Your Top 5 films and why. [Archive]

Diego Garcia

08-01-2007, 22:01

Ok, so here are my favourite movies of all time. Different reasons, different genres but all films the resonate with me for different reasons.

1. The Graduate.

An old film here, but seminal nonetheless and the film that preceeded Fight Club for the angst ridden male. I must of watched this film for the first time when I was around ten or eleven. I motivated me on many levels. In one hand I adored the fact that Benjamin was sleeping with an older woman, an act I tried to emulate on many occassion. However, moreover I was moved by how out of control Ben was of his life and how it was being governed by others. Thanks to Mike Nicholls master piece I try and live life my way - never easy, and films like American Beauty occasionally pop up to remind us that The Graduate did it first.

2. Dead Man's Shoes.

A low budget British film here, but one I think every person should see. It is a simple tale or revenge on a UK council estate and I think it is one I could relate to growing up in Bristol, which much like any big city is sink or swim. Paddy Considine acts out of his skin in this movie and depsite the fact he is a clear psychopath, you cant help but feel and love his character and his love for his brother, the essence of good film making.

I also think that this films taps into part of my pshyce in that there are people out there I would love to revisit and put things straight.

3. Big Fish.

Now I am not normally a fan of Tim Burton, but I love this movie. This films reminds us how important it is to listen to the people we love. It is about a dying man recounting his past and it never fails to move me and it always reminds me how much I love my Dad.

4. Shaun of the Dead.

A true, utter classic of comedy genius proportions. Simon Pegg is a legend in my world as this man taps into everything I love - music, film, popular culture if you will and turns it into a brilliant pastiche of Romero's hackneyed and somewhat cliched Dawn of the Dead movies. Brilliant gags, utterly brilliant comic timing and jokes for fan boys that I laugh at and other people miss. There are times that I think this movie saved my life. Back in 04 after I took a huge overdose, I put this film on every night for weeks and it never ceased to make me laugh out loud.

5. The Assissination of Richard Nixon.

Perhaps the polar opposite of Shaun of the Dead. When I first saw this film on import, I saw so much of my life in it. My marriage had collapsed, my world was in pieces and everything was nearing an end. Sean Penn's performance in the film is simply breath taking. A simple man fighting to save everything he cares about in a dishonest world. This films honesty and subtext leaves me aghast when I watch it. It really is stunning - I urge you to see it.

So - there you go. Thats 5 of many many films I could site, but I reckon I could watch these week in week out and never tire. In fact I very often do.

Over to you. Which films and why ?

Dark Star

08-01-2007, 22:07

Great thread Pete :thumbs: but too late this evening for me to do it justice - mine will be on here sometime tomorrow....!:D

chewyuk

08-01-2007, 22:12

Good grief, One of the hardest questions of all time, Going to struggle with this one big style ...

mho

08-01-2007, 22:15

1. Star Wars

I went to see this as a kid about 8years old and I remember the film and every second of it, was and still is up there as my all time favourite cinema experiences.

2. The Longest Day

Just a mega war film of all time, just has everything a war film can have. Superb.

3. Charade

The best and most beautiful actress that has ever been on the silver screen, With a superb cast and a half decent plot, just watching her in this film sends shivers down my spine.

4. Breakfast at Tiffany's

Mainley for the same reasons as number 3.

5. The Thin Red Line

Some of the best cinematography ever put onto film, was captured in this epic war film, the locations are just breath taking.

Diego Garcia

08-01-2007, 22:20

5. The Thin Red Line

Yes, thats true. A misunderstood classic and one of the best movie soundtracks ever.

chewyuk

08-01-2007, 22:30

Quickly, then I'll think of a proper answer overnight ... Withnail & I

08-01-2007, 22:52

1. Deerhunter.

It takes three guys from a small town all doing the macho tough guy thing, boozing and hunting deer, and plunges them into the horror of Vietnam where only one of the three is remotely equipped to deal with the emotional and psychological torture and it takes it's toll on him in the end. No bull manure in this film at all - it's as close to stark reality as you get on the silver screen.

2. Aliens.

Superb action film where the director went for a totally different style away from the suspense of the original and brought off a great film which is always worth a watch for some great throw away lines. One of the sequel films which actually works well.

3.Pulp Fiction.

Tarantino at his absolute genius best. Superbly cast with one of the best scripts ever written.

4. The Green Mile.

Well you just have to see it.

5. The Godfather.

I saw the film after reading the book, and while lots was omitted out of necessity, the storyline stayed with the book well and the casting and acting was superb.

I'm not sure they're really my top 5 - I can think of plenty of others, but they're the ones which spring to mind at once. :)

Darryn

08-01-2007, 23:01

1) Easy Rider
Im a bike nut, ive never had a bike, but for some weird reason I love motorbikes, especially this kind of American Chopper, the film is about drugs and bikes but it has a grimy sort of undertone and a great unexpected, emotional ending. Also it features Jack Nicholson in a clown-esque role, which he pulls off amazingly well.

2) Battle Royale
My first foreign language movie, it is extremely violent and having to read the film dialogue makes you concentrate more. I was shocked by the visual voilence, gore and remarkable scenery, all set around young kids. Once again the ending is an emotional masterpiece.

3) The Matrix
You have to watch this film 3 or 4 times to pick up on all the subtleties and storyline quirks, although it didnt actual feature anything new as such, most of the plot ideas had been seen before in suchy films as "Dark City" and "The Thirteenth Floor" it brought a lot of new special effects to the table and they worked. The 2 sequels could unfortunately never live up to the first, oh yes... Trinity.... hmmmm...

4) Initial D
As well as a bike nut, im a car nut... There arent many great car racing based movies, Fast and Furious 1 is the only other mentionable film, but the storyline in that stinks... Initial D is an Animation feature length film, I got it free when I ordered "Battle Royale" and I first watched it in Japanese with English subs, I really enjoyed it, basic animation, nothing clever or hollywood about it, just a great storyline with comedy elements and a love story subplot... I have since re-watched it using the 2nd stereo audio track on the disk, a poor voice over in English... this allowed me to more appreciate the animations subtlety, some of the artwork is amazingly simple yet very effective.

5) Scarface
Al Pacino is a god, this film is full of emotion, his acting is flawless and the script and brutality is shocking. I only bought this recently after a friend recommended it and I throughly enjoyed it.

TBH, i could go on all night, ive got several hundred DVDs and used to import about a dozen a month from America before they hit the cinemas in the UK. This meant I was buying movies id never heard of and im glad I did, Ive got great films such as K-Pax, Arlington Road and Patch Adams which didnt do every well on the UK market but are all excellent films.

petemc

08-01-2007, 23:06

4) Initial D

Have you seen the anime? Its meant to be a lot better. I haven't seen the film yet but I love the anime.

Darryn

08-01-2007, 23:07

Have you seen the anime? Its meant to be a lot better. I haven't seen the film yet but I love the anime.

Yup, thats the only one I have seen, ive got the live action type one, but not gotten around to watching it yet.

Oh wait, I think I know what you meant, I have also seen the Initial D Anime TV series, this is basically the same story but split over about 30+ 30min episodes, so there is a lot more detail and subplots... I suppose the anime movie has to cover the key parts of the anime series so people like me who see the anime movie before the series can understand what is going on.

Marcel

09-01-2007, 00:06

I'll reply to this properly when I've had more thought on it.

But for me, definitely, the top 3 are :

1. The Green Mile

Just..........because......no reason needed (Like CT says, once youve seen it you'll understand)

2. Shawshank Redemption

Another classic.

3. Saving Private Ryan

Watching those 'landings' on a nice big telly, in 5.1 surround had me cowering in my seat. The rest of the film was just ace too.

4. Dead Man's Shoes

For now I'll agree with Pete here. This is another excellent film that really drags you in and gets you emotionally involved.

Diego Garcia

09-01-2007, 00:08

I'll reply to this properly when I've had more thought on it.

But for me, definitely, the top 3 are :

1. The Green Mile

Just..........because......no reason needed (Like CT says, once youve seen it you'll understand)

2. Shawshank Redemption

Another classic.

3. Saving Private Ryan

Watching those 'landings' on a nice big telly, in 5.1 surround had me cowering in my seat. The rest of the film was just ace too.

Yeah, Marcel, before my ex and I split we had a full on cinema room with a seven foot screen and top notch surround sound. SRP was the demo disk. :)

Nath

09-01-2007, 00:19

Naked Gun - Hilarious.

Airlpane - Hilarious.

The Way of the Dragon - Can't beat a good Bruce Lee film :)

Blues Brothers - Hilarious and musical genius!

The Commitments - Hilarious and musical genius!

pxl8

09-01-2007, 00:41

I really can't pick just 5, there are dozens of films that I consider must own/see some are above but here's a few more.

Life is Beautiful, American History X, A.I., Love Honour & Obey.

Warspite

09-01-2007, 01:56

Not in any order of preference, just as they come to mind:

Saving Private Ryan - eye opening and although still typically U.S. biased atleast gives a true if grizly account of what troops really faced and overcame.
Star Wars New Hope - Empire is the best of the Star Wars films but this is the groundbreaker:D
Leon - just think the story is excellent
Alien - Brilliant and spooky
Blues Brothers - Hilarious and a great soundtrack to boot

So many to choose, if you asked me again in a week Im sure it would be a different list.

Can we not change this to your favourite 50 films :shrug: ;)

Nath

09-01-2007, 02:07

Someone should make a thread like this about albums (I don't want to incase no on replies, I will feel so silly :p )

ppuga

09-01-2007, 04:46

Excellent thread!

Can we make combos?

1- "Hero", "House of the flying daggers", "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"
Amazing visual and sound effects, great art direction and photography. And have to wait for this years "Curse of the golden flower". (http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony/curseofthegoldenflower/hd/) The trailer is amazing. Love this kind of stuff.

2. "Little Miss Sunshine" (http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/littlemisssunshine/)
Just seen it last week. Incredible fresh comedy, great story, great direction and acting, specially of the little girl. Movie phrase: “Everyone, just… pretend to be normal.”

3. "Garden State" (http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/garden_state/)
Zach Braff, amazing director and actor. Natalie Portman was great too, very natural. Soundtrack, a must have. Movie phrase: “I don't want to waste another moment of my life without you in it.”

4. "The Godfather" (as a trilogy)
What else to say: “My father taught me many things here. He taught me in this room. He taught me, keep your friends close… but your enemies closer.”

5. "The Shining"
Extremely terrifying adaptation of the Stephen King novel. May be is not one of Kubrick's bests, but is thrilling enough to make this worthwhile.
“Heeeeere’s Johnny!”

And another must see: A Clockwork Orange, Big Fish, Mulholland Dr., The Graduate, Citizen Kane, Amélie, Monster's Ball, Snatch, Pulp Fiction, Adaptation, among others that I remember now.

Great thread!

h.r.ford

09-01-2007, 06:28

This is not easy but here goes:

1) Band of Brothers: ok it is a miniseries but still wonderful the plot and true to form battles are great.

2)Return of the Jedi: This is the first movie I ever saw in a theatre and it is still a favorite I watch it at least 4 times a year.

3)March of the Penguins - the cinematography is really fantastic and watching how the guys made the film was great.

4)Jaws - ohh a what is out there and gonna get you film. Love it and have lost count the times I've watched it.

5)Breakfast Club - the ultimate teen movie that I still love to watch at almost 30

HOnorable mentions as follows:
Crash
Syriana
40 year old virgin
Psycho

Matt Charlton

09-01-2007, 06:57

I'm going to cheat a little bit with this

1 - Star Wars

To me, the six star wars films, the expanded universe and everything that has come about because of them immortalises what film and cinema mean to me. Its about escaping from reality, its about fun, adventure, good vs evil. Not sure how old I was when I first saw Star Wars but I know I've watched at least the original trilogy hundreds of times since then. You just ask sue how annoying I am when I'm watching one, I can quote most of them line for line. To me its much more than just a film, its a cultural phenonemon, but then again I'm sad :). If I had to choose a favorite from this sextropology or whatever six films is, it is without a doubt Empire, one of the few films ever made that actually finishes without hope, the heroes are in despair - in fact the lead part has lost his arm and just found out that the biggest, baddest evilest villain in the whole galaxy didn't just murder his dad, he IS his dad. Complemented by the genius who is John Williams and his amazing soundtracks.

2 - Back to the Future (trilogy)

Again, cheating a little with this one but all three films work together to form one big long story. The continuity is second to none, in fact its uncanny. I watched the first film again the other day and saw something I'd never seen before - at the start in Doc Brown's house, where you see the camera panning the clocks, there is a clock model based on the clock tower with the doc hanging from the hand. Amazing stuff. I want a delorean, always have, always will do. Alan Silvestri did a brilliant job to make memorable melodies for this too :D

3 - Superman 1/2

Not sure which of the two cuts I like the most, the original theatrical release or the new Richard Donner cut. I'd be inclined to choose the Donner cut I think. Love it to pieces, brilliant film, excellent effects for the time, I can class both films as one because they were intended to be filmed as one long story (before Donner and the Salkinds got into an argument). John Williams again :D

4 - The Lion King

Love this, its like the last proper animated (old skool) Disney film that I really really love, has me in tears when Simba's dad dies every time, even though I know that its coming. Outstanding story, aninmation and soundtrack. Pure animation genius.

5 - The Butterfly Effect (Directors Cut)

This was the hardest number to pick because it was my last one. If you've seen the theatrical release over here it features the happy ending, the directors cut however features an ending that is a little more sinister and dark - excellent bit of movie making that really gets you thinking. I picked up the region 1 release because it was a double sided flipper disc containing both the directors cut and theatrical release. I won't go into the alternative ending in case I spoil it for people that havent yet seen it. Excellent film, again complimented by a good soundtrack, this time from Michael Suby.

For other titles that deserve a mention, just look at (most of) my DVD collection. There are a few crappy ones in there but most are (in my opinion of course) winners.

http://www.dvdprofiler.com/mycollection.asp?alias=mattcharlton

tiler65

09-01-2007, 07:38

1. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang......... it has everthing in it

2. Kind Hearts and Coronets............ the writing, directing, acting and photography just outstanding.

3. Rear Window............. Hitchcock - so much suspense from one room's viewpoint.

4. L. A. Confidential............... its like all the actors are playing cameos, brilliant.

5. Jungle Book................... have seen this everday, it seems, since my daughter became 1 year old, even I march with elephants.

2 good links for film buffs.

http://www.imdb.com/

http://www.britmovie.co.uk/

Diego Garcia

09-01-2007, 08:12

Nice work folk.

Darksaber, I concur on The Butterfly effect. One of the underrated/missed movies of all time. V. clever :)

Pxl8 - Love, Honour and Obey - top choice - 'and bosh, somebody took my percil' ! :)

Ppugga - Garden State - awesome movie - good choice.

hr ford - Band of Brothers - top. Absolute brilliance. I have the Region 1 in the tin version with DTS sound. Mind blowing. I also have a BOB canvas print on my wall...

sue

09-01-2007, 08:41

Well can I just say that I refuse to watch star wars with matt for the simple reason he knows all the words and says them all the way through without even realising.

My films are (so difficult to pick just five)

Dirty Dancing
Have always loved the songs and story in this, my kind of curl up comfort movie when not feeling well. :)

Top Gun
Another classic movie for me, Tom Cruise.

Miracle on 34th Street
Christmas, feel good.

Pretty Woman
Love the songs, and corny story.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Well this and any disney film to be honest. First saw this on holiday one year when away with family, saw it time and time again. I love disney films and this is very like one of them. Can I just say winnie the pooh :) is great.

Warspite

09-01-2007, 08:50

I share your pain Darksaber, my girlfriend absolutely hates anything StarWars related - while I could sit for weeks watching the things repeat.

One day she will learn to appreciate it for the genius it is :D

mho

09-01-2007, 08:51

5. The Thin Red Line

Yes, thats true. A misunderstood classic and one of the best movie soundtracks ever.

yes to the soundtrack

my 5 soundtracks

1. Bladerunner
2. Starwars
3. Anotherday in paradise
4. 1492
5. The thin red line

Matt Charlton

09-01-2007, 08:52

Next TP meet, we hire out a projector, go to whoever has the biggest front room and best surround sound system and either none or very understanding neighbours and we watch the saga back to back.

:D

sue

09-01-2007, 08:52

Dont get me wrong the films are ok but to have a commentry going throughout it puts me off.

InaGlo

09-01-2007, 09:45

Like others, I find it difficult to choose just 5 for all time but here are the ones that automatically spring to my mind...

Blade Runner ... I was captivated right from the opening scene ... 20 odd years on, still has the same effect. Sci Fi at its best!

Night Of The Hunter ... All the better for being filmed in black & white, lays bare the stark truths of sin & greed unquestioningly hidden under the preachers garb.
As a child I remember it being one of the first films to make me question what possibly lay behind that which I saw infront of me.

Caberet ... Decadence, bisexuality, Nazi's .... its all in here!
The zany character of Liza Minneli against the beautiful & uptight Miachael York. :love:
I love all the songs from 'Money' to 'Maybe This Time' and the uncomfortably beautiful 'Tomorrow Belongs To Me'.

Gladiator ... Never fails to move me to tears!

A Taste Of Honey ... No lavish scenery or expensive effects. Just pure realism. B&W portrayal of working class life. First film I saw depciting mixed race, homesuality & unmarried mothers. Still a classic for me.

Dangerous Liasons Beautifully filmed. Aristocrats John Malkovich & Glen Close amuse themselves by playing with other peoples lives with damning consequences. Think I know every line in this script!

& finally I know Ive had more than my 5 but I couldnt miss out ...

Entertaining Mr Sloan ... with the brilliant Beryl Reid.
Dark, witty, greedy and sexual wantonness .. who needs special effects with storylines like this!

09-01-2007, 09:49

Dangerous Liasons Beautifully filmed. Aristocrats John Malkovich & Glen Close amuse themselves by playing with other peoples lives with damning consequences. Think I know every line in this script!

"It's beyond my control" :D

Marianne

09-01-2007, 09:55

hmm

Brief Encounter........always loved this classic and then I watched it with Barry and it meant more...

Witness......watched this several times and still get a tingle when Harrison Ford dances with Kelly McGillis in the barn (going to watch this with Barry soon as he bought it for me for Christmas)

You've Got Mail......just because I met Barry on t'internet and its a feel good film

It's A Wonderful Life...simply a special film and makes you realise your depression is not so bad after all...sniff...snifff...ahhhh

Carry On Abroad......just makes me laugh and laugh and Barry does some of the cheeky actions that Kenneth Connor does when he sees a lady that tickles his fancy....amazing to think that he was in Only Fools and Horses too!!

what about all those Norman Wisdom films too...I think I love to laugh on the whole!! MR GRIMSDALE!!!

Diego Garcia

09-01-2007, 09:58

InaGlo

09-01-2007, 09:58

"It's beyond my control" :D
"If I want a man, I have him ... if he wants to talk .. he finds he cant!":D

Marianne

09-01-2007, 10:07

ooher it does seem so ha ha....note to self....keep the luv stuff to yourself!!
I love so many more films too...

What about ' Oh Brother Where Art Though?' now you see I want to tell you that BArry and I sing the songs from the soundtrack to this film very loudly in the car and that Barry can really yodel, but I won't in case you need to stick your fingers down your throat

'We're in the Jailhouse now!'

kamion

09-01-2007, 11:13

1) Tricky Brains (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103328/) - Classic Stephen Chow comedy from 1991 that is very "mo liu" (nonsensical). :lol: I've been a fan of Stephen Chow ever since.

2) Transformers: The Movie (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092106/)- Probably one of the cornerstone of my childhood. :nuts:

3) Rurouni Kenshin - Trust & Betrayal (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203082/) - not exactly a movie, but rather a four-part short story that tells how Kenshin got his cross-shaped scar. Very dark and serious compared to the TV series (which is the best anime series ever, imho).

4) Spider-man (http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=Spider-Man) (1,2 & 3?) - No doubt I will love 3 as much as 1 & 2 when it comes out this summer. :geek: My favourite comic book superhero.

5) Indiana Jones trilogy (http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=indiana+jones) - Probably instilled the sense of adventure in me. :thumbs:

6) Lord of the Rings trilogy (http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=lord+of+the+rings) - Let's face it, I'm a fantasy nut. :nuts:

Here's a list of the top 250 movies (http://www.imdb.com/chart/top) on IMDB. On the DVD forums, they had a "top 100 movie watching 2006" thread that everyone tried to watch all the top 100 movies in the list in that year. We can have one here. :eek:

namllihs

09-01-2007, 11:24

1) American Beauty, Spacey is excellent in this. Mid life crisis
2) Being There, Peter Sellers, what more do you need?
3) It's a wonderful life, makes me cry every time I see it.
4) Blazing saddles, funniest film I ever saw.
5) Robin Hood, Prince of thieves, Alan Rickman gives Costner a lesson in acting.

Magellan

09-01-2007, 12:01

1, The Lord of the Rings (all three) Took film making to a whole new level.
2, The Green Mile. 2 & 3 must be good because you can just watch them time after time.
3, Shawshank Redemption
4, Pulp Fiction. Great cast, brilliantly interwoven storyline, just great!!
5, Close Encounters (directors cut) Found it difficult to pick a sci-fi as it’s my favourite genre, this is closest to how it will probably happen if ever.

Others I considered:- Bladerunner, Allien, The good, the bad and the ugly, The outlaw Josey Wales, The big Red One, The Life of Brian.

Could go on for ever really, top 20 might be easier

Humpty

09-01-2007, 12:04

3. Big Fish.

Yay!!! Great film. I loved it but I know loads of people who didn't really get it.

My list (yes, I know they're not all 'films' but I'm just using artistic licence):

1) Shawshank Redemption. Lost count of how many times I've watched it. Never fail to be moved by it, never fail to take something new from it.

2) (Joint first really) Band Of Brothers. Just incredible. Captain Richard Nixon is the man that I would most like to emulate.

3) Notting Hill. I know, I know! But it's one of those films that I can sit and watch with my wife at the end of a long week and it picks us both up.

4) Godfather Trilogy. Magic. Despite what has been said about parts 2 & 3 I think they make an incredibly moving set and have a lot to say.

5) Schindler's List. Moving and disturbing but a fantastic film. Acting and directing that cuts to the core.

6) (just because...) Big Fish

Forbiddenbiker

09-01-2007, 12:12

Impossible to choose just five really.

4. The Green Mile.

Well you just have to see it.

I agree, awesome film, wonderful moods, encapsulates the era and very emotional.

Blade Runner ... I was captivated right from the opening scene ... 20 odd years on, still has the same effect. Sci Fi at its best!

Me too. For the same reasons.

The Fifth Element.
Kind of a kids film in parts, but great special effects and wonderful ideas of a possible future....and very funny in parts.

I can't believe no one has mentioned;....edit ah just been mentioned.

The Shawshank Redemption.
Fabulous story of the human condition, played by fabulous actors.... one of my favourite parts being when Morgan freeman playing 'Red' finds the black rock his friend has left him at the end of the film.

Vertigo (1958)
...or any of that Alfred Hitchcock set.
Great crazy suspense movie, James Stewart is just one of my most favourite actors... I'll say no more.

Dark Star

09-01-2007, 12:17

In no particular order except for number 1 (and its almost impossible to list just 5).

1) Blood Simple - Coen brothers first and best thriller - true old school film noir stuff with stunning performances and a great soundtrack

2) Breakfast at Tiffanys - Audrey's finest moment - a classic slice of the sixties, a trifle corny seen in today's light but nonetheless superb - with Henry Mancini's classic soundtrack

3) The Exorcist - Scariest film ever made - superbly honed piece of horror

4) Amelie - French oddball romantic comedy ticks all the boxes

5) Leon - Hired killer meets orphan! This film has it all action, tension, pathos superb acting and a killer soundtrack

And there are so many more....

West Side Story, Oh Brother Where Art Thou, Run Lola Run, Dark Star, Airplane, 2001 - A Space Odyssey, The Family Way, When Harry Met Sally, The Draughtsman Contract, Starship Troopers, The Maltese Falcon, any Marx Brothers film, LA Confidential, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Donnie Darko, Brighton Rock, Ringu, Raising Arizona - I could go on :-)

Jimmy_Lemon

09-01-2007, 12:22

Not a huge film fan to be honest, but my top 3 have to be:

1. Shawshank Redemption - Just a great film!
2. Back To the Furute (Trilogy) - Just my kind of sci-fi
3. Blues Brothers - Another perfect film!

Joe T

09-01-2007, 12:29

1. Pulp Fiction
2. Rio Bravo
3. Blues Brothers
4. Godfather Trilogy
5. TBC

The "why" part to be written up tonight when I get home! :p

Janice

09-01-2007, 13:05

I dont really watch lots of films like some of you guys, but I have raked together 5 that I have loved during my life.... albeit that they aren't clever stuff like some of the films listed in the other posts.
For me to come out of a film and have loved it...it has to either have made me laugh or made me cry ... or both!

1. The Snow Goose (1971) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067767/) Richard Harris and Jenny Agutter.

2. Goodnight Mr.Tom(1998) with John Thaw.

3. The Blues Brothers

4. Spy Hard One of my favourite comedies... I love this type which is so full of funny bits you see something new every time you watch it.

5. Billy Elliot (http://www.billyelliot.com/pages/images.html)

Of an era which brings back strong memories for me... 1973...coal miners strike etc.... fantastic music soundtrack too. Brilliant performances from Jamie Bell and Julie Walters.

tiler65

09-01-2007, 14:20

Ally

09-01-2007, 14:31

1. The Green Mile
As had been said - "you see it, you'll understand"

2. Shawshank Redemption
A great classic, With strong story lines and great acting performances.

3. Monty Python - The Meaning of Life
One of the funnest movies I've seen with a real meaning underneith.

4. Monty Python - The Life of Brain
Comedy, complete comedy.

5. The Godfather
It takes a while to get going, but once you get sucked in its nothing that you can leave behind.

PaulBoy

09-01-2007, 15:19

This is hard - only five (?) - In no particular order:
1) Band of Brothers
2) Lord of the Rings Trilogy
3) Gladiator
4) The Untouchables
5) Shawshank Redemption

Honorable mentions to:
Shrek I & II, Green Mile, Ronin, Bourne Identity, Any Hitchcock especially any with James Stewart, Any Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes, Godfather Trilogy, Oh Brother, Fargo, Millers Crossing, Killing Fields, The Piano (how long have we got :embarrassed:)
Paul :smashin:

Marianne

09-01-2007, 15:41

Honorable mentions to:
Shrek I & II, Green Mile, Ronin, Bourne Identity, Any Hitchcock especially any with James Stewart, Any Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes, Godfather Trilogy, Oh Brother, Fargo, Millers Crossing, Killing Fields, The Piano (how long have we got :embarrassed:)
Paul :smashin:

I agree with your 'onrable mentions...some good films there...I can never remember my favourite ones that well...dirty dancing comes in my list quite high up I reckon! :D

Venomator

09-01-2007, 15:47

When I first saw this thread (superb Pete ... :thumbs:) I thought I would never be able to pick five favourites because my memory is crap ... but then reading down the list of everbody's faves I thought yes that one ... and oh yes gotta have that one ... and umm yeah must include that ... etc., ... etc ., :D

Ended up with about two dozen faves and had more trouble slimming it down some ... so here goes ... in no particular order though ... :shrug:

Notting Hill ...
...just grips the romantic in me, corny crap acting, can't really stand letter box gob JR ... but still love it to bits ...

The Shining ...
... gotta be the classic scarey movie ... great acting by Jack and Shelley is pretty good too ... from way back when and gripping almost from the first time you see 'him' ...

Silence of the Lambs ...
... super acting and real edge of seat scarey film with a touch of the OMG it's so bloody real it cannot ever be possible to imagine it happening ... tffft ... tffft ... tffft ... tffft ... tffft ...

Who Framed Roger Rabbit ...
You gotta know me to understand this one is here ... but also superb creative acting by the 'real' toons to keep everything just so with the humans ... also used to be a nickname of mine well before it came out ...

Mission/s Impossible/s ... (all three really)
Just for the sheer, unreal, spectacular experience of them all ... special fx are stunning and they just move the goalposts every time they re-invent Ethan ... just a shame it has to be the little squirt TC in the main role ...

And so many more including the Terminators, Aliens, James Bonds, Top Gun, Raiders, Matrices, Italian Job, Bournes, Birds, ... and ever so many more could easily be listed above ... :shrug:

And I haven't even seen Deja Vu ... yet ... love Denzil & Val ... in most thngs I've seen with them in ... ;)

:p

Dark Star

09-01-2007, 15:48

I'm a sucker for weepies - and the older I get the more I cry!!! (sad b@st@rd I am):

I'm guaranteed a tear from

When Harry Met Sally, Meet Joe Black, The Family Way, Parenthood, Schindlers List, Breakfast at Tiffanys, West Side Story, The Evil Dead (not!) and a few other!!!

PaulBoy

09-01-2007, 19:05

Sorry to go off on a slight tangent but here is my list of five favourite Welsh films )

1. American Werewolf in Powys
2. Dai Hard
3. Sheepless in Seattle
4. The Magnificent Severn
5. Independence Dai

Honorable mentions to:
The Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysilio gogogoch
That Time Forgot
Seven Brides from Seven Sisters
Welsh Connection
Welsh Connection II
The Bridge on the River Wye
Breakfast at Taffynys
Look You Back in Bangor
Evans Can Wait
Where Eagles Aberdare
Dial M For Merthyr

Paul :coat:

Warspite

09-01-2007, 19:07

:lol: ROFL :thumbs:

jewel

09-01-2007, 19:12

What a great thread. Hard to pick just five but here are my pics

The Shawshank Redemption
Titanic
Papillon
Murder in the first.
The Notebook
Pretty Woman
Pearl Harbour
Walk the Line, and why do I love all of these movies. Cause their GREAT MOVIES!!!lol :lol:

Jewel :D

Marcel

09-01-2007, 19:20

Well it had to be done.

Half the flat is packed up ready for moving. All our stuff is in boxes in the living room, with only the room the stuff was from, written on the box (much to my annoyance, and I told the wife so :p)

After going through four boxes marked "Living Room" (and me writing the contents on each one). I finally found what I was looking for...

The Shawshank Redemption :D

neonpollen

09-01-2007, 19:21

My favourite films are always changing but at the moment I'd go for:

Godfather I & II I know this is two films but they are one in my mind, superb acting and an excellent interpretation of the book

Life of Brian I saw this in the cinema when it first came out and I was a young lad, I almost wet myself watching this and have loved it ever since.

Memento Wonderful story that runs backwards.

Cabaret For mostly the same reasons as InaGlo

12 Angry Men Superb acting and script.

I reserve the right to change/deny any of these choices in the future :)

RickMezza

09-01-2007, 20:23

OK, very hard to do, but right at this moment...

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - just beautiful. Along with Hero and Flying Daggers, (as PPuga said)

Young Frankenstien (Frankensteeen ;) ) Gene Wilder = Genius, also Blazing Saddles, Stir Crazy etc etc :D

The Wedding Singer - Drew Barrymore :love: - 'nuff said :D . In fact most films with Drew Barrymore and/or Adam Sandler

ET - makes me cry :( :embarrassed:

The Kentucky Fried Movie - classic laughs

Chris L

09-01-2007, 21:51

In no particular order...

The Matrix (first one only) - I love both the special effects and the cinematography of this. I knew nothing about it when I sat down to watch it and was ready to turn it off after the first couple of minutes having seen the obviously speeded up refuse lorry. Glad I didn't though. It's the only film I've ever watched twice in one night.

Twin Town - Fantastic black comedy with a great cast.

The Usual Suspects - IIRC Empire said this very nearly didn't get made as the financial backers were worried the plot would be too intricate for the audience. A fantastic who done it!

Platoon - Not as graphic as Saving Private Ryan but (partly because of my age at the time) it had more to do with making me think about what a war can do to people than the likes of Battle of the Bulge and Kelly's Hero's did.

Training Day - For me, one of Washington's best performances as he takes a walk on the dark side.

photostar_1

09-01-2007, 22:36

I don't suppose anyones list is static...mine certainly isn't. Very difficult to chose but at the moment, the films I could watch over and over, especially when I'm ironing, are (in no particular order):

Pretty Woman
Notting Hill
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe
Shirley Valentine
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Dark Star

09-01-2007, 22:47

Shirley Valentine

Top film!!!:thumbs:

Marcel

09-01-2007, 22:54

Well, I've just spent the last 2 hours or so (with the occasional pause to post on here), watching The Shawshank Redemption....again :D

Absolutely chuffing excellent film

chewyuk

09-01-2007, 23:11

chewyuk

09-01-2007, 23:17

1. Star Wars
2. Rear Window
3. Where Eagles Dare
4. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
5. Cool Hand Luke
6. Withnail and I
7. Das Boot
8. Oh brother where art thou
9. Groundhog Day
10. Sleuth
11. Planet of the Apes - Heston, not warlberg
12. Lord of the rings
13. Big Lebowski

So, I need to narrow these down to 5 eh!!, This took 30seconds and I could go on all night .... I may have to bow out gracefullly :)

Lofty

10-01-2007, 00:38

THE ALIEN QUADRILOGY I love these films soooooo much that i got a one of a kind tattoo done of an alien on my arm :D (but its mishaped now after an operation) :eek: :'(

SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION Nothing really need be said here :thumbs:

TOP GUN Had dreams of becoming a fighter pilot as a youngster :shrug: ........ oh well back to driving lorries :lol:

SERENITY Best "new" sci fi i've seen in a long time :thumbs:

CUBE & CUBE 2 Hypercube Brilliant idea well executed (pardon the pun) :lol:

*** These films are subject to change at anytime apart from number 1***

:D

jewel

10-01-2007, 01:04

Well, I've just spent the last 2 hours or so (with the occasional pause to post on here), watching The Shawshank Redemption....again :D

Absolutely chuffing excellent film

I'm coming over for the next round Marcel,lol :p :lol: One of the best!

Darryn

10-01-2007, 20:00

6:) Highlander... great music throughout and good story well told.

Glen

10-01-2007, 22:26

Hard one this...:thinking: well....

1 Starwars all 6
As Matt, just watch them all the time

2 Saving Private Ryan
Just the best cinema when they land on the beach

3 Band of Brothers
True life saga, that brings a tear to your eye when you listen to what these guys went through for a free world.

4 The Wedding Singer
Makes me laugh every time, cool music.

5 Gladiator
The best opening battle scene ever, loads have tried to copy since but none have nailed it.

others...The Mummy/The Green Mile/Terminal/Pirates of Caribean 1-2/Casino/Mickey Blue Eyes/Fight Club/Pulp Fiction/Harry Potter 1-4/Walk the Line/Spinal Tap/Lord of the Rings 1-3/National Treasure/Enter the Dragon/Kevin and Perry Go Large/+ loads more....