WELCOME FRIENDS TO WORLD OF CINEMA! LETS TALK ABOUT QUALITY CINEMA.
Here is a treat for the cinema-lovers! Come and express your view on the movies you have enjoyed watching. Movies, you would like to share with us, which might not be very popular ones but you felt good ones(worth watching!). Be it any language - Hindi, English, Regional or any foreign language.
Also give us some idea about the movie(s) and what made you recommend it, that will definitely grow some interest among the movie-lovers. May be next time when we visit a library or browse net, will look for it and thank you for sharing it. Also you are most welcome to comment(positive or negative) on others' choice of movies which you have also seen. Your contribution to make this a success is very much appreciated.
PLEASE NOTE : This thread is not for BLOCKBUSTER movies which almost everyone has seen(where nothing much is left to share or discuss). Also spamming/chatting will not be encouraged. Must follow the forum rules.
Here are my favourites, I will keep on adding.
DRAMA/ROMANCE
Gandhi(1982)
Director – Richard Attenborough ; Cast – Ben Kingsley, Martin Sheen, Roshan Seth, Saeed Jaffrey
To start with, what can I say? A movie that every Indian should be proud of. I had lots of misconception about Gandhi which got cleared after watching it. Also worth watching for Ben Kingsley. Unlike Hollywood movies it's a lengthy one, but has a lot to offer.
Casablanca (1942)
Director – Michael Curtiz ; Cast – Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman.
When I had first seen Ingrid Bergman in "Gas light" I was totally mesmerized by her beauty, her expressions, her act of being in great agony. She was also great in "Notorious" "Spellbound" "Cactus Flower", but nothing tops "Casablanca" to me. A very different love-story with an unusual plot. Must mention Humphrey Bogart, what a powerful artist he was!
Giant(1956)
Director – George Stevens ; Cast – Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, Rock Hudson.
James Dean! James Dean! James Dean! Just can't stop raving about James Dean. Why does God call back his greatest creations so young? I can watch "Giant" n number of times for him. Of course he is not the only reason. I was never a fan of Liz Taylor but this movie has changed my opinion. I idolize her character "Leslie". Got to know why she is so celebrated. Even Rock Hudson did a great job. This movie has everything - great story, great cast, great performances- don't miss it!
Primal Fear(1996)
Director – Gregory Hoblit ; Cast – Richard Gere, Edward Norton, Laura Linney.
The best court-room crime-drama I have ever seen. Edward Norton just outshined Richard Gere in this movie. What a punch, I watch it again and again only to see Edward's acting. I had high hopes for him after watching this movie, but none of his later movies not even "American History X" could satisfy me. I learned about the "schizophrenic" disease for the first time. The Indian version of it was pathetic.
Rain Man(1988)
Director – Barry Levinson ; Cast – Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise.
I was very young when I first watched it, probably in my early teens. I was totally floored by Tom Cruise. I had such a huge crush on him. As I grew I got to realize the real star of the movie- Dustin Hoffman(that does not mean it had any effect on my crush). Many actors tried to play an autistic character, but no one could beat Dustin Hoffman.
On Golden Pond(1981)
Director – Mark Rydell : Cast – Henry Fonda, Catherine Hepburn, Jane Fonda.
It's great story of love, humanity, relationships. It will make you think that we should not just rely on our first impression about a person, everyone has a story to tell. That too when a person gets older. Henry Fonda's act as the cranky, grumpy old man is so captivating, I watch the movie again and again just for him. It really made me think if he was acting or just playing himself in real life. Not for a moment felt like he was playing a character. Catherine Hepburn was great too! Life is at its best when you have love to the fullest.
Dead Man Walking(1995)
Director – Tim Robbins ; Cast –Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn.
This movie though deals with capital punishment is not about whether capital punishment is good or bad. It's about the lives of the people involved in a crime, their thoughts and emotions and people with a touch of humanity who try to heal everyone's wounds and pains. Susan Sarandon's performance as sister Helen just made me weep. Never thought a "bad boy" character(played by Sean Penn) could stir my emotions to such extent.
Philadelphia(1993)
Director – Jonathan Demme ; Cast – Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks
Great performances by Denzel and Tom, two powerhouse performers. Story of a gay man who got Aids and being pushed to the corner by the society . How he fights back to get his position, his job with the help of a lawyer. A hindi movie called "Phir Milenge" inspired by this movie came few years back.
Pieces of April (2003)
Director – Peter Hedges ; Cast – Katie Holmes, Oliver Platt, Derek Luke.
I wonder where and how these people get ideas to do a movie on such subjects, hats off to Hollywood. This deals with interaction among characters of a family in one day. It's a great Thanksgiving movie. Before coming to USA I had no idea about Thanksgiving, also not that I celebrate now in a grand way. Even if I had not known about thanksgiving I would have equally enjoyed watching this movie. I will always remember Katie Holmes as April not as Tom Cruise's 3rd wife. The rebellious daughter(not normal behavior and lifestyle) invites her alienated family on Thanksgiving since her mother is dying. This movie has so much humor yet it brings tears to my eyes whenever I watch it.
Scent of a Woman(1992)
Director – Martin Brest ; Cast – Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell.
To me this was the best one by Al Pacino, I would rate this one before "Scarface" and "Godfather" when it comes to Pacino's performance. The psychic tricks the character played being a blind and living life to the fullest, great to watch.
Blue Sky (1994)
Director - Tony Richardson; Cast – Tommy Lee Jones, Jessica Lange.
I was not surprised when Tommy Lee Jones was given the title "Sexiest man alive" of the decade, there is something about him. Anyways coming to the movie, story of a crazy(kind of nymphomaniac too) women and her seemingly falling apart family. Then how she struggles and manages to put her family and her husband's reputation intact. Jessica Lange took the opportunity of being the centre cast of the film and delivered an excellent performance. Tommy Lee as the devoted father and honest scientist shows some intense work.
American Beauty(1999)
Director – Sam Mendes ; Cast – Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening
I don't follow "Desperate Housewives", I might have watched only 5-6 episodes at a random. Whatever I have seen, it always reminds me "American Beauty", the style of story-telling/narrating. This one is a dark humorous tale about a man having a mid-life crisis, then how he turns things around. Really enjoyed his way of looking into life. Kevin Spacey was great, so was Annette Bening(esp. the scene where she is trying hard to sell a house).
Sophie's Choice (1982)
Director – Alan J Pakula ; Cast – Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline.
One heck of a movie, it kept me sobbing even after I finished watching. Though a bit longer one. Meryl Streep has shown her acting prowess in this movie. What a class actress she is! It took me no time to realize that she is my most favorite actress.
The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
Director – Clint Eastwood ; Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep.
A story of love and romance but not in a conventional way. Story of a woman(a mother of two teenager) living a mundane housewife life in a country-side. But she had her own dream and desire of romance in her imagination until she met a stranger from no-where. In those three-four days she lived the life she always wanted to but did not have the courage to break through forever for which she regret for the rest of her life. It is the conflict between whether to be happy by following our desires and be unsure of what's ahead of life or be sure about life but live unhappily.
House of the Spirits(1993)
Director – Bille August ; Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Jeremy Irons, Wynona Ryder.
An astoundingly great story to watch with some spiritual /psychic stuff and lot of turns in the flow of the story, but maintains the pace. It's an adaptation from a novel , it works. All the characters are well played and leave their impressions. All the three females did great job. But it was Jeremy Irons who caught my attention most as the tough, conservative and merciless landlord.
Kramer vs Kramer(1979)
Director – Robert Benton ; Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep.
I had seen "Akele hum akele tum" before this movie. Liked AHAT. Watching Kramer vs Kramer later was different experience. Two brilliant actors have put their heart and soul in this movie. Even though one might not have experienced divorce closely, he/she is bound to feel the pain of the people and the family that goes through it.
Sleepless in Seattle(1993)
Director – Nora Ephron ; Cast – Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan.
A cute romantic movie, recommended for people who get sentimental. Very touching. Tom and Meg were just perfect for the roles.
As Good As It Gets(1997)
Director – James L Brooks ; Cast- Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt.
Also known as a comedy, but I would like to put it in this category. Very funny and enjoyable one. Jack Nicholson has such a charismatic power of acting. I remember watching "A few good men" many years back(of course for Tom Cruise), but this guy just stole the whole movie in one shot towards the end.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest(1975)
Director – Milos Forman ; Cast – Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Danny Devito
When it comes to Robert De Niro and Jack Nicholson, I find it very hard to choose. In this film, Jack Nicholson is Outstanding! Fantastic! Mind blowing! Superb! (copying someone but saying from my heart) If you watch this one, it's surely gonna have a long lasting effect. Priyadarshan needs a pat on his back for having the courage to attempt based on this "cult" movie.
Circle of Friends(1995)
Director – Pat O'Connor ; Cast – Chris O'Donnell, Minnie Driver, Collin Firth
This is one of the cutest love stories ever seen, very simply told. After watching it I recommended it to all my friends. The best scene I liked is when Jack Folley comes to Benny at the end of the party(last song playing) after making her wait throughout the party saying he was saving the best for the last.
In Love and War(1996)
Director – Richard Attenborough ; Cast – Chris O'Donnel, Sandra Bullock
A autobiography of a man who was a part of WWI at a very young age, his journey as a boy to manhood falling in love with a nurse elder to him. A very tragic love story, but enjoyable.
A Walk in the Clouds (1995)
Director – Alfonso Arau ; Cast- Keanu Reeves, Anthony Quinn and others.
A sweet romantic tale, I am sure most of you have watched this one. Don't know why a romantic movie with a war backdrop is always fascinating. This one has inspired some hindi movies one worth mentioning would be "Dhai akshar prem ke".
ACTION/MYSTERY/WAR/VIOLENCE
Godfather I & II( 1972 & 1974)
Director – Francis Ford Coppola ; Cast – Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Robert Deniro
"BAAP" of all underworld movies. Though I have put it in action category, it's more of drama. What a movie! I can watch it n no. of times, any day any time.
In the Heat of the Night(1967)
Director – Norman Jewison ; Cast – Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger
I heard Oprah talking about this movie a lot many times since Sidney Poitier is her idol. When I watched it, thought whatever was told about the guy is true. A murder-mystery movie based on racial discrimination. Though not perfect, but hits in the right place! Bang!
The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Director – Alfred Hitchcock ; Cast – Margaret Lockwood, Michael Redgrave
Considering the time it was made a very well-crafted movie, great plot. My most favorite Hitchcock mystery movie.
Murder on the Orient Express(1974)
Director – Sidney Lumet ; Cast – Albert Finney, Ingrid Bergman, Sean Connery, Lauren Bacall, Anthony Perkins
To me the best one based on a Agatha Christie, Poirot at his best. His investigation unfolds lots of surprises. Great cast!
The Great Escape(1963)
Director – John Sturges ; Cast – Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough
A great movie about the allied POW in WWII in Germany based on true story that's what makes it so special. The heroic deed of the POW and how cohesively they worked towards the escape from the high security "escape-proof" camp. This movie makes you enjoy each and every moment, how a team work can make it possible even at the worst situation.
Goodfellas(1990)
Director – Martin Scorsese ; Cast – Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci
A realistic gangster movie after "Godfather", Ray Liotta, De Niro and Joe Pesci were awesome. It's brilliant work by Scorsese, most thought he would win the academy award for this one. Great story-telling!
Raging Bull(1980)
Director – Martin Scorsese ; Cast – Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci
I just can't stop going gaga when it comes to Robert De Niro, and this one is one of his best and earned him the best actor award. De Niro unbelievably awesome ! Very strong work, not for the faint heart ones. People are crazy for Spielberg, but sorry(no offense), I am more of a Scorsese fan. Though most of Scorsese films are for a certain group of people, while Spielberg made films for everyone. May be that's where Spielberg scored more than Scorsese.
Casino(1995)
Director – Martin Scorsese ; Cast - Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Sharon Stone
Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci – can this combination ever go wrong? NEVER! What a treat! I watched it long back, Joe Pesci was a surprise to me in this movie.
LA Confidential(1997)
Director – Curtis Hanson ; Cast – Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger
Very gripping, a great cop movie – a view on the "hush-hush" and the corrupted cop world. Three cops with different character, it's how they fight crime. A 100% watchable film!
The Departed(2006)
Director - Martin Scorsese ; Cast - Jack Nicholson, Leonardo Dicaprio , Matt Demon, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin
Jack Nicholson, Leo, Matt Demon, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin – can we ask for anything better than this? Finally the "old man" got his long time delayed "due" by receiving best director. Another great cop movie I have watched after LA Confidential. I would rate it before LAC. No such female cast , never thought an out-n-out guy movie would glue me to the seat till it's over. What a movie! A Scorsese classic! Spectacular! Enigmatic!
Chinatown(1974)
Director – Roman Polanski ; Cast – Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway
Only Polanski can do such magic. When first heard the name thought of some "china" related movie but nothing like that. This movie just holds you to your seat till the end, very neatly woven except a sad ending.
The Pianist(2002)
Director – Roman Polanski ; Cast – Adrien Brody
Best movie by Roman Polanski – Period! It's about passion and survival in the horrific world of war. Thumbs up for Adrien Brody for playing the best role of his life till date.
Reservoir Dogs(1992)
Director – Quentin Tarantino ; Cast – Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen
Though violent but a very smart movie by Quentin Tarantino. If you have liked "Kante" please watch this one, you will never mention "Kante" again. Very intense and rough violence, not recommended for all.
Pulp Fiction(1994)
Director – Quentin Tarantino ; Cast – John Travolta, Samuel L Jackson, Tim Roth, Bruce Willis, Uma Thurman
Another QT masterpiece, though quite complex(it took me watch twice to realize what was going on) but very intelligent action movie. It just makes its mark among the contemporary movies. Again a trademark QT movie with lot of violence and use of abusive language.
Full Metal Jacket(1987)
Director - Stanley Kubrick ; Cast – Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin
Never seen such a "clean and clear" war movie. If you are the person who don't like war movies, this is the right one to get the taste. Hats off to Stanley Kubrick!
The Five Men Army(1969)
Director(s) – Don Taylor, Italo Zingarelli ; Cast – Peter Graves, James Daly, Bud Spencer
I watched this movie along with my friends on a video in my 11th standard. It was the guys selection, but once started watching just got hooked. Did not get a chance to watch it again, even don't know what would be my view if I watch it today. But I still cherish my memory of enjoying it.
The Deer Hunter(1978)
Director – Michael Cimino ; Cast – Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Christopher Walken
OMG! How can I miss this! My most favorite hero and heroine are there in this movie, the greatest ever. Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep make a great couple! It's a great war movie which not only talks about war but also lives of people and their relationships surrounding it. Christopher Walken was great too!
Taxi Driver(1976)
Director – Martin Scorsese ; Cast – Robert De Niro, Judie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Harvey Keitel
Sorry guys, it's again Scorsese and De Niro. Story about a mentally disturbed guy and his views and actions towards the world. Though a lot of violence and abusive language, not for the weak hearts. Than the message or subject, the classic work needs to be appreciated. The more you grow the more you will appreciate such work.
Gladiator(2000)
Director – Ridley Scott ; Cast – Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix
To me the best period action movie, very close to my heart. Russell Crowe was excellent! Though a very popular one, but I could not help but mention it.
COMEDY
The Gods Must be Crazy I & II(1980 & 1989)
Director – Jamie Uys ; Cast – N!xau, Mauris Wayers, Lena Farugia
These two movies(part I and II) about a Bushman's life in Africa are hilarious. Throughout the movie I was rolling with laughter on the sofa. It was hilarious, especially when the Bushman spoke only some "tuk-tak" sound was audible. First part deals with a "bottle of coke" which falls in the Bushman colony from the sky(from a plane), that bottle adds so much confusion in their life. Second part is how the Bushman finds his lost kids. If you love comedy, don't miss them!
She-devil(1989)
Director – Susan Seidelman ; Cast – Meryl Streep, Roseanne
This movie is funny and entertaining. How a fat lady(Roseanne) takes revenge from her husband and his lover(Meryl Streep) who stole her husband.
Death becomes her(1992)
Director – Robert Zemeckis ; Cast – Bruce Willis, Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn
By know you guys must have got the idea that I am a Meryl Streep fan. This is a great "Black Comedy" with a great message to people longing to look young and beautiful forever. Meryl is awesome(even age could not stop her), Bruce Willis and Goldie Hawn were great too.
Ruthless People(1986)
Director(s) – Jim Abrahams, David Zucker ; Cast – Bette Midler, Danny Devito
The combination of Bette Midler and Danny Devito is as funny as it can get. Devito as the dishonest businessman having an extramarital affair trying to get rid of his dominant wife, Midler. As the story unfolds it get funnier. I can never forget the kick by Midler on Devito's a**, it's hilarious.
Throw Momma from the Train(1987)
Director – Danny Devito ; cast – Danny Devito, Billy Crystal
Another Devito movie and he directed it too, I am in love with this one. Don't know how many times I have watched it. If ever Bollywood do a hindi remake, they should take Sourav Shukla for Devito's role. Hollywood really has some great story idea, this is one of them! How a middle-aged man is intimidated with his obnoxious and loud mother, how he plots to get rid of her, at the same time he has a baby within loving his mother. Billy Crystal also well supported , it's impossible to think about somebody else in those two characters.
The Seven Year Itch(1955)
Director – Billy Wilder ; Cast – Marilyn Monroe, Tom Ewell
If you like Marilyn Monroe, you will love this comedy. The story of a imaginative faithful husband and his encounter with a gorgeous bombshell. Both Monroe and Sherman were hilarious. Not to forget the famous poster of Marilyn from this movie, her dress being blown away by sudden blast of air.
The Great Dictator(1940)
Director – Charlie Chaplin ; Cast – Charlie Chaplin
I will always cherish this movie, a great comedy with a lot of touch of humanity. A master piece comedy! To me the best Charlie Chaplin film. It's not just non-sense comedy stuff. What a genius he was, he wrote, acted and directed this one.
HORROR
The Shining(1980)
Director – Stanley Kubrick ; Cast – Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall
Nothing else comes to my mind when it comes to horror movies. I am not much of a horror movie-lover, but this movie always gives me the goose bumps. First time I watched it I could not get this movie out my head, and what a treat by Jack Nicholson as "Jack". How on earth can someone act like that? No one can replace him in the character he played. I fell in love with Stanley Kubrick as a film-maker after watching this movie. One day I really wish to visit Mount hood, where this film has been shot. The mere thought gives me the chills.
FOREIGN
Life is Beautiful(Italian)(1997)
Director – Roberto Benigni ; Cast – Roberto Benigni, Giorgio Cantarini
One of the most heart-wrenching movies, Roberto Benigni surely deserved the Oscar even though it was in foreign language. A movie about beautiful relationship between father-son and how love can heal all the pains. I cried and cried watching this movie.
Amile(French)(2001)
Director – Jean-Pierre Jaunet ; Cast – Audrey Tautou
A very cute comedy about a shy girl's journey and how she changes the world around her. Before watching this movie thought it was a fantasy movie, but loved it after watching.
City of God(Brazil)(2002)
Director(s) – Fernando Meirelles, Katia Lund ; Cast – Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino
OMG! What a movie! Was very disturbed after watching how small children and teenagers are living their lives out there. It's unthinkable unless you watch it. Just to mention another movie "Blood Diamond", I will never forget the scene where the father was trying to get back his brain-washed drug-addict 9-10 year son, while the son was ordered to kill him and he was totally expressionless.
Amores Perros(Mexican)(2000)
Director – Alejandro Gonzalez ; Cast – Emilio Echevarria, Gael Garcia Bernal
This is the movie that gave ideas in the same line to movies like "21 grams" "Babel" ( both by the same director Alejandaro Gonzalez , who directed Amores Perros) and "Crash". Three stories connected and the different ways they can be viewed.
Two women (Italian)(1960)
Director – Vittorio De Sica ; Cast – Sophia Loren, Eleonora Brown
Undoubtedly the best movie of Sophia Loren, earned her the best actress award too. She portrayed a widow but a very strong women, a mother ready to face anything for her daughter. Such great performances are delivered only once in a life-lime.
Health and Fitness
Fan Fictions
