To Kill a Mockingbird (1962):

 

 

Based on one of the greatest American literary classics – author Harper Lee's novel of the same name – To Kill a Mockingbird was transferred to the screen in a remarkable way. Highlighting the corruption of 1950s/60s small town American courthouses, plus the inherent racism that inflicted such regions, the film every bit as powerful as it's source material.

Gregory Peck stars as Atticus Finch, a white lawyer who defends a young black man who has been accused of raping a white woman. As the narrative unfolds through the eyes of Finch's children, Jem and Scout (whom my parent's cats were named after!) the audience realises how rare a character Atticus really is. A decidedly unbiased man within a cacophony of small town biggots, Finch understands that there is evil and injustice within the world, but tries his best to fight these.

So much more than an ordinary courtroom drama, To Kill a Mockingbird is a breath of fresh air among an era when racial prejudice and injustice was sadly the norm. With excellent performances from Gregory Peck and Mary Badham as Atticus's daughter Scout, audiences cannot help but feel inspired to also go out and overcome injustice! Placing To Kill a Mockingbird at number two on my poll is probably a decision that will be refuted by many (if not all!), but I can't help simply loving my number one choice…