Liberty Heights (1999)

Set in Eisenhower-era Baltimore, Barry Levinson’s potent ensemble drama Liberty Heights (1999) examines the social divisions that plagued America in the 1950s. Ben Foster and Adrien Brody star as Van and Ben Kurtzman, teenage brothers who attempt to break free of the boundaries of their tight-knit Jewish community. While Ben wades into a relationship with a pretty African-American girl (Rebekah Johnson), Van attempts to insert himself into an upper-crust Gentile clique. Levinson captures the difficulties that result from both decisions, although there are also plenty of positives. Kiersten Warren is one such highlight--the Iowa-born brunette plays a stripper who proves way too racy for the high-collared 1950s.