Oct
26
What are some of the incredible movies you have seen? Let us know.
Based on a suggestion from Velu we are starting this list. The movies could be in any language and need not be Indian. It could even be a short or a documentary
Post your responses in the format: Movie Name, Country of Origin, Language, Year of Release, A few lines on why you liked it. As always the comments are moderated so that fan wars are avoided. The response will be approved just based on your explanation of why you liked it, so please be thoughtful and non-impulsive.
October 26th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
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Ônibus 174 (Brazil)
Directed by José Padilha
Produced by José Padilha
Written by José Padilha
Starring Sandro Rosa do Nascimento
Release date(s) October 22, 2002
Running time 111 mins
Language: Portuguese
Documentary depicts what happened in Rio de Janeiro on June 12th 2000, when bus 174 was taken by an armed young man, threatening to shoot all the passengers. Transmitted live on all Brazilian TV networks, this shocking and tragic-ending event became one of violence’s most shocking portraits, and one of the scariest examples of police incompetence and abuse in recent years.
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Bus 174 is a scathing documentary that I got to see recently that totally shook me off my wits. For those of you who have been through the hustle and bustle of the bloodstained Rio De Janeiro streets in City of God and City of Men, Bus 174 would be a distinct cinematic experience that tells an equally harrowing tale sans all the gore.
October 26th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
VC,
I think I messed up the html tags. The IMDB link has disappeared somehow. Sorry abt that!
thx!
Velu.
October 27th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
This movie is probably on everyone’s list (k almost everyone)
Movie Name – The Shawshank Redemption
Country of Origin – USA
Language – English
Year of Release – 1994
Great storyline, wonderful direction and great acting.
Movie Name – The Score
Country of Origin – USA
Language – English
Year of Release – 2002
Great thriller…. very gripping.
Movie Name – The Score
Country of Origin – USA
Language – English
Year of Release – 2006
Bank robberies are my personal favorite, this movie is well made.
October 27th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Movie Name – Inside Man
Country of Origin – USA
Language – English
Year of Release – 2006
Bank robberies are my personal favorite, this movie is well made.
Messed up the name in the previous entry
October 28th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Indeed Binerry, The Shawshank Redemption is awesome! And so is Inside Man! I havent seen The Score as yet. Looking forward to that one, already!
Talking of heist moves brings to mind another classic film. This is a movie that experiments so much with its structure, that you shouldnt be surprised if you find yourself falling off the edge of ur seats!
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Before the Devil Knows You are Dead!(2007)
Directed by Sidney Lumet
Written by Kelly Masterson
Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney,
Marisa Tomei, Rosemary Harris
Music by Carter Burwell
Cinematography Ron Fortunato
Editing by Tom Swartwout
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Release date(s) October 26, 2007
Running time 123 min.
Country United States
Language English
October 28th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
@Velu – If you liked inside man you mite like The Bank Job, Italian Job.
October 28th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I’ve recently explored into S. Korean cinema.
They make some awesome stuff there: both commercial and art-house. Some of the filmmakers I’ve explored include Park Chan-wook, Bong Joon-ho, Kim Ji-woon, and Kim Ki-duk.
The most famous among them, internationally, would be Park and his film:
“Oldboy” (2003) /won Grand Prix @ Cannes
Language: Korean
Directed by Park Chan-wook
Written by Park, Hwang Jo-yun, Lim Chun-hyeong, and Lim Joon-hyung.
based on a Japanese comic (manga) by Garon Tsuchiya.
Starring: Choi Min-sik, Yu Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong.
Music by Jo Yeong-wook.
Cinematography: Jeong Jeong-hoon
The film is about a person who has been locked up for 15 years. The character’s investigation behind his imprisonment leads to some pretty shocking discoveries.
This film is just incredible because of the fresh style Park has incorporated, the great acting by Choi, the gorgeous cinematography, but above everything else the emotional extremes that Park takes us into. This film is part of the “Vengeance trilogy” along with two other films. They are:
“Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” (2002)
Directed by Park
Written by Park, Lee Jae-sun, Lee Mu-yeong, and Lee Yong-jong.
Starring Song Kang-ho, Shin Ha-kyun, and Bae Doona
This film is the first part of “vengeance trilogy”. It’s about a kidnapping that has gone wrong. Obviously, the main theme is revenge and how it affects other characters.
“Sympathy for Lady Vengeance” (2005)
Starring: Lee Young Ae, Choi Min-sik…
It’s about a woman, who was wrongly accused of murder, seeking revenge on the man who was the real killer. Park brings in a completely different world in this film. Great acting by the gorgeous Ms. Lee.
Of course the film that brought attention to Park was
“Joint Security Area” (2000)
directed and written by Park/ based on a Korean novel
Starring: Lee Young Ae, Lee Byung-Hun, and Song Kang-ho.
Its essentially a thriller, a commercial feature.
It takes place in the N/S Korean border.
……………………………………………………
I’ll comment on the other directors and their films soon.
** Korean names start with their last name/family name, their first name appears after that (which is of two syllables)
October 28th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
The French film:
“Rififi” (1955)
This film is the grandfather of all heist films.
Directed by American Jules Dassin
Written by Jules Dassin, with the participation of René Wheeler and Auguste le Breton
Language: French
Starring: Jean Servais, Carl Möhner, Robert Manuel, Janine Darcey, Robert Hossein
The film is about the robbery planned by 4 guys and how things go downhill. Considered to be one of the best film noirs.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Back to S Korean cinema:
“Memories of Murder” (2003)
Directed and written by Bong Joon-ho
Starring Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung, Kim Roe-ha, Park Hae-il, Byeon Hee-bong.
Its based on real events that happened during the late 80s in South Korea, about serial murders. Bong has a refreshing style unlike the cliched. It follows the detectives that are following the case and their journey through the investigation. The film explores the corruption and other negative aspects that happened among S Korean policeman in the 80s. A completely realistic film with no definitive answers. Since its based on a true story, a real serial killer whose identity still hasn’t been uncovered, the film doesn’t give a conclusion either. It just shows everything from the cop’s point of view.
“The Host” (2006)
Directed and written by Bong Joon-ho
Starring the versatile Song Kang-ho, Byeon Hee-bong, Park Hae-il, Bae Doona, Ko Ah-seong.
This film is a monster film. Some times remindes me of the japanese godzilla movies from the 50s. Its about a quirky family, a young girl from the family gets taken away by this monster. The film is about the family’s rescue of the girl. Underneath the monster movie image, the film is also a satire.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNbZE8NX0nk
October 28th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
“A Bittersweet Life” (2005)
Directed and written by Kim Ji-woon
Language: Korean
Country: S Korea
Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Hwang Jung-min, Kim Yeong-cheol, Kim Roe-ha, Lee Gi-yeong, and Shin Min-ah
Cinematographer: Kim Ji-yong
Music by Jang Yeong-gyu and Dal Palan
The story essentially takes place inside some form of Korean form.
Its about the mis-communication between Lee’s character (Sun-woo) and his boss. And the consequences because of that: Sun-woo gets almost killed, he was on the top of the mob and suddenly he comes down. The rest of the film is about his revenge.
Another film of Kim’s that I have to see is “A Tale of Two Sisters” (2003).
His latest is “The Good, the Bad, the Weird” (2008)/which looks awesome
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imgdpz_0m-8
inspired by Sergio Leone’s sphagetti western.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
CORRECTION
“The story essentially takes place inside some form of Korean form.”
I meant Korean mob.
sorry
October 28th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
S Korean film
“Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring” (2003)
Directed and written by Kim Ki-duk
Starring Su Oh-yeong, Kim Young-min, Seo Jae-kyung, Kim Jong-ho, and Ha Yeo-jin.
Its basically an art-house film that explores, well, life.
It shows the life of a Buddhist monk from childhood to adulthood through the different seasons.
Still have to explore more of Kim Ki-duk’s films.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Well, that was a lot of typing.
I guess I could go next into my fav Akira Kurosawa.
and the other two giants of Japanese cinema:
Yasujiro Ozu and Kenji Mizoguchi.
October 28th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Well, since Lumet was already mentioned with his latest film, I would like to add his first.
“12 Angry Men” (1957)
Directed by Sidney Lumet
Written by Reginald Rose
Language: English/ Country: US
with an incredible cast of Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb (reminds me of Thilakan), E. G. Marshall, John Fiedler, Jack Klugman, Martin Balsam, Jack Warden, Ed Begley…
This film is about a court case. The interesting thing is the story begins after the court trial, inside the juror’s room (consisting of 12 jurors). The whole film takes place inside this room. Basically, the film is about this case: where a boy is convicted of murder. The jurors have to decide if he is guilty or not. All the evidence is against the boy, 11 jurors think he is guilty. The film explores the juror’s point of view on the case in an enclosed room.
Amazing that this was Lumet’s debut. Very few directors can do such an amazing job on their first feature.
October 28th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Halloween is coming up. I thought about mentioning one of the masters of horror: Miike.
“Ichi the Killer” (2001)
Directed by Takashi Miike
Written by Sakichi Sat?/based on Hideo Yamamoto’s comic
Cast: Tadanobu Asano (the Johnny Depp of Japan), Shinya Tsukamoto,
Nao Omori, Alien Sun.
Language: Japanese/ Country: Japan
To make it simple the plot is, as imdb says “When a Yakuza boss named Anjo disappears with 300 million yen, his chief henchman, a sadomasochistic man named Kakihara, and the rest of his mob goons go looking for him.”
The film has a lot crazy characters. Its essentially a drama but with the heightened violence its essentially horror. When it premiered at the Toronto Film Festival vomit bags were given out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coiVr5Pl4-s
October 28th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
“Last Life in the Universe” (2003)
Directed by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang
Written by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang and Prabda Yoon
Cast: Tadanobu Asano, Sinitta Boonyasak, Laila Boonyasak
Language: Thai, English, Japanese/ Country: Thailand
Its a film about a suicidal yakuza hiding in Thailand as a librarian.
And the whole film is about his encounter with a Thai girl. Its interesting to note their conversation. Mainly because they aren’t too good with English or the other person’s language. Its a mix of the 3 languages. In my opinion, its Ratanaruang’s best film to date.
It did win a FIPRESCI award.
October 28th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I recommend “Last Life in the Universe” to all fans of cinema.
Its just incredible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
to others, don’t be discouraged even though its an art-house.
October 28th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
forgot to mention, the awesome Christopher Doyle is the cinematographer for “Last Life in the Universe”.
Doyle has done the cinematography in most of Wong Kar-Wai’s films.
I’ll put one of his films in the next post.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:55 am
“Chungking Express” (1994)
Directed and written by Wong Kar-wai
Language: Cantonese / Country: Hong Kong
Music by Frankie Chan
Cinematography: Chris Doyle and Wai-keung Lau
Starring Brigitte Lin, Tony Leung Chiu Wai (most might know him through “Infernal Affairs”), Faye Wong, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Valerie Chow.
The film shows two stories that are not completely connected to each other. Basically, about the relationship between two cops and two gals.
It a completely unique film. Has a lot of influences from the French New Wave. Quentin Tarantino loved this film so much that he released it through Marimax studio in the US.
Criterion collection recently released it. (their quality is super but quite expensive).
http://www.criterion.com/asp/release.asp?id=453
film critic James Berardenelli describes it best:
“Wong infuses his films with style and energy. His hand-held camera is restless, always moving and shifting. The action sequences are punctuated with unusual shots and stop-motion jumps. By filming Chungking Express in such rich, vibrant manner, the director uses visual images to underscore his themes. Once the viewer gets past bouts of confusion (the film demands more than one viewing), the result is a uniquely memorable look at the ties that bind all people, as presented through two deceptively simple stories.”
http://www.reelviews.net/movies/c/chungking.html
October 29th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Wow, James!! Thats an extensive list already. I haven’t seen many of those, and I am especially curious about the last film by Wong Kar-wai. Because it brings to my mind my next offering to this list.
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Days of Being Wild
Directed by Wong Kar-wai
Produced by Rover Tang
Written by Wong Kar-wai
Starring Leslie Cheung, Maggie Cheung, Andy Lau & Carina Lau
Release date(s) 1991 (Hong Hong)
Running time 94 min (UK)
Country Hong Kong
Language Cantonese
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Perhaps a bit too realistic, this Wong Kar-wai film is a must-see for the rawness that it shamlessly puts on show. There’s nothing spectacular about the story as such, but the directorial flourishes that are all too evident had me floored all through!
October 29th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
“bit too realistic”
that’s pure cinema…
started w/ Italian neo-realism in the 40s
then went on to the French New Wave in the 60s
then to Americans like Scorsese, Coppola…
nowadays its called “art film”.
October 29th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
the godfather of all action movies that has influenced Hollywood and all other major film industries…
“Seven Samurai”
Directed by AKIRA KUROSAWA
Written by Kurosawa and Shinobu Hashimoto
Cinematography: Asakazu Nakai
Starring TOSHIRO MIFUNE, TAKASHI SHIMURA, Daisuke Kato, Minoru Chiaki, Isao Kimura, Yoshio Inaba, and Seiji Miyaguchi.
Music by Fumio Hayasaka
Language: Japanese/ Country: Japan
Seven ronin samurai come together to protect a village under the attack of bandits. The plot’s as simple as that.
But this film revolutionized basic story telling.
A place where they offer some deep analysis: http://criticalculture.blogspo.....photo.html
Steven Spielberg called once Kurosawa “the pictorial Shakespeare of our time.”
Marty Scorsese said “The term ‘giant’ is used too often to describe artists. But in the case of Akira Kurosawa, we have one of the rare instances where the term fits.”
October 29th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
“Seven Samurai” was released in 1954.
I knew I forgot something.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNqQXC8Tv8U
October 29th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
“Magnolia” (1999)
Directed and written by P.T. Anderson (one of the best filmmakers of my generation)
Starring Jeremy Blackman, Tom Cruise, Melinda Dillon, April Grace, Luis Guzmán, Philip Baker Hall, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ricky Jay, William H. Macy, Alfred Molina, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Jason Robards, and Melora Walters.
Music by Jon Brion
Cinematography Robert Elswit
Language: English / Country: US
The story is quite complex, as it connects many characters together.
But as film critic Roger Ebert says “Magnolia” is the kind of film I instinctively respond to. Leave logic at the door. Do not expect subdued taste and restraint, but instead a kind of operatic ecstasy. At three hours it is even operatic in length, as its themes unfold, its characters strive against the dying of the light, and the great wheel of chance rolls on toward them.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwXDHSrNFbQ
October 29th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
“Hard Boiled” (1992)
Directed by John Woo
Written by Barry Wong
Starring superstar Chow Yun-Fat, the incredible Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Teresa Mo Sun-Kwan, Anthony Wong Chau-Sang, Philip Chan Yan-Kin, Bowie Lam Bo-Yi, Philip Kwok Chun-Fung, Kwan Hoi-San, Stephen Tung-Wa.
Country: Hong Kong / Language: Cantonese
The story basically is about a cop and another one, who is undercover, who plan on stopping the Triads in HK.
Woo’s film has influenced the Wachowski’s “The Matrix” in terms of action sequnces. And also other HK films like “Infernal Affairs”, in terms of drama. In fact Tony Leung starred in “Infernal Affairs” paying homage to his previous character in this film. “Infernal Affairs” inspired the remake of Scorsese’s “The Departed”.
This film even has influenced Shaji Kailas’s “Commissioner”. Unfortunately, that one turned out to create a new genre, which took over the traditional action genre in Kerala, called “spitting out Renjith ’s ‘cool’ dialogue” genre.
Here’s a tracking shot from the film which lasted 2-3 min!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTCymujrkMg
October 29th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
CORRECTION
Sorry, I meant to say “Renji Panicker’s ‘cool’…”.
their pretty similar though, but RP is worse.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
For Halloween its “Halloween” (1978)
Director : John Carpenter
This is movie that I will rate as top 5 horror movies of all time, because there is very less or no blood, no gore, no ghost. Story is that a 8 year old kills his sister and he is kept in an asylum for 15 years and he escapes and comes back to hometown to kill more people. Another important aspect of the movie is the music which sets a tempo. The direction is classic as he uses the right lighting and music at the rite time. Watch it its a timeless classic.
October 30th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
City of God (2002)
Directors: Fernando Meirelles
Kátia Lund (co-director)
Runtime: 130 min | Canada:135 min (Toronto International Film Festival)
Country: Brazil | France
Language: Portuguese
Writers: Paulo Lins (novel)
Bráulio Mantovani (screenplay)
Stunning! The story of the young drug lords of an old Rio de Janeiro told through the POV of a young journalist photographer. Brilliant photography, it has got one of the best steady-cam work you will ever see on screen. Its editing, cinematography and direction is sleek, almost reminding you of an ad (but I guarantee you its much more than that).
Its a disturbing (and painfully violent) series of events from the lives of some Rio local kids who grow up to be the biggest crimelords. It is a story told so well that it will keep you at the edge of your seat.
October 31st, 2008 at 9:00 am
One of the finest movie I saw in recent times is an Irish movie titles ‘Once’. It’s a musical movie and thankfully of the highly enjoyable type. The movie stars the Irish singer Glen Hansard in the lead role of a struggling singer.
Shot in highly realistic way, the movie is a treat to watch – be it in the lilting music, handheld camera shots or the lead actors who gave sterling performances.
More about the movie here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Once_(film)
October 31st, 2008 at 9:10 am
omg!
I was just about to do “City of God”…
awesome film indeed. Just saw it a month ago.
October 31st, 2008 at 1:58 pm
“it has got one of the best steady-cam work you will ever see on screen”
absolutely, the long takes (using the steady cam) are pretty amazing and raw…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoNATPsOsZk
check out the chicken scene
October 31st, 2008 at 2:39 pm
speaking about long takes…here’s another new one famous for that:
“Children of Men” (2006)
Directed by Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón
Written by Cuarón, based on PD James’s novel
Starring Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Charlie Hunnam
Clare-Hope Ashitey, Pam Ferris, Danny Huston, Peter Mullan
and lastly but not least Michael Caine (who does an interesting role).
Cinematography Emmanuel Lubezki (his most famous-> Burton’s “Sleepy Hallow”)
Music by John Tavener
Language: English/ Country: U.S.
Its considered to be a dystopian film just like Orwell’s novel “1984″.
The world (set in 2027)is almost like hell. With poverty, terrorism, etc. And there won’t be a new generation because infertility. It’s basically the end of the world. Owen’s character is basically escorting a girl, who’s pregnant, the first in 2 decades or so.
on the long takes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjNk-nxHjfM
November 1st, 2008 at 7:36 am
Pi (1998)
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Runtime: 84 min
Country: USA
Language: English
Dark, absorbing tale of obsessive compulsive mathematician Max Cohen who is bent on finding the universal pattern of everything. Shot completely on high contrast black and white film, this film is a cult classic that made Darren Aronofsky the best director that year at Sundance. This film shot on a shoestring budget of $60k is truly a milestone in independent filmmaking (in US)
November 1st, 2008 at 7:47 am
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Runtime: 102 min
Country: USA
Language: English
One of the most violent films that you will ever see in your life. Period. (Here violence in not in the sense of blood and gore). This is the second film from Aronofsky, a melancholic, disturbing tale of four people whose lives take drastic turns because of their respective substance addictions.
November 1st, 2008 at 10:56 am
heard a lot about those films. I have yet to see Aronofsky’s films.
November 2nd, 2008 at 3:20 am
strange – i didnt see anyone mention a malayalam movie on any of the lists. is it because they dont have the standard of an english/italian/ south korean movie?
November 2nd, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I didn’t see any English films mentioned, just American.
The same w/ Italian films, none were mentioned. Maybe I should bring up Fellini’s “8 1/2″ Along with S Korean, Japanese, Brazilian, and Hong Kong films came up. One Irish film was there as well.
“Johnny Gaddaar” (2007)
Directed and written by Sriram Raghavan
Starring Dharmendra, Neil Mukesh, Rimi Sen, Vinay Pathak, Zakir Hussain, Ashwini Khalsekar, Govind Namdeo
Music by Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy
Cinematography C.K. Muraleedharan
Country: India / Language: Hindi
This is one of the best commercial film recently released from The Republic. Raghavan does an excellent job. It’s not formulaic like the usual hindi films. I was completely mesmerized by this movie. Just incredible! Raghavan is a graduate of FTII, there another alumni creates something amazing. Movies like this come out very rarely from India. A nicely scripted film, with good acting, and a film noirish style cinematography.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB1628l9qAs
November 2nd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
“i didnt see anyone mention a malayalam movie on any of the lists. is it because they dont have the standard of an english/italian/ south korean movie?”
->”Though I didn’t find “Daivanamathil” too deep enough. It had all the cliched art-house stuff in it. But that’s not enough. Not much of filmmakers in India are thinking out side of the box. Take a look at Siddiq Barmak’s “Osama” and one might understand what I mean.
Most people in India churn out commercial crap for the sake of money and art-house cliche for just awards. No one does anything to bring out good cinema.”
November 2nd, 2008 at 1:17 pm
“Thazhvaram” (1990)
Direction and Music: Bharathan
Written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair
Starring: Mohanlal, Salim Ghouse, Sumalatha, Shankaradi, and Anju
Cinematography: Venu
Country: India / Language: Malayalam
An awesome revenge/thriller film. Obviously, the inspiration from Leone’s films are evident. But, this film is just gorgeous. The cinematography is amazing: the opening sequences are so beautiful. Bharathan has staged this film well and has added music when necessary.
I would consider this among one of Bharathan’s best. Again, very rarely does films of this nature come out from India.
November 2nd, 2008 at 5:02 pm
But then again Leone remade his first film, of the ‘Man with No Name’ trilogy, from Akira Kurosawa’s “Yojimbo”.
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:53 am
I am indeed glad to see Requiem for a Dream making it to the list!
Sparx, Thank You!!
I would suggest a Latin American film today that was an eye-opener on all accounts. Its one of those films that call for repeated viewing, any which way you look at it. Shot in stark black and white, this film has quite a telling tale to tell!
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Violin, El (2005)
Director:Francisco Vargas
Writer:Francisco Vargas (writer)
Runtime:98 min
Country:Mexico
Language:Spanish
Color:Black and White
Release Date:5 December 2007 (USA)
Genre:Drama
Cast
Ángel Tavira … Don Plutarco
Gerardo Taracena … Genaro
Dagoberto Gama … Capitán
Mario Garibaldi … Lucio
Fermín Martínez … Teniente
In an unnamed Latin American country that closely resembles Mexico, the government fights a rural insurgency with torture, assault, rape, and murder. Soldiers descend on a town, cutting off the rebels from their cache of ammunition hidden in a field. A family of grandfather, son, and grandson are among the rebels in the hills. The grandfather, with his violin over his shoulder, tries to pass the checkpoint, ostensibly to tend his corn crop. The commanding officer lets him pass but insists on a daily music lesson. Can the old man ferry out the ammunition in his violin case under the soldiers’ nose?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0451966/
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November 3rd, 2008 at 3:55 am
And yes, Johnny Gaddar too!
I remember having watched the film in a near-empty cinema hall murmering to myself that it was a shame that more people didnt get to see it!
November 3rd, 2008 at 9:51 am
I assume that means the film floped @ the box office.
If that film film was relesed some where outside of India, it ceratinly would have made an impact.
Did that film go to any sort of festivals? If it did it could attracted some attention…
“Fight Club” is a good example of a film that flopped and then gained attention though DVD sales.
November 3rd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
“Pather Panchali” (1955)
Directed and written by Satyajit Ray
based on Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay’s novel
Starring Kanu Banerjee, Karuna Banerjee, Subir Banerjee,
Uma Dasgupta, Chunibala Dev
Music by Ravi Shankar
Cinematography: Subrata Mitra
Country: India / Language: Bengali
I consider this film to be the best Indian film, and one of
the top ten in world cinema. This film could be called the
Italian-neorealism film of India. The film is part of the
‘Apu trilogy’. Word aren’t enough to describe to magic of
this film. Again this is a debut of another filmmaker which
created a masterpiece.
“Ray’s magic, the simple poetry of his images and their
emotional impact will always stay with me”-
Marty Scorsese
November 4th, 2008 at 5:08 am
Nolan’s Batman Series
Batman Begins (2005)
Director: Christopher Nolan
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0372784/
Everyone thought Batman died with Batman and Robin which was one of the worst superhero movies of all time. Then out of the blue came Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins. It it by far one of the best superhero movies evermade. Stylish and sophisticated this movie not only takes Batman but superhero movies to another level.
Batman Begins goes back to the story of how Bruce Wayne became Batman. This movie is not a movie packed with slow-mo-cool action sequences but goes much more than that. With a great cast consisting of Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Katie Holmes, this is a movie one should not miss.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Director: Christopher Nolan
The sequel to the above, this movie is a great sequel. Action packed from the start, this movie has a stunning performance by the late Heath Ledger as Joker. It is one of the best villains ever played on screen. Period. It more likely that Ledger is heading for a posthumous Oscar for his role as Joker. Nolan’s consistency is amazing, this movie has already become the 3rd highest grossing film in world history.
Nolan’s Batman series is a must watch!
November 4th, 2008 at 5:26 am
Koyaanisqatsi (1982)
Director: Godfrey Reggio
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085809/
Amazingly photographed, this movie is not your conventional movie per say. This movie has no conventional narrative or plot. It is brilliantly stitched series of shots, that has to say a lot. Watch it till the end before you judge it.
Baraka (1992)
Director: Ron Fricke
A movie very similiar to Koyaanisqatsi, this is also worth watching.
Note: Watch these movies only if you have a really good print of the films. These movies are really ‘visual’.
November 4th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
sorry, this is a “re-make” of the previous post which was too confusing.
George Cherian (top ten)
….is a doctor, training as a haematologist in England, but hailing from Kerala in India. Always a bit mad on serious cinema, he is even more loopy on the subject of music. Don’t get him started!
“Apu Trilogy” (Satyajit Ray, 1955-59)
Mercifully now available in a 3 DVD boxset, watch it one after the other, every year or so and weep with joy!
“Au Hasard, Balthazar” (Robert Bresson, 1966)
Godard’s quote, of this film being the whole world, cannot be bettered.
“Late Spring” (Yasujiro Ozu, 1949)
No one Ozu film is ‘better’ than any of his others, but this is my favourite, with the marvellous Setsuko Hara.
“Tropical Malady” (Apithapong Weerasethakul, 2004)
Startling! Anyone watching this film will be knocked sideways! Not just one of the best films about sexual desire (homosexual in this case) but the disquiet at the heart of human desiring.
“Léon Morin, prêtre” (Jean Pierre Melville, 1961)
Spirit vs Flesh. Melville’s unexpected left turn (or is that a sharp veer to the right?) into Bresson territory achieves lift off! A true master of the cinema.
“Drifting Clouds” (Aki Kaurismaki, 1996)
The first of Kaurismaki’s ‘loser trilogy’ (recently completed with Lights in the Dusk, 2006) it is ,like all his films a hymn to human solidarity, this one being specifically about unemployment, but it is much more than that. It is also one of the best depictions of a marriage, and of how a couple get each other through hard times and, although never explicitly stated in the film, the heartbreak of the death of their only child.
“Yi Yi (A One and a Two)” (Edward Yang, 2000)
An epic for our times, because cities are where most of us live, go to work, get married, bring up our kids, and watch ourselves and our parents getting old. Not a wasted minute in its 3-hr running time. An instant classic.
“Vagabond”(Agnes Varda, 1985)
Another director goes boldly forth into Bresson territory. But this wry tender take starts with an anonymous young woman’s frozen death in a ditch in winter, and traces backward her last few months of life, through the memories of people who fleetingly encountered her. It is very moving and edifying and deserves to be better known.
“Crime of Monsieur Lange” (Jean Renoir, 1936)
Made in 1935. Gosh! Has anything seemed still so modern and radical? Has ensemble playing ever been bettered? And in these times of globalisation, has anything better been said about the struggles of the collective enterprise against capitalist greed? And been such fun to watch?
“Intimate Lighting” (Ivan Passar, 1965)
Of all the gems made during the Prague Spring, this one will continue to grow in esteem and affection in people’s minds and outlast them all. So seemingly artless in its depiction of friendship and family life, it is a miracle!
Five more if I’m allowed:
“Alice in the Cities” (Wim Wenders, 1974),
“Drugstore Cowboy” (Gus Van Sant, 1989),
“Vivre sa vie” (Jean Luc Godard, 1962 – Godard’s marvelous run in the 1960s wont be eclipsed by anyone),
“In the Mood for Love” (Wong Kar-Wai, 2000) and finally
“Stardust Memories” (Woody Allen, 1980).
November 5th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
These are a few movies which fits the list
Godfather 1 and 2
Incredible movies with superb starcast. Based on the novel from Mario Puzo this one was directed by Francis Ford Coppola.Excellant sad theme music. Though the third part was a forgettable one.
Diving bell and the butterfly
The biobraphy of Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby who is paralysed and can only move one of his eye. How he tries to communicate by blinking of the eye is the story line.
Vaasthuhara
One of the best movies in malayalam. G.Aravindan’s last film and Mohanlal as the hero.Movies can’t get better.
13 Tzameti
A different film. May be gory and repelling to some. But excellant movie
November 6th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Prasanth, you might wanna be careful.
“Chinkis” is considered offensive by many.
November 16th, 2008 at 1:03 am
Memento(2000), Prestige(2006)- Christopher Nolan (USA)
Memento- for its original way of looking at chronology
Prestige- again original.
I think Nolan is one of the coolest directors we have now.
Dark City(1998)-Proyas (USA), Thirteenth Floor(1999)-Josef Rusnak(USA), Ghost in the Shell 1/2(1995)-Mamoruu Oshii(anime-Japan)
All Great Sci-Fi Films. Concepts similar to “The Matrix” but came before it.
Wild Strawberries, Winter Light, Persona- Ingmar Bergman (Sweden)
November 22nd, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Bombon, El Perro
A fantastic film that struck me for being incredibly funny and immensely sad at once. Strongly recommended!
===========================================================
El perro (English: Bombón: El Perro and Bombón: The Dog) (2004) is an Argentine and Spanish, drama film, directed by Carlos Sorín, and written by Sorín, Santiago Calori, and Salvador Roselli. The picture features Juan Villegas, Walter Donado, among others.
El perro is a neo-realist fable about a man and a dog. Set in Patagonia, an unemployed man has his luck change after being given a Dogo Argentino dog for helping a stranded woman on the highway.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_perro
===========================================================
December 28th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Two of Scorsese’s films which are quite underrated
compared to his more famous works.
“The Last Temptation of Christ”
Screenplay by Paul Schrader; based on Nikos Kazantzakis’s book.
Starring Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, and others.
awesome Music by Peter Gabriel
and the usual Scorsese editor Thelma Schoonmaker, and
cinematographer Michael Ballhaus.
One of the amazing things about the novel
was its portrayal of Jesus as more of a man.
It focused on the temptations and pleasures he had to
overcome just like everyone, but where unlike us
he struggled and won over it. The film shows this
story extraordinarily. According to Christian belief,
Christ was both divine and man, but no one wants to
touch or know about his human side, hence the film
created much controversy just like the novel.
“The Age of Innocence”
Screenplay by Jay Cocks; based on Edith Wharton’s novel.
Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder
Joanne Woodward, Geraldine Chaplin
Music by Elmer Bernstein
Cinematography by Michael Ballhaus
Editing by Thelma Schoonmaker
film critic Roger Ebert puts it best in his article
“It was the spirit of it — the spirit of the exquisite romantic pain. The idea that the mere touching of a woman’s hand would suffice. The idea that seeing her across the room would keep him alive for another year.” So Martin Scorsese told me one autumn afternoon, as we drank tea in the library of his New York town house, a house like the ones inhabited by the characters in his film “The Age of Innocence.”
He was explaining why the director of “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull” had made a film about characters defined by the social codes of New York society in the 1870s. We had both read the Edith Wharton novel, and so really no explanation was necessary. We understood that passion and violence can exist in places where absolute decorum rules; that Jake LaMotta, smashing his fists into the walls of his cell in “Raging Bull,” found a release that Newland Archer could not discover anywhere in the sitting rooms and dinners and nights at the opera that defined his life in The Age of Innocence.”
“Archer was a man who loved one woman and married another, because it was the right thing to do. Or, more accurately, because everyone in his world thought it was the right thing to do, and made sure that he did it”
” Scorsese told me that in reading Wharton’s novel, “What has always stuck in my head is the brutality under the manners. People hide what they mean under the surface of language. In the subculture I was around when I grew up in Little Italy, when somebody was killed, there was a finality to it. It was usually done by the hands of a friend. And in a funny way, it was almost like ritualistic slaughter, a sacrifice. But New York society in the 1870s didn’t have that. It was so cold-blooded. I don’t know which is preferable.” ”
(that reminds a lot about my society as well)
January 13th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Nice to see ‘Magnolia’ mentioned up there. Worth multiple watching sessions.
I’d also like to name ‘The Fountain’ by Darren Aronofski. As in most cases the movie doesn’t do full justice to the book its based on, but its pretty good in its own right.
Mel Gibson’s ‘Apocalypto’ is a good watch, and if you can get a DVD with Mel Gibson’s commentary then extra sweet. Its really informative for aspiring film makers.
In Malayalam, ‘Vaasthavam’, I think, is underappreciated, but very strong. Also ‘Seelabathi’ was a movie that was overlooked but incredible in my opinion.
Plus if you guys could mention where to get hold of the movies you’ve mentioned in your respective posts, it would be really helpful.
As for the ones I mentioned, they are readily available at most DVD retailers online, except for the malayalam ones which I sourced via a friend, since I live outside Kerala.
February 13th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Recently saw Kim Ji-woon’s
“The Good, the Bad, the Weird”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imgdpz_0m-8
a S. Korean film inspired by Sergio Leone’s
“The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”.
Though there is the basic plot of Leone’s film
in it, this film is completely different. Its an oriental western.
Kim proves that he is filmmaker who can handle many differnt
genres from comedy, horror, thriller…and now to western.
It was entertaining all right!
February 22nd, 2009 at 7:50 am
Some movies I watched last week, that I thought were very good
Varumayin Niram Sivappu (1980) – K Balachander, Tamil
a very thought provoking movie, about the unemployment situation during the 80s. Yet, the movie kept me watching until the end. Kamal Hassan was especially good in this movie.
Thaniyavarthanam (1988) – Lohitdas
I think many would agree, that this is probably one of the best movies of Mammootty..there were moments where I could feel the pain that he was going through
Yuvajanotsavam (1986) – Sreekumaran Thampi
I loved this movie, because it didnt show college kids in the cliched way. As a viewer, I was able to connect with the human feelings that each character had. On the outside, they were all typical college kids, drinking, looking at women passing by..but, as the movie went on, it revealed that each and every one of them had a character; and they all had their own problems. Very nice movie; great performance from Mohanlal and the rest of the cast, and classic songs by Raveendran
February 22nd, 2009 at 7:56 am
correction; Thaniyavarthanam was written by Lohithdas, and directed by Sibi Malayil;
February 26th, 2009 at 6:47 am
Ulsavapittennu (1989)
Directed by Bharath Gopi
and written by John Paul
a pretty good film from the 80s.
Mohanlal gives one of his best performances, he hasn’t
played a character like this before or after this film.
Sukumaran, Parvathi, Jagathy, and Jayaram were well supported.
Its an interesting story, a nice attempt by Gopi.
March 30th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Early Summer (1951)
directed by Yasujiro Ozu
Written by Ozu and Kogo Noda
Starring Setsuko Hara, Chishu Ryu, Chikage Awashima, and Kuniko Miyake
Music by Senji It?
Cinematography by Yuuharu Atsuta
Editing by Yoshiyasu Hamamura
Language: Japanese, Country: Japan
Ozu’s main theme in his films was always about
the dissolution of the family.
This film shows that, it portrays the family life
in Japan right after WWII. I assume most Asians
would very well understand the large families…
One of Ozu’s best, a masterpiece indeed.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Battle Royale (2000)
directed and written by Kinji Fukasaku (his last film)
based on the novel of same name by Koshun Takami
Starring Tatsuya Fujiwara, Aki Maeda, Taro Yamamoto, Takeshi Kitano
Masanobu Ando
Music by Masamichi Amano
Cinematography: Katsumi Yanagishima
Editing by Hirohide Abe
Country: Japan, Language: Japanese
Plot (in short):
“In the future, the Japanese government captures a class of ninth-grade students and forces them to kill each other under the revolutionary “Battle Royale” act.”
April 17th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Cheppu
Direction: Priyadarshan
1987
I watched this movie on tape, about 5 years ago, when I was in high school, and I still remember it today.There was a very thought provoking movie,in which Mohanlal plays a schoolteacher in a drug – ridden school..Ganesh Kumar played the spoiled son of a rich landowner or NRI..The story revolves around the cheating and the terrible things that happen to once good students due to the drugs and environment that surrounds them
There was one scene when a student, known for his hard work and good grades, speaks out against Ganeshan for openly cheating..Unfortunately, he is thrown out by the supervisor, who was obviously paid money or threatened by the spoiled rich students to allow them to cheat…In a very intense scene, he is seen later on sitting on top of a tree, and Mohanlal discovers that he has been using the drug, brown sugar..
Definitely one of Priyadarshan’s best movies..Although Ive read that the story was copied from “Class of 1984″, very good movie nevertheless..Priyadarshan adapts it to the Indian environment very well..Great performance from Mohanlal, Nedumudi Venu, and Ganeshan
April 19th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Amaram (1991)
Direction: Bharathan
Mammootty’s performance was excellent in this movie..He sounds exactly like the actual fisherman, and there were many intense, and emotional scenes in the movie..Great story as well. Mammootty is a fisherman who has worked hard to educate his daughter, but it becomes complicated when she runs away with her lover, Ashokan..Everyone did a great job in this movie.
Bharatham (1991)
Direction: Sibi Malayil
Mohanlal is the brother of Nedumudi Venu, both carnatic singers..But Nedumudi has a drinking problem, and Mohanlal unknowingly insults him by singing for him..Excellent performances from the entire cast..Great music by Raveendran in both movies..
If there is one area where Malayalam movies excel more than Hollywood, it is in the acting and emoting department..especially when you have directors like Bharathan and Sibi Malayil..In these movies, you dont cry along with Mammootty and Mohanlal..you actually feel the pain yourself.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:37 pm
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki
Starring Chika Sakamoto, Noriko Hidaka, Hitoshi Takagi (voices)
Music by Joe Hisaishi
Cinematography Hisao Shirai
Editing by Takeshi Seyama
Country: Japan / Language: Japanese
Such a gorgeous gem, a fantastic animated film by the master Miyazaki.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)
Directed by Frank Capra
Written by Robert Riskin
Starring Gary Cooper, Jean Arthur and others
Cinematography Joseph Walker
Editing by Gene Havlick
Country: USA / Language: English
One of the best films from the Classical Hollywood era.
Taking place during the Great Depression,
“Longfellow Deeds, a simple-hearted Vermont tuba player, inherits a fortune and has to contend with opportunist city slickers”
One of Capra’s best films…even after all these years the film still
has relevance even now.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:56 pm
The Battleship Potemkin (1925)
Directed by Sergei Eisenstein
Written by Nina Agadzhanova, Nikolai Aseyev, Sergei Eisenstein, and Sergei Tretyakov
Editing by Grigori Aleksandrov, Sergei Eisenstein
Cinematography: Eduard Tisse
Music by Helmut Imig
Country: Soviet Union
One of the most influential films of all time…
as film critic Roger Ebert puts it:
“But it suffers when it is seen apart from its context (just as “The Graduate”, by striking the perfect note for 1967, strikes a dated note now). It needs the right audience. In a sense, the band Concrete supplied a virtual audience; the loud, passionate, ominous music by the three young musicians worked as an impassioned audience response does, to carry and hurry the other watchers along. “Battleship Potemkin” is no longer considered the greatest film ever made, but it is obligatory for anyone interested in film history, and the other night in that small-town parking lot I got a sense, a stirring, of the buried power it still contains, awaiting a call.”
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:06 pm
City Lights (1931)
Directed and written by Charles Chaplin
Starring Charlie Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Florence Lee, Harry Myers
Music by Charles Chaplin
Cinematography Rollie Totheroh and Gordon Pollock
Editing by Charles Chaplin
Country: USA
Chaplin’s masterpiece, and one of the best films of all time!
May 4th, 2009 at 4:16 am
“Eisenstein’s greatest achievement is the beautiful visual composition of his shots and his editing. But as far as content is concerned his films are silly, his actors are wooden and operatic. I sometimes suspect that Eisenstein’s acting style derives from his desire to keep actors framed within a composition for as long as possible; they move very slowly, as if under water…Actually anyone seriously interested in comparative film techniques should study the difference in approach of two directors, Eisenstein and Chaplin. Eisenstein is all form and no content, whereas Chaplin is content and no form.”
–an interesting point by Stanley Kubrick on Eisenstein.
May 9th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Sukrutham (1994)
Direction: Hariharan
Story: MT Vasudevan
Mammootty plays a writer dying of cancer. There was a particular scene where Mammootty looks hopelessly at the sunset, knowing that the day can never be regained..Very good movie, one of Hariharan’s best
May 10th, 2009 at 4:39 am
To George,
Sukrutham of course is a great movie.One of MT’s best.But it was not directed by Hariharan but by Harikumar.Still I would say it does not matter since it is an MT script.
May 10th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
“Sukrutham” had a very good screenplay by MT, unfortunately it was not made well enough because of the mediocre direction by Harikumar, who made it quite melodramatic.
T. Hariharan never did the film.
Though around that same year or so Hariharan
did a film of a MT script – “Parinayam”.
He did no compromises whatsoever.
a well made film, and among Hariharan’s best works.
May 10th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
George
Sukrutham is one of Harikumar’s films.
A brilliant film indeed, as u said.
May 10th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
my fault, I thought it was Hariharan! Anyways great movie!
May 11th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I heard that Sukrutham is a story about MT’s own life, about a writer recovering from a usually fatal illness. I also read that there were even news articles prepared for his Mt’s expected death
May 12th, 2009 at 3:58 am
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
directed by Stanley Kubrick
written by Arthur C. Clarke and Kubrick
starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester
Daniel Richter, Leonard Rossiter, Douglas Rain
Cinematography Geoffrey Unsworth
Editing by Ray Lovejoy
Country: US
If I had to make a top 10 list of the best films in the
world…this one will be in the top 5.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....annel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iyxs0sgJrPk
May 13th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Chilambu
Direction: Bharathan
Rahman, Shobhana, Thilakan, TG Ravi, Nedumudi Venu, Ashokan, etc
About a young man who arrives in the village to take back his family’s chilambu from the Tharavadu and to seek revenge on those who destroyed his family. Very nice performances from everyone in this movie.
May 13th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Devasuram
Mohanlal, Revathi, Nedumudi Venu, Napolean
Direction: IV Sasi
Writer: Renjith
Probably IV Sasi’s best film; excellent performance by Mohanlal. Unfortunately this movie started the trend of superhuman roles by Mohanlal.
May 13th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Mizhineer Pookkal
Direction: Kamal
Mohanlal, Nedumudi Venu, Urvashi
Mohanlal plays a playboy, and he goes too far when he becomes interested in a married woman (urvashi). A very haunting story; and Kamal’s first movie i think
May 15th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Arappatta Kettiya Gramathil (1986)
Mammootty, Ashokan, Nedumudi Venu, Sukumari, Jagathy
Direction, story: Padmarajan
Three men visit a brothel in an obscure village; This movie could have easily have become an “award padam” in the hands of another director. But, Padmarajan was able pull it off; very well made; there was not a moment in the movie that was drawn out or melodramatic.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Ormakkayi (1982)
Directed by Bharathan
Written by John Paul & Bharathan
Starring Bharath Gopi, Nedumudi Venu, Adoor Bhasi, Madhavi
Cinematography Vasant Kumar
Music by Johnson
Among Bharathan’s best films…the film certainly is
a character study. Gopi plays one of his finest roles.
Among one of the best Malayalam films.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Yavanika (1982)
Directed by KG George
Written by KG George & SL Puram Sadanandan
Starring Bharath Gopi, Jalaja, Thilakan, Venu Nagavalli,
Jagathy Sreekumar, Nedumudi Venu, Mammootty, Sreenivasan
Cinematography K Ramachandra Babu
Music by MB Srinivasan
A big commercial and critical success at its time in the early 80s.
Certainly will be part of the top 5 films of Keralite Cinema.
The film does feel like a mix of a Ed McBain police procedural and Rashomon. Gopi plays tabla artist Aiyappan, which is one of the best performances from Indian cinema. When it comes to acting, there’s before Brando and after Brando in world cinema. In that same way, in Malayalam cinema there is before and after Gopi.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Pyaasa (1957)
Directed by Guru Dutt
Written by Abrar Alvi
Starring Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman, Mala Sinha, Johnny Walker, Rehman
Cinematography VK Murthy
Editing by YG Chawhan
Music by SD Burman
While Satyajit Ray was gaining popularity with his personal films
during the 50s, Guru Dutt created a gem of a film in mainstream cinema.
Most Indian filmmakers call Guru Dutt among the most influential filmmaker from India.
In 2005, the film entered the “top 100 Movies” list in Time Magazine.
May 15th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Iruvar (1997)
Directed by Mani Ratnam
Written by Mani Ratnam & Suhasini
Starring Mohanlal, Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Rai, Tabu, Gouthami, Revathi, Nasser
Music by AR Rahman
Cinematography Santosh Sivan
I loved this film. I would call it probably Mani Ratnam’s best film to date. Obviously most people can see the similarity of the story to the real life relationship of MGR and Karunanidhi. The film is quite amazing. With awesome music by AR and excellent cinematography by Santosh Sivan. Mohanlal plays one of his best roles in his career playing Anandan.
May 15th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Directed by David Lean
Written by Robert Bolt
Starring Peter O’Toole, Omar Sharif, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn
Jack Hawkins, José Ferrer, Anthony Quayle, Claude Rains
Cinematography Freddie Young
Editing by Anne V. Coates
Music by Maurice Jarre
Country: UK / Language: English
a masterpiece, period.
and Sir David Lean is among the best of the best.
May 15th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
The Searchers (1956)
Directed by John Ford
Written by Frank S. Nugent based on Alan Le May’s novel
Starring John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Natalie Wood,
Ward Bond, Vera Miles
Cinematography Winton C. Hoch
Editing by Jack Murray
Music by Max Steiner
Country: US
Since I mentioned a masterpiece before this…thought
about putting another next. This is by John Ford, the guy Lean is most influenced of.
May 16th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Vertigo (1958)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Written by Alec Coppel, based on Boileau-Narcejac’s novel
Starring Jimmy Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes
Cinematography Robert Burks
Editing by George Tomasini
Music by Bernard Herrmann
Now this film is considered to be Hitchcock’s masterpiece.
Scorsese once wrote for an article in Time on how such a
film as personal as this was born out in the studio system.
An amazing film from one of the greatest filmmakers.
Excellent performances by Jimmy Stewart (playing Scottie) and Kim Novack. Great score by Herrmann and interesting to see the vertigo shots (dolly zoom).
May 17th, 2009 at 5:14 am
‘Arappatta Kettiya Gramathil’ indeed is a Padmarajan special. It is an underrated padmarajan film that is so well shot and the intensity is maintained throughout.In the film where the village is the central character has Mammootty,Nedumudi Venu,Ashokan as central characters.
Great choice George.The film indeed is a forgotten masterpiece.
May 19th, 2009 at 6:42 am
I am from Tamilnadu who loves Malayalam movies. could anyone send me a list of incredible Malayalam movies? Thank you.
Senthil
May 24th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
You can find a lot of malayalam movies if you search on youtube. Some that are on youtube are
nammukku paarkkan munthiri thoppukal
arappatta kettiya gramathil
naadodikattu (i think its online)
thaniyavarthanam
In Harihar Nagar
if you search on youtube, you’ll be able to find more..these are some off the top of my head. There are some good comedies and as well as serious movies if you know where to look
May 27th, 2009 at 3:58 am
Some incredible entertainers in Malayalam in any genre; my favourites. The list is not complete.
Nadodikkaattu,
Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha,
Chithram,
Kilukkam,
Kireedam,
Dasharatham,
Thoovanathumbikal,
Varavelppu,
Sandesham,
Ramji Rao Speaking,
In Hariharnagar,
Godfather,
Commissioner,
Aakashadoothu,
Kalikkalam,
Devasuram,
Sphadikam,
The King,
Vaalsalyam,
Thaniyaavarthanam,
Peruvannaapurathe visheshangal,
Vadakkunokkiyanthram,
Vellanakalude Naadu,
Manichithrathaazhu,
Midhunam,
Nokketha doorathu Kannum nattu,
Thaniyaavarthanam,
Pattanapravesham,
Oru CBI Diarykkurippu,
etc.
Some entertainers from the Post Golden Era.
Punjabi House, Meeshamadhavan, Aaraam Thamburaan, Rajamanikyam, Classmates, Kalyanaraman, Cycle.
May 28th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Amith, Idea is not to just compile a list – As explained in the top of the list:
We really value your opinion on why you liked a particular movie.
May 28th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Dhoore Dhoore oru Koodu Koottam (1986)
Direction: Sibi Malayil
Story: Sreenivasan (i think)
Mohanlal, Nedumudi venu, Jagathy, Sreenivasan, Menaka
A story about Mohanlal coming to a rural school to teach kids English, although he knows very little himself
May 28th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Vc, I was helping Senthil.
Varavelppu (1989)
Direction : Sathyan Anthikkad
Screenplay : Sreenivasan
Cast: Mohanlal, Revathi, Murali, Thilakan, Innocent, Jagadeesh…
Varavelppu means ‘Welcome’. A gulf-returnee coming home after 7 years was welcomed by greedy relatives and a disobliging society. He plans to start a bus service, which later invites a trade union leader to hinder his way. A satire on the insincerity and selfishness of trade unions in the state. The story is relevant now and then.
May 29th, 2009 at 12:50 am
err….
I meant the story is relevant even now.
June 11th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Varavelpu was indeed a great movie; good choice Amith
June 15th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Kaliyattam (1997)
Suresh Gopi, Lal, Manju Warrier, Biju Menon
Direction: Jayaraj
An adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello. Excellent performance from the entire cast, especially Suresh Gopi. Its a shame that his talent is wasted too much on police roles. The movie won Suresh Gopi the national award for best actor, and Jayaraj the national award for best director. Its a shame that the movie did not get the box office collections it truly deserved
June 15th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Kireedam (1989)
Mohanlal, Thilakan,Murali, Kavyoor Ponnama
Direction: Sibi Malayil
Story: AK Lohithdas
A story of how a young man’s dreams get crushed one by one. Mohanlal and Thilakan were exceptional in this movie. One of the greatest Malayalam movies of all time for sure
June 24th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Kireedam is indeed a great great movie.The situations that arise in the movie seems so natural and so intensely played out.Brilliant narration makes u feel all the pain that is undergone by the characters.I would say it’s the greatest script of Lohitadas and the director Sibi malayil too does a brilliant job.And the actors.Lal and Thilakan as son & father were above brilliance.Everyone did a great job.
To add to George’s comment, it is one of the best movies produced in INDIA ever.
June 24th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Chenkol(1990)
Direction:Sibi Malayil
The sequel to kireedam,this movie initially when it released was pulled down by the greatest of expectations it simply generated and ultimately didn’t do well in the box office.The movie in hindsight, still wouldn’t reach the great peaks attained by its 1st part.It wouldn’t quite touch your heart the way the prequel did and overall its brilliance was inferior to origianl.Nevertheless this movie,to put it in simple words is EXCELLENT.It’s story and structure is more complex than Kireedam.
The movie shows the family of the main villian of its 1st part in a good light while his parental family is vying for revenge.Superb movie.
June 27th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Chenkol was also a very good movie; indeed one of malayalam’s greatest
June 27th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Moonam Pakkam
Direction: Padmarajan
Thilakan, Jayaram, Ashokan, Rahman
Jayaram and friends come to visit his grandfather, who is extremely happy at their arrival. Thilakan’s acting in this movie is excellent. In fact, i dont think ive seen a single movie where Thilakan was not very good.
June 27th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Perumthachchan
Direction : Ajayan
Written by none other than MT
Many have forgotten this great movie. Great acting by Thilakan.
A masterpiece. One of the great opening shots in Malayalam movie.
Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha
Direction : Hariharan
Story : MT
The movie which made us completely look at the old ” Nazir-Ummer ” movies in new way. Great dialogue..Superb acting …
July 31st, 2009 at 5:22 pm
North by Northwest (1959)
directed by Alfred Hitchcock
written by Ernest Lehman
starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason
music by Bernard Herrmann
cinematography Robert Burks
editing by George Tomasini
country: US/language: English
the film is essentially a tale of mistaken identity,
starring one of the greatest “movie star” of all time: Cary Grant!
marvelously directed by Hitch!
Before there was James Bond or Jason Bourne…there was
Roger O. Thornhill played by Grant! (an executive mistaked for a spy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbg089yT31g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....mp;index=0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPvmpS4HOpU
July 31st, 2009 at 5:37 pm
His Girl Friday (1940)
directed by Howard Hawks
written by Charles Lederer
starring Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell, Ralph Bellamy and Gene Lockhart
music by Sidney Cutner & Felix Mills
cinematography: Joseph Walker
editing by Gene Havlick
Cary Grant stars as a newspapaer editor Walter Burns who tries to get back his ex-wife reporter Hildy Johson played by Rosalind Russell who plans to marry Bruce Baldwin (Ralph Bellamy). The chemistry between Grant and Rosalind Russell is just spectacular. A noted thing about this film is the dialogue which is spoken at bullet speed! This of course has influenced people like Quentin Tarantino who is a fan of Hawks and of that fast driven dialogue used in the film. It’s also one of Clint Eastwood’s favs, he probably saw it as a child.
One of the best screwball comedies from the classical Hollywood era.
This film is in public domain now.
July 31st, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Bringing Up Baby (1938)
directed by Howard Hawks
written by Dudley Nichols & Hagar Wilde
starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Charles Ruggles,
Walter Catlett, May Robson, and Fritz Feld
music by Roy Webb & Jimmy McHugh
cinematography: Russell Metty
editing by George Hively
Another Hawks classic!
and one of the best screwball comedies! probably one of the first films of the whole screwball genre.
Great chemistry between Hepburn and Grant!
the plot is a little too much to tell in a sentence but being a screwball it has quite a lot of whacky characters in it…
Grant plays quite a different role from his usual, of course this was the time he was rising as a star (late 30s). And Hepburn was one of the leading female stars of the time (the 30s was a time in Hollywood when female stars had more power than male stars!!).
Of course due to the fact that the film had too much of whacky characters in it, it turned out to be a flop at the time of release.
I guess it was a film a little ahead of it’s time.
August 5th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Sorry every one concerned.I didn’t know where to post a comment about the movie “Nadodikal”.Saw this movie today in Saritha theatre Ernakulam.Was spellbound by its making.What a movie! More than anything I feel that our Malayalam movie makers should watch it for the way it is made.Its a shame that Malayalam film industry which used to be the reference material for the tamil directors now creates senseless and half baked films(a Bhramaran or a Thirakkatha can be an exception) like Rahasya Police,Pattanattil Bhootam etc .
December 18th, 2009 at 5:44 am
December seems to be an interesting month.
With a lot of cool flicks coming out; no I haven’t seen any of them yet but thought I’d mention it here.
Avatar (James Cameron)
Invictus (Clint Eastwood)
Sherlock Holmes (Guy Ritchie)
Up in the Air (Jason Reitman)
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (Terry Gilliam)
Leaves of Grass (Tim Blake Nelson)
and The Lovely Bones (Peter Jackson)