Ordinary People

Because, like Dead Poet’s Society, this understated, ’80s-style movie packs quite a punch (emotionally speaking).

Because Timothy Hutton, Donald Sutherland, Judd Hirsch, and Mary Tyler Moore are star performers in their respective roles.

Because you feel for them (except for Moore as the mom), and feel with them (except the mom), and cry with them (except the mom), more than you probably should since it’s fictional. Then again, maybe not, since it’s a very real reflection of real life events and consequences.

Forgotten Fire

Forgotten Fire by Adam Bagdasarian

Because it’s based on a true story.

Because it’s horrible that the Ottoman Turks massacred the Armenians and it’s horrible that more people don’t know about it.

Because Vahan, the protagonist, goes from a 12 year old child to a 15 year old young man and I never noticed the transition.

Because he perseveres through hell and I’m not sure how he did it.