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2000 American Beauty unravels the complex lives of the Burnham family, exploring midlife crises, suburban disillusionment, and the pursuit of beauty and meaning in the midst of dysfunction. |
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2001 Gladiator follows Maximus, a betrayed Roman general seeking vengeance in the brutal arena. Themes of honor, revenge, and the human spirit are explored in this epic tale of survival. |
2002 A Beautiful Mind delves into the brilliant yet troubled mathematician John Nash's journey, exploring his struggle with schizophrenia, the complexities of love, and the triumph of the human spirit. |
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2003 Chicago portrays Roxie Hart's sensational rise to fame through scandalous trials, showcasing the dark allure of jazz-age crime and celebrity, blending music, dance, and a satirical take on justice. |
2004 Return of the King concludes the epic "Lord of the Rings" trilogy as Frodo and his companions confront the forces of darkness in a grand battle for Middle-earth. |
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2005 Million Dollar Baby follows the bond between aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald and her trainer Frankie Dunn, exploring themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. |
2006 Crash weaves together diverse characters and their intersecting lives in Los Angeles, unraveling racial tensions and societal prejudices through interconnected stories that challenge stereotypes and human connections. |
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2007 The Departed explores the dangerous dance between an undercover cop and a mole within the Boston police, delving into deception, loyalty, and the consequences of blurred moral lines. |
2008 No Country for Old Men follows the violent pursuit of stolen money in Texas, intertwining the lives of a hunter, a sheriff, and a remorseless killer. Themes of fate and morality unfold. |
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2009 Slumdog Millionaire chronicles Jamal Malik's journey from Mumbai slums to game show success, revealing his life's trials and love for Latika amid the vibrant backdrop of India's contrasts. |
2010's
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2010 The Hurt Locker delves into the intense, perilous work of an elite bomb disposal unit in Iraq, exploring the psychological toll of war and the adrenaline-fueled quest for survival. |
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2011 The King's Speech portrays King George VI's journey to overcome a debilitating stammer with the help of speech therapist Lionel Logue, exploring friendship, courage, and leadership amidst royal duties. |
2012 The Artist is a silent black-and-white film that tells the story of silent film star George Valentin and his transition to the era of talkies, capturing Hollywood's transformative period. |
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2013 Argo recounts the covert operation to rescue hostages in Iran by posing as a film crew. The film blends suspense and humor while exploring themes of deception and diplomacy. |
2014 12 Years a Slave follows Solomon Northup's harrowing experience as a free man kidnapped and enslaved in the antebellum South, exploring the brutality of slavery and the fight for freedom. |
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2015 Birdman delves into the chaotic life of actor Riggan Thomson, exploring fame, identity, and artistic integrity as he attempts a career revival through a Broadway play. |
2016 Spotlight investigates the Boston Globe's exposé on systemic child abuse within the Catholic Church, shedding light on journalistic integrity, institutional corruption, and the pursuit of truth. |
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2017 Moonlight follows Chiron's life in three stages, exploring his identity, sexuality, and struggles in a tough Miami neighborhood. The film beautifully captures the complexities of human connection and self-discovery. |
2018 The Shape of Water portrays the unique love story between a mute woman and an amphibious creature, exploring the transformative power of love amidst Cold War tensions. |
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2019 Green Book recounts the road trip of an African American pianist and his white chauffeur through the segregated South, exploring friendship, racial tensions, and societal prejudices. |
2020's
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2020 Parasite delves into the symbiotic relationship between a poor family and a wealthy one, exploring class dynamics, deception, and the consequences of social inequality with dark humor. |
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2021 Nomadland follows Fern's journey as a modern-day nomad, exploring the beauty and challenges of a transient life, and offering a poignant reflection on solitude, community, and resilience. |
2022 Coda portrays the life of Ruby, the only hearing member in her Deaf family, as she navigates her passion for singing, bridging the gap between two worlds. |
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2023 Everything Everywhere All at Once weaves a cosmic narrative, exploring the multiverse through the experiences of a Chinese American woman, blending science fiction, family dynamics, and existential questions. |