A Gentle Introduction To Black & White Movies

17 Truly Impressive Works Of Art Await

Image by L.E. Wilson from RedBubble based on work by MasterTux from 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:

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Silent

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1928

Life Lesson: Don’t let your friends keep you from being with the one you love.
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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1928

Life 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.
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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Comedy

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1940

Life Lesson: “To 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.”— Nelson Mandela
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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1941

Life Lesson: We don’t laugh because we’re happy, we are happy because we laugh.
— William James
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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1947

Life Lesson: Believe in the goodness of other people.
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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1960

Life Lesson: Love beats cynicism.
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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1964

Life Lesson: “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” — Robert Burns
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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Drama

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1927

Life Lesson: “Blood is thicker than water.” —Proverb
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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1941

Life Lesson: “Do your duty, and a little more, and the future will take care of itself.”
— Andrew Carnegie
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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1942

Life Lesson: Sometimes a situation calls for you to be the noble hero.
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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1943

Life Lesson: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” —Lord Acton
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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1943

Life Lesson: “It is human nature to hate him whom you have injured.” —Tacitus
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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1948

Life Lesson: There is no bad news; there are only blessings in disguise.
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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1960

Life Lesson: When you love someone, you protect them, no matter what.
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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1962

Life Lesson: Don’t let someone else have absolute power over you.
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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Fantasy

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1946

Life Lesson: Be grateful for your life; it beats the alternative.
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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1959

Life Lesson: Find someone to talk to about your problems.
🍿Movie Scene Link (movie quote)

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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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Visit the moviewise catalogue—a searchable database of one sentence movie summaries, movie quotes, and movie wisdom—for movie recommendations.

Also visit the moviewise store. Get a t-shirt, bag, or pillow with your favorite #LifeLesson from a movie. Reply to this or leave a comment below to make a request.

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