Dollar movie

The Price of Sugar
Thursday, March 27
10 12

A 2007 documentary that just barely missed the cut for an Oscar nomination, The Price of Sugar highlights the plight of Haitian immigrants who are put into forced labor in the Dominican Republic. The film deals mainly with the exploitation of the immigrants on sugar plantations where they work for paltry wages while being treated like cattle. The movie centers on a sympathetic Spanish priest, Father Christopher Hartley, who becomes the voice for these downtrodden people and brings them supplies. The film is narrated by actor Paul Newman and is a must see for pretty much anyone with a human heart.

Darfur Now
Friday, March 28
8 10 12

Yet another documentary that’s sure to draw heavy crowds, as Darfur Now (2007) takes a turn at attempting to shed more light on the near-genocidal situation in Africa. The film tells six intersecting tales that together aim to bring the viewer closer to what is truly going on. From Hollywood stars (George Clooney) to Presidential hopefuls (John McCain), nearly every facet of the American media shows up in this documentary with something to say. Some complain of overproduction, but the main idea of Darfur Now is that the situation is an important problem and that any attempt to spread the word is a great effort.

Paradise Now
Saturday, March 29
10 11:45

Paradise Now is a 2005 foreign language film about two Palestinian men who are recruited to go on a suicide mission in Tel Aviv. It tells the story from their viewpoint, giving a unique perspective on one of the most shocking acts in the world today. During the crew’s time on location in Palestine, a land mine exploded 1000 feet from the shoot, an Israeli air strike was ordered on a nearby car, and the location manager was kidnapped. Even its Golden Globe for Best Documentary came with controversy as it was protested by both the state of Palestine and by groups of victims of suicide attacks. It is a movie that deserves to be seen, if only for its perspective showcasing the fact that some issues are not always black and white.

The Savages
Sunday, March 30
8 10 12

An Academy-Award-nominated film for Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress, The Savages is a touching family drama with just a hint of comedy thrown in. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney play a brother and sister who come together to take care of their elderly father. The movie explores all the pains that come with dealing with some of life’s inevitable unpleasantries, like taking care of an ailing parent. Along the way, the two siblings learn how to better deal with their own problems. An extremely well made movie with a great cast that deals with core family values in a sensitive and caring way, The Savages is enough to make the typical Rambo moviegoer puke.