Well, these might not be traditional in their interpretation of "devastating events" and "transformation" (at least not in a positive sense), but I've always enjoyed plots that show how people can transform when they come into large sums of money.
The silent film
Greed by Erich Von Stroheim is probably the best example.
Treasure of the Sierra Madre.
Citizen Kane, of course.
Small Time Crooks by Woody Allen (an under-rated film in my opinion).
A more traditional choice might be
Places in the Heart which is about a Depression-era woman who is left in debt with her children after the sudden death of her husband.
For that matter,
Gone With the Wind might be a good choice, too.
I'll probably come up with more throughout the day.
Good thread, hagatha!
