American Beauty (1999)
Ironically, the films free from commercial influence have the most influence.
Presentation:
A very pure film from a first time director Sam Mendes makes this best picture even more impressive. Characters are developed and nuanced. Kevin Spacey perhaps didn't need to act too hard to play a pervert in this film but lets leave externalities aside because he plays a very compelling champion for the voice of the people. When a disenfranchised man rebels against the confines of society, you do have the foundation for a beautifully raw film with impressionable relationships.
Conclusion:
A flag of a new era in cinema, memes and iconic lines, this film has a similar theme to Fight Club, taking you back to the beginning of frustrations in our modern century. It may not speak to female audiences as women are oversimplified and men are poetically nuanced. Great dynamics between all characters, whom grow and develop organically within a compelling story arc.
Recommendations
Finding humanity, one tragedy at time.