Money, Money, Money.
Whenever money is involved, the stakes are always higher, the prices just a little bit steeper and the risks too dangerous. That’s why sometimes, all a movie needs, is a side character called money to create a little excitement.
By Mumbua Nzula Nzyoka.
Here are 5 Money movies that are definitely a must-watch.
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).
Quote: “Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself.” – Jordan Belfort.
It might have been banned in Kenya but that shouldn’t keep you from watching it, and this movie is nothing if not glorious as well as scandalous, which is why it was banned. One thing remains true, Casting Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort was pure genius. If you only have time to watch one movie on this list, watch this one.
Critic Review: Scorsese’s funniest and most focused film in a long time, a jet-black sex and drug-soaked comedy featuring a bravura performance by Leonardo DiCaprio. – Damon Wise, Empire.
- Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
Quote: “Money’s a bitch that never sleeps.” – Gordon Gekko.
Most people will not agree, and by people I mean critics, but this sequel to the 1980’s movie of the same name is still a great watch. It stars Shia LaBoeuf as Jake and Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko. Contrary to the first film, Gekko is fresh out of prison at the beginning of this film, and his only access to the world he once knew is through his daughter’s fiancé Jake.
- The Big Short (2015)
Quote: “Truth is like poetry. And most people F* hate poetry.”
This was probably the darling of movie lovers at the end of last year. It’s a well-done movie about the financial collapse of 2008 and how a select few individuals made a lot of money. The movie won’t tell you anything new about the 2008 incident, but it’s a damn good movie.
Critic Review: Scathing wit, joyous irreverence, and brilliant boisterousness make “The Big Short” an improbable triumph. – Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal.
- The Company Men (2010)
Quote: “You know the worst part? The world didn’t stop. The newspaper still came every morning; the automatic sprinklers went off at six. Jerry next door still washed his car every Sunday. My life ended, and nobody noticed.” – Phil Woodard.
This movie isn’t set on the streets of wall street, but it is just as much about money as any of the other films on this list. After the company they are working for, decides to downsize, three men must decide how to cope with their new found line of work, unemployment.
Critic Review: The trio of excellent performances and cinematography make The Company Men so unusual and compelling. – Sukhdev Sandhu, Telegraph.
- Margin Call (2011)
Quote: “There are three ways to make a living in this business: be first, be smarter, or cheat.” – John Tuld.
Nobody likes to be told that they made a mistake or that they are about to be ruined. In this movie, people tend to ignore the truth and cover it up. Needless to say, it doesn’t end well.
Critic Review: Margin Call is the best fictional treatment of the current (2011) economic crisis. – Philip French, The Guardian.
