies About Money to Watch

Table of Contents

Movies about money are a film genre that explores the theme of money, wealth and poverty. These films can be of different genres, including drama, comedy, thriller and action.

Movies about money can be divided into several categories, based on their main theme:

Films about finance and business: these films explore the world of finance and business, such as “Wall Street” (1987), “Margin Call” (2011) and “The Big Short” (2015).

Gambling movies: these films explore the world of gambling, such as “Casino” (1995), “Rounders” (1998) and “21” (2008).

Movies about scam: these films explore the world of scamming and deception, such as “The Sting” (1973), “Catch Me if You Can” (2002) and “American Hustle” (2013).

Movies about wealth and poverty: these films explore the contrast between wealth and poverty, such as “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008), “Inside Job” (2010) and “Parasite” (2019).

movies-about-money

Movies about money can explore a variety of themes, including:

The power of money: money can be a powerful tool that can give you power and influence.

Greed: greed is a powerful force that can lead to evil.

The injustice: money can be used to perpetuate injustice.

The American Dream: money is often seen as a symbol of the American dream.

Movies about money can be both funny and dramatic. They can make us reflect on the power of money and its consequences.

Movies About Money to Watch

The Great Gatsby (1926) 

The Great Gatsby (1926) is a silent film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel of the same name. It was directed by Herbert Brenon and stars Warner Baxter as Jay Gatsby and Lois Wilson as Daisy Buchanan.

The film was a critical and commercial failure, and it was thought to be lost for many years. However, a copy of the film was rediscovered in 1976, and it has since been restored and released on DVD.

The film is a faithful adaptation of the novel, and it captures the atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties. However, the film is also quite slow-paced and melodramatic, and it is not as effective as the novel.

Despite its flaws, The Great Gatsby (1926) is an important film because it is the first film adaptation of one of Fitzgerald’s most famous novels. It is also a valuable historical document, as it provides a glimpse into the world of filmmaking in the 1920s.

Review

The Great Gatsby (1926) is a mixed bag. It is a faithful adaptation of the novel, and it captures the atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties. However, the film is also quite slow-paced and melodramatic, and it is not as effective as the novel.

Warner Baxter is adequate in the role of Jay Gatsby, but he lacks the charisma and charm of the character in the novel. Lois Wilson is also good as Daisy Buchanan, but she is too old for the role.

The film’s production values are high for the time, and the sets and costumes are excellent. However, the film’s direction is uninspired, and the pacing is slow.

Curiosities

  • The film was shot on Long Island, New York, in the same place where Fitzgerald set his novel.
  • Warner Baxter wore colored contact lenses to play the role of Jay Gatsby.
  • The film was distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Recommendation

The Great Gatsby (1926) is a film that has long been forgotten and neglected. However, in recent years it has begun to receive renewed attention from critics and the public.

Another reason for the renewed interest is probably due to the fact that the film is a powerful image of the Jazz Age. The film captures the atmosphere of wealth and extravagance of the era, but also its darkness and tragedy.

Metropolis (1927)

Metropolis (1927) is a silent film directed by Fritz Lang and written by Thea von Harbou in collaboration with Lang from von Harbou’s 1925 novel of the same name. Set in a futuristic dystopian city in 2026, the film follows the exploits of Freder, the young son of the city’s master, Joh Fredersen, and Maria, a teacher who is a sacred figure for the city’s workers.

Freder discovers the living conditions of the workers, who are forced to work in inhumane conditions in the depths of the city. He falls in love with Maria and, to help her, disguises himself as a worker.

Maria is accused of inciting a worker’s revolt and is killed by an android that resembles her. Freder, distraught, goes to a cave to find peace. There, he meets a robot that has been programmed to be his alter ego.

Reception

Metropolis was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative special effects, its dystopian vision of the future, and its strong social criticism.

The film was a landmark of silent cinema and has had a significant influence on other films, including Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner.

Analysis

Metropolis is a complex and multi-layered film. It is an allegory of industrial society, which divides people into two classes: the rich, who live in a subterranean city, and the poor, who work in the factories.

The film is also a social critique of the inequality and alienation that are caused by capitalism.

Review

Metropolis is a stunning film that is still relevant today. It is a visual masterpiece and a powerful social message.

The film is well-made and features some of the most innovative special effects of its time. The film’s dystopian vision of the future is still haunting and its social critique is still relevant.

Curiosities

  • Metropolis is one of the most expensive films ever made at the time of its release.
  • The film was shot in 65 days and used over 30,000 extras.
  • Metropolis was a critical and commercial success upon its release, but it was then forgotten for many years.
  • The film was restored in the 1980s and has since been rediscovered by modern audiences.

Metropolis can be considered a money film in that it explores the issues of inequality and alienation that are caused by capitalism.

The film shows how money can divide people into two classes: the rich, who have everything, and the poor, who have nothing.

The film also criticizes the way that money can be used to control people. Joh Fredersen, the master of Metropolis, uses money to keep the workers under control.

The Blue Angel (1929) 

The Blue Angel (1929) is a German silent film directed by Josef von Sternberg and starring Marlene Dietrich and Emil Jannings. The film is a melodrama set in Berlin in the 1920s and tells the story of Lola Lola, a cabaret singer who seduces and destroys a young writer.

Plot

Lorenz is a young writer who arrives in Berlin to find work. One day, he sees Lola Lola performing in a cabaret and is immediately attracted to her. Lola Lola is a charming and mysterious woman, and Lorenz is quickly captivated by her seductive ways.

The two begin a passionate affair, but Lola Lola is not the woman Lorenz thought she was. She is a calculating and unscrupulous woman who uses men for her own purposes.

Reception

The Blue Angel was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its direction, performances, and cinematography.

The film made Marlene Dietrich one of the biggest stars in cinema.

Analysis

The Blue Angel is a complex and multi-layered film. It is an allegory of the nature of love and the destructive power of passion.

The film is also a social critique of bourgeois society in the 1920s. The figure of Lola Lola represents the dangerous allure of consumerism and superficiality.

Review

The Blue Angel is a film that has stood the test of time. It is a dramatic and engaging story that continues to resonate with modern audiences.

The film is well-made and the cinematography is stunning. The performances of Dietrich and Jannings are memorable.

The Blue Angel is a film worth seeing, both for fans of classic cinema and for lovers of melodramas.

Curiosities

  • The Blue Angel was the first film in which Marlene Dietrich wore her iconic wide-brimmed hat and red lipstick.
  • The film was shot during a time of great political and social upheaval in Germany. The image of Lola Lola, a strong and independent woman, was seen by some as a symbol of the new Germany.
  • The Blue Angel was an international success and had a significant influence on cinema. The film was one of the earliest examples of German Expressionist cinema, and it helped to popularize the genre around the world.

The Blue Angel can be considered a film about money in that it explores the role of money in society.

The film shows how money can be used to corrupt and destroy people. Lola Lola is a woman who uses her charm and money to manipulate men.

The film is also a social critique of bourgeois society in the 1920s, in which money had become the primary value. The figure of Lola Lola represents the dangerous allure of consumerism and superficiality.

The Circus (1928) 

The Circus (1928) is a silent film directed by Charlie Chaplin. It tells the story of a tramp who, mistaken for a thief, takes refuge in a circus where he finds work as a clown. He falls in love with the owner’s daughter, but the girl prefers the tightrope walker. In the end, the tramp manages to win the girl’s heart, but the circus must close.

Reception

The Circus (1928) was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its comedy, its romantic story, and its depiction of the world of the circus.

The film won an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement for Chaplin.

Analysis

The Circus (1928) is a classic of silent cinema. It is a work rich in comedy, pathos, and poetry.

The film explores the themes of love, loss, and dreams. It is a story of a man trying to find his place in the world.

The Circus is also a film about money. The tramp, who is a man without money, finds a place to stay and a family in the circus. The circus is a place of hospitality and sharing, where people are united by their passion for the show.

Review

The Circus (1928) is a film that has stood the test of time. It is a funny, moving, and meaningful story.

The film is well-made and Chaplin’s performance is memorable.

The Circus is a film worth watching, both for fans of silent cinema and for Chaplin fans.

Curiosities

  • The Circus (1928) was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time of its release.
  • The film was shot in England and the United States.
  • The Circus (1928) was the first Chaplin film in which he used his famous catchphrase “All my friends are rich.”

The Circus (1928) can be considered a film about money in that it explores the role of money in society.

The film shows how money can be used to create hospitality and sharing, but also how it can be used to divide people.

In the circus, money is used to create a place where people can feel at home. The owner of the circus, Mr. M., is a generous man who uses his money to help others.

However, money can also be used to divide people. The tramp, who is a man without money, is initially rejected by the circus. Only when he proves himself to be a talented clown is he accepted by the circus community.

The Gold Rush (1925) 

The Gold Rush (1925) is a silent comedy-drama film directed, produced, and starring Charlie Chaplin. The story is set in the Klondike during the 1898 gold rush.

Plot

The Tramp (Chaplin) is a homeless man who, in search of fortune, travels to the Klondike to seek gold. During the journey, he befriends Black Larsen (Mack Swain), a violent and dangerous man. The two arrive in the Klondike and set out to find gold.

Reception

The Gold Rush was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its comedy, its romantic story, and its depiction of the gold rush. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Score.

Analysis

The Gold Rush is a classic film of silent cinema. It is a work rich in comedy, pathos, and poetry. The film explores the themes of love, loss, dreams, and hope.

Review

The Gold Rush is a film that has stood the test of time. It is a funny, moving, and meaningful story. The film is well-made and Chaplin’s performance is memorable.

Curiosities

  • The Gold Rush is one of the most expensive films ever made at the time of its release.
  • The film was shot in Canada.
  • The Gold Rush was the first Chaplin film to win an Oscar.

The Gold Rush can be considered a film about money in that it explores the role of money in society.

The film shows how money can be used to corrupt and destroy people. The Tramp is a homeless man who is willing to do anything to find gold. This leads him to fall into the trap of Black Larsen, a violent and dangerous man.

The film is also a social critique of the 1898 gold rush. The gold rush led to the ruin of many people who lost everything in their quest for wealth. The film shows how money can be an illusion that can lead to despair and death.

Gone with the Wind (1939)

Gone with the Wind (1939) is a 1939 American epic historical romance film produced by David O. Selznick of Selznick International Pictures and directed by Victor Fleming. The film is adapted from the 1936 novel of the same name by Margaret Mitchell.

Plot

Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) is a young Southern belle who, during the American Civil War, struggles to maintain her identity and her land.

Scarlett is obsessed with money and power. She is willing to do anything to have what she wants, even betraying the people she loves.

Reception

Gone with the Wind was a critical and commercial success. It was the highest-grossing film of 1939 and won 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Analysis

Gone with the Wind is an epic film that explores the themes of war, love, loss, and wealth.

The film shows how money can be a powerful motivator that can drive people to do things they would not normally do.

Review

Gone with the Wind is a classic film that has stood the test of time. It is a gripping and engaging story that continues to resonate with modern audiences.

The film is well-made and the performances of Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable are memorable.

Curiosities

  • Gone with the Wind was the most expensive film ever made at the time of its release.
  • The film was shot in California, but most of the scenes set in the South were shot on soundstages.
  • Gone with the Wind was the first film to win 10 Academy Awards.

Gone with the Wind can be considered a film about money in that it explores the role of money in society.

The film shows how money can be a powerful motivator that can drive people to do things they would not normally do.

Scarlett O’Hara is an example of how money can corrupt people. She is obsessed with money and power, and this leads her to make bad decisions that ruin her life.

The film also shows how money can be an illusion that can lead to despair and death. The American Civil War caused the death of many men and the destruction of much property.

Citizen Kane (1941)

Citizen Kane (1941) is a 1941 American drama film directed, produced, and co-written by Orson Welles. The picture stars Welles as Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy publishing magnate who is the subject of a posthumous investigation by a journalist.

Plot

The film begins with the death of Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy publishing magnate. A reporter, Jerry Thompson, is assigned to write a story about Kane’s life. Thompson interviews Kane’s friends, family, and associates in an attempt to understand his life and legacy.

The film follows Kane’s life from his childhood as a wealthy heir to his rise to power as a newspaper publisher. Kane is a ruthless and ambitious man who is driven by a desire for power and influence. He uses his wealth to buy newspapers, politicians, and even elections.

Reception

Citizen Kane was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative cinematography, editing, and storytelling. The film won an Academy Award for Best Writing (Original Screenplay).

Analysis

Citizen Kane is a complex and multifaceted film that explores a variety of themes, including the nature of power, the American Dream, and the corruption of wealth.

The film’s exploration of the role of money is particularly notable. Kane is a wealthy man who is driven by a desire for power and influence. He uses his wealth to buy what he wants, including people. Kane’s wealth ultimately leads to his downfall. He is unable to find happiness or fulfillment in his personal life or in his career.

Review

Citizen Kane is a classic film that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and moving story that continues to resonate with audiences today.

The film is well-made and Welles’ performance is iconic. Citizen Kane is a must-see for any fan of cinema.

Trivia

  • Citizen Kane was the first film to use deep focus cinematography, which allows the viewer to see both foreground and background objects in sharp focus.
  • The film’s title comes from the last word that Kane utters before he dies.
  • Citizen Kane was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning one for Best Writing (Original Screenplay).

Citizen Kane can be considered a film about money in that it explores the role of money in society.

The film shows how money can be a powerful motivator that can drive people to do things they would not normally do.

Kane is a perfect example of how money can corrupt people. He is driven by a desire for power and influence, and he uses his wealth to buy what he wants, including people. Kane’s wealth ultimately leads to his downfall. He is unable to find happiness or fulfillment in his personal life or in his career.

The film also shows how money can be an illusion that can lead to despair and death. Kane’s life is a series of failures. He is unable to find happiness or fulfillment in his personal life or in his career. He dies alone and isolated.

Casablanca (1942)

Casablanca (1942) is a 1942 American romantic drama film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Paul Henreid.

Plot

Rick Blaine (Bogart) is an American expatriate who runs a nightclub in Casablanca, Morocco, during World War II. Rick is a cynical and disillusioned man who has lost his faith in love and humanity.

One day, Rick meets Ilsa Lund (Bergman), the love of his life, who is fleeing from her ex-husband, Victor Laszlo (Henreid), a leader of the anti-Nazi resistance. Rick is forced to make a difficult decision: help Ilsa and Laszlo escape from Casablanca or let them go.

Reception

Casablanca was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its compelling story, masterful performances, and memorable soundtrack. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Analysis

Casablanca is a film that explores themes such as love, loss, sacrifice, and redemption. The film shows how people are willing to do anything for what they love, even if it means sacrificing themselves.

The film also explores the role of money in society. Money is a means to get what you want, but it can also be a source of corruption and despair.

Review

Casablanca is a classic film that has stood the test of time. It is a film that continues to move and inspire audiences today.

The story is compelling, the performances are masterful, and the soundtrack is memorable. Casablanca is a film that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

Casablanca can be considered a film about money in that it explores the role of money in society.

Money is a means to get what you want, but it can also be a source of corruption and despair.

Rick Blaine is a man who has lost his faith in love and humanity because of money. Money has brought him only pain and suffering.

The film shows how money can be a powerful force that can corrupt people and lead to their downfall.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) is a 1948 American Western film directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, and Tim Holt.

Plot

Three men, Fred C. Dobbs (Bogart), Howard (Huston), and Curtin (Holt), meet in Tampico, Mexico, and decide to join forces to search for gold in the Sierra Madre mountains.

The three men cross the jungle and mountains, facing danger and hardship. After much effort, they finally find a gold mine.

However, their happiness is short-lived. The thirst for wealth corrupts their souls and leads them to betray each other.

Reception

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its compelling story, masterful performances, and stunning cinematography. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Analysis

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a film that explores themes such as human nature, greed, and corruption. The film shows how wealth can corrupt people and lead to their downfall.

The film is also an allegory of the American Dream. The American Dream is the desire for success and prosperity. However, the film shows how the American Dream can be a trap that can lead to the loss of one’s humanity.

Review

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a classic film that has stood the test of time. It is a film that continues to be enjoyed by audiences today.

The story is compelling, the performances are masterful, and the cinematography is stunning. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a film that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre can be considered a film about money in that it explores the role of greed and corruption in the world.

Money is a powerful force that can corrupt people and lead to their downfall.

The film shows how the thirst for wealth can lead people to do things they would not normally do.

Il grande Gatsby (1949)


The Great Gatsby (1949)
is a 1949 American drama film directed by Elliott Nugent and starring Alan Ladd, Betty Field, and Barry Sullivan. The film is based on the 1925 novel of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Plot

The film tells the story of Jay Gatsby (Ladd), a wealthy man who lives in a large mansion on Long Island. Gatsby throws lavish parties, but he is ultimately lonely and unhappy. He is in love with Daisy Buchanan (Field), the woman he lost many years ago.

Gatsby’s friend, Nick Carraway (Sullivan), is a writer who rents a small house next to Gatsby’s mansion. Nick is drawn into Gatsby’s world of wealth and excess. He also learns about Gatsby’s past and his love for Daisy.

Reception

The Great Gatsby was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its lavish production values, its faithful adaptation of the novel, and its strong performances.

Analysis

The Great Gatsby is a complex and multifaceted film that explores themes such as love, loss, and the American Dream. The film shows how the pursuit of wealth and status can lead to unhappiness and disillusionment.

The film is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of nostalgia. Gatsby is obsessed with the past and his lost love for Daisy. This obsession leads him to make a series of bad decisions that ultimately lead to his downfall.

Review

The Great Gatsby is a classic film that has stood the test of time. It is a film that continues to resonate with audiences today.

The film is well-made and features strong performances from the cast. Il grande Gatsby is a must-see for fans of classic cinema.

The Great Gatsby can be considered a film about money in that it explores the role of wealth and status in society.

The film shows how the pursuit of wealth and status can lead to unhappiness and disillusionment.

Gatsby is a wealthy man who lives in a large mansion and throws lavish parties. However, he is ultimately lonely and unhappy. He is also unable to find true happiness through his wealth.

The film also shows how wealth can lead to corruption. Gatsby’s wealth allows him to buy his way into Daisy’s life, but it is ultimately unable to keep them together.

La dolce vita (1960)

La dolce vita (1960) is a 1960 drama film written and directed by Federico Fellini. It is starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anita Ekberg, and Anouk Aimée.

Plot

The film tells the story of Marcello Rubini (Mastroianni), a scandal journalist living in Rome. Marcello is a bored and disillusioned man who is searching for meaning in his life.

Over the course of a week, Marcello meets a series of eccentric and grotesque characters who represent the Rome of the Dolce Vita, a period of decadence and frivolity. Marcello observes these characters with detachment and irony, but he eventually realizes that he is also a part of this world.

Reception

La dolce vita was a critical and commercial success. The film was praised for its biting satire of Roman society, its realistic depiction of nightlife, and the masterful performances of the cast.

Analysis

La dolce vita is a complex and multifaceted film that explores themes such as alienation, emptiness, and the search for happiness. The film shows how the pursuit of pleasure and fame can lead to unhappiness and disillusionment.

Review

La dolce vita is a classic film that has stood the test of time. It is a film that continues to be enjoyed by audiences today.

The film is extraordinary in every way and features masterful performances from the cast. La dolce vita is a masterpiece of cinema history and one of the best films of all time.

La dolce vita can be considered a film about money in that it explores the role of wealth and consumerism in society.

The film shows how the pursuit of pleasure and fame can be fueled by the desire for wealth. Marcello and the other characters in the film are searching for something more in life, but they are trying to achieve it through money and consumption.

Il sorpasso (1962)

Plot

On the day of Ferragosto 1962, Bruno Cortona, a thirty-six-year-old vigorous and exuberant man, a lover of sports driving and beautiful women, driving his Lancia Aurelia B24 convertible, wanders in search of a pack of cigarettes and a public telephone. He meets Roberto Mariani, a shy university student who is returning home for the holidays. Bruno invites Roberto to get in his car and the two set off together on a journey through Italy.

Over the course of the journey, Bruno and Roberto confront each other on a variety of themes, including life, love, family, and money. Bruno is a rich and arrogant man who believes that money can buy anything, while Roberto is a simple and idealistic man who believes in human values.

Reception

Il sorpasso was a critical and commercial success. The film was praised for its original story, performances, and direction by Dino Risi.

The film won numerous awards, including the award for Best Director at the 1962 Cannes Film Festival.

Review

Il sorpasso is an important and significant film that offers a critical view of Italian society in the 1960s. The film is a ruthless portrait of a society in which money has become the most important value.

The performances of Vittorio Gassman and Jean-Louis Trintignant are extraordinary. Gassman is perfect in the role of Bruno Cortona, an arrogant and cynical man who has been corrupted by money. Trintignant is equally good in the role of Roberto Mariani, a simple and idealistic man who is in contrast to Bruno.

The direction by Dino Risi is masterful. Risi is a master at creating atmospheres and telling stories. Il sorpasso is a film that stays in the mind long after you’ve seen it.

Trivia

  • The film was shot in Italy, between Rome, Ostia, the Lazio coast, Tuscany, and Abruzzo.
  • The original title of the film is “Il sorpasso”. The English title is “The Easy Life”.
  • The film was produced by Dino De Laurentiis.

Il sorpasso can be considered a film about money in at least two ways.

First, the film explores the theme of wealth and the power of money. Bruno Cortona is a rich and arrogant man who uses money to control people and situations. He is a man who believes that money can buy anything, even love and happiness.

Second, the film shows how money can corrupt people. Bruno Cortona is a man who has been corrupted by money. He has become selfish, cynical, and insensitive. He has lost touch with human values and the ability to love.

The Conformist (1970)

Plot

Marcello Clerici, a young philosophy professor, travels to Paris on his honeymoon with his wife Giulia. The honeymoon is a cover: unbeknown to his wife, Marcello is to eliminate a former professor of his, now a political dissident.

Marcello is an insecure and indecisive man, who tries to conform to the expectations of society. He is a man who believes that money and power can guarantee security and happiness.

Over the course of the journey, Marcello comes to terms with his identity and his convictions. He realizes that conformity is a choice that makes him unhappy and that leads him to commit immoral acts.

Reception

The Conformist was a critical and commercial success. The film was praised for its direction, cinematography, performances, and screenplay.

The film won numerous awards, including the award for Best Director at the 1970 Cannes Film Festival.

Review

The Conformist is an important and significant film that offers a critical view of Italian society in the 1930s. The film is a ruthless portrait of a society in which conformity is the norm and in which people are willing to do anything to conform.

The performances of Jean-Louis Trintignant and Stefania Sandrelli are extraordinary. Trintignant is perfect in the role of Marcello Clerici, an insecure and indecisive man who tries to conform to the expectations of society. Sandrelli is equally good in the role of Giulia Clerici, an ingenuous and idealistic woman who is the victim of her husband’s ambitions.

The direction of Bernardo Bertolucci is masterful. Bertolucci is a master at creating atmospheres and telling stories. The Conformist is a film that stays in the mind long after you’ve seen it.

Trivia

  • The film was based on the novel of the same name by Alberto Moravia.
  • The original title of the film is “Il conformista”. The English title is “The Conformist”.
  • The film was produced by Alberto Grimaldi.

The Conformist can be considered a film about money in at least two ways.

First, the film explores the theme of money and power. Marcello Clerici is a man who believes that money and power can guarantee security and happiness. He is a man who is willing to do anything to achieve success, even commit immoral acts.

Second, the film shows how money can corrupt people. Marcello Clerici is a man who has been corrupted by money and power. He has become an insecure and indecisive man, who is willing to betray his friends and family to achieve success.

The Working Class Goes to Heaven (1971)

Plot

Ludovico Massa, known as Lulù, is a 31-year-old worker with two families to support (one consisting of his ex-wife and their son, the other of his new partner and her son) and with 15 years of work at the B.A.N. factory, two paint poisonings, and a ulcer.

One day, Lulù is fired from the factory for participating in a strike. In the meantime, he meets a young woman, Giovanna, who works as a saleswoman in a clothing store. The two fall in love and start dating.

One day, Lulù is invited to participate in a union protest. During the protest, Lulù is shot in the head by a police bullet.

Reception

The Working Class Goes to Heaven was a critical and commercial success. The film was praised for its direction, cinematography, performances, and screenplay.

The film won numerous awards, including the Grand Prix for Best Film at the 1972 Cannes Film Festival.

Review

The Working Class Goes to Heaven is an important and significant film that offers a critical view of Italian society in the 1960s. The film is a ruthless portrait of a society in which the working class is oppressed and exploited.

The performances of Gian Maria Volonté and Mariangela Melato are extraordinary. Volonté is perfect in the role of Lulù, a worker who is a victim of the system and who tries to find his identity. Melato is equally good in the role of Giovanna, a woman who loves Lulù and who tries to help him find happiness.

Trivia

  • The film was adapted from the novel of the same name by Luciano Salce.
  • The original title of the film is “La classe operaia va in paradiso”. The English title is “The Working Class Goes to Heaven”.
  • The film was produced by Carlo Ponti.

The film explores the theme of wealth and the power of money. The working class is represented as an oppressed and exploited class, which is deprived of wealth and power.

Second, the film shows how money can corrupt people. Lulù is a man who has been corrupted by the capitalist system. He has become a materialistic man who is willing to do anything to get money.

Law of Desire (1987)

Plot

Pablo Quintero is a successful gay filmmaker living in Madrid. He is deeply in love with Juan, a young actor who has left him to take refuge in a lighthouse. Pablo begins dating Antonio, a violent and possessive man, angering his sister Tina, who loves Juan hopelessly.

The situation is further complicated when Pablo meets Ángela, a woman who is posing as Juan. Ángela is actually a con artist who wants to seduce Pablo to get his money.

Reception

Law of Desire was met with positive reviews from critics, who praised Almodóvar‘s direction, screenplay, performances, and soundtrack. The film won numerous awards, including the Goya Award for Best Director, Best Actor (Eusebio Poncela), and Best Actress (Carmen Maura).

Review

Law of Desire is a complex and fascinating film that explores themes such as love, sexuality, identity, and money. Almodóvar creates a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere, in which the characters are represented in an ambiguous and contradictory way.

The film is an example of Almodóvar’s artistic maturity, demonstrating that he is a director capable of telling complex and engaging stories.

Trivia

  • The title of the film is a reference to the novel “The Law of Desire” by Yukio Mishima.
  • The scene in which Ángela undresses for Pablo was censored in some versions of the film.
  • The film was the first of Almodóvar’s to be distributed in the United States.

Law of Desire can be considered a money movie in that money is an important element of the plot. Pablo is a wealthy and successful man, and his money is a reason for Ángela’s attraction to him, who wants to seduce him to take possession of it.

Money is also a symbol of power and control. Ángela uses money to manipulate Pablo and get what she wants.

In addition, money is a recurring theme in Almodóvar’s films. The Spanish director often explores the relationship between money and love, power, and identity.

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989)

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989) is a film directed by Peter Greenaway. The film is set in a London restaurant and tells the story of a violent and possessive man, George, who runs the restaurant with the help of his cook, Richard, and his wife, Georgina.

Plot

The film is set in a London restaurant and tells the story of George, a violent and possessive man, who runs the restaurant with the help of his cook, Richard, and his wife, Georgina.

George is a wealthy and powerful man, and he uses his money to control the people around him. Richard, on the other hand, is a poor and dissatisfied man, and he uses his culinary talent to try to achieve success. Georgina, finally, is a bored and unhappy woman, and she uses her money to buy luxury items in an attempt to fill the void in her life.

Critical reception

The film was met with positive reviews from critics, who praised Peter Greenaway’s direction, the performances, the cinematography, and the soundtrack. The film won numerous awards, including the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

Review

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover is a complex and provocative film that explores themes such as power, control, desire, and dissatisfaction. The film has been praised for its visionary direction and its convincing performances.

Trivia

  • The film was shot in a real London restaurant, the St. Martin’s Lane.
  • The film was censored in some countries, including Italy, for its violence and explicit language.
  • The film has been referenced in numerous other films and television shows, including Pulp Fiction and The Sopranos.

Money is an important theme in the film. George is a wealthy and powerful man, and he uses his money to control the people around him. Richard, on the other hand, is a poor and dissatisfied man, and he uses his culinary talent to try to achieve success. Georgina, finally, is a bored and unhappy woman, and she uses her money to buy luxury items in an attempt to fill the void in her life.

The Crying Game (1992)

The Crying Game is a 1992 British-produced neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Neil Jordan and starring Stephen Rea, Jaye Davidson, Miranda Richardson, and Forest Whitaker. It was produced by Stephen Woolley and produced through Scala Productions and Channel 4 Films.

The film is set in Ireland at the height of The Troubles, and tells the story of Fergus, an IRA volunteer who is imprisoned after a failed assassination attempt. He forms an unlikely bond with Dil, a fellow prisoner who is revealed to be gay and in love with him. When Dil is released from prison, he tracks down Fergus and they begin a passionate affair.

However, their relationship is threatened by the violence of The Troubles, and Fergus is torn between his love for Dil and his loyalty to the IRA. The film culminates in a tragic climax that explores themes of love, betrayal, and identity.

Money in The Crying Game

Money plays a significant role in the film. The IRA is a paramilitary organization that relies on funding from various sources, including criminal activities. Fergus is also motivated by money to some extent, as he is promised a large sum of money for carrying out the assassination attempt.

Money is also used to symbolize power and control. Dil is a wealthy man, and he uses his money to influence others and to protect himself from harm.

Themes

The Crying Game is a complex and ambiguous film that explores a wide range of themes, including love, betrayal, identity, and the violence of The Troubles.

  • Love: The film explores the power of love to overcome prejudice and hatred. Fergus and Dil’s love affair is a testament to the fact that love can transcend all boundaries.
  • Betrayal: The film also deals with the theme of betrayal. Fergus is betrayed by his friends in the IRA, and Dil is betrayed by Fergus when he is unable to accept his homosexuality.
  • Identity: The film questions the nature of identity. Fergus is torn between his Irish identity and his love for Dil, and Dil is forced to confront his own sexuality.
  • The Troubles: The film is set against the backdrop of The Troubles, a period of conflict between nationalists and unionists in Northern Ireland. The violence of The Troubles has a profound impact on the lives of the characters, and it serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict.

Critical Reception

The Crying Game was met with critical acclaim. It was praised for its performances, its direction, and its screenplay. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $58 million worldwide.

Awards and Accolades

The Crying Game won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama. The film was also nominated for six BAFTA Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor for Stephen Rea.

Midnight Run (1995)

Midnight Run (1988) is a 1988 American action comedy film directed by Martin Brest and starring Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton, Dennis Farina, and Joe Pantoliano.

Plot

The film tells the story of Jack Walsh (De Niro), a bounty hunter who is hired to bring Reggie Hammond (Grodin), a mob accountant who has stolen $15 million from the Chicago mob, to Los Angeles by midnight.

The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $159 million worldwide. It was praised for its action sequences, humor, and performances.

Money in Midnight Run

Money is a major theme in the film. Reggie Hammond is a mob accountant who has stolen $15 million from the Chicago mob. He is being hunted by the mob, the FBI, and Jack Walsh.

Jack Walsh is a bounty hunter who is hired to bring Reggie Hammond to Los Angeles by midnight. He is motivated by money, as he will be paid $100,000 for the job.

The film explores the power of money. Reggie Hammond uses his money to buy protection from the mob and the FBI. Jack Walsh uses his money to help him track down Reggie Hammond.

The Insider (1999)

The Insider is a 1999 American drama film directed by Michael Mann and starring Russell Crowe, Al Pacino, and Christopher Plummer.

Plot

The film is based on the true story of Jeffrey Wigand, a former executive of the Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company who testified before the United States Congress about the tobacco industry’s practices of manipulating scientific data.

Wigand is initially reluctant to speak out, but is persuaded by Lowell Bergman, a producer of the television program 60 Minutes. Bergman believes that Wigand’s testimony is vital for the public to understand the risks associated with smoking.

Wigand’s testimony leads to a government investigation of the tobacco industry, but Wigand is also pursued by Brown & Williamson and its lawyers. The film follows the story of Wigand and Bergman as they fight for the truth, even at the cost of losing everything.

Reception

The Insider was met with critical acclaim. The film received 6 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Crowe and Pacino. It won the award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Review

The Insider is a powerful and engaging film that explores important themes such as truth, justice, and the power of money. The film is well-directed by Mann, who creates a palpable tension between the characters and the forces that oppose them.

Crowe and Pacino give two masterful performances. Crowe is convincing in the role of Wigand, a man who is both courageous and vulnerable. Pacino is superb in the role of Bergman, a man determined to do the right thing.

Trivia

  • The film is based on the book The Man Who Knew Too Much by Marie Brenner, published in 1996.
  • The film was shot in 32 days.
  • Al Pacino had to wear a nose prosthetic to resemble the real Lowell Bergman.
  • Russell Crowe lost 25 pounds to play Jeffrey Wigand.

The Insider is a money movie in several ways. First, the film explores the power of money in the tobacco industry. Brown & Williamson is a multi-billion dollar company that has the power to influence the government and the media. The film shows how the company used its power to hide the truth about the risks of smoking.

Second, the film explores the cost of telling the truth. Wigand lost everything, including his job, his home, and his family, for testifying before Congress. The film shows how money can be used to intimidate and silence people who speak out.

Chinatown (1974)

Chinatown is a 1974 American neo-noir mystery film directed by Roman Polanski and starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston.

Plot

The film is set in Los Angeles in 1937 and tells the story of Jake Gittes, a private investigator who is hired by Evelyn Mulwray, the wife of powerful magnate Hollis Mulwray, to find out who is trying to frame her husband for a water theft.

Gittes discovers that the situation is much more complicated than he thought. Evelyn is actually the illegitimate daughter of Noah Cross, a wealthy businessman with interests in building a canal to bring water from Northern California to Los Angeles. Cross wants Evelyn to marry Hollis to gain control of the canal.

Reception

Chinatown was met with critical acclaim. The film was praised for its story, direction, and performances. It received 11 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Nicholson. It won the award for Best Original Screenplay.

Review

Chinatown is a classic of American noir. It is a dark and melancholic film that explores themes such as corruption, power, and love.

The film is well-directed by Polanski, who creates an oppressive and claustrophobic atmosphere. Nicholson is perfect in the role of Gittes, a cynical and disillusioned man who finds himself involved in a story bigger than himself. Dunaway is equally good in the role of Evelyn, a complex and ambiguous woman.

Trivia

  • The film is based on the novel by Robert Towne, who also wrote the screenplay.
  • The title of the film refers to the Chinatown neighborhood of Los Angeles, where much of the film’s action takes place.
  • The film was shot in just 55 days.
  • The film was a commercial success, grossing over $44 million worldwide.

Chinatown is a money movie in several ways. First, the film explores the power of money in American society. Cross is a billionaire businessman who has the power to influence politics and justice.

Second, the film explores the cost of money. Evelyn is willing to kill her husband to protect her father’s interests.

Death of a Salesman (1985) 

Death of a Salesman is a 1985 American television film directed by Volker Schlöndorff and starring Dustin Hoffman and John Malkovich. The film is based on the 1949 play of the same name by Arthur Miller.

Plot

The story is set in the 1940s and tells the life of Willy Loman, a 63-year-old traveling salesman who is obsessed with success and the pursuit of material happiness at any cost.

Willy is a failure. His job is not going well, his family is unhappy, and he always feels inadequate. His only goal is to see his sons, Biff and Happy, succeed in life.

Reception

Death of a Salesman was met with critical acclaim. The film was praised for the performances of Hoffman and Malkovich, for Schlöndorff’s direction, and for its faithfulness to the original stage play.

Review

Death of a Salesman is a powerful and moving film that explores themes such as success, failure, family, and the American Dream.

The film is well-directed by Schlöndorff, who creates a melancholic and dreamy atmosphere. Hoffman is perfect in the role of Willy Loman, a tragic and failed man. Malkovich is equally good in the role of Biff Loman, an incompetent and tormented man.

Death of a Salesman is a film that remains relevant today. It is a film that makes us reflect on the nature of success and failure, on family, and on the American Dream.

Trivia

  • The film was shot in just 29 days.
  • Dustin Hoffman had to learn to play the piano to play the role of Willy Loman.
  • The film was a commercial success, grossing over $10 million worldwide.

Death of a Salesman is a money movie in several ways. First, the film explores the American Dream, which is based on the idea that anyone, with hard work and determination, can achieve success and wealth.

Willy Loman is obsessed with the American Dream. He is convinced that success is the key to happiness. However, his dream proves to be an illusion.

Second, the film explores the cost of success. Willy is willing to do anything to achieve success, even if it means sacrificing his family and his happiness.

Finally, the film explores the role of money in American society. Money is seen as a symbol of success and happiness. However, the film suggests that money cannot buy happiness.

Michael Clayton (2007)

Plot

Michael Clayton is a 2007 American legal thriller film directed by Tony Gilroy and starring George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, and Sydney Pollack. The film is about a “fixer” who works for a large law firm, cleaning up the messes of its rich and powerful clients.

Clayton is a former corporate lawyer who has seen the dark side of the law. He is a drinker and a gambler, and he is haunted by the past. When his firm’s star attorney, Arthur Denning, suffers a mental breakdown, Clayton is assigned to clean up the mess.

Denning is defending a pesticide company that is being sued for causing cancer. Clayton discovers that Denning has been bribing witnesses and fabricating evidence. He also learns that Denning’s mental breakdown was caused by his guilt over his actions.

Reception

Michael Clayton was met with critical acclaim. The film was praised for its performances, its direction, and its screenplay. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Clooney, Best Supporting Actress for Swinton, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Review

Michael Clayton is a suspenseful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of corruption, power, and redemption. The film is well-directed by Gilroy, who creates a tense and atmospheric atmosphere. Clooney is excellent in the lead role, and he is well-supported by a strong cast.

Michael Clayton is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it. It is a film that raises important questions about the nature of justice and the role of money in society.

Trivia

  • The film was shot in 40 days.
  • George Clooney was paid $10 million for the role of Michael Clayton.
  • The film was a commercial success, grossing over $212 million worldwide.

Michael Clayton is a money movie in several ways. First, the film explores the power of money in the legal system. The law firm that Clayton works for is willing to do anything to protect its rich and powerful clients, even if it means breaking the law.

Second, the film explores the corruption that can be caused by money. Clayton is tempted by the promise of a large sum of money to silence Denning, and he is eventually forced to make a decision that will have a profound impact on his life.

Finally, the film explores the cost of doing the right thing. Clayton is a man who is haunted by the past, and he is willing to risk everything to do the right thing.

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

Plot

Mickey Haller is a defense attorney who operates out of the back of his Lincoln Town Car, working mainly for low-end criminals. He is known for his unorthodox methods and his ability to get his clients off.

When Mickey is hired to defend Louis Roulet, a wealthy Beverly Hills playboy accused of assaulting a prostitute, he is surprised to find that Roulet specifically requested him. Mickey takes the case and begins to investigate.

As Mickey delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of lies and deceit. He discovers that Roulet is not the innocent man he claims to be, and that the case is much more complicated than he initially thought.

Reception

The Lincoln Lawyer was met with critical acclaim. The film was praised for its performances, its direction, and its screenplay. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Review

The Lincoln Lawyer is a suspenseful and engrossing film that explores themes of justice, truth, and the power of money. The film is well-directed by Brad Furman, who creates a tense and gritty atmosphere. Matthew McConaughey gives an excellent performance as Mickey Haller, a complex and flawed character.

Trivia

  • The film is based on the novel of the same name by Michael Connelly.
  • The film was shot in 32 days.
  • Matthew McConaughey lost 25 pounds to play the role of Mickey Haller.
  • The film was a commercial success, grossing over $87 million worldwide.

The Lincoln Lawyer is a money movie in several ways. First, the film explores the power of money in the legal system. Roulet is a wealthy man who is able to afford the best legal representation. He uses his money to influence the case and to intimidate witnesses.

Second, the film explores the cost of justice. Mickey is a man who is struggling to make ends meet. He is forced to take low-paying cases in order to survive. However, he is also a man who believes in justice and is willing to fight for his clients, regardless of their wealth or status.

Margin Call (2011)

Margin Call is a 2011 American independent drama film written and directed by J. C. Chandor and starring Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Paul Bettany, Zachary Quinto, Stanley Tucci, Demi Moore, and Simon Baker.

Plot

Set in the financial world during the build-up to the financial crisis of 2008, the film follows a group of investment bankers at a large Wall Street bank as they grapple with the implications of a new risk assessment model that predicts the bank’s imminent collapse.

The film begins with Peter Sullivan, a young and ambitious analyst, discovering that the bank’s complex financial instruments are far riskier than previously thought. When he shares this information with his boss, Eric Dale, Dale orders him to mark down the value of the assets, which would trigger a margin call and force the bank to sell off billions of dollars in holdings.

Sullivan is hesitant to do this, as he knows it will have a devastating impact on the market and the economy as a whole. He also suspects that the bank’s executives are aware of the problem but are deliberately concealing it from the public in order to protect their own profits.

Reception

Margin Call was met with critical acclaim. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of the financial crisis, its performances, and its screenplay. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Review

Margin Call is a suspenseful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of greed, morality, and the consequences of unchecked capitalism. The film is well-directed by Chandor, who creates an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. Spacey gives an excellent performance as Dale, a ruthless and calculating executive who is willing to do anything to preserve the bank’s profits.

Trivia

  • The film was shot in just 17 days.
  • Kevin Spacey lost 15 pounds for the role of Eric Dale.
  • The film was a commercial success, grossing over $19 million worldwide.

Margin Call is a money movie in several ways. First, the film explores the role of money in the financial crisis. The bank’s executives are motivated by greed and a desire to make money, even if it means putting the financial system at risk.

Second, the film explores the consequences of unchecked financial speculation. The bank’s complex financial instruments are based on speculation and leverage, and the film shows how these instruments can quickly spiral out of control.

The Square (2013)

The Square is a 2013 Egyptian-American documentary film written and directed by Jehane Noujaim and produced by Karim Amer.

Plot

The film chronicles the Egyptian Revolution from 2011 to 2013, focusing on the protests in Tahrir Square.

The film begins with the protests that erupted in January 2011 following the death of Khaled Said, a young man who was tortured and killed by police. The protests quickly spread across the country, and within weeks, President Hosni Mubarak was forced to resign.

In the aftermath of Mubarak’s fall, the Egyptian people faced the daunting task of building a new democracy. The Square follows the struggle of ordinary Egyptians as they fight for their rights and their dreams of a better future.

Reception

The Square was met with critical acclaim. The film was praised for its verisimilitude and its intimate portrayal of the Egyptian Revolution. It was also praised for its complex and nuanced look at the challenges of building a democracy in the Middle East.

The film won numerous awards, including the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and the World Cinema Audience Award at the Documentary Feature Competition at the Sundance Film Festival. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Trivia

  • The film was shot over two years, during which the filmmakers were granted unprecedented access to the protests in Tahrir Square.
  • The film was made independently, with the filmmakers relying on crowdfunding to raise the money to make it.
  • The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $20 million worldwide.

The Square is not a money movie in the traditional sense. It is not a film about wealthy people or their lavish lifestyles. However, the film does explore the role of money in politics and society. The film shows how money can be used to influence elections, to buy off politicians, and to silence dissent. It also shows how money can be used to create a more just and equitable society.

La grande scommessa (2015)

The Big Short (2015) is a 2015 American biographical black comedy drama film directed by Adam McKay and written by McKay and Charles Randolph, based on the 2010 book of the same name by Michael Lewis. The film follows a group of investors who predicted the housing market collapse of 2007–2008 and bet against it.

The film stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Marisa Tomei, Brad Pitt, Melissa Leo, Rafe Spall, Jeremy Irons, and Finn Wittrock.

The film was met with critical acclaim, with praise for its acting, directing, and screenplay. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $536 million worldwide.

Plot

The film begins in 2005, when Michael Burry, a hedge fund manager in Los Angeles, begins to suspect that the U.S. housing market is headed for collapse. Burry believes that financial institutions have over-leveraged themselves on subprime mortgages, which are mortgages made to people with poor credit scores.

Burry begins to bet against the housing market, purchasing credit default swaps (CDS), which are a type of insurance that pays out if the borrower defaults on their loan.

Burry is initially ignored by his colleagues, who believe that the housing market is sound. However, other investors begin to see his logic and follow suit.

Among these investors are Mark Baum, a hedge fund manager in New York; Steve Eisman, a financial analyst; and Jared Vennett, a seller of derivative securities who has discovered the same information as Burry.

As the housing market begins to collapse, the four investors make enormous profits from their bets.

Reception

The Big Short was met with critical acclaim, with praise for its acting, directing, and screenplay. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $536 million worldwide.

The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It won two awards: Best Editing and Best Supporting Actor for Christian Bale.

The Big Short is a money movie in many ways. First, the film explores the role of money in the financial crisis of 2007–2008. The film shows how financial institutions used money to over-leverage themselves on subprime mortgages, which contributed to causing the collapse of the housing market.

Second, the film explores the role of money in society. The film shows how money can be used to corrupt, manipulate, and exploit. The film also shows how money can be used to create wealth and opportunity.

Parasite (2019)


Parasite is a 2019 South Korean black comedy thriller film directed by Bong Joon-ho, who co-wrote the screenplay with Han Jin-won. The film follows the members of a poor family who scheme to become employed by a wealthy family by posing as unrelated, highly qualified individuals. The film stars Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Park So-dam, Choi Woo-shik, Jang Hye-jin, and Lee Jung-eun.

The film premiered in South Korea on May 30, 2019, and was released internationally in 2019 and 2020. It received universal critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, acting, editing, cinematography, production design, and score, and is considered one of the best films of the 2010s. Parasite won numerous accolades, including four at the 92nd Academy Awards—Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film—making it the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture.

Reception

Parasite was met with universal critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 98% based on 409 reviews, with an average rating of 9.05/10. The site’s critical consensus reads, “Parasite is a brilliantly crafted, darkly funny, and utterly engrossing film that expertly explores themes of class disparity and social hierarchy.” On Metacritic, the film has a score of 96 out of 100 based on 52 reviews, indicating “universal acclaim.”

Awards

Parasite won numerous awards, including four at the 92nd Academy Awards—Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film—making it the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture. It is also the first South Korean film to win an Academy Award. The film also won the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, making Bong Joon-ho the first South Korean director to win the award.

Themes

Parasite explores themes of class disparity, social hierarchy, and the dark side of the capitalist system. The film contrasts the squalid living conditions of the Kim family with the extravagant wealth of the Parks, highlighting the vast gap between the rich and the poor. The film also shows how the Kims’ desperation to improve their lives leads them to deceive and exploit the Parks, revealing the lengths to which people will go to escape poverty.

Parasite can be considered a money movie in several ways. First, the film explores the role of money in class disparity. The film shows how money can be used to create a divide between the rich and the poor, and how this divide can lead to tension and conflict.

Second, the film explores the role of money in social hierarchy. The film shows how money can be used to acquire status and power, and how this can lead to a society in which the rich have more opportunities and privileges than the poor.

Finally, the film explores the role of money in capitalism. The film shows how capitalism can be a system that creates wealth and opportunity, but that can also lead to inequity and inequality.

Triangle of Sadness (2022)

Plot

Carl and Yaya are a struggling fashion model couple. When Carl is invited to model on a luxury cruise, he jumps at the opportunity, even though he can’t afford to pay for Yaya to come with him.

On board the yacht, Carl and Yaya quickly realize that they are out of their league. The other passengers are all incredibly wealthy and they seem to have no understanding of the struggles of ordinary people. Carl and Yaya try to fit in, but they soon find themselves feeling alienated and isolated.

When the yacht encounters a storm, the passengers are stranded on a deserted island. The wealthy guests are quickly stripped of their wealth and power, and Carl and Yaya find themselves in a position of authority.

Reception

Triangle of Sadness was met with critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 83% based on 181 reviews, with an average rating of 7.4/10. The site’s critical consensus reads, “Triangle of Sadness is a wildly entertaining and thought-provoking satire that skewers the excesses of the wealthy and the hypocrisy of the fashion industry.” On Metacritic, the film has a score of 74 out of 100 based on 45 reviews, indicating “generally favorable reviews.”

Awards

Triangle of Sadness won the Palme d’Or at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.

Themes

Triangle of Sadness explores themes of class, wealth, and beauty. The film satirizes the excesses of the wealthy and the hypocrisy of the fashion industry. It also raises questions about the nature of value and the importance of money.

Conclusion

Triangle of Sadness is a hilarious and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after you have seen it. It is a must-see for anyone who is interested in social satire.

Triangle of Sadness can be considered a money movie for several reasons. First, the film is a satire of the wealthy and their obsession with money. The film’s wealthy guests are shown to be incredibly materialistic and wasteful. They are also shown to be willing to do anything to maintain their wealth and status, even if it means exploiting others.

Second, the film explores the importance of money in society. The film shows how money can give people power and influence. It can also lead to inequality and injustice.

EO (2022)

Plot

EO is a donkey who is sold to a traveling circus troupe. Over the course of his life, EO meets people of all walks of life, from the wealthy Countess Isabelle (Isabelle Huppert) to the poor peasant. EO also witnesses the cruelty and hypocrisy of man, but he never loses his capacity for love and trust.

Reception

EO was met with critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 96% based on 82 reviews, with an average rating of 8.3/10. The site’s critical consensus reads, “EO is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that is sure to stay with you long after you have seen it.” On Metacritic, the film has a score of 89 out of 100 based on 33 reviews, indicating “universal acclaim.”

Awards

EO won the Jury Prize – Special Mention at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.

Review

EO is a beautiful and moving film that is essential viewing for anyone who cares about animals. It is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and think.

EO can be considered a money movie for several reasons. First, the film explores the role of money in society. The film shows how money can be used to exploit animals and other living beings.

Second, the film is a critique of consumerism. The film shows how consumerism can lead to cruelty and hypocrisy.

Third, the film is a call to action to change the world. The film suggests that we need to change our way of thinking about money and consumerism if we want to create a more just and equitable world.

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Plot

The Banshees of Inisherin is a 2022 dark comedy-drama film written and directed by Martin McDonagh. It stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as lifelong friends who find themselves at an impasse when Colm abruptly ends their friendship.

Reception

The Banshees of Inisherin was met with critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 93% based on 309 reviews, with an average rating of 8.3/10. The site’s critical consensus reads, “The Banshees of Inisherin is a darkly sardonic comedy that is both funny and moving. The two leads are masterfully portrayed by Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell.” On Metacritic, the film has a score of 83 out of 100 based on 51 reviews, indicating “universal acclaim.”

Awards

The Banshees of Inisherin was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Brendan Gleeson), Best Supporting Actor (Colin Farrell), Best Film Editing, and Best Sound. The film won the award for Best Original Screenplay.

Review

The Banshees of Inisherin is a funny and moving film that is sure to stay with you long after you have seen it. The film is a work of great skill and intelligence, and the performances of Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell are simply outstanding.

The Banshees of Inisherin can be considered a money movie for several reasons. First, the film explores the theme of wealth and poverty. The two leads, Pádraic and Colm, come from different backgrounds. Pádraic is a wealthy man, while Colm is a poorer man. This class difference is a source of tension between the two friends.

Second, the film explores the theme of materialism. The two leads are both obsessed with money and material possessions. This obsession leads to their downfall.

Third, the film is a critique of capitalism. The film suggests that capitalism can lead to inequality and conflict.

Curiosities

  • The film had its world premiere at the 79th Venice International Film Festival, where it received a 15-minute standing ovation.
  • The film was shot in Ireland, on the island of Inisherin.
  • The film is the third installment of the “Brothers” trilogy, after In Bruges (2008) and Seven Psychopaths (2012).

R.M.N. (2022)

Plot

R.M.N. is a 2022 Romanian drama film written and directed by Cristian Mungiu. The film is set in a multi-ethnic village in Transylvania, Romania, during the 2019-20 Christmas holidays. The protagonist is Matthias, a man who returns to his hometown after 12 years in Germany.

Reception

R.M.N. was met with critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 92% based on 253 reviews, with an average rating of 7.7/10. The site’s critical consensus reads, “R.M.N. is a powerful and disturbing film that explores the complex nature of prejudice and identity.” On Metacritic, the film has a score of 82 out of 100 based on 40 reviews, indicating “universal acclaim.”

Awards

R.M.N. won the Jury Grand Prix at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival.

Review

R.M.N. is a powerful and disturbing film that explores the complex nature of prejudice and identity. The film is a realistic portrait of a multi-ethnic village that is divided by racial and nationalist tensions.

R.M.N. can be considered a money movie for several reasons. First, the film explores the theme of poverty. The characters in the film come from different economic backgrounds, and the class difference is a source of tension and conflict.

Second, the film explores the theme of materialism. The characters in the film are obsessed with money and material possessions, and this obsession leads them to make bad decisions.

Curiosities

  • The film was shot in Romania, in Transylvania.
  • The film’s title, R.M.N., is an acronym for “Romanian-Hungarian-German”.
  • The film had its world premiere at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival.
Picture of Fabio Del Greco

Fabio Del Greco