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A Gentle Introduction To Black & White Movies

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Movie Lists!

A Gentle Introduction To Black & White Movies

17 Truly Impressive Works Of Art Await

moviewise šŸŽŸ
Jan 17, 2023
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Image by L.E. WilsonĀ fromĀ RedBubble based on work by MasterTuxĀ fromĀ Pixabay

If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary

— Jim Rohn

If watching a black and white film seems unappealing, that makes sense. Our world is not normally completely devoid of color, so it takes a little bit of time for our eyes to adjust and accept a movie landscape made entirely out of grayscale. But if you are watching one of the great black and white movies, you will find that you’ll lose yourself in the story, the characters, the time and place in no time at all.

What’s more, you will discover that many of these films are of a higher standard compared to newer movies, with better acting, intricate stories, clever dialogue, and imaginative, eye-opening scenery. A treasure trove truly awaits those who dare to venture into this vast library, which includes films that have not only withstood the test of time, but have become bona fide classics because they are indeed among the best that have ever been made.

As entry point into this rich universe, here is a short list of excellent black and white movies that you will enjoy and which will have you asking for more:


Silent


1928

LifeĀ Lesson: Don’t let your friends keep you from being with the one you love.
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


1928

LifeĀ Lesson: Do not look down on others. You do not know what misfortune led them to where they are, and you do not know their strength of character.
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


Comedy


1940

LifeĀ Lesson: ā€œTo be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.ā€ā€” Nelson Mandela
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


1941

LifeĀ Lesson: We don’t laugh because we’re happy, we are happy because we laugh.
— William James
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


1947

LifeĀ Lesson: Believe in the goodness of other people.
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


1960

LifeĀ Lesson: Love beats cynicism.
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


1964

LifeĀ Lesson: ā€œThe best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.ā€ — Robert Burns
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


Drama


1927

LifeĀ Lesson: ā€œBlood is thicker than water.ā€ —Proverb
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


1941

LifeĀ Lesson: ā€œDo your duty, and a little more, and the future will take care of itself.ā€
— Andrew Carnegie
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


1942

LifeĀ Lesson: Sometimes a situation calls for you to be the noble hero.
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


1943

LifeĀ Lesson: ā€œPower tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.ā€ —Lord Acton
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


1943

LifeĀ Lesson: ā€œIt is human nature to hate him whom you have injured.ā€ —Tacitus
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


1948

LifeĀ Lesson: There is no bad news; there are only blessings in disguise.
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


1960

LifeĀ Lesson: When you love someone, you protect them, no matter what.
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


1962

LifeĀ Lesson: Don’t let someone else have absolute power over you.
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


Fantasy


1946

LifeĀ Lesson: Be grateful for your life; it beats the alternative.
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


1959

LifeĀ Lesson: Find someone to talk to about your problems.
šŸæMovie Scene Link (movie quote)


Like many things in life, the important thing is to try. Give an honest, fair chance to something that seems difficult or tiresome and you will likely be rewarded by the unexpected pleasures hidden within.

This is particularly relevant when large swaths of people proclaim to be fans, as many do when it comes to black and white movies. When someone loves something it will always be worth trying to really understand why. In fact, anything that moves the human spirit is valuable and merits further investigation.

They may be an acquired taste, but black and white movies may also allow you to be awed, to feel the thrill of discovery, and to enjoy wonderful enriching experiences that will delight and amuse for many years to come.

Please do yourself a favor and try watching any of the movies above. You will not be disappointed.

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8 Comments
Eugenie Bryan
Writes Hot Stepper!
Jan 21Liked by moviewise šŸŽŸ

I'm 64 and adore black and white movies, but my 20-something kids refuse to watch even one. Apparently, they're boring!

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Daisy Anne
Writes The Heart of Storytelling
Jan 17Liked by moviewise šŸŽŸ

I’ve always watched black and white since I was little. TCM was one of my favorite channels 😊 They have a romance to them that modern movies don’t. Last night, I watched Enchantment which was one of those depressing ones where the couple doesn’t end up together, but the acting was phenomenal.

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