125. BABBETTE’S FEAST (1987) Den. / Fra. / Swe.
Director: Gabriel Axel
Screenplay: Adapted (Anecdotes of Destiny) Karen Blixen / Gabriel Axel
This, quite simply, is one of the best movies ever made about FOOD! It’s a G-rated Danish—an Oscar-winning international film that achieved great accolades and praise for its direction, writing and its presentation of cuisine. Considered a Comedy / Romance, two sisters, Martine (Birgitte Federspiel) and Phillippa (Bodil Kjer), lead a life of repression and become spinsters under the strict upbringing of their pastor father in the remote Jutland island of Denmark. When a Parisian refugee Babbette (Stephane Audran), enters their life as a family cook, the unexpected happens during a lavish Banquet she prepares, and…Well, you just have to see it! It becomes a heart-melting experience with superb acting, and it ascends, becoming one of the greatest of international films…A Delicious, Delicate Experience!
Link #1 “Do not worry, there will be plenty for everyone.” Babbette (Stephane Audran) takes charge. Link #2 “An artist is never poor.” That wild voice!
124. BUTCH CASSIDY & THE SUNDANCE KID (1969) U.S.
Director: George Roy Hill
Screenplay: William Goldman
This 2nd entry by director George Roy Hill is one of the most beloved of all “Buddy” films, a western that’s adventurous, hilarious, and surprising—all at the same time! Again with Paul Newman as Butch, Robert Redford as Sundance, and Katharine Ross as Etta, the three are chased from the American West, all the way to Bolivia in South America, and they still can’t get away from that posse! The aging outlaws are slow at learning the lesson—the days of robbing banks and trains are giving way to the 20th Century. This is the first Western that contains a music video (B. J. Thomas’s “Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head.)” The award-winning movie is beautiful to see with Conrad Hall’s cinematography, Burt Bacharach’s great jazzy soundtrack and the smart, wonderful, often-quoted screenplay by William Goldman but it’s clearly George Roy Hill’s superb direction that put’s it all together…It’s an Argumentative, Unique, Wonderful story!
Link #1 “Why don’t you just stick around?” Butch (Paul Newman) and Sundance (Robert Redford) avoiding trouble. Link #2 “Think you used enough dynamite, Butch?” The train robbery scene. Link #3 Their arrival in Bolivia, with Etta (Katheryn Ross.)
https://youtu.be/77juS9kSOLI?si=RuzdZtcRHC4camtD
123. CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON (2000) Taiwan
Director: Ang Lee
Screenplay: Wang Hui-ling / James Schamus / Tsai Kuo-jung
This film, Ang Lee’s 3rd entry, nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning 4, helped define Wuxia (woo-shee-ah) in one of the most beautiful films ever produced. With Special Visual, Sound & CGI effects so captivating, so thrilling, one might believe the martial art battles seen, are not among historical legends, but among superhuman, mythological gods. Their choreographed movements, in treetops, in deserts, in amazing colors, are not real, but surreal. The movie captures ancient China, recreating it as another world with remarkable skill in film editing, developed by the direction of Ang Lee, Taiwan’s greatest gift to the art of filmmaking. A young Chinese warrior steals a legendary sword—the rest is mythical history. Among these legends are Chow Yun-fat (Master Li Mu Bai), Michelle Yeoh (Yu Shu Lien), Ziyi Zhang (as Jen), Chang Chen (as Lo) a stellar cast, all accompanied by Tan Dun’s extraordinary soundtrack…Absolutely Breathtaking and Sumptuous!
Link #1 The bamboo forest sword fight scene,,,Awesome! Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun Fat) & Jen (Ziyi Zhang). Link #2 The friendship is over between Jen and Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) Link #3 Enlightenment, near the finale.
https://youtu.be/BytrOCk_U98?si=TDGl3dippGmm5rF0
122. THE IMPOSSIBLE (2012) Spain
Director: Juan Antonio Bayona
Screenplay: Sergio G. Sanchez / Maria Belon
One of the most terrifying natural disasters to strike in this 21st Century was the 9.2 earthquake on Dec. 26 in 2004. Its epicenter located in the Indian Ocean off the west coast of Aceh, Indonesia, caused an undersea tsunami that hit 14 surrounding countries, killing over 228,000 people with over $16 billion in damages. Out of this unbelievable devastation came this incredible, IMPOSSIBLE event, based on Maria Belon’s true story, following the vacationing five-member Bennett family—all who, even though some were separated, survived! The film is Drama, / Adventure / Suspense, primarily focusing on wife Maria (Naomi Watts), the oldest son, Lucas (young Tom Holland), and Henry, the father, (Ewan McGregor). Every moment is real, graphic, and stunning in capturing the emotions experienced by this family, especially Naomi Watts. The tsumani at the beginning is harrowing, and so is the direction by J. A. Bayona…The Film Takes Your Breath Away!
Link #1 The catastrophic Tsunami, and Mom’s cry for help. Link #2 Is ir over?! Mom and Lucas (Tom Holland) Link #3 The family reunited at the end.
https://youtu.be/4d-EYIZAqXc?si=1fXJmwo1ebjGff8w
121. DRIVING MISS DAISY (1989) U.S.
Director: Bruce Beresford
Screenplay: Alfred Uhry (Based on his play)
This little gem of a film appears to be the last PG rated movie to win 4 Academy awards, including Best Picture of 1989. The picture is a Comedy / Drama based on Alfred Uhry’s play, that covers a 25-year period in Daisy’s (Jessica Tandy) life, picking up when her son, Boolie (Dan Aykroyd) hires Hoke (Morgan Freeman), to be her chauffeur—she’s not allowed to drive anymore. She’s an older Southern Jewish lady—stubborn, bossy, but claims not full of prejudices as some of her family and friends are. There are numerous funny moments, wonderful performances, even by supporting players, and a nostalgic window of the world we can reminisce about, as the relationships are slowly taken over by love and respect for each other. Controversy—This film portrays a gentler approach of how race relations improved from the 1950s through the 1970s, while Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing the same year showed a more violent example. Both are very Accurate, this, Admirable, Poignant!
Link #1 Miss Daisy (Jessica Tandy) refuses to let Hoke (Morgan Freeman) drive her to market. Link #2 Miss Daisy discovers a life-changing scene, that Hoke can’t read in the cemetery scene.
120. THE WIND (1928) (Silent) U.S.
Director: Victor Sjostrom
Screenplay: (Based on John Colton’s novel) Francis Marion / Dorothy Scarborough
Hundreds or maybe thousands of movies from the silent era, up to about 1930, disappeared because of the deuteriation of the old film stock while in storage. We can be thankful that this film survived—it’s now considered a masterpiece. Can a frail young woman from the East move in with her cousin from the Texas West and survive the extreme elements from the incessant wind and climate extremes, prevailing the psychological effects on her mind to keep her sanity. This silent story examines this scenario, with Letty (Lillian Gish), Lige (Lars Hanson) and Cora (Dorothy Cumming) taking on the title roles. Gish shines in her ascent into madness character study and proves to be one of the best actresses of the era, 1910-1930. and director, Victor Sjostrom, pulls off a rare, realistic film, using airplane engines with propellers in the Mohave Desert for the Wind effects. It is now considered a landmark film in the Silent Era…Incredibly Enthralling!
Link #1 Visual highlights from the film. Link #2 The sound of the last windstorm, fight for survival.
119. TOOTSIE (1982) (Ed.) U.S.
Director: Sidney Pollack
Screenplay: (Based on Don McGuire’s story) Larry Gelbart / Murray Schisgal
In retrospect, one of the funniest movies ever made, and some of the best lines ever delivered from a Romantic Comedy. With Sidney Pollack’s superb, clever direction, an amazing screenplay by Gelbart and Schisgal, this story really works, and all major supporting players, especially Jessica Lange (Julie), Teri Garr (Sandy), Dabnay Coleman (Ron) and Bill Murray (roomate Jeff) are absolutely wonderful. Dustin Hoffman is sensational as the gender-bending Michael Dorsey / Dorothy Michaels, a failure at acting until he deceives everyone by disguising himself as a woman to get a working job in a sleazy daytime soap opera. This 3rd film about show people is priceless in its hilarity, the laughs almost never stop, and the conclusion is, “All’s well that ends well,” with an accompanying song, “It Might Br You.” The scene near the ending, when Dorothy pulls off her feminine outfit, live on TV, one of the funniest moments in cinema history…Seismic Laughs!
Link #1 Dorothy Michaels (Dustin Hoffman) lets his agent (Director Sidney Pollack) he’s now permanently employed. Link #2 Dorothy’s screen test for the soap opera. Link #3 Michael’s revelation—he reveals who Emily Kimberly really is—infront of millions!
https://youtu.be/RrkZiy9P3sA?si=Pt2V_1dP3-RV7QHm
118. THE FUGITIVE (1993) (Ed.) U.S.
Director: Andrew Davis
Screenplay: Jeb Stuart / David Twohy / Roy Huggins
This is a rare Mystery / Suspence / Drama / Thriller that has eveything going for it, almost non-stop action, a sensational cat and mouse chase from beginning to end—in short—it is universally praised! Harrison Ford as Doctor Richard Kimball and Tommy Lee Jones as Sheriff Sam Gerard (an Oscar-winning performance) head a great cast in one of the the greatest police chase movies ever made. The acting is superb by all, Andrew Davis provides amazing, fast-paced direction, Michael Chapman offers excellent cinematography, and James Newton Howard splendid music score sets the pace. Dr. Kimball is unjustly accused of killing his wife, and goes to great lengths to prove his innocense. An iconic scene takes place at the top of dam when our cornered ‘Fugitive’ of justice yells to Sheriff Gerard, “I didn’t kill my wife!” To which the sheriff fires back, “I don’t care!” The trainwreck involving the bus is worth the price of admission. A Jaw-dropping Thrill Ride…Legendary!
Link #1 Fugitive Richard Kimball (Harrison Ford) at the end of the tunnel, when Sheriff Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) catches up with him. Link #2 Kimball, the fugitive, calls the police who are looking for him. Link #3 Kimball breaks into Sykes house.
https://youtu.be/8BCvbSIOQDE?si=lJkJozD9Jq3mbHOl
117. E.T. - THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982) U.S.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Screenplay: Melissa Mathison
Very few directors, past or present, have been able to match his amazing ability to work such wonderful scenes and performances with children as Steven Spielberg! His 6th entry on our list is that type of masterpiece, a Sci-fi / Fantasy / Drama movie that captures children and adults’ hearts, a simple story of a stranded alien from a distant planet that comes to Earth, who makes friends with Elliot (Henry Thomas), Gertie, his younger sister, (a wonderful Drew Barrymore) and Michael, his older brother (Robert McNaughton) and eventually their mother, (Dee Wallace.) This story for all ages brims with wonder, surprise and tender feelings, picking up those emotions as the story moves on. The lovable alien is voiced by Debra Winger and Pat Welsh. From the moment the children’s bicycles start flying, the film becomes a fantasy, with John Williams’ symphonic, award-winning score and extraordinary Special and Sound effects…An Exhilarating, Captivating Experience!
Link #1 Elliot, Gertie and Michael make friends with E.T. Link #2 E.T. helps Elliot save the frogs at school while watching The Quiet Man. Link #3 E.T. helps the kids escape…in the sky!
https://youtu.be/Pkkxh7VT5UE?si=Team7h-cPxSLECVF
116. THE STING (1973) U.S.
Director: George Roy Hill
Screenplay: David S. Ward
Many film historians consider 1969’s Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid the first “Buddy” (two stars shared equal billing)—this film pretty much guaranteed that winning combination. Considered one of the very best “caper/heist” movies ever made, Paul Newman as Henry Gondorff, Robert Redford is Johnny Hooker, and Robert Shaw (mob-boss Doyle Lonnegan.) Something wonderful happens by film’s end; the cons get out-scammed—but good! The jaw-dropping experience is sure to satisfy even the most skeptical, cynical viewer. George Roy Hill’s meticulous direction and Robert L. Surtees’ exquisite cinematography takes us back to the Depression age with sepia and maroon tones, making us feel like we’re thumbing through a nostalgic older magazine. while Marvin Hamlisch’s authentic music is an absolute treat. It’s a jaw-dropping experience, as Hooker says, “You were right Henry, it’s not enough…But it’s close.”…Cool, Captivating and Celebrated!
Link #1 Henry (Paul Newman) engages Mob-boss Lonergan (Robert Shaw) in a high-stakes poker game. Link #2 Lonergan places a half-a-million dollar bet. Link #3 “You were right, Henry, it’s not enough…But it’s close.” Sundance to Butch. (Rebert Redford to Paul Newman.)
https://youtu.be/_mrNhIxOGzw?si=1RlI-nfS_Wle4ItV
115. THE AWFUL TRUTH (1937) U.S.
Director: Leo McCarey
Screenplay: Vina Delmar / Sidney Buchman
This standout Screwball, Romantic, Comedy is practically on everyone’s list for its sheer hilarity and splendid comic timing—a joy to watch! A rare thing occurred when Leo McCarey won the Oscar for direction—for a Comedy! The film’s excellent screenplay, and an unlikely ensemble of players, even in small roles, this film is a treat from start to finish. Jerry Warringer (Cary Grant) and wife Lucy (Irene Dunne) are a married couple, soon to be divorced, and complications mount when the jealousies are revealed on both sides. As they rush to new relationships, they realize how much they really love each other as they try to spoil their divorces and…well, you just have to see it. Ralph Bellamy (Dan Leeson) is particularly oafish as Lucy’s “oil man” love interest, and Jerry’s “high society” love target, Barbara Vance (Molly Lamont) are both sooo hopeful. The motorcycle ride in the moonlight is wondrous, and the cuckoo clock scenes…Simply One of the Best!
Link #1 Lucy (Irene Dunne) meets Dan Leeson (Ralph Bellamy) and in comes Jerry (Cary Grant). Link #2 Lucy and Jerry get some help from the police—the motorcycle ride.
114. MODERN TIMES (1936) U.S.
Director: Charles Chaplin
Screenplay: Charles Chaplin
You do not have to have spoken dialogue to recognize pure genius, so say the movie critics and millions of fans in the last century. This, one of the crown jewels of his 40+year career, arrives at a time when “talkies” were already in fashion, yet it doesn’t disappoint! It’s the final film, his 2nd on our list, when Chaplin stars as the ‘Little Tramp,’ and it’s now considered a masterpiece. He had complete control of this Slapstick Comedy—starring, directing, writing, and scoring the music, with sound effects. Taking place in the Depression, it remains an iconic satire on the perils of modern industrialized factory life with fast production—and how it drives him mad. He and his new sweetheart played by Paulette Goddard, survive the jail sentences to navigate through this maze, kept only in check by their love for each other. Its influence on future films in this 21st Century is unquestioned…An Absolute Delight!
Link #1 The roller-skating scene, the Tramp and his girl. Link #2 The beginning and the end - factory scene.
113. APOLLO 13 (1995) (BTS) U.S.
Director: Ron Howard
Screenplay: Jim Lovell / Jeffrey Klugar / William Broyles Jr.
Based on true events (sometimes truth presents a much better story than fiction), this film covers the lunar trial mission that took place in 1970. Time has been good to this movie—considered Ron Howard’s greatest achievement qfter 50 years as a director. Even though we already may know the outcome of this mission, the Adventure / Drama / Suspense make the movie more than just an outer space yarn, we know it’s a true human experiment that goes horribly wrong. Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks), Fred Haise (Bill Paxton, Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon) and Ken Mattingly (Gary Sinise), who incidentally was grounded, were stellar in their roles, and Gene Kranz (Ed Harris) was phenomenal at Ground Control. James Horner’s music is wonderful, but underrated, the Sound and Cinematography are spectacular and many of the best lines are forever cemented in pop culture—”Houston, we have a problem.” and “Failure is not an option.”…An Inspirational Triumph!
Link #1 Something goes terribly wrong, Jim (Tom Hanks) reveals, “Houston, we have a problem.” Link #2 At Mission Control, Gene (Ed Harris), makes his case, “Failure is not an option!” Link #3 Ken (Gary Sinise) and Jack (Kevin Bacon) power up the command module.
https://youtu.be/C3J1AO9z0tA?si=MN-zor3mHvLOrRjf
112. WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION (1957) U.S. / U.K.
Director: Billy Wilder
Screenplay: Adapted from Agatha Christie’s stage play) Billy Wilder / Henry Kurnitz / Larry Marcus
Billy Wilder is on everyone’s list as one of the most versatile, successful directors of all time, and rightly so. He shows up here with his 2nd on our list, a courtroom drama with more twists, turns and surprises than the best of “Hitchcockian” genres, satisfying Mystery / Comedy / Suspense and Drama fans alike. Charles Laughton is superb as British barrister Sir Wilfred Robards, carefully under the care of nurse Plimsoll, (Elsa Lanchester.) He is lured back into the highly publisized trial of Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power) and his German wife, Christine (Marlene Dietrich), in an astonishing role, whom he met as a soldier during WWII. It’s a murder mystery with a twist ending that is surely unforgettable. It’s all here, Drama / Mystery / Suspense with touches of Comedy. Based on Agatha Christie’s book and stage play, all actors are at their best, and Mr. Wilder’s touch as director is spot on…Simply Indomitable!
Link #1 Barrister Sir Wilfred Robards (Charles Laughton and his nurse, Miss Plimsoll (Elsa Lanchester.) Link #2 Sir Wildred to Christine Vole (Marlene Dietrich) catching her in lies, “Are you in fact a habitual LIAR?”
111. THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING (1975) U.K. / U.S.
Director: JOHN HUSTON
Screenplay: (Based on Rudyard Kipling’s story) John Huston / Gladys Hill
What could possibly happen if two roguish British officers, tired of their boring lives, decided to strike out on their own for the sake of adventure, glory, greed and a little avarice, only to find where no white man has been since Alexander the Great? This great Adventure / Drama / Suspense story takes us back to the early 1800s in Kafiristan, situated near northern Pakistan in the Hindu Kush mountains, where Daniel Dravot (Sean Connery) and Peachy Carnahan (Michael Caine), still under British rule, seek to make their fortune. Legendary director John Huston’s 2nd listed film is one full of splendor, wonder, irony and suspense, aided by the magnificent camera work of Oswald Morris, and music by Maurice Jarre. This unique movie takes us into the clash of two opposing cultures, the primitive, tribal customs, unchanged for 2000 years, and the days of developing modern rifles and arms. Can they really pull this off?…A Sensational Saga till the very End!
Link #1 Danny (Sean Connery) and Peachy (Michael Caine) reminisce - The avalanche! Link #2 There’s an honorable way to end being a king.
110. KOYAANISQATSI (1982) (Doc) U.S.
Director: Godfrey Reggio
Writers: Godfrey Reggio / Ron Fricke / Michael Hoenig
This experimental Documentary, the 2nd listed, is a labor of love on the part of director Godfrey Reggio. It has no spoken dialogue, no traditional narrative or story, instead it has the time-lapse and slow-motion to show and convey how nature, humanity and modern technological advances interact with today’s world. It has no actors, and none of the expectations from ordinary movies. The idea may not be new, but the premise of the film requires patience and commitment. It also has the glorious music which drives the score of Philip Glass to fit the emotional tone of the visuals, striking Cinematography by Ron Fricke and the comparative landscapes against cityscapes. Some who experience this hour and a halk film say it’s one of the most beautiful ever made. It’s in a Superb Class by Itself!
Link #1 The Grid—Amazing film footage! Link #2 One of the films best moments—Incredible!
109. THE THIN MAN (1934) U.S.
Director: W. S. Van Dyke
Screenplay: Albert Hackett / Francis Goodrich / Dashiell Hammett
This Screwball Romantic Comedy / Mystery was so popular in its day, it spawned 5 sequels, all successful—but this is everyone’s 1st choice! Filmed in the days before the Hayes Motion Picture Production Code, this charming, off-balance, delightful Comedy is head and shoulders, one of the best of its kind. Nick & Nora Charles (William Powell & Myrna Loy,) are a married couple, who solve crimes as private detectives. In some sophisticated way they are hopelessly in love, despite his constant inebriation, and she pampers and placates his every move, along with one of the most endearing, intelligent wire-haired fox terriers (Asta) who ever starred in films. The “thin man” is the skinny inventor, Edward Ellis, the movie’s first victim. Flawlessly and speedily directed by one of the 1930s most versatile directors, W. S. Van Dyke shines here, kick-starting laughs with perfect timing, with James Wong Howe’s camera work—all in the cast…Sparkle…Exceptional!
Link #1 Nick (William Powell), slightly drunk, introduces Nora (Myrna Loy) and Asta at the entrance of a posh bar. Link #2 The Original Trailer (Some of cinema’s funniest moments came from inebriation, (public drunkenness) (not ever recommended!)
https://youtu.be/mqpO6mx8WCE?si=RC6O2L-Ku_7lNqrE https://youtu.be/jwiLTcwHaUA?si=j6SPSQyAAZIdzTFN
108. OLIVER! (1968) U.K.
Director: Carol Reed
Screenplay: Vernon Harris / Lionel Bart (Based on Charles Dickens classic novel, Oliver Twist)
As the 5th live action Musical on our list, we experience a true joy, from Charles Dickens, with Lional Bart’s lyrics, orchestration by Johnny Green and standout performances by Ron Moody as Fagin, Jack Wild as the Artful Dodger, Mark Lester as young Oliver, and Shani Wallis as Nancy. This movie musical succeeds in transforming Dickens’ seedy characters and making them happy successful thieves up to a point, not as guilty as in the book. The musical numbers, Who Will Buy and Consider Yourself, were filmed entirely at Shepperton Studios in Surrey, England—and they are absolutely Glorious! Carol Reed’s 2nd listed film was a sensational crowd pleaser in 1968, and it is still very relevant for today in production value and Surprise! Fagin’s first appearance in smoke with a sausage on a spicket, is an absolute marvel. The film turns extremely dark when Bill Sykes (Oliver Reed) appears—and the songs…Stellar, Clever, and Absolute Delights!
Link #1 Young Oliver (Mark Lester) is now among thieves, You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two, Fagin (Ron Moody) and chorus. Link #2 The Artful Dodger (Jack Wild) meets Oliver, great production number intro, London. Consider Yourself at Home! Link #3 Where is Love? Sung by Oliver, (Dubbed by Kathe Green, daughter of Musical Director Johnny Green.) Beautifully touching!
https://youtu.be/4X48mxMPm9Q?si=uhKUl-UNoOvos8n6
107. THE LITTLE FOXES (1941) U.S.
Director: William Wyler
Screenplay: Lillian Hellman (Based on her play) / Arthur Kober / Dorothy Parker
In 1942, William Wyler’s 5th listed film set the record for most Oscar-nominated movies (9) to never win the award as Best Picture. It remains one of the single best examples besides Citizen Kane in dealing with unsavory greed. Based on Lillian Hellman’s play, it takes us through the sinister maneuverings of the Giddens family, how they hypocritically live their lives in wealth while scheming to manage and grab the family fortune. At the head of this ruthlessness is Regina Giddens (Bette Davis), evil personified, always at odds with her husband’s failing health (Herbert Marshall) and her daughter’s (Teresa Wright) anxiety over her boyfriend’s (Richard Carlson) advances. Standouts in acting are the abused Birdie (Patricia Collenge,) and deceptive Ben Giddens (Charles Dingle). Gregg Toland’s camera work is amazing and Bette Davis’s stellar performance (check back story) includes her distant reaction to her husband’s heart attack…Chilling and Riveting!
Link #1 Regina (Bette Davis) watches as her husband (Herbert Marshall) struggles to get his medicine. Link #2 Daughter Alexandra (Teresa Wright), breaking free of her mother’s influence, challenges her for the first time.
https://youtu.be/39t8bSDf_os?si=CgE2irkS5n7FZw-W https://youtu.be/b7aEQCIGxrA?si=i0p6AsvRJNOMF7-K
106. DIABOLIQUE (1954) France
Director: Henri-Georges Clouzot
Screenplay: Pierre Boileau / Thomas Narcejac (Novel) / Paul Meurisse
Alfred Hirchcock wanted this novel badly, but French director Henri-Georges Clouzot beat him to it, by a few hours, buying the rights to the novel. Regardless, it turns out to be one of the very best classic Mystery/Suspense thrillers. In this French director’s hands, along with Armand Thirard’s contrasting black and white photography and Georges Van Parys timely musical soundtrack…Wow! A second-class French boarding school for boys is owned and run by a married couple, an abusive and loathsome Michel Delassallie (Paul Meurisse), and his abused wife, Christina (Vera Clouzot). Simone Signoret plays his mistress, (Nicole Horner) and the two women conspire to murder him, with a perfect alibi—or is it? We are pulled into this web of deceit and murder, with overwhelming suspense and off-balance plot twists. The movie runs the gamut as gripping emotions and psychological shock progressively takes its toll…A Simmering, Heart Pounding Thriller!
Link #1 The Official Trailer with English sub-titles. Clouzot’s masterpiece of Suspense / Mystery / Horror.
105. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981) U.S.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Screenplay: Lawrence Kasdan / George Licas / Philip Kaufman
Steven Spielberg may be the most recognizable film director in the world, largely because he makes movies that people really love. Adding to his Legendary status with his 5th selection, this Action / Adventure movie, which opened the Pandora’s Box for “franchise” films, also appealed to Fantasy / Mystery / Horror / Romantic film buffs all over the world. Introducing Indiana Jones, (Harrison Ford) who sports a bullwhip and teams up with former jilted love interest, Marion (Karen Allen), and digresses into the 1936 era of pre-Nazi antagonists who not only desire, but obsess to grab one of history’s most treasured relics, the Biblical golden Ark of the Covenant. Those Nazis, led by Belloc (Paul Freeman), Toht (Ronald Lacey), and Dietrich (Wolf Kahler), will do anything to get it. The action, non-stop, the music score is glorious by John Williams, the writing, amazing, like the serialized adventures of old, and the movie also won 5 Academy Awards…Monumental!
Link #1 What a beginning for some of the greatest Action scenes ever filmed! Link #2 The car / truck scene - Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) actually was injured in the truck scene - Amazing! Link #3 Final scene - “They don’t know what they’ve got there.” Indy and Marion (Karen Island) “I’ll buy you a drink!”
https://youtu.be/mC1ikwQ5Zgc?si=-Iwc8jkP8HOIMjl_
104. THE LIFE OF PIE (2012) Taiwan / U.S.
Director: Ang Lee
Screenplay: (Novel) Yhan Martel / David MaGee
Similar to The Black Stallion, a disaster at sea completely turns a young man’s (Suraj Sharma) life into a story of survival, only this time the youth must live on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named ‘Richard Parker.’ This event sets the story as an Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, with stunning, jaw-dropping CGI effects, and imagination that may surprise even the most doubting movie fan. As the adult Pi Patel (Irfann Khan) relates his miracle of survival and deliverance—what a story it is! Especially on the lifeboat, with the tiger, zebra, hyena and orangutan, all zoo survivors, all flotsam from the same tragedy, we marvel at Ang Lee’s meticulous direction, David Magee’s intelligent screenplay, Claudio Miranda’s cinematography and Mychael Danna’s original music score. If one wants to witness breathtaking beauty and experience superlative, moving artwork, Ang Lee’s 2nd listed film will more than satisfy…Spellbinding and Resplendent!
Link #1 What do you see? Link #2 Pi (Suraj Sharma) saves the tiger, Richard Parker. Link #3 Both are saved by a “school” of flying fish—Stunning!
https://youtu.be/DnvGIl5nUYg?si=vuL_OjWTAoIImjld
103. ASHES AND DIAMONDS (1958) Poland
Director: Andrzej Wajda
Screenplay: Jerzy Andrzejewsky / Andrezej Wajda
Without a doubt, Andrezej Wajda, (pronounced Andre Vida.) introduces us to his career and sets the bar high in the world of Polish cinema. With films such as Kanal, The Promised Land and Danton to his credit, he is widely recognized as a giant among his contemporaries. World War II has just ended and Maciak, a Polish resistance fighter to the Nazis played by Zbigniew Cybulsky, has been assigned to assassinate the ‘liberated’ Communist leader (Waclaw Zastrzezynsky), his former comrade in the war, and with this task, he is more conflicted than ever before. His moral dilemma and crises of conscience make him question the very war that has just been won. The influential film is a great anti-war statement. Wajda’s use of camera work by cinematographer, Jerzy Wojik, makes him a craftsman and artisan as well…Stunning and Thought-Provoking!
Link #1 The visual beauty of this Wadja film is astonishing! Link #2 This is an analysis of the most famous bar scene in Polish cinema.
102. CHARIOTS OF FIRE (1981)
Director: Hugh Hudson
Screenplay: Colin Welland
As one of the best sports biographical films to ever win the Academy Award as best picture, this timeless classic takes us back in time to 1924 featuring the British Olympic running team. Taking criticism now but in 1980 it was a sensation, due to Hugh Hudson’s superb direction, Colin Welland’s inspiring screenplay and the #1 selling electronic soundtrack by Vangelis, who won an Oscar for his musical score. Based on a true story, this piece of history follows two athletes, Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), an English Jew running to defeat prejudice, and Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a Scottish Christian running for God’s glory. The developing back story and final races are emotionally powerful. With a great cast, especially Ian Holm as Harold’s coach, the two devise a way to win each other’s races, winning two golds in the process! Overcoming all obstacles, Eric doesn’t violate his conscience by running on the Sabbath…A Contemplative, Heartwarming Film!
Link #1 Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), before the U.K, Committee, defends his faith, “I will not run on the Sabbath!” Link #2 Eric has something to prove on his 3rd race of the day. “God made me fast!” Link #3 Eric’s main competitor, Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), watching from the stands, can’t believe what he witnesses after Eric falls down.
https://youtu.be/usIpld3BZWw?si=VkrMdUAbb36aW8Nq
101. NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959) U.S.
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Screenplay: Ernest Lehman
In this film classic we experience one of the greatest spy vs. spy mysteries os all time, with a more than sensational ending. With his 5th listed film, Alfred Hitchcock displays his superb craftmanship in direction by not letting his main character, advertising executive Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant), have access to Ernest Lehman’s finished script. Grant thought it was very confused, precisely what Hitch wanted, a man who was constantly off balance because the villains, led by Philip Vandamm (James Mason), are trying to steal government secrets. Eve Kendall, (a luminous Eva Marie Saint,) also in the mix, falls for Roger, who tries to sort it out, never sure Eve’s intentions. The chase goes from the U.N. Building in New York to an Indiana cornfield, to South Dakota’s Mt. Rushmore, all in the interest of international security and espionage. With Bernard Hermann’s frantic music score, Saul Bass’s amazing screen credits and Robert Burks wondrous camera…A Breathtaking Thrill!
Link #1 The United Nations scene, Roger’s (Cary Grant) case of mistaken identity. Link #2 Roger disrupts an elegant art auction to devise an escape from Vandamm’s spies. Link #3 The crop duster scene, Roger runs for his life.
https://youtu.be/N4HqPnm0yEc?si=Fs86DquMc5t9bR1J
