Best Movies and Songs for a Peaceful Post-Election Thanksgiving: From ‘Meet the Fockers’ to ‘All You Need Is Love’

As a film enthusiast and someone who has spent countless hours poring over movies that touch upon the human spirit, I find myself deeply moved by the list of cinematic gems suggested for a post-election Thanksgiving dinner. The diversity and depth of these films are truly a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging divides and fostering understanding among people.

With the historically contentious and tense presidential election of 2024 now behind us, let’s not lower our vigilance just yet. Another potential conflict may be brewing that could escalate on a day traditionally set aside to express gratitude for loved ones – you’ve got it right: Thanksgiving.

No matter if your chosen candidate emerged victorious or not, heated discussions about the election results are likely to dominate Thanksgiving conversations nationwide. These debates might stretch across tables laden with gravy-stained dishware, persisting until every last morsel of leftover food is consumed. Consequently, approximately 75 million Americans may find themselves complaining about alleged vote fraud, while another 75 million may express their discontent by announcing their intention to depart the country. However, it’s unlikely that anyone will be able to empathize with each other during these conversations.

To cool down a heated room when arguments are more intense than a well-roasted turkey thigh, here’s a list of 10 songs and 10 movies intended to foster family harmony and keep all pies, whether pumpkin, peach, or pecan, on the table for dessert instead of being turned into airborne projectiles in the heat of political disagreements.

🎶 ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE (The Beatles)

Although “All You Need is Love” by the Beatles didn’t end the Vietnam War in 1967, it remains a feel-good, groovy throwback tune that could brighten up the gloomiest election day disappointments.

🎶 JUST LIKE A WOMAN (Nina Simone)

A word of warning: Some family members might find Simone’s heartfelt rendition of the famous lyric, “She breaks just like a little girl,” too intensely emotional.

🎶 IMAGINE (John Lennon)

As a film enthusiast, I often find myself treading carefully when discussing global issues, lest I’m accused of being manipulated into supporting a grand scheme for global domination – a la George Soros – simply because I dream of a world that echoes John Lennon’s peaceful, harmonious vision. However, I remain hopeful that there will always be wise elders out there who can stand tall and tell the naysayers to ‘let it be’, fostering understanding instead of discord.

🎶 IT’S A MAN’S MAN’S MAN’S WORLD (James Brown)

This James Brown hit, co-written with Betty Jean Newsome, can find common ground in the political divide. Its robust title aligns with powerful male anthems like the Village People’s “Macho Man,” a frequent Trump rally favorite (surprisingly enough!), but its underlying message to men is that their achievements and actions hold no significance without a woman or girl by their side. As Joni Mitchell would put it, “We’ve got different sides, now.

🎶 CRYSTAL BLUE PERSUASION (Tommy James & the Shondells)

It’s widely accepted that marijuana has been largely legalized or decriminalized in nearly every state across the U.S., isn’t it? Is there anything more to discuss on this topic?

🎶 HEAVY ON PRIDE (LIGHT ON LOVE) (Smokey Robinson)

Forget squandering time discussing blame games,

This is why Dylan once listed Robinson as one of his favorite poets.

🎶 FIRST THERE IS A MOUNTAIN (Donovan)

For over half a century, the original troubadour of peace and love has been soothing anger, disharmony, and negative energy. This began with his offer to clean up the mess from the broken bottle, as depicted in the Dylan documentary “Don’t Look Back.” This simple, Zen-like verse emphasizes that regardless of who won the election, it’s now crucial to take deep breaths, appreciate tranquility, and feel the breeze.

🎶 WHAT’S GOING ON (Marvin Gaye)

Gaye’s powerful social anthem, resonating with contemporary relevance, seems as if it were penned just yesterday. Perhaps it will offer a smoother exchange of biscuits and a pause in the use of butter knives on November 28th.

Barricades and protest signs, please don’t mete out harshness. Engage in dialogue instead, so you might understand the situation.

🎶 BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND (Bob Dylan)

In a situation where two strongly opinionated pets in your household are arguing about an election, you might play a song by the renowned American Nobel laureate Bob Dylan titled “The Answer, My Friend, Is Blowin’ in the Wind.” This could prompt you to say something like, “Even Bob Dylan can’t seem to find the answer; why don’t we put our differences aside and enjoy some homemade peach cobbler instead!

🎥 THREE COLORS: RED (Krzysztof Kieślowski)

This thought-provoking European art film elegantly conveys the message that our shared bonds are more powerful than our differences, potentially bridging the divide between Democratic and Republican households.

🎥 MEET THE FOCKERS (Jay Roach)

Her father is an eccentric figure in military intelligence, whose behavior at the dinner table might make you feel like a refugee, yet we manage to find humor in our situations and cherish how love triumphs over all, transcending social, political, and academic biases and softening even the sharpest political spikes.

🎥 MOONLIGHT (Barry Jenkins)

As a passionate cinephile, I’m captivated by the movie’s harmonious blend of lyrical and poetic storytelling that beautifully illustrates how healing and compassion can reshape lives. However, it might inadvertently stir up debates, like the infamous “La La Land should have won the Oscar” controversy.

🎥 GANDHI (Richard Attenborough)

This production is grand enough to engulf your 65-inch display, yet it’s personal enough to enthrall your family in the tale of the authentic Peace, Love, and Understanding prophet’s narrative.

🎥 CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (Steven Spielberg)

Given that about half of those gathered around your Thanksgiving dinner table may fantasize about embarking on a space voyage to another world following the elections, this option seems particularly appealing.

🎥 THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (Robert Wise)

As a film enthusiast, I often find that the most impactful characters are those who hold no allegiances, like Michael Rennie’s alien and his refined robot companion. Their composed demeanor, reminiscent of aristocrats, leaves one wondering about the exquisite grooming practices on their home planet, especially given Rennie’s immaculate hair. “Day of the Earth” serves as a poignant reminder of unity and harmony among all beings – a timeless message that resonates deeply within us.

🎥 THE FISHER KING (Terry Gilliam)

In just the same way that Paul McCartney recognized “The Fool on the Hill” had profound words to share with all, screenwriter Richard LaGravenese and director Gilliam understood that a tale about an unhinged street dweller and a callous media personality could thaw even the iciest of souls.

🎥 NOMADLAND (Chloé Zhao)

As it appears that no political figures are focusing on the issue of widespread homelessness, today could serve as an opportunity to mobilize your dining companions with empathy and action, considering that approximately half a million Americans lack a place to dine or debate.

🎥 BIG (Penny Marshall)

After a long, tumultuous stretch filled with contentious discussions, legal issues, threats, political maneuvers, and millions spent on advertising, we’re all eager to reconnect with our playful, carefree selves – our inner children.

🎥 BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE (Reinaldo Marcus Green)

This film takes the place previously held by Tommy James’s movie in our playlist rotation. When everyone in the house has just enough buzz going, it’s perfect for watching the biographical film about the person who wisely advised, “Don’t let a politician do you a favor. They will always seek to control you permanently.

2024-11-25 23:22

Best Movies and Songs for a Peaceful Post-Election Thanksgiving: From ‘Meet the Fockers’ to ‘All You Need Is Love’

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