Monday 29 July 2013

TOP 10: MY FAVOURITE MOVIES OF ALL-TIME



Everyone has a list of their favourite movies. I personally keep a list of my Top 10 favourite movies of all-time, hand written, in a journal. Since technology is so advance now, I stored it on my hard disc. And since, I am new to blogging, why not store in online and on my blog.

I will also include links to Internet Movie Database and Wikipedia for plot details, production history, and crew credit list. WARNING! These links WILL have spoilers if you have not watched the films.

I am gonna share with all my readers my personal Top 10 favourite movies of all time. I will also touch on a little bit of information about the film. Of course, I will share with you as to why and how these movies have managed to capture my heart.


MY TOP 10 FAVOURITE MOVIES OF ALL TIME


10. The Exorcist (1973) 


 

After a young suburban girl has been acting strangely in her house, her mother begins to realize that she is being possessed by an evil spirit. In seeking help, she turns to a priest who recently lost faith in God. As the priest undertakes the exorcism ritual, he begins to discover more than he bargain for.


In my opinion, and I am sure many will agree, this is the most scariest film ever produced. If you are a movie buff, this is a must watch! I have seen this film four times and it scares me every time, even when I watched it during the day when the sun is up.

For more info, click on IMDB and Wikipedia.



9. The Dark Knight (2008)


The sequel to Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins (2005) which pits the iconic comic book superhero against one of his iconic nemesis The Joker. In order to stop the notorious villain, he must make many sacrifices which will question the integrity of his noble intentions.

Dubbed as THE number one most favourite superhero film by many critics, the film places the comic book character as a person who is just as vulnerable as anyone of us. The movie grounds superhero films into the realities of today's world. Adding spice to the film is the unforgettable Oscar winning performance of the late Heath Ledger as The Joker. 

For more info, click on IMDB and Wikipedia.



8. Schindler's List (1993)


Based on a true story during World War 2 in Europe, the film highlights the mistreatment of the Jewish people by the Germans. Focused specifically on a concentration camp in Europe, the Jewish people were tortured by a ruthless military officer played by Ralph Fiennes. Enter a German businessman named Oskar Schindler who sympathizes for the Jews and uses all means necessary to rescue them from torture.

As the film is rooted in the sensitive subject of race and religion, this movie has a universal appeal. For me, it transcended my beliefs and became a film about true humanity. After a glittering career of box-office hits and critically acclaimed films, director Steven Spielberg finally won his first ever Academy Award for his efforts.

For more info, click on IMDB and Wikipedia.


 
7. Life is Beautiful (1997)


Another film which takes place during World War 2 but this time in Italy. This Italian language film traces the journey of a young Jewish man as he woos a beautiful woman and later gets married and has a son. When the war hit Italy, he attempts to escape the war with his son by disguising it as a game.

This is one of the sweetest films I have ever seen. It shows an undying love a father has for his son, creative imagination to shield his son from the horrors of war, and a mood so uplifting that it will make you smile. A war film that doesn't show much (maybe not at all) the atrocities of war. The film is directed by its lead actor Roberto Benigni.

For more info, click on IMDB and Wikipedia.



6. The Usual Suspects (1995)


After a yacht explodes at a harbor, two survivors of the incident recounts how the disaster happened. While one suffers severe burns and barely could talk, the other survivor recounts the events that led to the explosion. As told through the eyes of a criminal named Verbal Kint in flashbacks, he tells of a group of several other individuals who were involved and how the robbery gone bad was the work of a mysterious criminal mastermind.

A film that is told via a non-linear structure (in laments term, jumping here and there with flashbacks) is always difficult. However, from start to finish this film keeps the suspense escalating until it reaches an amazing ending which will keep you talking for years to come. The film draws the audience deep into the storyline and gets involved in the mystery plot with subtlety. The film was nominated for only two Academy Awards and won them both. This shows great strength in a film with a 100% success rate.

For more info, click on IMDB and Wikipedia.



5. Inception (2010)


A wealthy businessman, who is determined to bring down his rival, hires a group of highly trained professionals specializing in planting or extracting an idea into a person's subconscious mind while dreaming during sleep. Unknown to the group's leader Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his team, their mission was thwarted by unforeseen incidents within the subject's mind. At the same time, Cobb has to deal with past memories which is interfering in his mission.
 
As of 2013, this was the last great screenplay based on an original idea from Hollywood film-makers. The film implies the notion that one can enter the mind of a human and plant ideas to make them believe it is true. Like the film, the director and writer Christopher Nolan manages to implant the idea to the audience that the dream world is actually similar to true reality. The film immerses you so deep that you will start trying to solve certain clues contained in storyline. Once you have watched this film, it is guaranteed that you will get yourself talking about it.

For more info, click on IMDB and Wikipedia.



4. Avatar (2009)
 
 
In the far future, Earth has almost exhausted its natural resources. A group of military and scientist personnel journey to the planet Pandora to search for these resources, among them, a paraplegic Marine named Jake (Sam Worthington). Pandora is populated by the species called Na'vi and in order for humans to interact with them, human hybrids called 'avatar' are utilized. As Jake is transformed into an 'avatar', he discovers a world with many splendours on Pandora and establishes a friendship with the Na'vi people. However, his human collaborators has other plans and it is up to Jake to choose sides and fight.

This much anticipated film is the highest-grossing film of all time gaining more than $2 billion at the box-office. Director James Cameron shot the film entirely using 3D cameras and technology which resulted in plenty of delightful shots. Besides that, Cameron who also wrote the film, manages to tell a story which makes the film full of action, drama, and adventure. A movie long in duration and doesn't feel boring. Managed to transport me to a different world. Prior to Avatar, he made another film which is my next Top 10 entry.

For more info, click on IMDB and Wikipedia.
 
 
 
3. Titanic (1997)

  
Set against the backdrop of the true story of the Titanic sinking in 1912, the film tells the story of star-crossed lovers Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet) who meet on the passenger ship liner. They both encounter resistance from Rose's family and Jack tries hard to adapt to his new surroundings. However, unaware to them and the passengers on Titanic, the ship will meet a doomed fate dubbed by many as the worst disaster in history.

This film is a milestone from several aspects. Firstly, the special effects. The physical effects endured many challenges as director James Cameron insisted on building an actual ship close to scale. Secondly, the film is famous for going over-budget and critics dismissing the film as a failure even before it came to cinemas. This was proven wrong when the film grossed more than $2 billion worldwide at the box-office. Thirdly, a theme song titled 'My Heart Will Go On' which was composed by James Horner and sung by Celine Dion reached worldwide success. Why this film is number 3 on my list? It proves that big budget films, if told with heart, can make it big.

For more info, click on IMDB and Wikipedia.



2. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)


A wrongfully accused banker is sent to prison allegedly for the murder of his wife and her lover. In prison, he befriends a fellow inmate who shows him the ropes of surviving. Over many years, he slowly earns the trust of inmates and guards but he has a secret determination only he has the key to solve it.

This film strikes the very soul of a human being. Its a movie about finding the brighter aspects of life despite being in a hopeless situation. For a heavy drama film, it doesn't feel boring. The climactic ending is not only touching but it also has a surprise outcome. This film is listed as number 1 in many top 10 lists around the world and I agree, this film is the BEST there is. I very highly recommend this movie and movie buffs should consider it a compulsory viewing requirement. It is even better than the film at number 1 on my list but why isn't it? Read on.

For more info, click on IMDB and Wikipedia.



1. Forrest Gump (1994)
 


The film traces the life story of a simpleton and slow-witted individual named Forrest Gump, from his adolescent years right up till adulthood. As he grew up, he manages to partake in important events in human history. At the same time, he struggles to hold down the love of his life, caring for his mother, and supporting friends who need him the most.

To me, this film has it all. In almost every scene, a positive human quality is highlighted. They encompassed such feelings as motivation, determination, and bravery.

I feel films which is number 1 in a top list of anyone should be a film that relates to what they experience in real life. For me, Forrest Gump was released when I was 18 years old and during that age, many changes and challenges happened to me which resulted in who I am today. This film taught me a lesson, pushed me to achieve goals and that is why it is number 1 on my Top 10 list of favourite films. 

For more info, click on IMDB and Wikipedia.



As you can see, the majority of films in my list are from the 1990s, the decade I grew up in. I won't be surprise if most of your favourite films are from the decade or decades you grew up in. There are many other amazing films out there from as early as the 20th century to present time. However, these films are my Top 10 because they had an impact in my personal life.


5 comments:

  1. The term 'Polish concentration camp' is incorrect. The German Nazis established the 'concentration camps' on occupied Polish soil. The cams were not Polish as implied by the comment. Please correct the error.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adjusted. Is it satisfactory? My deepest apologies. Reply needed.

      Delete
  2. There were no "Polish" concentration camps. This terminology is incorrect even as a geographic descriptor, since Poland did not exist as a nation during the German occupation. Please refrain from obscuring the distinction between the location vs. the ideology and nationality of the perpetrators, especially since Polish Christians were also victims.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adjusted. Is it satisfactory? My deepest apologies. Reply needed.

      Delete
  3. Just to share my 10 favourites [I am a movie buff too :)]
    10. The Godfather (1972)
    9. Inglorious Basterds (2009)
    8. Life of Pi (2012)
    7. 127 Hours (2010)
    6. City of God (2002)
    5. Paradise Now (2005)
    4. Moon (2009)
    3. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
    2. Schindler's List (1993)
    1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

    ReplyDelete