Ethical Issues in Films
Carnegie Council's Ethics on Film series presents full reviews of films that deal with ethical issues within Carnegie Council's focus areas.
Focusing on topics including international relations, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, emerging technology and its effect on society, the climate crisis, and much more, these reviews provide a synopsis of the film and analyze ethical issues in the storylines and connect them to current debates. The reviews also provide discussion questions and further resources, for use by students and teachers in the classroom.
Reviews are written several times per year. Learn more and read the reviews below.
Featured Reviews
DEC 10, 2024 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Dr. Strangelove"
JUL 12, 2023 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "RRR"
This review discusses the themes of this wildly successful Indian film and looks at ethical issues related to politics, colonialism, religion, and class.
MAY 13, 2008 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Blood Diamond"
Set during Sierra Leone's civil war in 1999, "Blood Diamond" draws attention to the fact that the diamond trade has been used to fund conflicts.
More Reviews
MAR 10, 2026 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "One Battle After Another"
This review of Paul Thomas Anderson's Oscar-winning "One Battle After Another" discusses gender roles, white supremacy, and the motivations of revolutionaries.
OCT 24, 2025 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "A House of Dynamite"
This review of "A House of Dynamite" discusses the many ethical decisions facing leaders when a nuclear missile is launched at the United States.
JUL 11, 2025 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Mountainhead"
This review of HBO's "Mountainhead" discusses ethical issues around emerging tech and the power and influence of billionaires.
JUN 4, 2025 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "I'm Still Here"
This review of the Brazilian Oscar-winning 2024 film "I'm Still Here" explores ethical issues surrounding Brazil's 20th century military dictatorship and parallels to today.
MAR 27, 2025 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "September 5"
This review explores ethical questions concerning journalism and political sensitivities in this film recounting the day of the Munich massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
DEC 10, 2024 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Dr. Strangelove"
This review explores ethical issues around nuclear weapons and non-proliferation, the military-industrial complex, and the role of political satire in Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove."
JUL 15, 2024 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Origin"
This review explores ethical issues around Ava DuVernay's film "Origin."
DEC 19, 2023 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Killers of the Flower Moon"
This review explores ethical issues in "Killers of the Flower Moon," including the treatment of the Native American victims of the Osage Reign of Terror.
AUG 1, 2023 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Oppenheimer"
This review explores ethical issues in the Oscar-winning film, including the morality of building the bomb, empathy for victims, and the Cold War arms race.
JUL 12, 2023 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "RRR"
This review discusses the themes of this wildly successful Indian film and looks at ethical issues related to politics, colonialism, religion, and class.