Great movies that you probably haven't seen
Some films are great and we all know them (e.g. "Star Wars"). Some are not so well known, and rightfully so. But what about those few gems, truly good films, that most have never heard of, much less seen? That's what this list is all about. If you HAVE seen these films, than consider yourself a film buff like myself. If, OTOH, you have not seen these films, consider this a "to do" list next time you hit amazon or netflix to watch something.
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- DirectorJean RenoirStarsJean GabinDita ParloPierre FresnayDuring WWI, two French soldiers are captured and imprisoned in a German P.O.W. camp. Several escape attempts follow until they are eventually sent to a seemingly inescapable fortress.WWI taught many people a great lesson: that nothing of true value is to be gained from wars. Only illusions. A book of the same title explains it best, but this film shows the misery of war and how best among us can raise above the absurdities of war.
- 19641h 35mPG8.3 (520K)97MetascoreDirectorStanley KubrickStarsPeter SellersGeorge C. ScottSterling HaydenAn unhinged American general orders a bombing attack on the Soviet Union, triggering a path to nuclear holocaust that a war room full of politicians and generals frantically tries to stop.It is hard to imagine that there is a soul on this planet who is not well acquainted with Kubrick's films. Yet, many have managed to miss this one. Dr. Strangelove, a name of a former Nazi scientist who is helping the US with nuclear arms race, is a viciously funny attack on most things political and military. You thought Kubrick could not do a comedy or satire? You were wrong.
From great script, which was very loosely based on the book "Red Alert", to funny dialogues, and even better acting this is one laugh fest which will leave everyone both entertained and deep in thought. The best humor is the one based on reality, and while enjoying comedy in this film, we have to ask ourselves - are we truly in good hands when it comes to trusting someone with keys to nuclear arsenals of this world?
With all that said, two actors stand out in this satire: George C. Scott, a former army officer himself who was disillusioned after his service, and Peter Sellers in a triple role as British Officer, former Nazi scientist (still in love with Hitler) and the American President (the only sane person in the entire film).
Everything about this film is over the top, constantly teetering on the edge between insane and ridiculous, yet, it all somehow rings true... and resonates with our deepest fears: that perhaps those in charge don't really have it all together (as some of the recent wars proved). - DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsCary GrantGrace KellyJessie Royce LandisA retired jewel thief sets out to prove his innocence after being suspected of returning to his former occupation.It's a Hitchcock and you probably never even heard of it. Considered a lighthearted romantic comedy with a little crime story in its background, set in gorgeous cote d'azur, To Catch A Thief seems to be one of those thoroughly enjoyable films which most are ashamed to admit that they have seen it, much less love it. Yet, there is nothing wrong with having fun and loving every minute of costumes, scenery, and cute story as it unfolds all topped by some of the best dialogues of a couple falling in love. Perhaps, this film is a lesson on how to make a romantic comedy without embarrassing anyone.
Few things to note: To Catch a Thief was shot in VistaVision format, which thankfully gives this picture image quality on par with today's productions (see it on blu-ray!). Also, as far as I know, this was the first use of helicopter shots, masterfully done btw, before there were gyros. And last but not least: the proof that many are influenced by this film more than they are willing to admit is that many lines from it have made it into more recent (romantic) comedies, perhaps even without writers being aware of that. - DirectorGiuseppe TornatoreStarsPhilippe NoiretEnzo CannavaleAntonella AttiliA filmmaker recalls his childhood when falling in love with the pictures at the cinema of his home village and forms a deep friendship with the cinema's projectionist.Even just a thought of this film makes me too emotional to be able to write rationally about it... I challenge the strongest among you to watch it and not cry in the end. Yet it is not a sad story; if anything, it is filled with humor and wonderful characters. Another growing up story, about a future filmmaker (no wonder it popped up in my mind right after writing about 400 Blows), this one is not to be missed for so many reasons... from great characters, script, dialogues, to humor, love story, and everything in between. The list of accolades and awards it received is looooong, and deservedly so.
If you are a film buff, and have not seen Cinema Paradiso, run, don't walk, get it and watch it tonight!
Note: there is an additional scene right after the credits, which makes all the difference. If your DVD does not have it, then you have been robbed of the most important piece of the story. Don't know how one can tell, but it seems that only older versions of the DVD miss that scene, the newer ones are (probably) OK. - DirectorCecil B. DeMilleStarsH.B. WarnerDorothy CummingErnest TorrenceJesus Christ faces religious and political oppression during his ministry and in the days before his death and resurrection.When Grauman's Chinese Theatre opened in May of 1927, this was the first film they showed. It was such a huge success that streets were closed, not unlike today's (orchestrated) media circus often seen in Hollywood.
50 years later, in 1978, The King of Kings was shown again to celebrate the anniversary. Next day, (carefully picked date or pure coincidence?) was the opening of "Star Wars".
Cecil B. DeMille managed to do what no one has done since or before him: put the story of Jesus Christ on the big screen in way that fills one with sense of awe regardless of their (non)religious background. This is a silent film with few scenes shot in Technicolor, and it should not be easily forgotten. As relevant today as it ever was. At the risk of sounding all fashioned here is a famous quote by Santayana: "Those who learn nothing from history are bound to repeat it." - DirectorFred ZinnemannStarsGary CooperGrace KellyThomas MitchellA town Marshal, despite the disagreements of his newlywed bride and the townspeople around him, must face a gang of deadly killers alone at "high noon" when the gang leader, an outlaw he "sent up" years ago, arrives on the noon train.Somehow, this magnificent film is being forgotten all too easily. I will dare say that it is one of the truly greatest American films, greater than even the overrated "Citizen Kane".
- DirectorEric ValliMichel DebatsStarsThilen LhondupGurgon KyapLhakpa TsamchoeAn aging chief's last stand, lessons for the new, and the education of a young chief-to-be played against harsh Nature in Nepal's Dolpo. When his son dies returning from Tibet's salt lakes, Tinle blames Karma, his son's friend, refuses to give Karma his blessing as the new chief, and organizes a rival caravan to take the salt to lower Nepal to trade for grain. He, a few old men, his son's widow, his grandson, and his second son, a monk, set out on the arduous journey. Fearing storms, Karma has led his caravan out of the village before the auspicious day ordained by the lamas. Tinle's group catches Karma's before the final pass; the two stubborn men lock wills with Tinle's grandson watching.A completely unknown but fantastic film which will leave you wondering how come you never heard of it... Gorgeous cinematography, great story, all done with no pretense, and despite what must have been grueling schedule and terrible working conditions, make this one a must-see on any list.