Films that deal with ethical issues
Nothing brings concepts and events to life more vividly than a good movie. We are pleased to present our Ethics on Film series which consists of full reviews that deal with ethical issues within Carnegie Council's focus areas.
These reviews include an overview, ethical issues and discussion questions, and related resources. Whether you are a teacher, a student, or a concerned citizen, we hope that these films will stimulate thoughtful and enjoyable debate. See you at the movies!
Most Recent Reviews
MAR 10, 2026 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "One Battle After Another"
OCT 24, 2025 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "A House of Dynamite"
This review of "A House of Dynamite" discusses the many ethical decisions facing leaders when a nuclear missile is launched at the United States.
JUL 11, 2025 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Mountainhead"
This review of HBO's "Mountainhead" discusses ethical issues around emerging tech and the power and influence of billionaires.
More Reviews
JUL 11, 2025 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Mountainhead"
This review of HBO's "Mountainhead" discusses ethical issues around emerging tech and the power and influence of billionaires.
FEB 25, 2015 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Timbuktu"
An extraordinary film, "Timbuktu" chronicles a brief period during the 2012 occupation of the ancient Malian city by the militant Islamic group Ansar Dine. What do ...
DEC 3, 2013 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "The Fifth Estate"
"The Fifth Estate" tells the story of Julian Assange and his Wikileaks organization. Since the story is still ongoing, was it too early to make ...
SEP 7, 2013 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Fire in the Blood"
With the tagline "Medicine, Monopoly, Malice," this powerful documentary tells how Western drug companies fought to keep discounted AIDS medications from reaching HIV-positive citizens of ...
AUG 26, 2013 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "The Act of Killing"
It is not hyperbole to call this documentary an epochal film. It brings viewers into the minds of mass murderers, illuminates a horrific piece of ...
JUL 8, 2013 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "The Island President"
As "The Island President" makes clear, it is impossible to overstate the catastrophic effect global warming will have on the Maldives. During the 2009 Copenhagen Summit, ...
APR 3, 2013 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Argo"
"Argo," which tells the story of a creative and daring escape from revolution-era Iran, won the Oscar for Best Picture and was a resounding commercial ...
MAR 11, 2013 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Zero Dark Thirty"
A fictional adaptation of the CIA's hunt for Osama bin Laden, this blockbuster has reignited the debate surrounding the CIA's use of "enhanced interrogation techniques"...
MAR 10, 2013 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "In My Lifetime"
This deeply moving documentary tells the history of atomic weapons and the anti-nuclear movement. From Hiroshima and Nagasaki to nuclear tests in Nevada to the ...
MAY 13, 2008 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Blood Diamond"
Set during Sierra Leone's civil war in 1999, "Blood Diamond" draws attention to the fact that the diamond trade has been used to fund conflicts.