75 - 51 - Great Films
75. SOUNDER (1972) U.S.
Director: Martin Ritt
Screenplay: Lonne Elder III / William H. Armstrong (Based on his novel)
This is a quintessential movie for families to see, one of the most honest portrayals of a sharecropping family and the necessity of all pulling together during the Great Depression, not only for survival, but for keeping their love alive as well. Martin Ritt’s direction preserves this history for the ages, with Taj Mahal’s authentic blues music, Lonne Elder’s realistic screenplay, and Cecily Tyson’s (Rebecca) Oscar performance, taking us back to the early 1930s, putting it in the same class as To Kill a Mockingbird, The Grapes of Wrath and Places in the Heart. Ike (Taj Mahal), relating his mistake, walking into the front of a fine white church. “Lord, I want you to tell me how I ever got outta there in one piece.” Nathan Lee: “What did the Lord tell you, Ike?” Ike replied: “He said, ‘I don’t know, Ike, you doin’ better’n me, I been tryin’ to git in there for 200 years and ain’t make it yet.” This is not a race movie…It’s how things really were…everyone in the theater APPLAUDED the end!
Link #1 Official trailer of the 1972 film, Sounder. Link #2 A Powerful movie clip of Nathan (Paul Winfield), returning home from the chain gang to his wife, Rebecca (Cecily Tyson) and family.
74. IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (2000) Hong Kong / Fra.
Director: Wong Kar-wai
Screenplay: Wong Kar-wai
Widely recognized by his peers the world over, Won Kar-wai has established himself as one of cinema’s greatest artists. He “paints” a beautiful moving canvas with lush colors, tones and detail, often making other directors envious with his use of cinematography, in this case Christopher Doyle, Mark Lee Ping-bing. With a story set in 1960s Hong Kong, we get a bird’s eye view of Chow Mo-wan (Tony Chiu Wai Leung) and Su Li-zhen (Maggie Cheung), brought together by the discovery of their spouses having an affair. Can these two hurt individuals be drawn together? Yes! They develop an intimate, romantic bond, longing for each other, with every look and nuance speaking volumes, totally without physical intimacy. There are no bedroom scenes and very little dialogue, they just look for those quiet moments taking up some room with restraint, in the same space, not as adulterers, but as pure people belonging to someone else…Exquisite and Sumptuous, a Masterpiece!
Link #1 Stunning visuals from the film, without dialog, cinematography by Christopher Doyle / Mark Lee Ping-bing. Link #2 First lines, “In a restless moment, she kept her head lowered, giving him a chance to come closer. He doesn’t, he lacks the courage, she turns and walks away.”
73. REAR WINDOW (1954) U.S.
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Screenplay: John Michael Hayes
Hitchcock films are always interesting, usually because their surprise-endings, and oddly enough, he never won an Academy Award for best achievement for direction—an anomaly if there ever was one! His 4th film listed is a thriller, the most claustrophobic in his 50-year career, taking place entirely in a room, adjacent to an apartment courtyard. “Jeff” Jeffries (James Stewart) is a bored, wheelchair-bound photographer, nursing a broken leg. Lisa Freemont, (Grace Kelly) is his radiant, high-society girlfriend, Thelma Ritter, (Stella) is his bossy nurse and Wendall Corey is the skeptical detective. What Jeff witnesses in the dark, while “Spying” on his neighbors, could be a murder taking place…or is it? This movie owns one of the greatest female screen intros ever filmed—Lisa’s shadow first appears of Jeff while he’s asleep and his awakening, only to view her beauty for the first time today. It’s a flagship moment in screen history…Wonderfully Aesthetic and Significant!
Link #1 Lisa Fremont’s (Grace Kelly) entrance into injured “Jeff” Jeffries (James Stewart) apartment, as a shadow. Link #2 Is it suspicion of murder, imagination running wild, or just plain voyeurism? Link #3 Lisa is retrieving stolen property in Thorwall’s (Raymond Burr) apartment—and he comes home!
https://youtu.be/6mB-QfHnclY?si=hKopBecX2sjrLiEz
72. BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN (1924) (Silent) USSR
Director: Sergei Eisenstein
Screenplay: Nina Agadzhanova / Grigoriy Alexandrov / Nikolay Aseev
Russia’s 1st listed entry on our list is considered by many as one of the greatest silent movies of all time, the 3rd listed movie from the silent era. Sergei Eisenstein has long been acknowledged among the greatest of Russian directors, and the “Father of Montage” in motion pictures—this is a masterpiece of that technique, especially the Odessa Steps scene. Among his film classics are Strike, October, and historical sound epics, Alexander Nevsky and Ivan the Terrible. All these films presented Russian patriotism based of Communistic ideals and propaganda. However, this film features a 1905 drama of a naval mutiny against cruel, sadistic officers that spread from ship to land, before the Russian revolution. The musical soundtrack is by Edmund Meisel and Dmitri Shoakovich…Fascinating and Captious!
Link #1 The massacre - The infamous Odessa steps scene. Warning, still troubling for its violence. Music - Dmitri Shostakovich. Link #2 Commentary on Sergei Eisenstein, a short documentary on the story of montage used in film.
71. DR. STRANGELOVE: OR HOW I LEARNED TO LOVE THE BOMB (1964) U.K.
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Screenplay: Peter George (his book) / Peter Sellers / Stanley Kubrick / Terry Southern
This film goes down in history as not only Stanley Kubrick’s 3rd listed film, but as one of the darkest comedy satires of all time! Some of it is absolutely side-splitting in a strange macabre sort of way. It stars Peter Sellers in triple-challenging roles as President Muffley, Captain Mandrake, and Dr. Strangelove, George C. Scott in hilarious parody as Chief of Staff Buck Turgidson, and Sterling Hayden as the unhinged rogue General Jack D. Ripper. Can these three work together to prevent a nuclear war by a general who claims the water is poisoning our precious bodily fluids? Will the President act on the Chief of Staff’s only paranoid solution, a military one to start Armageddon? Can the President exercise enough restraint to stop the anger, “You can’t fight in here—This is the WAR ROOM!” This is perhaps one of the most influential films of the 20th Century. Perhaps Slim Pickens sums it all up best, riding down on the release of the hydrogen bomb…Wahoo!
Link #1 General Jack D. Ripper (Sterling Hayden) tries to reason with Colonel Mandrake (Peter Sellers) about why he personally declares war against Russia. Link #2 General Turgidson (George C. Scott) makes his case for war to the President (Peter Sellers) and his aids. Link #3 Major Kong (Slim Pickens) prepares to ride the H-Bomb all the way down to the Russian target.
https://youtu.be/J67wKhddWu4?si=2zSwaXo6WfpDkMn6
70. GOODBYE MR. CHIPS (1939) U.K.
Director: Sam Wood / Sidney Franklin
Screenplay: R.C. Sherriff / Claudine West / Eric Maschwitz
This 4th entry listed from 1939 is an absolute bonafide classic. Beautifully written and directed, it stands out as one of the purist romantic love stories of all time. A shy stern man whose love for teaching and outlook on life is changed endearingly by the woman who unexpectedly enters his life, from a mountain on a road trip to Austria before the Great War. When Louisa (Greer Garson) appears out of the mist, one of the finest screen intros in movie history, Mr. Chipping, (Robert Donat), and Brookfield School for Boys, would never be the same. Their conversation as they get acquainted, stranded in the fog, is a time-capsule moment, never to be forgotten. As their love grows their marriage ends tragically, and she loses their baby too. He remains greatly changed, as he teaches for decades and faced with the challenges of growing old childless, replying to the question, “Pity I never had any children, “You’re wrong, I have, Thousands of them…and all boys!”…A Treasure!
Link #1 Stranded in the fog, for each other’s safety Chips and Louisa talk, getting acquainted…beautiful! Link #2 “Certainly you can be Headmaster, if you just want to.” Louisa to Chips. Link #3 Chips speech of 2 final names on the Roll of Honor.
https://youtu.be/viuul3JO-3k?si=gBybdo9whXVhFvdl
69. CYRANO de BERGERAC (1990) France
Director: Jean-Paul Rappineau
Screenplay: Jean-Claude Carriere / Jean-Paul Rappineau
Edmond Rostand’s play, directed by Jean-Paul Rappineau, really comes to life, and wins by a NOSE over Michael Gordon’s 1950 film version, with Jose Ferrer in the title role. The splendid acting by Gerard Departdieu as Cyrano and Anne Brochet as Roxane is dazzling, and the writing, music score and cinematography all add to a magnificent experience for the moviegoer. This story through the years has become a legendary romantic love story because of its beautifully expressed play on words and the expertise displayed in the sword-fighting duels. Poor Chrisian (Vincent Perez), words fail him to convey love to Roxane, but Cyrano supplies his own poetic romantic words by letters and deception because he thinks she could never love a man with such a huge nose—he has spent a lifetime defending it! Its only at the end of his life when she realizes that Cynano’s heart was hers from the very start. Wow! What a sweet rose of an ending! Superb and Poignant!
LInk #1 Enough is enough—the duel! Cyrano (Gerard Depardieu) defends his…nose. Link #2 The balcony scene, Roxane (Anne Brochet) realizes Christian’s (Vincent Perez) words convey love beyond desire. Link #3 Cyrano finally reveals his love to Roxane, as he dies.
https://youtu.be/OAXX-tr0gzg?si=2ceOHu_k_srrbcOO
68. THE GOLD RUSH (1925) (Silent) U.S.
Director: Charles Chaplin
Screenplay: Charles Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin’s 2nd listed movie is simply—one of the greatest silent slapstick comedies of all time. This classic was all Chaplin, with his, “Little Tramp,” persona as the Lone Prospector), written, produced, directed, edited and composing the music—all by him in 1925. During the 1890s Gold Rush, the Tramp goes to the Klondike to make his fortune, but a dance hall girl catches his eye, and he is smitten. Mack Swain plays Big Jim McKay, Tom Murray (Black Larsen) and Georgia is played by, who else?…Georgia Hale. Some great moments in the film really stay with you, the hurricane-force wind that blows the cabin to the cliffside. starving, Big Jim hallucinates from hunger, chasing the Tramp, thinking he’s a giant chicken, and when the tramp prepares and eats his shoes for dinner are among those scenes…A great story with a Lesson in Slapstick Comedy!
Link #1 The Lone Prospector (Charlie Chaplin) treks northward joining thousands of others. Link #2 The Little Tramp prepares and eats his shoes for Thanksgiving.
67. UMBERTO D (1952) Italy
Director: Vittorio Di Seca
Screenplay: Cesare Zavatini
In De Sica’s 2nd listed film, much like his 1st film, The Bicycle Thieves, he chose to use a non-professional actor (Carlo Battisti,) as Umberto, in the lead role as a civil-servant trying to survive in post-war Rome. The gamble works! With the gritty look of a neorealistic documentary, he brings this moving, heartbreaking story with his only companion, Flike, his faithful dog, and a maid who shares living quarters. Navigating survival, loneliness, and poverty from an insufficient pension, he tries to hold on to his dignity in a world that has been ravaged by war, he finds solace by trying to find a decent home for Flike. This ultimately becomes a Dog’s Story! The film is often praised for its wonderful screenplay, its great music score by Alessandro Cicognini, and this beautiful story has become a classic in world cinema. The ending is both Emotionally Rewarding and Poignant!
Link #1 The challenge of trying to get rid of a dog and or find a new master. Link #2 Umberto triies to recover Flike before it’s too late.
66. SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950) U.S.
Director: Billy Wilder
Screenplay: Billy Wilder / Charles Brackett / D.M. Marshman Jr.
This film noir classic from legendary film director, Billy Wilder, is one of the greatest films about show business and show people, along with All About Eve, Cinema Paradiso. and Day for Night. It’s a shocking surprise because it’s main male lead, writer Joe Gillis, (William Holden) is murdered at the beginning of the film. The story proceeds from a flashback, and unwinds the encroaching madness of its fading star, Norma Desmond, (Gloria Swanson.) Erich von Stroheim plays the loyal butler, Max Mayerling, and the acting is splendid by all, in this study of a delusional actress who lives on decaying dreams of the silent movies of the past and looks forward to her big return to the screen, an obsessive tragedy in the making. This dark film is landmark in so many ways, full of satire, sardonic wit, cameos from real Hollywood celebrities and those unforgettable lines such as, “I AM big! It’s the pictures that got small.”…Incomparably Shattering!
Link #1 Former silent screen star, Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) visits the set of Cecil B. Demille. Link #2 “I AM Big! I’ts the pictures that got small!” - Norma Desmond to Joe Gillis (William Holden.) Link #3 “Allright, Mr. Demille, I’m ready for my closeup.” The conclusion, Norma’s farewell.
https://youtu.be/MvajGqWodvM?si=DRVK_pNwaDGu23bC
65. ANNIE HALL (!977) (Ed.) U.S.
Director: Woody Allen
Screenplay: Woody Allen / Marshall Brickman
One of the the funniest social statements from this unique, whimsical, neurotic, reflective, romantic comedy comes from Annie Hall (Diane Keaton,) “It’s so clean out here.” Alvy Singer (Woody Allen), her boyfriend, says, “That’s because they don’t throw their garbage away, they turn it into television shows.” So much for their trip to California, short, like their previous relationships and marriages. This little film about a failing standup comedian was a turning point for Woody, as he graduated from slapstick and craziness to more adult-themed stories about insecure, failed relationships. He wrote, starred and directed in his (2nd on list), light-hearted spin on life, winning accolades of fans and 4 Oscars. Diane Keaton, wonderful as an aspiring night club singer, in an Oscar win as best actress, a rare feat in a comedy role. The split-screen conversation is a marvel, the star-studded laughs and gags, and the unexpected plays on words, remarkable. Well, La-de-dah…Marvelous!
Link #1 Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) sings Seems Like Old Times.” Wonderful! Link #2 “There’s a spider in the bathtub!” Annie and Alvy in the bathroom. Link #3 Alvy and Annie meet Grammy Hall’s family, and Duane (Christopher Walken.)
https://youtu.be/p32OEIazBew?si=iBneiLzBNLB7xZRA
64. THE MIRACLE WORKER (1962) (BST) (Bio.) U.S.
Director: Arthur Penn
Screenplay: William Gibson (based on his play of the same name.)
Anne Sullivan (Ann Bancroft) and Helen Keller (Patty Duke) take center stage in this 1962 drama. It’s exhausting, challenging, requiring a great deal of discipline on the viewer’s part, and admirably rewarding! Helen, blind, deaf & mute since infancy, and Miss Sullivan, blindly sensitive to light, battle each other with great physicality, stubbornness and determination to accomplish their goals, to connect to each other with a message—this is not a game! Assigned by Captain Keller to teach her to communicate by sign language, becomes a challenge for everyone because of family interference—she must have Helen to herself. She settles for more just “folding her napkin.” Bancroft gives a stunning, stellar performance with grit, purpose and battle fatigue, as does Patty Duke with a seismic, physically challenging role. With Arthur Penn’s meticulous direction, and Laurence Rosenthal’s emotional music score, it should be Required Viewing—A Film Triumph!
Link #1 Anne (Ann Bancroft) teaching Helen (Patty Duke) table manners, finally orders the family “to leave.” Link #2 Anne, now alone with Helen, labors to teach her language, not a game. Link #3 The Water Pump scene, finally the language connection, Anne and Helen break through.
https://youtu.be/_W1NRq6DekY?si=hDrsrlIX_I86cr74
63. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968) U.K.
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Screenplay: Stanley Kubrick / Arthur C. Clarke
There’s sience fiction and there’s SCIENCE FICTION, but rarely has such a movie had such influence on pop culture as this one. It truly was years ahead of its time with stunning visuals and special effects, with a soundtrack of classical music with ethereal vocal sounds, such as Also sprach Zarathustra, and a very risky ambiguous ending that demanded personal interpretation. The star roles go to Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, a mysterious black monolith, and a HAL-9000 computer. Stanley Kubrick’s 2nd listed film is about a future trip to Jupiter in which the main computer malfunctions, putting the astronauts and crew in serious danger. The film addresses everything from technology, human evolution, A.I. and life in other worlds. Now considered a masterpiece, the film continues to spawn discussion and debate. It’s chilling when HAL-9000 tells the crew, “The mission is too important for me to allow you to jeopardize it.”…Hypnotic and Captivating!
Link #1 Great shots of Geoffrey Unsworth’s and John Alcott’s cinematography. Link #2 Hal-9000’s argument against The cre chief (Keir Dullea). Link #3 Hal’s reassuring pleadings while being dismantled.
https://youtu.be/STZ_vB6qlLE?si=DFesZP6uMDstAk2G
62. JURASSIC PARK (1993) (Ed.) U.S.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Screenplay: Michael Crichton (Based on his book) / David Koepp
It’s films like this that give 1993 a case for the greatest year for movies in the 1990s. With Stephen’s 4th film on our list, this is truly one of the greatest Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror CGI effects movies of all time. Dinosaurs came to Life!! It was a phenomenal success, becoming the box office champ for about 4 years, until Titanic. What would happen if real dinosaurs could be cloned from DNA from solid amber of mosquitos, going back “65 million years?” Everyone who has seen the movie realistically found out…together. The film experience opened up a major franchise, changing CGI effects and sound forever. With Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Richard Attenborough in major roles, Wayne Knight, Samuel L. Jackson and Bob Peck make the most of their minor ones, and some of the best moment come from the two children, Araina Richards and Joseph Mazello. This proves to be an Extraordinary, Sensational Film Event!…Wow!
Link #1 One of the most effective Official Trailers of all time - Jurassic Park. Link #2 One of the most sensational opening scenes in movie history. “Shoot her, Shoot her!” Link #3 Simply one of the greatest scenes in movie history, “Welcome to Jurassic Park!” *John Williams iconic introductory movie score! Link #4 The dinner scene - The Convrrsation - Dr. Hammond (Richard Attenborough), Ian (Jeff Goldblum), Ellie (Laura Dern), Dr. Grant (Sam Neill) P.S. Ian has all the best lines in the film.
https://youtu.be/bx46tthKXmc?si=9YeKd02xb1iSF88N
https://youtu.be/qz5JmgLQEzs?si=hEgF5lobgvxknC30
61. AU REVOIR, LES INFANTS (Goodbye Children) (1987) (Fra. / W. Germ.)
Director: Louis Malle
Screenplay: Louis Malle
This coming-of-age film is an anti-war story based on the writer’s own experience. Julien Quintin, (Gaspard Manese), a student at a French boarding school, slowly becomes a close friend with a new arrival, Jean Bonnet (Raphael Fejto,) not knowing he is a Jewish boy evading capture by the Nazis. Pere Jean (Philip Morier), in charge of the school, tries to protect the boys from the Holocaust as their budding new friendship grows…a dangerous mission. What can happen when a raid by the Gestapo takes place and a child’s slip of the tongue reveals an innocent secret. The children are marvelous and the restrained dramatic moments still allow the tension to grow. Louis Malle’s direction is superb, as is the entire movie, as we look into the past. This marks one of 4 great movies so far about Holocaust survival. The loss of innocence, courage and friendship are woven throughout the movie, set in 1943…Simply Stirring and Touching!
Link #1 Director Louie Malle’s personal experiences with his autobiography. Link #2 Scene finale, the priest and the three Jewish boys’ departure from school.
60. THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY (1945) (U.S.)
Director: Albert Lewin
Screenplay: Alec Coppel / Samuuel L. Taylor
Oscar Wilde’s 1890 Gothic mystery/horror novel comes to Life (or Death) in this sensational film adaptation by Albert Lewin, with all the atmosphere of film noir, mystery, suspense and character study of a man losing his soul to sin, degradation and morals from a simple twist of fate from a wish. Lord Henry Wotton, (George Sanders), is a cynical, influential cad, who deftly persuades Dorian, played by an icy Hurd Hatfield, to “sell his soul” in exchange for eternal youth, as his life-size portrait continues to age and change. Basil Hallward (Lowell Gilmore) plays the fateful painter, Angela Lansbury, Donna Reed play love interests, and Cedrick Hardwicke narrates will chilling seriousness. Harry Stradling’s Oscar-winning cinematography is a wonder; likewise, Herbert Stothart’s music score, all adding to the impending doom as the story unfolds. Surprise! This film has a flash of COLOR! “Experience is merely the name give to their mistakes.” …Mesmerizing!
Link #1 Dorian (HUrd Hatfield) and Lord Henry (George Sanders) impulsively wish for something sinister. Link #2 “All influence is immoral…because the aim of life is self-development.” Lord Henry to Dorian. Link #3 The corruption of Dorian Gray, with Sybil Vane (Angela Lansbury.)
https://youtu.be/ZEOVe2VTeJk?si=FKJJtk9B7RHlC4cS
59. SNOW WHITE and THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937) (Ani.) U.S.
Director: Ben Sharpsteen (Sequence director / David Hand (Supervising director)
Screenplay: Richard Creedon / Larry Morey / 6 other Contributors
It took 3 years of collaboration under Walt Disney’s leadership to bring this feature-length animated movie to the screen. But it was well worth it! It opened the way for the future hand-drawn animators to collectively work together to bring these delightful stories, (in this case Brothers Grimm), to the public and all future animation, anime and computer-generated classics owe this film for opening the door to the entertaining fantasy, tender moments, and joyful songs that followed in the years since. This is our 2nd choice for animated classics, with many more to come. The simple story includes a sweet, kind princess, confined to a forest by her jealous stepmother, a Queen, and her new friends, 7 miners, who come to her rescue. The power of love is stressed in this good versus evil tale. It’s beautiful, magical, and winsome, delighting kids of all ages, from 2 to 102. The voices—amazing, “Someday my prince will come” and “Hi-ho, Hi-ho, it’s off to work we go.”
Link #1 “Mirror, mirror, on the wall,” - The Queen seeks her innocent, beautiful rival. Link #2 “Dig, dig, dig, & Hi, ho, hi, ho, It’s off to work we go,” - The seven dwarves go to work. Link #3 “Someday my prince will come.” - Snow White (Andriana Caselotti) sings.
https://youtu.be/uR08t3yleYs?si=5YSEEqoXmXD36ypc
58. VERTIGO (1958) (U.S.)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Screenplay: Alec Coppel / Samuel L. Taylor
Hitchcock’s 3rd entry on our list is considered by some as one of the greatest films of all time. Yet he never won as Oscar, and this beautifully shot film has four main stars—James Stewart as Scottie the private investigator, Kim Novak in dual roles as Madeleine and Judy, Bernard Herrmann with a magnificent music score, and Robert Burkes and his stunning cinematography of the San Francisco area. Attention should also go to Saul Bass in one of the greatest opening title sequences ever filmed. We feel sorry for Scottie as the story unfolds, he becomes obsessed with the woman (Madeliene) he’s assigned to follow, becoming so psychologically disturbed that his fear of heights prevents him from her impending death…or can he? Soon he meets Judy, who looks just like her, and eventually he’s trapped by the same scenario. Can he unravel this mystery, or break his own fearful vertigo to prove his love is real?…Well, you simply have to see for yourself…Mesmerizing!
Link #1 Extraordinary opening title sequence, with animation, Saul Bass - Music Bernard Herrmann. Link #2 Judy’s transformation into Madeleine. Kim Novak & James Stewart. Link #3 The famous “Dolly Zoom” effect, in the tower! Link #4 Scottie’s nightmare sequence.
https://youtu.be/Lvaahmgmz8w?si=I8km3likBCBLMFy6
https://youtu.be/-Dl2otkzbBE?si=e6HQKp2k_CI14FfG
57. MARCH OF THE PENGUINS (Doc.) (Fra) (2005)
Director: Luc Jacquet
Screenplay: Luc Jacquet / Michel Fessler (Jordan Roberts - English adaptation)
This important, stunning documentary is introduced by narrator, actor Morgan Freeman, as “a love story,” and that it is! As the only listed film from the coldest place on Earth, Antarctica, it is also a story of faithfulness, perseverance, survival, and the protection of family. Sometimes NATURE provides us with lessons we can learn, not only on endurance but also, the necessity of self=preservation from the coldest winds on earth, to protect our solitary egg, and stay safe within the closeness of community. These necessary thoughts are revealed by this Academy Award winning true story, with power, extraordinary care, and intense love, by the craftmanship and skill of this French director. The things that penguins go through to simply exist—truly remarkable. Bring your big coat!…Simply Inspirational!
Link #1 The first steps alone. Link #2 Protecting the egg. Link #3 A reunion worth remembering.
https://youtu.be/U5VW0XTFBZo?si=Pe8j_xRnxIxiGvGW
56. EMPIRE OF THE SUN (1987) (U.S.)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Screenplay: Tom Stoppard (Based on J.G. Ballad’s novel)
Steven’s Spielberg’s list of great cinema achievements are now legendary, he brings entertainment, history, experience…and art! This movie (his 2nd listed) may be one of his most unheralded masterpieces. Christian Bale as young Jim gives one of the greatest child performances ever in the movies—he’s almost in every frame of the film. Spielberg always gets great performances from children, age 12 to 13 in this case. When war takes place anywhere in the world, those who suffer the most are the displaced civilians, becoming refugees. In Jim’s case he survives in spite his worship of military warplanes, based on his instinctive IMAGINATION! John Williams’ music score soars to the heavens, and so does the stunning cinematography of Allen Daviau. Thousands of extras were used to give the film experience a feeling of authenticity, particularly when Jim, “Jamie,” gets separated from his parents. The “Cadillac of the skies,” sequence, one of the Greatest in Film History!
Link #1 The classic trailer (formerly known as “sneak previews.)” Link #2 The terrifying consequence of young Jamie’s (Christian Bale) separation and displacement of his family. Link #3 The worship of warplanes as a matter of survival in the Japanese prison camp. Link #4 “Cadillac of the sky” scene, a world of imagination at the risk of his young life.
https://youtu.be/i_WiDVA1kLY?si=Su1zkMmJFz06zAEC
https://youtu.be/fITXa8eJPTQ?si=pq73DtKdFgZ49vSe
55. THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939) U.S.
Director: Victor Fleming (King Vidor, the Kansas scenes)
Screenplay: Noel Langley / Florence Ryerson / Edgar Allan Woolf and others. (Based on L. Frank Baum’s book.)
1939 was one of the most wonderful years in history in movie releases. With World War II on the horizon, this musical, comedy, fantasy became one of the most beloved legendary productions ever brought to the screen—its effect on pop culture has entertained generations ever since. Seems everyone knows the story line, young Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog Toto, get carried away from their home to a magical Land of Oz, a place where she and her three new friends try to a find the wizard to “make their dreams come true.” On her trip, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow, Jack Haley as the Tin Man, Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, and Frank Morgan as the Wizard, prove to be the right ingredients for an unforgettable journey, The conflict between the Good witch Glenda, and Bad witch, Miss Gulch, move the story forward. Victor Fleming hosts a committee of directors for an experience—that works! The Theme, “There’s no Place Like Home!”
Link #1 Dorothy (16-year-old Judy Garland) wistfully sings Over the Rainbow…Beautiful! Link #2 The tornado changes everything. Link #3 We’re Off to See the Wizard of Oz, Follow the Yellow Brick Road.
https://youtu.be/PSZxmZmBfnU?si=1PHbzgHoAuaqK6YB
54. THE PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO (1985) U.S.
Director: Woody Allen
Screenplay: Woody Allen
Very few American writers or directors can match the output of New York’s Woody Allen—he wrote, directed, produced and sometimes starred in over 50 films he made from 1969 to 2024, over 60 years. This one was one of his best. This comedy is unique, with sudden surprises of bittersweet fantasy, loneliness, and fading dreams that break the tedium of everyday life during the Depression of the 1930s. Mia Farrow stars as Cecilia, a lonely waitress who escapes the boredom of watching the same movies, day to day. One day Tom Baxter (Jeff Daniels) walks off the screen, out of the movie and into her life, saying: “you must really like this movie!” Thus begins a love story of the ages as Cecilia tries to escape her abusive husband, Monk, (Danny Aiello) as she eventually gives in to this fictitious break from the emptiness in her life. The result is a “madcap” romantic fantasy that plays into the escapism of her dreary life…Beautifully shot as a Whimsical Classic!
Link #1 The Official Trailer of this “madcap” movie by Woody Allen. Link #2 Tom Baxter finally walks off the screen and into Cecilia’s (Mia Farrow) life. “My God, you must really love this movie.” Link #3 The confusion of escaping the film grows—how did Gil Shepherd (Jeff Daniels) get “out?”
https://youtu.be/bFmAxUfx6Oc?si=5-D79YLYEHHRv4UH
53. THE THIRD MAN (1949) U.K.
Director: Carol Reed
Screenplay: Graham Greene
Considered by movie buffs and film historians alike as one of the greatest of film noir mysteries of all time, after seeing it, you’ll surely agree. Sir Carol Reed directs with careful brush strokes as he guides us through post-war Vienna, with a classic tale of intrigue, drama, conspiracy and machination. Robert Krasker’s black and white cinematography is superb, Graham Greene’s screenplay is legendary for its moral abiguity, and Anton Karras’s music featuring the Zither, carry the mystery along wonderfully from the top of a Ferris wheel to the bottom of Vienna’s sewer system. With Joseph Cotton, Trevor Howard, Alida Valli and a wonderful Orson Welles, (Check out his first appearance, one of the greatest in film history), the characters play off each other beautifully. One can’t help to feel sorry for pulp writer, Holly Martins, as he slowly unravels the mystery of the 3rd man, and the true identity of his best friend, Harry Lime…The final scene will Blow You Away!
Link #1 Holly Martins (Joseph Cotton) discovery, Harry Lime, (Orson Welles) thought to be dead, first appearance…and disappearance. Link #2 The famous ferris wheel scene, Holly and Harry, and his disregard for life. Link #3 Film noir classic scene, Anna walks away, final scene.
https://youtu.be/HP1VPuXEMbg?si=G2clG6ArE2LtBqWT
52. MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD (2003) U.S.
Director: Peter Weir
Screenplay: Peter Weir / John Collee / (based on Patrick O’Brian book.)
Of all the seascapes ever filmed, this yarn based on Patrick O’Brian’s series of fictional books seems to have the most followers… and authenticity. Never has the transportation of moviegoer to the world of 1805, been as well served than this tale of the Napoleonic Wars fought under the leadership of Britain’s Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe.) Director Peter Weir, with his 2nd listed film, present us with an epic tale of drama, action and courage, along with Paul Bettany as Doctor Maturin, and with a host of others, bring distinctive realism to their rolls. The captain pushes his crew and vessel, a frigate named the Surprise, in pursuit of the French war vessel, the Archeron, all the way round South America, with two thunderous encounters as the attacked, and as the attackers. Cinematography by Russell Boyd is magnificent, the visual and sound special effects are formidable and jaw-dropping…but it’s the story!…What a Voyage, Captivating and Amazing!
Link #1 The surprise attack of the ship Archeron on the British ship, Surprise. Link #2 An exact replica of the Archeron is given to Captain Aubrey (Russell Crowe). The tide begins to turn. Link #3 Doctor Maturin’s (Paul Bettany) self-surgery, to save his own life. Link #4 Captain Aubrey motivates his crew right before his “Surprise” attack. Link #4
https://youtu.be/dY2ff_XslX8?si=38D6QOeKRQu6KMVe
https://youtu.be/rEZqisCYz8U?si=yfz9emsLx0MAUf8H
51. THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI
Director: David Lean
Screenplay: Carl Foreman / Michael Wilson (Both originally credited, blacklisted by anti-Communist Senate hearings)
1957 was a stellar year for 2 of the greatest military films ever made —Paths of Glory, winner of NO Oscars, and The Bridge on the River Kwai, winner of 7 awards. Both films had something in common—they are consistently listed as the greatest anti-war films of all time. This unique film largely takes place in a Japanese prison camp, under the direction of Colonel Saito (Sessue Hayakawa) in a splendid performance. As he and British Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) lock horns in a struggle against each other’s iron will, Shears, (William Holden) escapes, and though resistant, has to return with Major Warden (Jack Hawkins) to destroy the bridge, designed to accommodate Japanese soldiers. From there on, what takes place is one of the great dilemmas and exercises in futility. Director David Lean as usual, shines in his direction, with Ceylon’s (Sri Lanka) jungle scenes accentuating his 2nd listed film. The result, “What have I done?”…”It’s madness, madness!”
Link #1 Pride and Discipline keeps the prisoners going under Colonel Nicholson’s (Alec Guiness) leadership. Link #2 Reminiscing at the finished bridge with Colonel Saito, (Sessue Hayakawa). Link #3 The finale, the bridge is destroyed by a returning retribution of military tactics.
https://youtu.be/4k4NEAIk3PU?si=KNeBo_rxxWxGiGmT
