12. Dangerous Minds (Louanne & Raul)
I know this was the last movie you expected to see in an article that mentions Lawrence of Arabia. Hear me out. The dynamic that develops between Louanne and Raul isn't the main focus of Dangerous Minds, but it brings a refreshing sense of humanity to the movie. Sure, you know every kid is going to be on the Honor Roll by the end of the film, but Michelle Pfeiffer and Renoly Santiago play their respective roles so naturally, and it's paced so that you can feel their bond almost organically grow over the course of the movie. This subplot is given much more attention, creativity, and depth than what many other scripts would have given it, and produces some great moments. The last thing I expected to see after Raul's fight early in the movie is Louanne going to his house to tell his parents how proud she is of his work in class. But it fits because of the way it's handled. Louanne and Raul are two people who at first glance seem very different, but they have a lot more common ground than they think they do, and it is a pleasure to watch them both realize that. It's very heartwarming and applicable stuff thatand here's the kickerisn't condescending.