20 Most Inspiring Movies Of All-Time
20. Stand And Deliver
The first of several teacher films on this list is perhaps one of the least known but dont let that stop you hunting it out straight away. Starring Edward James Olmos, this true story follows a maths teacher in a low-performing LA school as he drags a bunch of no-hopers towards their exams. Forget Dangerous Minds, this film is more real and credible than a leather jacketed Michelle Pfieffer any day.
Olmos plays James Escalante and his main, indeed, only aim is to help the students, all of the students, excel in their academic studies. He realises the class has the potential to succeed as long as someone believes in them, and thats where Escalante comes in. As the other staff members laugh at the possibility of the students passing increases finally, when the results come through, they all pass.
The Education Board questions the results however and so the class are given one days notice to re-take the exam, which they do, passing with flying colours. This film is as much about succeeding in the face of adversity as it is about the low expectations people have for those from underprivileged backgrounds.
We've all met people that think we cant succeed but here, there is almost a whole area of society, a whole staff cohort, who are against these kids achieving their pass grades. Also, in Olmos, we have an understated, believable performance of a man who will fight for those who need that one last chance, even if that last chance is only in their formative years.