Wall Street

In 1985, Bud Fox, an aspiring stockbroker, is determined to climb the corporate ladder. His idol is Gordon Gekko, a notorious corporate raider known for his ruthless tactics on Wall Street, representing a contrast to Bud's father's old-school work ethic.

On Gekko’s birthday, Bud takes a bold step to meet him, hoping to impress with stock pitches. However, Gekko dismisses Bud's efforts, leading him to make a desperate decision that changes everything.

Bud, in a bid to win over Gekko, shares insider information about Bluestar Airlines that he overheard from his father. This pivotal moment signals Bud's entry into the morally ambiguous world of insider trading.

After Bud's initial investments lead to losses, Gekko decides to take him under his wing. He begins to guide Bud in extracting insider information by any means necessary, igniting a moral conflict within Bud.

Bud is assigned to spy on British tycoon Sir Lawrence Wildman to gain insight into his corporate moves. This operation greatly benefits Gekko, who uses the information to profit and manipulate the stock market.

As Bud's wealth grows from his associations with Gekko, he indulges in a luxurious lifestyle. He moves into a lavish penthouse and starts dating Darien, an attractive interior decorator, marking a drastic shift in his life.

Bud devises a bold plan to acquire Bluestar Airlines with union funds, aiming to ascend to the presidency of the company. He seeks his father's support, despite Carl's reservations regarding Gekko's influence.

Bud's world shatters when he learns of Gekko's true intentions to dismantle Bluestar Airlines and exploit its pension plan. The revelation hits hard, especially after his father suffers a heart attack from the stress of the betrayal.

Motivated by guilt and a desire to protect his father and the factory workers, Bud decides to defy Gekko. He starts plotting to artificially inflate Bluestar's stock price with a plan to bring it down for personal gain.

Bud collaborates secretly with union leaders and Sir Lawrence Wildman to execute his plan against Gekko. Together, they aim to manipulate the stock market to their advantage, which leads to Gekko facing significant losses.

Despite his clever tactics, Bud is arrested by the Securities and Exchange Commission for insider trading. This moment reflects the consequences of his earlier choices and the corrupt environment he was entangled in.

In Central Park, Bud confronts Gekko during a tense exchange where accusations fly. This confrontation is pivotal as Bud secretly records Gekko incriminating himself, turning the tables in a morally gray game.

Bud decides to hand the incriminating tape to the authorities in exchange for leniency. This act highlights his ultimate choice to align with justice and accountability, despite the threat of prison time hanging over him.

As Bud’s parents drive him to court for sentencing, Carl expresses pride in Bud’s decision to protect Bluestar Airlines. This moment solidifies Bud's moral redemption despite the looming consequences of his actions.

The film culminates with Bud approaching the courthouse steps, illustrating his commitment to integrity over greed. His journey symbolizes a complicated battle between ambition and moral resolution.