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Movies with Leadership Insights

In this section we recommend a number of  movies that provide insights into some superb exemplars of leadership. 

Gettysburg
Starring Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen and Jeff Bridges

This stirring depiction of the battle that turned the tide of the American Civil War has numerous leadership lessons. On the Confederate side it highlights General Longstreet's efforts to speak truth to power and try to convince General Robert E. Lee that it was foolhardy to attack the Union's fortified hilltop positions, while General Lee's hubris over his past successes against long odds made him think the Confederate Army was nearly invincible. On the Union side, it showcases the leadership of Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, including how he earned the loyalty and respect of his troops and then lead them brilliantly during the defense of Little Round Top. Chamberlain and Gen. Buford (who used his own initiative to delay the Confederate troops until the Union could occupy the high ground) are both sterling examples of how empowered mid-level leaders can make all the difference between success and disaster.  Read More...


We Were Soldiers
Starring Mel Gibson

Inspiring story of Col. Harold "Hal" Moore, commander of the first unit in Vietnam to make heavy use of helicopters for transportation and air support. Moore and his battalion were ordered into what turned out to be a Viet Cong trap. Moore had built a superb team and led by example, promising to be the first to set foot on the battlefield and the last to step off. Shows many terrific examples of how leaders build the trust and loyalty of their followers.  Read More...


 

Amazing Grace
Starring Ioan Gruffudo and Albert Finney

Inspiring story of how William Wilberforce (1759-1833), as a Member of Parliament, struggled for over 20 years to build support for the abolition of the slave trade throughout the British Empire.  He did so at the expense of his health and political fortunes.  Wilberforce demonstrated incredible integrity and persistence, and his ultimate success demonstrates how a small group of determined people with a clarity of vision can truly change the world.  Read More...
 

 

The Chorus
Starring Gerard Jugnot (In French with English Subtitles)

Inspiring story of Clement Mathieu, a musician who becomes a teacher at a boys' school run by a strict disciplinarian.  Mathieu displays a knack for developing trust with the boys and reaches many of them through music.  Includes some great examples of mentoring, leading up, and protecting those below.  The music is great too (the soundtrack sold over a million copies in France).  Read More...



 

Shackleton
Starring Kenneth Branagh

In 1914, explorer Ernest Shackleton led an expedition to Antarctica in hopes of becoming the first to cross the southern continent.  When their ship, the Endurance, became stuck in--and then crushed by--the ice, the crew was left stranded on an ice floe. Thanks to Shackleton's leadership, not a single crew member was lost. Based on the journals of the crew, this mini-series by A&E is a gripping portrayal of the crew's 27-month struggle for survival.  Read More...

 


Twelve O'Clock High
Starring Gregory Peck

In World War II England, Brigadier General Frank Savage takes over a troubled bomber group after its commander has a breakdown.  Determined to keep his distance while re-establishing a sense of pride and discipline in the group, Savage helps improve the bomber group's performance dramatically.  Includes many great insights about leadership transitions, bureaucracy, and the stresses of command.  Read More...

 



Miracle
Starring Kurt Russell

True story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, which defeated the heavily favored Soviet team and won the Gold Medal.  Miracle portrays how Coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) built the team, including how he selected the players (he didn't necessarily choose star players) and then taught them to play together as a cohesive and well-conditioned unit.  Read More...

 



Stand and Deliver
Starring Edward James Olmos and Lou Diamond Phillips   

When Jaime Escalante became a math teacher at Garfield High School in east Los Angeles, he challenged his underachieving students to take Calculus--and try to pass the AP Calculus test.  Accused by his colleagues of setting up his students for failure, Escalante worked long hours with his class and inspired them to apply themselves. A terrific story about the power of high expectations and inspiring goals.  Read More...

 

 


Note: GovLeaders.org accepts no commissions from Amazon.com or any other vendor.  Links to Amazon are provided solely for the convenience of our readers so they can read more reviews--and purchase the books if they so choose.


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