AngusThermopyle Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 I'm a movie addict. I love all genres and subjects. The one stipulation that I have is that it has to be well made and be boith informing or entertaining. Thats actually a pretty broad and demanding stipulation when you think about it. I'll try to categorize this but it'll be tough, after all. Does "The Deer Hunter" fit the Drama/Human Interest section or the War section, you be the judge of that. So what are your choices for your favourite/ best movies of all time? The ones that left a lasting impresion on you, the ones you still remeber to this day. These are a few of my favourites. Drama and Human Interest The Graduate - The young Dustin Hoffman, He was also exceptional in The Straw Dogs. The Deer Hunter - The young Robert Deniro with an equaly young Kristopher Walken. Christiane F - A true story about the stark and unforgiving nature of life in West Berlin during the late 60's/early 70's. The Apartement - This one is rare. very hard to find. It also defies catagorization. Lorenzo's Oil War/Conflict Zulu (1964) - The story of the epic battle that garnered more Victoria Crosses than any other single engagemeent in recent recorded history. Das Boat- The best Submarine movie ever made, a rare classic. Schindlers List- This is such a very important movie. Eveyone should see it. Apocalypse Now - The quintessential Vietnam movie. Full Metal Jacket - Willem Dafoe at his best, also Charlie Sheen. Science Fiction The Forbiden Planet (1956)- Arguably the first of the the new age in science fiction movies/stories. This movie was the best of it's genre and competed directly with the War Of The Worlds which was released a couple of years earlier. Logans Run - Of special note. This was the first movie to win an Academy Award for the newely created category of Special Effects bck in 76. Close Encounters Of The Third Kind Alien+Aliens Comedy The Gods Must Be Crazy - A rare and under appreciated comedy gem from some little production firm in Africa. Monty Python And The Search For The Holy Grail The Life Of Brian - Controversial but a masterpeice of humour from the usual culprits. Shawn Of The Dead - I just love this movie. Typical understated low key British humour mixed with the absurd. Trailer Park Boys - Home grown comedy that just makes you laugh no matter how stupid you think it is. Fantasy Labrynth Willow The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy - What needs to be said? The ultimate Fantasy movie and story. Pans Labrynth - This is a fantastic movie. From the first moments it grabs you and keeps you riveted to the story. Tin Man- A really long but really entertaining update to the Wizard Of Oz story. So? What are your picks? And what are your reasons for those choices? Purely for entertainment sake, or for ideas that will stimulate a different point of view? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogOnPorch Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 Mob Movies Public Enemy w/ James Cagney Casino & Goodfellas Godfather 1&2 The Departed Once Upon A Time In America Long Good Friday Donnie Brasco Bugsy (The Sopranos not a movie...but the best mob story) I'm sure there's a few more...like Scarface (both versions) Your war movie section has a blooper. I think you're refering to Platoon re: Full Metal Jacket (also a great movie) War I agree Deer Hunter is one of the best movies ever made. Schindler's List as well. Das Boot should be seen in the 5 hour German version. Zulu and the other one...Roarke's Drift are superb. Lots of action. Murphy's War Apocalypse Now (Redux if I'm in the mood) Ever see 1993's 'Gettysburg'? Comedy Cheech y Chong's 'Up In Smoke' and 'Next Movie' Monty Python's Life of Brian Animal House (musy be uncut) Neighbors (Belushi and Akroyd at their best) I'm sure I'll come up with some more... ----------------------------------------------- You dirty, double-crossing rat. ---James Cagney Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HisSelf Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 (edited) I'm big on historical drama. Did anybody see the series "Rome" on the history channel? It sort of played fast a loose with historical fact, but it recreated the social ambience of ancient Rome so well. I thought it was terrific. Like DogOnPorch I really liked Once Upon a Time in America and Donny Brasco. Deer Hunter, Das Boot, Zulu, Apocalypse Now, Goodfellas. Godfather was bullshit as far as I am concerned. Trailer Park Boys is entertaining but really? Come on. The Gods Must Be Crazy. An extraordinary movie. Brilliant really. I mean really, really brilliant. One movie I haven't seen mentioned here is De Sica's "The Bicycle Thieves". A great essay on the aftermath of war. Another really brilliant movie. It made his reputation and well it should. Doesn't get enough credit IMHO. I'd love to see a Japanese equivalent. Grass' novel ' The Tin Drum' sort of gets there but De Sica did it so simply and so cleanly. Edited August 24, 2008 by HisSelf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogOnPorch Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 I'm big on historical drama. Did anybody see the series "Rome" on the history channel. Yes. I wish they would have played it out in a marathon as well. The Gods Must Be Crazy. An extraordinary movie. Brilliant really. I mean really brilliant. Agreement. Even the second one had its moments. Just not as brilliant. ------------------------------------ Look THAT up in your Funk and Wagnall's. ---Dan Rowan (Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M.Dancer Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 My movie favourites are pretty run of the mill.... Lawrence of Arabia Spartacus The Great Escape Mrs Miniver The Sound of Music Casablanca Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence Soldier Blue A funny thing happened on the way to the Forum Blade Runner Mediterrano Seven Samuria Cyrano Robin Hood Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogOnPorch Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 My movie favourites are pretty run of the mill....Lawrence of Arabia Spartacus The Great Escape Mrs Miniver The Sound of Music Casablanca Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence Soldier Blue A funny thing happened on the way to the Forum Blade Runner Mediterrano Seven Samuria Cyrano Robin Hood Many greats there. Most of them on my list, for sure. The rest...merely haven't seen or am unsure if I've seen. Merry Xmas Mr Lawrence was particularly good. Here's a few more... Comedy The Great Dictator The Party Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines The Great Race It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World Dr Strangelove Horror Nosferatu Night of the Living Dead The Shining Count Dracula (BBC: 1977 w/ Louis Jourdan) Tales From the Crypt (original w/ Joan Collins) War (Russia) Cross of Iron Stalingrad Enemy At The Gates Dr Zhivago ---------------------------------------------------- They're coming to get you, Barbara. ---Night of the Living Dead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HisSelf Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 Yes. I wish they would have played it out in a marathon as well. Apparently there's a second season coming. Mark yer calendar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogOnPorch Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 Apparently there's a second season coming. Mark yer calendar! I shall. --------------------- Et tu, Brute? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HisSelf Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 Reading DOP's response to M.Dancer, I am seeing Lawrence of Arabia, Casablanca and Mediterrano. Mediterrano is another brilliant one. And of course Cassablanca, whihc I think should be considered in light of the Sikh/Maru debate in other parts of this site. And I would like to add Captain Corelli's Mandolin. The play between Cage, the Italian fascist officer and Penelope Cruz. What man could resist falling in love with Penelope Cruz? The entire Greek resistance rendered in a simple human relationship. Brilliant. A fantasy perhaps, but so historically accurate. A big movie. Lawrence. Yes. But M. Dancer, do you see the implications of this in the Middle East regarding the aspirations Britain kindled for a pan-Arab state and the role of the Hashemites? I am taking you off of ignore because I would really like to hear your response to this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest American Woman Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 Ever see 1993's 'Gettysburg'? I did and really liked it. The book it's based on, The Killer Angels, is really good too. I happened to be in Gettysburg when they were filming the movie, so it was pretty eerie-- especially at night-- to hear the cannon and gun shots in the distance. Can't say I'm a real big fan of war movies, yet my favorite movie of all times is Gone With the Wind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melanie_ Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 Great movies mentioned so far. Here's a few of mine... Platoon - saw it on the big screen - I had to walk out of the theatre, walk around the lobby a bit, remind myself it was just a movie, and then go back in and watch the rest. One of the most intense movie experiences of my life. For the chick flick viewers among us - Sophie's Choice. Every mother's worst nightmare, vividly portrayed. For the pure fun of popcorn movies - Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves... A Knight's Tale... The Princess Bride The last movie to make me cry - Black Snake Moan. Christina Ricci was amazing. AW, Gone With the Wind is one of my favourites, too! When I was younger, I always wished I was named Scarlett, not Melanie, but I've mellowed into the name over time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdobbin Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 I'm a movie addict. I love all genres and subjects.And what are your reasons for those choices? Purely for entertainment sake, or for ideas that will stimulate a different point of view? Some good picks. Zulu is one that a lot of people haven't seen. Michael Caine's first movie. If you take a look at your list, you have to wonder why so many of them don't air on TV all that much. Grr. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdobbin Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 The last movie to make me cry - Black Snake Moan. Christina Ricci was amazing. I have a feeling that this movie will enjoy more of a cult status several years from now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngusThermopyle Posted August 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 Some good choices so far, you guys have reminded me of some I'd forgotten. Cant believe I forgot about 2001 for the sci fi category. Trailer Park Boys is kinda a reching choice, I'm not a huge fan of comedy so I kind of drew a blank on that one. Enemy At The Gates is another superb choice for the war category, a rather obscure one I really enjoyed is The Beast, about a T-72 crew in Afghanistan and the saga that unfolds due to the brutality of the tank commander. Amazon is a great place to find the obscure classics that just aren't around any more. My movie collection is back up to around five hundred titles again, I did have about a thousand but now my ex owns those, oh well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogOnPorch Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 Ah, yes. "The Beast". Excellent movie. Do you remember 'Tank Boy'? The clever old salt commander who used to lowered via rope onto the German tanks in Stalingrad armed w/ anti-tank mines? A real hard-azz if I recall. I believe the protagonist was called 'The Poet' or something like that. Last seen in the 80s for me...so a bit fuzzy. You knew what 'track jelly' was by the end of that flick. The Afghanis were usually just shadows...rarely seen. Scary at times. You really felt for those lost n' low-on-fuel Russian tankers. Another superb war movie is 1970's US/Japanese made "Tora, Tora, Tora!"!. Pearl Harbor done right down to the letter. Excellent history. 'Arnold' from "Happy Days" was in it...or was that the somewhat flawed "Midway"? Either way...both worth a watch back-to-back. You used to see the various planes from "Tora, Tora, Tora!" and "Catch-22" (Dick Cheney's hand book) at air shows in the 70s-80s. ------------------------------------------------------------ Just after 7am the two airmen posted at the remote radar unit spot the incoming Japanese aircraft and inform the Pearl Harbor Information Center, but the Lieutenant in charge dismisses the report, thinking it is a group of American B-17 bombers coming from the mainland and frankly too tired to care (he simply says in a tired voice, "Don't worry about it," then hangs up the phone.) ---Wikipedia on "Tora, Tora, Tora!"! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogOnPorch Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 I did and really liked it. The book it's based on, The Killer Angels, is really good too. I happened to be in Gettysburg when they were filming the movie, so it was pretty eerie-- especially at night-- to hear the cannon and gun shots in the distance.Can't say I'm a real big fan of war movies, yet my favorite movie of all times is Gone With the Wind. I have to say I really liked "Gettysburg"; again, good history. "Glory", no matter how good the acting, pales in comparrison. "Gone With The Wind": Probably on most folks 'favorites list'. 'The Simpsons' has used the wounded at Atlanta scene many times over the years. ------------------------------------------------- With enough courage, you can do without a reputation. ---Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest American Woman Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 AW, Gone With the Wind is one of my favourites, too! When I was younger, I always wished I was named Scarlett, not Melanie, but I've mellowed into the name over time. That's cute. Melanie was the 'good one,' and it's a cute name, but Scarlett had an appeal all her own, eh? I used to worry about everything, but I've learned to live her 'tomorrow is another day' philosophy-- and it's served me well. Platoon - saw it on the big screen - I had to walk out of the theatre, walk around the lobby a bit, remind myself it was just a movie, and then go back in and watch the rest. I had to laugh at that because that's so me! That's the good thing about DVD's/OnDemand-- I can pause and settle down and go back without missing anything. For the chick flick viewers among us - Sophie's Choice. Every mother's worst nightmare, vividly portrayed. Sophie's Choice is a good example of a movie I had to take a break from. It actually took me a few tries before I could actually watch the part where she makes her choice, and it bothered me for some time after. Needless to say, I'm not one of those people who can watch a movie knowing emotionally that 'it's only a movie.' Souns like we have that in common. The last movie to make me cry - Black Snake Moan. Christina Ricci was amazing. Never heard of that movie. I'll have to make a point of watching it. Last movie to make me cry: "Eight Below." Not sure what category this would fit in, but my daughter's favorite movie is "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," which is a really good performance by a then relatively unknown Leonardo DiCaprio. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capricorn Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 A lot of great pics highlighted so far some of which I totally enjoyed. I’m not a comedy movie fan. The only comedy I really liked was The Mask with Jim Carrey. Smokin’. I do like adventure movies with a splash of romance notably Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) with Harrison Ford and Karen Allen. This b/w oldie crime/drama stands out because of Susan Hayward’s powerful performance and the death penalty angle. I Want to Live (Susan Hayward-Oscar best actress award) I Want to Live! (1958) is a drama film noir directed by Robert Wise which tells the "true" story of a woman, Barbara Graham, convicted of murder and facing execution. It features Susan Hayward, Simon Oakland, Stafford Repp, and Theodore Bikel. The movie was adapted from articles written by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ed Montgomery based on letters written by Ms. Graham. It was produced by Walter Wanger and directed by Robert Wise.[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Want_to_Live! Historical films are high on my list of favs such as Nicholas and Alexandra (1971). The tragic story of Nicholas II, the last Czar of Russia, set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution. It is an inside look into the private lives of Nicholas and his wife Alexandra, their daughters, and the painful secret which bound the Imperial Couple to the mystical Rasputin, and the eventual execution of the entire family. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067483/ I have to mention this TV mini-series which I would watch again, preferably in the dead of winter with endless bowls of popcorn and a cosy afghan wrap. I was fascinated with the insights into the Roman Catholic hierarchy. The Thorn Birds In 1983 it was adapted as a television mini-series that, during its television run, became the United States' second highest rating mini-series of all time behind Roots; both series were produced by television veteran David L. Wolper. The mini-series starred Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward, Barbara Stanwyck, Christopher Plummer, Bryan Brown, Mare Winningham, Philip Anglim, and Jean Simmons. It was directed by Daryl Duke. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thorn_Birds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest American Woman Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 I have to say I really liked "Gettysburg"; again, good history. "Glory", no matter how good the acting, pales in comparrison."Gone With The Wind": Probably on most folks 'favorites list'. 'The Simpsons' has used the wounded at Atlanta scene many times over the years. ------------------------------------------------- With enough courage, you can do without a reputation. ---Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) I like the quote! I love history so I love historical fiction/movies, and for some reason I'm particularly fascinated with the Civil War era. I've never seen "Glory." Was that about the battle at Gettysburg too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capricorn Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 I used to worry about everything, but I've learned to live her 'tomorrow is another day' philosophy-- and it's served me well. The line I remember the most from Gone With the Wind is when she is kneeling in a garden, plucks a carrot from the ground and shouts defiantly: As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again. Well I've been there and knew what she spoke of. Thinking about that scene still makes my eyes misty. AW, pass the kleenex....sniff... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RB Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 I like the old classics - I like the way the folks talked back in the 50's, 60's My first movie as a little girl I remembered seeing is in the mid 70's - KING KONG - my dad took me - so it is one of my special movies, and the 10 Commandments (b&w) Other recent movies Chicago The Producers Now, I like the feel good movies also called (chick flicks). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
August1991 Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 Interesting thread and I'll respond longer maybe. I enjoy watching movies. Schindlers List- This is such a very important movie. Eveyone should see it.Schindler's List has appeared on several posts here and I must respond.I was recently in Poland and as I walked around and spoke to people, I realized something that I'd always suspected: Schindler's List is a Steven Speilberg/Hollywood version of reality. At his best, Spielberg is a superb craftsman - like in the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan. But Spielberg lacks the depth to portray the truth. Polanski's The Pianist comes closer because of its artistry but I think even Polanski doesn't know how to deal with this part of Polish history. Schindler's List? Sorry, it's like watching the CBC. But speaking of Polanski, go rent Chinatown. It's possibly the best movie of the 20th Century. Robert Evans took an impossible script from Robert Towne and then let Polanski turn it into a masterpiece. Movie making is complicated and good movies are collaborative efforts. Even David Lean worked with Robert Bolt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogOnPorch Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 (edited) I like the quote! I love history so I love historical fiction/movies, and for some reason I'm particularly fascinated with the Civil War era. I've never seen "Glory." Was that about the battle at Gettysburg too? No. "Glory" was about the first black regiment that served in the Union Army back during the Civil War: the '54th Mass'. Still a very good movie with some intense battle scenes. A little preachy, though. But it works well with the plot, I suppose. Perhaps Matthew Broderick's best movie. Some more to jog yer memories. Papillon (Hope and despair) American Graffiti (The Music...the mood) My Cousin Vinnie (Pesci classic) Oscar (w/ Sylvester Stallone...great fun) To Sir, With Love (Kind of cliche', but for 1967 it was groundbreaking. Poitier's most famous movie) Paper Moon (Like father, like daughter) The Sting (Scott Joplin soundtrack!) The Man Who Would Be King (High Adventure in Afghanistan) Guess Who's Coming To Dinner? (Spencer Tracy at his best, same groundbreaking stuff as "To Sir") Deliverance (Again, the music...the atmosphere) Unforgiven/Pale Rider/Outlaw Josey Wales (Three different Clints...or the same?) Yellow Roles Royce (star studded cast) Paint Your Wagon (Gotta love Lee Marvin) Airport (Dean Martin doing serious acting?) Mississippi Burning (powerful stuff...1963-64 brought to life) Dances With Wolves (like Das Boot, Kevin Costner uses long, seemingly pointless scenes to convay the mood of the open vastness of the early West.) Road Kill (Canadian indy classic about bands touring in northern Ontario. Warped) Terminator (c'mon...the first one was truely cool) Slaughter House 5 (Billy? Billy Pilgrim??) Halloween (Jamie-Lee Curtis inventing the modern slasher film. Scary 300k to make: 47mil at the box) Apocalypto (Mel Gibson's remarkably well done epic. No Jews or Christs in sight) A Fish Called Wanda/Fierce Creatures (Cleese-ian fun) The Magic Christian (Starr and Sellars...plus Cleese's first appearance on film) Quest For Fire (love the trapped up a tree scene) Hawaii + The Hawaiians (Michener's novel in two movies: 1966 and 1970) Quatermass and the Pit/Five Million Years to Earth (Hammer Horror classic. Nightmares for weeks as a kid) ------------------------------------- I see dead people... Edited August 26, 2008 by DogOnPorch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M.Dancer Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 Lawrence. Yes. But M. Dancer, do you see the implications of this in the Middle East regarding the aspirations Britain kindled for a pan-Arab state and the role of the Hashemites? I am taking you off of ignore because I would really like to hear your response to this. No I don't think the cinematography had any impact at all on the arabs. They wanted independence long before Peter O'Toole even read the script. Omar Sharif on the otherhand encapsulized the dilemma of the Arabs, in order to hate each other less, they have to hate someone else more. I also likes the sound track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M.Dancer Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 ------------------------------------- I see dead people... Papillon (Hope and despair) Yes Brilliant American Graffiti (The Music...the mood) Pass My Cousin Vinnie (Pesci classic) On a slow day Oscar (w/ Sylvester Stallone...great fun) Pass To Sir, With Love (Kind of cliche', but for 1967 it was groundbreaking. Poitier's most famous movie) BrilliantPaper Moon (Like father, like daughter) Pass The Sting (Scott Joplin soundtrack!) Slow day The Man Who Would Be King (High Adventure in Afghanistan) A Ripping Good Yarn (as most Sean and Michael film are) Guess Who's Coming To Dinner? (Spencer Tracy at his best, same groundbreaking stuff as "To Sir") Briloiant Deliverance (Again, the music...the atmosphere) Once is enough Unforgiven/Pale Rider/Outlaw Josey Wales (Three different Clints...or the same?) Once in a while Yellow Roles Royce (star studded cast) Now that's one I haven't seen in eons Paint Your Wagon (Gotta love Lee Marvin) On a rainy sunday Airport (Dean Martin doing serious acting?) No No No Mississippi Burning (powerful stuff...1963-64 brought to life) Haven't seen it Dances With Wolves (like Das Boot, Kevin Costner uses long, seemingly pointless scenes to convay the mood of the open vastness of the early West.) Once is enough Road Kill (Canadian indy classic about bands touring in northern Ontario. Warped) Haven't seen it Terminator (c'mon...the first one was truely cool) Yes it was Slaughter House 5 (Billy? Billy Pilgrim??) Good, Like Perrine, prefer the book Halloween (Jamie-Lee Curtis inventing the modern slasher film. Scary 300k to make: 47mil at the box) Pass Apocalypto (Mel Gibson's remarkably well done epic. No Jews or Christs in sight) Not yet A Fish Called Wanda/Fierce Creatures (Cleese-ian fun) On last week The Magic Christian (Starr and Sellars...plus Cleese's first appearance on film) Haven't seen it Quest For Fire (love the trapped up a tree scene) Knew a few extras in the movie Hawaii + The Hawaiians (Michener's novel in two movies: 1966 and 1970) So so Quatermass and the Pit/Five Million Years to Earth (Hammer Horror classic. Nightmares for weeks as a kid) Pass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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