Jun 15, 2024 

Schindler’s List

Act I: Setup

1. Ordinary World: Oskar Schindler arrives in Krakow, Poland, aiming to profit from the war by employing Jewish workers in his factory.
2. Call to Adventure: Schindler sees an opportunity to exploit Jewish labor and starts building his factory.
3. Refusal of the Call: Initially, Schindler is indifferent to the plight of the Jews, focusing solely on profit.
4. Meeting the Mentor: Schindler’s relationship with his Jewish accountant, Itzhak Stern, begins to influence his perspective.
5. Inciting Incident: Schindler witnesses the brutal liquidation of the Krakow Ghetto.
6. Opportunity to Shine: Schindler’s potential to save lives becomes evident, though he hasn’t fully committed yet.

Act II: Initiation

1. Crossing the Threshold: Schindler decides to protect his Jewish workers, stepping out of his comfort zone.
2. Tests, Allies, Enemies: Schindler faces numerous challenges from Nazi officials, forms alliances with his workers, and confronts the brutality of the SS.
3. First Plot Point: Schindler compiles a list of Jews to be saved, marking his deeper commitment to the cause.
4. Midpoint: The transportation of his workers to Brünnlitz signifies a turning point in his efforts.
5. Pinch Point 2: Schindler faces increased scrutiny and danger as he continues to bribe officials to save more Jews.
6. Secret World: Schindler’s factory in Brünnlitz becomes a safe haven where he can develop his protective strategies.

Act III: Climax

1. Ordeal, Death, and Rebirth: Schindler confronts the greatest challenge of protecting his workers during the final months of the war.
2. Reward: The war ends, and Schindler’s workers are liberated by Soviet forces.
3. Second Plot Point: Schindler flees, filled with regret for those he couldn’t save.
4. Crisis: Schindler’s emotional breakdown highlights his transformation from a profiteer to a savior.

Act IV: Resolution

1. The Road Back: Schindler begins to integrate his understanding of his actions and their impact.
2. Resurrection: The survivors remember Schindler’s deeds, showing his legacy.
3. Return with the Elixir: Schindler’s actions bring hope and reflect his growth.
4. Re-ordering of the Kingdom: The film ends with a powerful epilogue of real survivors visiting Schindler’s grave, showing the long-lasting impact.
5. Final Image: The survivors’ tribute to Schindler encapsulates the positive impact of his transformation, leaving the audience with a sense of hope.

The Verdict

Act I: Setup

1. Ordinary World: Frank Galvin is a once-promising lawyer now battling alcoholism and professional failure.
2. Call to Adventure: Galvin is given a chance at redemption with a medical malpractice case.
3. Refusal of the Call: Galvin initially shows reluctance and doubts his ability to handle the case.
4. Meeting the Mentor: A mentor figure, likely his associate or someone who believes in him, provides guidance.
5. Inciting Incident: Galvin’s investigation reveals a cover-up, creating a clear need for change.
6. Opportunity to Shine: Galvin’s potential to win the case and redeem himself becomes evident.

Act II: Initiation

1. Crossing the Threshold: Galvin commits to the case, stepping out of his comfort zone.
2. Tests, Allies, Enemies: Galvin faces legal hurdles, forms alliances with his team, and confronts the hospital’s powerful defense.
3. First Plot Point: Galvin decides to take the case to court, marking his deep engagement with the journey.
4. Midpoint: A major turning point occurs when Galvin experiences a breakthrough in the case.
5. Pinch Point 2: Galvin faces intense challenges that heighten the stakes and test his commitment.
6. Secret World: Galvin’s preparation for the trial becomes his space to hone his legal skills and strategies.

Act III: Climax

1. Ordeal, Death, and Rebirth: Galvin faces the greatest challenge during the tense courtroom battle.
2. Reward: Galvin achieves a major victory with the jury ruling in his favor.
3. Second Plot Point: The verdict reinforces Galvin’s growth and commitment to justice.
4. Crisis: Galvin’s intense struggle during the trial is crucial for his transformation.

Act IV: Resolution

1. The Road Back: Galvin begins to integrate his new understanding and skills into his life.
2. Resurrection: The victory proves Galvin’s transformation and redemption.
3. Return with the Elixir: Galvin’s actions now reflect his growth and inspire others.
4. Re-ordering of the Kingdom: The case’s outcome influences the legal world, creating a better environment.
5. Final Image: The jury’s ruling and Galvin’s redemption encapsulate the positive impact of his journey, leaving the audience with hope.

Gandhi

Act I: Setup

1. Ordinary World: The film opens with Gandhi’s assassination and flashes back to his early life.
2. Call to Adventure: Gandhi faces racial discrimination in South Africa, prompting his activism.
3. Refusal of the Call: Gandhi initially struggles with the challenges of leading a movement.
4. Meeting the Mentor: Influences from mentors and supporters guide Gandhi’s philosophy.
5. Inciting Incident: Gandhi’s experience in South Africa catalyzes his commitment to nonviolent resistance.
6. Opportunity to Shine: Gandhi’s potential to lead and make a positive impact is evident.

Act II: Initiation

1. Crossing the Threshold: Gandhi returns to India, committing to the independence movement.
2. Tests, Allies, Enemies: Gandhi faces numerous challenges, gains allies, and confronts British authorities.
3. First Plot Point: Gandhi organizes the Salt March, a significant event marking his deep engagement.
4. Midpoint: A major turning point occurs during the Quit India Movement.
5. Pinch Point 2: Gandhi’s imprisonment and the increasing violence heighten the stakes.
6. Secret World: Gandhi’s ashram and movement provide a space for developing nonviolent strategies.

Act III: Climax

1. Ordeal, Death, and Rebirth: Gandhi faces his greatest challenge during the partition and ensuing violence.
2. Reward: India gains independence, marking a victory for Gandhi’s efforts.
3. Second Plot Point: The partition and its aftermath reinforce Gandhi’s commitment to peace.
4. Crisis: Gandhi’s struggle to stop the violence is crucial for his transformation.

Act IV: Resolution

1. The Road Back: Gandhi’s efforts to promote peace reflect his new understanding.
2. Resurrection: Gandhi’s assassination and legacy demonstrate his lasting impact.
3. Return with the Elixir: Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence influences the world.
4. Re-ordering of the Kingdom: India’s independence and the impact of Gandhi’s principles create a better environment.
5. Final Image: Gandhi’s funeral and the reflection on his legacy encapsulate the positive impact of his journey.

Norma Rae

Act I: Setup

1. Ordinary World: Norma Rae is a single mother and factory worker in the American South.
2. Call to Adventure: Norma Rae witnesses unfair treatment of workers.
3. Refusal of the Call: Initially, Norma Rae is hesitant to get involved in activism.
4. Meeting the Mentor: Reuben Warshowsky, a union organizer, guides and inspires her.
5. Inciting Incident: Reuben’s arrival and the plight of the workers disrupt Norma Rae’s life.
6. Opportunity to Shine: Norma Rae’s potential to lead and make a difference becomes evident.

Act II: Initiation

1. Crossing the Threshold: Norma Rae commits to the union effort, stepping out of her comfort zone.
2. Tests, Allies, Enemies: She faces challenges from factory management, gains support from co-workers, and confronts opposition.
3. First Plot Point: Norma Rae’s decision to actively organize workers marks her deep engagement.
4. Midpoint: A major turning point occurs when she is arrested, galvanizing her resolve.
5. Pinch Point 2: Increased challenges from management heighten the stakes.
6. Secret World: The union meetings become a space for Norma Rae to develop her leadership skills.

Act III: Climax

1. Ordeal, Death, and Rebirth: Norma Rae faces her greatest challenge during the unionization drive.
2. Reward: The workers vote to unionize, achieving a major victory.
3. Second Plot Point: The victory reinforces Norma Rae’s growth and commitment.
4. Crisis: Norma Rae’s intense struggle to unite the workers is crucial for her transformation.

Act IV: Resolution

1. The Road Back: Norma Rae integrates her new understanding and skills into her life.
2. Resurrection: The union’s success proves her transformation.
3. Return with the Elixir: Norma Rae’s actions reflect her growth and inspire others.
4. Re-ordering of the Kingdom: The improved working conditions create a better environment.
5. Final Image: Norma Rae’s empowerment and the victory encapsulate the positive impact of her journey.

Erin Brockovich

Act I: Setup

1. Ordinary World: Erin Brockovich is a single mother struggling to find a job.
2. Call to Adventure: She convinces lawyer Ed Masry to hire her.
3. Refusal of the Call: Initially, Erin faces skepticism and struggles to find her place.
4. Meeting the Mentor: Ed Masry provides guidance and support.
5. Inciting Incident: Erin discovers medical records linking pollution to health problems.
6. Opportunity to Shine: Erin’s potential to uncover the truth and help the community becomes evident.

Act II: Initiation

1. Crossing the Threshold: Erin commits to investigating the case, stepping out of her comfort zone.
2. Tests, Allies, Enemies: She faces skepticism, gains allies among the affected residents, and confronts the powerful corporation.
3. First Plot Point: Erin persuades the residents to join a class-action lawsuit.
4. Midpoint: A major turning point occurs when key evidence strengthens the case.
5. Pinch Point 2: Increased challenges from the corporation heighten the stakes.
6. Secret World: Erin’s efforts to gather evidence and build the case become her space for developing her skills.

Act III: Climax

1. Ordeal, Death, and Rebirth: Erin faces her greatest challenge during the lawsuit.
2. Reward: The corporation agrees to a $333 million settlement, marking a major victory.
3. Second Plot Point: The settlement reinforces Erin’s growth and commitment to justice.
4. Crisis: Erin’s intense struggle to unite the community and fight the corporation is crucial for her transformation.

Act IV: Resolution

1. The Road Back: Erin integrates her new understanding and skills into her life.
2. Resurrection: The victory proves Erin’s transformation and resourcefulness.
3. Return with the Elixir: Erin’s actions reflect her growth and inspire others.
4. Re-ordering of the Kingdom: The lawsuit’s impact improves the community’s environment.
5. Final Image: Erin’s determination and the settlement encapsulate the positive impact of her journey.

Act I: Setup

Ordinary World

• Schindler’s List: Oskar Schindler is a businessman looking to profit from the war by employing Jewish workers.
• The Verdict: Frank Galvin is a washed-up lawyer struggling with alcoholism and professional failure.
• Gandhi: Gandhi faces racial discrimination in South Africa.
• Norma Rae: Norma Rae is a single mother working in a textile factory under poor conditions.
• Erin Brockovich: Erin Brockovich is a single mother struggling to find a job after a car accident.

Call to Adventure

• Schindler’s List: Schindler sees an opportunity to exploit Jewish labor and starts building his factory.
• The Verdict: Galvin is given a chance at redemption with a medical malpractice case.
• Gandhi: Gandhi decides to fight against racial discrimination in South Africa.
• Norma Rae: Norma Rae witnesses unfair treatment of workers and is inspired to fight for their rights.
• Erin Brockovich: Erin convinces lawyer Ed Masry to hire her.

Refusal of the Call

• Schindler’s List: Initially, Schindler is indifferent to the plight of the Jews, focusing solely on profit.
• The Verdict: Galvin shows reluctance and doubts his ability to handle the case.
• Gandhi: Gandhi struggles with the challenges of leading a movement.
• Norma Rae: Norma Rae is hesitant to get involved in activism.
• Erin Brockovich: Erin faces skepticism and struggles to find her place in the legal world.

Meeting the Mentor

• Schindler’s List: Schindler’s relationship with his Jewish accountant, Itzhak Stern, begins to influence his perspective.
• The Verdict: A mentor figure, possibly Galvin’s associate, provides guidance and support.
• Gandhi: Influences from mentors and supporters guide Gandhi’s philosophy.
• Norma Rae: Reuben Warshowsky, a union organizer, guides and inspires Norma Rae.
• Erin Brockovich: Ed Masry provides guidance and support to Erin.

Inciting Incident

• Schindler’s List: Schindler witnesses the brutal liquidation of the Krakow Ghetto.
• The Verdict: Galvin’s investigation reveals a cover-up, creating a clear need for action.
• Gandhi: Gandhi’s experience in South Africa catalyzes his commitment to nonviolent resistance.
• Norma Rae: Reuben’s arrival and the plight of the workers disrupt Norma Rae’s life.
• Erin Brockovich: Erin discovers medical records linking pollution to health problems in Hinkley.

Opportunity to Shine

• Schindler’s List: Schindler’s potential to save lives becomes evident, though he hasn’t fully committed yet.
• The Verdict: Galvin’s potential to win the case and redeem himself becomes evident.
• Gandhi: Gandhi’s potential to lead and make a positive impact is evident.
• Norma Rae: Norma Rae’s potential to lead and make a difference becomes evident.
• Erin Brockovich: Erin’s potential to uncover the truth and help the community becomes evident.

Act II: Initiation

Crossing the Threshold

• Schindler’s List: Schindler decides to protect his Jewish workers, stepping out of his comfort zone.
• The Verdict: Galvin commits to the case, stepping out of his comfort zone.
• Gandhi: Gandhi returns to India, committing to the independence movement.
• Norma Rae: Norma Rae commits to the union effort, stepping out of her comfort zone.
• Erin Brockovich: Erin commits to investigating the case, stepping out of her comfort zone.

Tests, Allies, Enemies

• Schindler’s List: Schindler faces numerous challenges from Nazi officials, forms alliances with his workers, and confronts the brutality of the SS.
• The Verdict: Galvin faces legal hurdles, forms alliances with his team, and confronts the hospital’s powerful defense.
• Gandhi: Gandhi faces numerous challenges, gains allies, and confronts British authorities.
• Norma Rae: Norma Rae faces challenges from factory management, gains support from co-workers, and confronts opposition.
• Erin Brockovich: Erin faces skepticism, gains allies among the affected residents, and confronts the powerful corporation.

First Plot Point

• Schindler’s List: Schindler compiles a list of Jews to be saved, marking his deeper commitment to the cause.
• The Verdict: Galvin decides to take the case to court, marking his deep engagement with the journey.
• Gandhi: Gandhi organizes the Salt March, a significant event marking his deep engagement.
• Norma Rae: Norma Rae’s decision to actively organize workers marks her deep engagement.
• Erin Brockovich: Erin persuades the residents to join a class-action lawsuit.

Midpoint

• Schindler’s List: The transportation of his workers to Brünnlitz signifies a turning point in Schindler’s efforts.
• The Verdict: A major turning point occurs when Galvin experiences a breakthrough in the case.
• Gandhi: A major turning point occurs during the Quit India Movement.
• Norma Rae: A major turning point occurs when Norma Rae is arrested, galvanizing her resolve.
• Erin Brockovich: A major turning point occurs when key evidence strengthens the case.

Pinch Point 2

• Schindler’s List: Schindler faces increased scrutiny and danger as he continues to bribe officials to save more Jews.
• The Verdict: Galvin faces intense challenges that heighten the stakes and test his commitment.
• Gandhi: Gandhi’s imprisonment and the increasing violence heighten the stakes.
• Norma Rae: Increased challenges from management heighten the stakes.
• Erin Brockovich: Increased challenges from the corporation heighten the stakes.

Secret World

• Schindler’s List: Schindler’s factory in Brünnlitz becomes a safe haven where he can develop his protective strategies.
• The Verdict: Galvin’s preparation for the trial becomes his space to hone his legal skills and strategies.
• Gandhi: Gandhi’s ashram and movement provide a space for developing nonviolent strategies.
• Norma Rae: The union meetings become a space for Norma Rae to develop her leadership skills.
• Erin Brockovich: Erin’s efforts to gather evidence and build the case become her space for developing her skills.

Act III: Climax

Ordeal, Death, and Rebirth

• Schindler’s List: Schindler faces the greatest challenge of protecting his workers during the final months of the war.
• The Verdict: Galvin faces the greatest challenge during the tense courtroom battle.
• Gandhi: Gandhi faces his greatest challenge during the partition and ensuing violence.
• Norma Rae: Norma Rae faces her greatest challenge during the unionization drive.
• Erin Brockovich: Erin faces her greatest challenge during the lawsuit.

Reward

• Schindler’s List: The war ends, and Schindler’s workers are liberated by Soviet forces.
• The Verdict: Galvin achieves a major victory with the jury ruling in his favor.
• Gandhi: India gains independence, marking a victory for Gandhi’s efforts.
• Norma Rae: The workers vote to unionize, achieving a major victory.
• Erin Brockovich: The corporation agrees to a $333 million settlement, marking a major victory.

Second Plot Point

• Schindler’s List: Schindler flees, filled with regret for those he couldn’t save.
• The Verdict: The verdict reinforces Galvin’s growth and commitment to justice.
• Gandhi: The partition and its aftermath reinforce Gandhi’s commitment to peace.
• Norma Rae: The victory reinforces Norma Rae’s growth and commitment.
• Erin Brockovich: The settlement reinforces Erin’s growth and commitment to justice.

Crisis

• Schindler’s List: Schindler’s emotional breakdown highlights his transformation from a profiteer to a savior.
• The Verdict: Galvin’s intense struggle during the trial is crucial for his transformation.
• Gandhi: Gandhi’s struggle to stop the violence is crucial for his transformation.
• Norma Rae: Norma Rae’s intense struggle to unite the workers is crucial for her transformation.
• Erin Brockovich: Erin’s intense struggle to unite the community and fight the corporation is crucial for her transformation.

Act IV: Resolution

The Road Back

• Schindler’s List: Schindler begins to integrate his understanding of his actions and their impact.
• The Verdict: Galvin begins to integrate his new understanding and skills into his life.
• Gandhi: Gandhi’s efforts to promote peace reflect his new understanding.
• Norma Rae: Norma Rae integrates her new understanding and skills into her life.
• Erin Brockovich: Erin integrates her new understanding and skills into her life.

Resurrection

• Schindler’s List: The survivors remember Schindler’s deeds, showing his legacy.
• The Verdict: The victory proves Galvin’s transformation and redemption.
• Gandhi: Gandhi’s assassination and legacy demonstrate his lasting impact.
• Norma Rae: The union’s success proves Norma Rae’s transformation.
• Erin Brockovich: The victory proves Erin’s transformation and resourcefulness.

Return with the Elixir

• Schindler’s List: Schindler’s actions bring hope and reflect his growth.
• The Verdict: Galvin’s actions now reflect his growth and inspire others.
• Gandhi: Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence influences the world.
• Norma Rae: Norma Rae’s actions reflect her growth and inspire others.
• Erin Brockovich: Erin’s actions reflect her growth and inspire others.

Re-ordering of the Kingdom

• Schindler’s List: The film ends with a powerful epilogue of real survivors visiting Schindler’s grave, showing the long-lasting impact.
• The Verdict: The case’s outcome influences the legal world, creating a better environment.
• Gandhi: India’s independence and the impact of Gandhi’s principles create a better environment.
• Norma Rae: The improved working conditions create a better environment.
• Erin Brockovich: The lawsuit’s impact improves the community’s environment.

Final Image

• Schindler’s List: The survivors’ tribute to Schindler encapsulates the positive impact of his transformation, leaving the audience with a sense of hope.
• The Verdict: The jury’s ruling and Galvin’s redemption encapsulate the positive impact of his journey, leaving the audience with hope.
• Gandhi: Gandhi’s funeral and the reflection on his legacy encapsulate the positive impact of his journey.
• Norma Rae: Norma Rae’s empowerment and the victory encapsulate the positive impact of her journey.
• Erin Brockovich: Erin’s determination and the settlement encapsulate the positive impact of her journey.

These films share several common elements that contribute to their powerful storytelling and critical acclaim:

1. Inspirational Protagonists: Each film centers around a protagonist who demonstrates extraordinary determination and courage. Whether it’s Oskar Schindler, Frank Galvin, Mahatma Gandhi, Norma Rae, or Erin Brockovich, these characters are depicted as underdogs who fight against overwhelming odds.
2. Social Justice Themes: The films all address significant social issues. “Schindler’s List” and “Gandhi” deal with human rights and the fight against oppression. “Norma Rae” and “Erin Brockovich” focus on labor rights and environmental justice, respectively. “The Verdict” tackles legal ethics and the quest for justice within a corrupt system.
3. Transformation and Redemption: Many of the protagonists experience a personal transformation. Schindler transitions from a war profiteer to a savior of Jews. Frank Galvin redeems his legal career and personal life. Erin Brockovich grows from an unemployed single mother to a successful legal assistant who brings justice to a community.
4. Historical Context: Each film is set against a backdrop of real historical events. “Schindler’s List” during the Holocaust, “Gandhi” during India’s struggle for independence, “Norma Rae” in the context of 1970s labor movements, and “Erin Brockovich” in a contemporary environmental lawsuit.
5. Legal and Ethical Battles: Legal struggles and ethical dilemmas are central to these films. “The Verdict” and “Erin Brockovich” are courtroom dramas at their core. “Schindler’s List” and “Gandhi” involve legal and ethical battles against systemic injustice, while “Norma Rae” deals with labor laws and unionization.
6. Strong Supporting Characters: Each protagonist is supported by a cast of strong secondary characters who play crucial roles in the narrative. Itzhak Stern in “Schindler’s List,” Reuben Warshowsky in “Norma Rae,” and Ed Masry in “Erin Brockovich” are a few examples.
7. Moral Complexity: These films present morally complex situations where the characters must navigate difficult ethical choices. Schindler’s opportunism contrasts with his ultimate heroism; Frank Galvin’s alcoholism contrasts with his pursuit of justice; Gandhi’s nonviolence faces violent opposition.
8. Impactful Storytelling: The storytelling in each film is designed to evoke strong emotional responses from the audience, using powerful performances, compelling narratives, and dramatic tension.
9. Based on True Stories: All these films are inspired by real-life events and people, adding a layer of authenticity and gravitas to their stories.
10. Critical and Commercial Success: Each of these films has received critical acclaim and achieved commercial success, often being recognized with prestigious awards and nominations.

These common elements underscore the universal appeal and enduring impact of these films, highlighting themes of resilience, justice, and the human spirit’s capacity for change.

Schindler’s List

1. Introduction: Oskar Schindler, a German businessman, arrives in Krakow, Poland, to profit from the war by employing Jewish workers in his factory.
2. Schindler’s Factory: Schindler sets up a factory using Jewish labor and bribes Nazi officials to get what he needs.
3. The Krakow Ghetto: Jews are moved into the Krakow Ghetto; horrific scenes depict their suffering.
4. Schindler’s Transformation: Witnessing the horrors of the Holocaust, Schindler’s perspective shifts, and he decides to save his Jewish workers.
5. The List: Schindler and his accountant, Itzhak Stern, compile a list of over a thousand Jews to be saved.
6. Bribery and Protection: Schindler bribes Nazi officials and exploits loopholes to save as many Jews as possible.
7. Evacuation and Escape: The Jews are transported to Schindler’s factory in Brünnlitz, where they are sheltered until the war ends.
8. End of War: Schindler’s workers are liberated by Soviet forces; Schindler flees, filled with regret for those he couldn’t save.
9. Legacy: Schindler is honored by his saved workers; the film ends with a powerful epilogue of real survivors visiting Schindler’s grave.

The Verdict

1. Introduction: Frank Galvin, a once-promising lawyer now battling alcoholism, is given a chance at redemption when he takes on a medical malpractice case against a powerful hospital.
2. Case Introduction: Galvin is approached by a woman whose sister was left in a coma due to hospital negligence.
3. Investigation: As Galvin investigates the case, he must also confront his own demons and past failures, discovering evidence of a cover-up.
4. Legal Struggles: Facing powerful opposition, Galvin struggles with his own doubts and the legal system’s corruption.
5. Key Testimony: A key witness’s testimony is sabotaged, but Galvin perseveres.
6. Courtroom Drama: The trial proceeds with intense courtroom scenes; Galvin delivers a heartfelt closing argument against seemingly insurmountable odds.
7. Verdict: The jury rules in favor of Galvin’s client, awarding substantial damages, although Galvin’s fate is somewhat ambiguous.
8. Redemption: Galvin’s victory symbolizes his personal and professional redemption.

Gandhi

1. Introduction: The film opens with the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and flashes back to his early life.
2. South Africa: Gandhi’s experiences with racial discrimination in South Africa lead him to develop his philosophy of nonviolent resistance.
3. Return to India: Gandhi returns to India and becomes a leader in the struggle for Indian independence.
4. Nonviolent Protests: Gandhi organizes mass nonviolent protests and civil disobedience campaigns against British rule.
5. Salt March: Gandhi leads the Salt March, a pivotal act of civil disobedience against British salt taxes.
6. Independence Movement: The movement grows, and Gandhi faces imprisonment and hardships, including the Quit India Movement.
7. Partition: India gains independence, but the subcontinent is partitioned into India and Pakistan, leading to violence.
8. Assassination: Gandhi works to stop the violence between Hindus and Muslims but is ultimately assassinated.
9. Legacy: The film ends with Gandhi’s funeral and a reflection on his lasting impact, highlighting his philosophy of Satyagraha (truth force).

Norma Rae

1. Introduction: Norma Rae Webster, a single mother and factory worker in the American South, becomes involved in the labor union movement.
2. Involvement: She witnesses the unfair treatment of workers and starts questioning the factory’s practices.
3. Union Organizer: Reuben Warshowsky, a union organizer, arrives to unionize the factory workers.
4. Conflict: Norma Rae’s activism leads to conflicts with factory management and her family.
5. Arrest: Norma Rae is arrested for her union activities, further galvanizing her resolve.
6. Union Vote: Norma Rae inspires her co-workers to fight for better working conditions and leads them in a unionization drive.
7. Victory: The workers vote on whether to unionize, with Norma Rae playing a key role in persuading them.
8. Resolution: Norma Rae’s efforts are recognized, and she gains a sense of personal empowerment and justice.

Erin Brockovich

1. Introduction: Erin Brockovich, a single mother with no legal background, struggles to find a job after a car accident.
2. Job Opportunity: She convinces lawyer Ed Masry to hire her at his firm.
3. Discovery: Erin stumbles upon medical records in real estate files and investigates further.
4. Research and Evidence: Erin uncovers evidence of water contamination in Hinkley, California, caused by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E).
5. Building the Case: Erin persuades affected residents to join a class-action lawsuit against PG&E.
6. Challenges: Erin faces skepticism from lawyers and the community, along with personal sacrifices.
7. Breakthrough: Key evidence and testimonials strengthen the case, leading to a settlement offer.
8. Settlement: PG&E agrees to a $333 million settlement, one of the largest in history for a direct-action lawsuit.
9. Resolution: Erin’s determination and resourcefulness bring justice to the victims and establish her reputation as a fierce advocate for the underdog, showing the impact of the lawsuit on the community.