REMEMBER THE TITANS (2000)

Not many people can say they learned about the history of their high school at a multiplex. Yet, that's exactly what happened with me when I watched this story about the mandatory integration of two high schools in Alexandria, Va., in 1971 — and how Coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) led his team to an undefeated season. I was moved by the movie, partly for its atmospheric evocation of those tense times, but mostly for the thrill and satisfaction in knowing that the Herman Boone portrayed on screen was the same Herman Boone I knew: He was my P.E. teacher. —Marc Vera