Films that deal with ethical issues
Nothing brings concepts and events to life more vividly than a good movie. We are pleased to present our Ethics on Film series which consists of full reviews that deal with ethical issues within Carnegie Council's focus areas.
These reviews include an overview, ethical issues and discussion questions, and related resources. Whether you are a teacher, a student, or a concerned citizen, we hope that these films will stimulate thoughtful and enjoyable debate. See you at the movies!
Most Recent Reviews
MAR 10, 2026 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "One Battle After Another"
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.
More Reviews
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"
Overwhelmed and intimidated, American business leaders refuse to acknowledge that Trump is using the office of the presidency to enrich himself and to levy the ...
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.
MAR 14, 2023 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "All Quiet on the Western Front"
Read a discussion of ethical issues in this film concerning parallels to the Russia-Ukraine War, violence in movies, and the controversy in Germany.
FEB 1, 2023 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Avatar: The Way of Water"
Read a synopsis of James Cameron's "Avatar: The Way of Water" with a discussion of ethical issues in the film related to colonialism, cultural appropriation ...
AUG 6, 2015 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Gandhi"
This film is a textbook on Gandhi's political philosophy and the Indian quest for statehood. And for many, Ben Kingsley's performance in the title role, ...