AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains: #1 Hero - Atticus Finch

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In a clip from the AFI Archive, stars and filmmakers give their remarks on Atticus Finch, who is ranked as the #1 hero on AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains list.
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[@doggonelucky98]

Atticus Finch is more of a man than a lot of people, and to me, that makes him a fantastic hero. He was the same man in the court room as he was outside the court room; that kind of integrity is difficult to retain for some people. And to have a man like that to look up to is something that reassures me.

[@mx9226]

It's awesome that the greatest hero in cinema is just a normal man doing what he believes is morally right.

[@TheDoctor1225]

And a reminder to all of us that even though he was a character who had the advantage of a writer who helped him to be so "perfect," if you will, that what he possessed is inside of all of us and we, too, can be like him if we stand for what is morally right even though all others oppose us.

[@caesaroctopus9439]

Arguably the greatest hero in Western Civilization was a normal man doing what he believed was morally right. Now, the religion named after him makes a lot of claims that he was very far from normal, but I think the reality is Jesus lived and died by what he believed in, when no one else would.

[@Xenon-no7ie]

@@caesaroctopus9439 american christianity is sometthing else.

[@BillyButcher90]

Also awesome that an ordinary citizen and family man is considered more of a hero ahead of the superheroes and action heroes on this list.

[@jamiebird1477]

For me the definitive moment for this character is when he learns that Tom Robinson was killed and he now has the task of going to tell Tom's family. All this emotion comes out in this scene. Your filled with sorrow and sympathy for the family. You feel empathy towards Atticus for losing the case and then having to be the bearer of bad news. And you feel anger that this could happen and disappointment in humanity. And then that man shows up and he stands in front of Atticus and spits in his face. Atticus doesn't retaliate. He doesnt have this big angry rant. He pulls back and shows restraint and dignity. It was one of the greatest performances that you'll see.

[@michelangelo144]

Gregory Peck was a natural. He wasn't acting, he was naturally portraying Atticus Finch.

[@bratrat]

Atticus is the type of person I'd like to have a cup of coffee & talk about life in general with. RIP, Mr. Peck...you did good!

[@Satine8541]

It is a masterpiece...with all the high-tech big blockbuster movies out there today that need to have a smashing opening weekend, I am so happy that this little film has made such a lasting impression on so many. I always longed for a father like Atticus Finch. Gregory Peck's performance as well as the children are as memorable today as they were when this was first released.

[@aurorealis3249]

Where is our Atticus Finch today. Sadly, we are missing men of strong character, principals and moral values. This is my favorite film of all time as it speaks directly to the essence of the human condition uncompromised - with dignity, grace and truth. I saw this at the tender age of 10 years old and never forget the impact it had on me - one amazing film. Best actor (1963) for Gregory Peck and you can see why with this iconic and timeless portrayal of A.F. “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” - Harper Lee To Kill a Mockingbird

[@Mr.BoogieWoogie]

Atticus is the walking example on how to be human

[@Lily_of_the_Forest]

One of the greatest characters ever!

[@BedlamAndBones]

An absolutely stunning movie.

[@LemonadepieX]

The greatest hero of all time

[@Yyarbroughr]

"I was to think of these days many times. Of Jem, and Dill, and Boo Radley, and Tom Robinson. And Atticus. He would be in Jem's room all night. And he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning." The most moving moment in the most moving film I have ever seen. Makes me cry EVERY TIME.

[@Julieglam3]

Me too. And the scene where Scout sees Boo for the first time behind the door. She did that scene so perfectly. Makes me cry every time.

[@stevenphelps7929]

I love this movie. The characters played in the movie were, just simply brilliant. I wish there were more of the same movies to enjoy.

[@SouthernIowaLady]

I remember watching this list on television and cheering for Atticus.

[@doggonelucky98]

Atticus represents the good that all people should show. He's an honest American hero.

[@jeffcampbell2400]

I get chocked up watching this...Every Time

[@JaimeGirl]

The scene where he’s leaving the courtroom perfectly encapsulates Atticus Finch-as he’s leaving, all the people in the galley stand up, to show the respect and regard they have for him, a white man who dared to defend a black man, and for the simple reason that it was the right thing to do. He did not waver or walk away, and though he knew the deck was stacked against him, he did what was right. And as he leaves, and they pay him that silent respect, he never looks up to see it, because that’s not what he did it for. He did it because it was the right thing to do. Would that we all could have some of Atticus Finch in us

[@georgehenderson7783]

I hope this movie doesn't get erased like some other movies are these days. Glad I have this on DVD.

[@majordolbyscat]

Well, if the book is already gone, and sadly it has from many school curriculum, then you can bet this excellent film won't be far behind.

[@rustincohle2135]

@@majordolbyscat The book is out of many school curriculum? Why?

[@ddthewolf]

@@rustincohle2135 lots of reasons, mostly it makes people uncomfortable probably

[@mgalin1]

What great movies can do with great characters. Cinematic master work!

[@Splinturcell]

My favorite movie character of all time :)

[@IrishRoo12]

I think I'll pass on Go Set a Watchman. Atticus would never, ever be a bigot

[@c.k.holliday728]

+IrishRoo12 Plus it was written before Harper Lee decided who Atticus was supposed to be and was never meant to be released.

[@MissStereoHeartbeats]

+IrishRoo12 Aw, sweetie it's meant to be a DRAFT. And it's still a brilliant read - a bit clunky, but I loved Scout even more than I already did, which I didn't think was possible.

[@thenhalessays]

I won't read it either. I refuse to see Atticus in any other light. It would break my heart.

[@ka92010rock]

He said " do your duty " all jokes aside best fictional character ever

[@Shanethefilmmaker]

Hard to believe that Indiana Jones, Ellen Ripley, Anne Wilkes and Alex De Large look up to this man, but there it is.

[@Luvie1980]

These are characters that you named. Not the actors 😒

[@Shanethefilmmaker]

@@Luvie1980 Funny, you could easily just ignore this post and you wouldn't have wasted a few seconds of your life complaining, but instead you decide you're the center of the world considering you feel you have to answer to every perceived wrong against you. Maybe do yourself a favor and shut up.

[@BillyButcher90]

Cruella DeVil and Nurse Ratched as well.

[@noersang]

I´ve just read the book. Looking forward to see the movie.

[@Julieglam3]

We need more Atticus Finch's in the world...because they truly are the real heroes. The ones who all future generations should aspire to be...the fact that this book has been banned from schools in the South is so completely unreal to me. If ever a book needed to be anywhere in this country, it needs to be THERE.

[@josephcarpenter6921]

Stunning forever

[@nancyyonce2906]

One of the best movies and acting I have ever seen !!!!

[@DarkPascual]

For what is worth, this is Superman's favorite movie...

[@outinsider]

Atticus Finch is a man to emulate.

[@CristalcatXP]

My favorite character ever :D!!

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

"He's asleep, don't wake him."

[@iconicfury]

"Be without fear in the face of your enemies."

[@afi]

@CardiohallPictures - You can watch a special broadcast of the film with an introduction from President Obama on USA Network at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on April 7.

[@jeffshannon6914]

I've been an AFI card carrying member since 1992, though at a lower level Chris Merrill head of it sent me lots of free jazz! *Hopkins Hannibal Lechter was voited #1 movie villain on same show

[@georgehenderson7783]

1:31 Scout in 2012!

[@jeffcampbell2400]

I would have been a much better Human with Atticus Finch as my father. I so thank humanity for having the ability to create such a monumital work of literature.

[@ericmasters9680]

''You'll be alone and against each other'' and I never forget that.

[@jeffcampbell2400]

Thank you so much for this.

[@carollomax9524]

Thank you.

[@Bozewani]

Finding a child in Alabama to play Atticus Finch's daughter facepalm can't remember her name would be brutally difficult. Imagine the kind of bullying the person would have to endure

[@renaxla8736]

Jean Louise "Scout" Finch

[@knwngthwrds]

is AFI's 100 Years... 100 Songs on KZbin? I can't find the opening anywhere...

[@Danbo22987]

I'm auditioning for this role in my school play!

[@027220]

Is it possible to see the other characters?

[@CardiohallPictures]

:'( Well, now I have to go watch this movie again.

[@emilynicole1234]

I dunno... I think people sometimes forget the book especially is told through the POV of a child who doesn't get older than eight or nine who ADORES her father. He probably really isn't that perfect - it was just Harper Lee getting into the mind of a child. I'm sure if the book had been told from Jem's POV we would have seen Atticus completely differently. Just my two cents! :)

[@dareisnogod5711]

Next time, keep your money.

[@henrybockmon9398]

Emily Nicole I'm sure you will never see this but you are wrong. Go back and read the book again. It is clear the POV is an older Scout who is recalling the events of TKAM many years later.

[@skyeslaton3435]

Gregory peck is a legend

[@Jjdb8211]

Atticus Finch is mah waifu!1!

[@Assistme-com]

immortal...

[@jeffcampbell2400]

Perfection

[@t3nace]

The number one hero in movie history is actually a lawyer, the most despised profession after bankers and tax collectors. Funny isn't it?

[@jeffcampbell2400]

Kayla you will be missed. You have no idea how much.

[@luisenrique7240]

RIP GREGORY PECK 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@TimesFM4532]

I don’t want you to thing bravery is holding a gun it’s doing what you know is right despite knowing it’s hard

[@FamilyFirstJ]

Nice

[@steft7903]

Why do the kids call him by his name, rather then dad? Or father?

[@НатальяСамсунг-п4и]

Всё равно я считаю, что Грегори Пек слишком красив и молод для роли Аттикуса Финча. Хотя сыграл прекрасно!

[@PLOttawa]

This was a great segment but would've really liked to have seen a voice representing the black community's interpretation of the legendary movie.

[@Lilmovieman27]

Eat your heart out avengers

[@Miss.6ixEdits]

No dislikes!:D

[@jeffcampbell2400]

Kayla

[@Lilmovieman27]

Pretty sure this is what we all need with the riots nowadays......

[@102936]

And Alex Forrest lmao

[@jeffcampbell2400]

Kayla to have a walk

[@doowoppingchainsawer]

It is stupid Hannibal Lector was the number one villain. He wasn't even the better villain IN THAT MOVIE!!!!

[@epichal4883]

That's entirely subjective. Jame Gumb was a terrific villain and deserves more credit, to a degree he's the better "antagonist" maybe but the list is about villains, not antagonists, hence why Alex and Travis are in it despite society being the greater antagonist in both Clockwork and Taxi Driver.

[@johnlloyd2913]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Cute movie here… 1:52 🔥💓 👇👇

[@Batman1989King]

The Number 1 Greatest Movie Hero is Michael Keaton Batman in my world!!!!!!

[@jeffcampbell2400]

Kayla too talk

[@infintiyward]

boo radley

[@aticusfinch4832]

it is NEVER fitting and proper or even prudent...to judge anyone until sufficient evidence is at hand. If it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, Sounds like a duck...still MIGHT be a doppleganger with a DUCK soundtrack!

[@doowoppingchainsawer]

Oh, and obviously Superman should have been the number one hero. Come on, man.

[@infoexcavator]

I mean that he was made to seem like a perfect person. He had less flaws than Jesus!

[@epichal4883]

That's bullshit, if he was perfect he would have won the trial. I get your point but mine is, that's an absolute pissy claim to make of such a character. There's people in real life who are simply that good, Atticus is based on the author's very own dad, just because we live in a shitty world where men like him seem like works of fiction doesn't mean that they are. Even then, that's part of whyhe deserved the No.1 spot, he's a hero that one looks up to instead of relating to. It's almost the same for Hannibal, he's too perfect of a villain, he's pretty much superhuman in what he does but he still deserved his spot because he's just that iconic.

[@gezzarandom]

@@epichal4883Atticus never stood a chance of winning the trial because the jury was blinded by prejudice. He would’ve won the appeal though.

[@jeffcampbell2400]

Tolerance

[@infoexcavator]

I thought this character was childish, he was perfect in every way, like a propaganda poster.