User talk:Tibetan Prayer/Great films

Welcome! Feel free to make suggestions anybody! Entries will then be placed in To see

Films that you might want to see

If you haven't already :-) While Kurosawa's samurai films are known and grace any list like this people should not miss his contemporary films. Stray Dog (film), The Bad Sleep Well and High and Low (1963 film) are all worthy of your time. Best regards MarnetteD | Talk 18:16, 7 June 2014 (UTC)

@MarnetteD: I haven't seen those. Feel free to make more suggestions :-) There's quite a few films which aren't in the list though I've seen and wasn't too fussed on, like Top Hat, Swing Time (both overrated IMO) and Spartacus, which is the only Kubrick film I'm not singing praises about, largely because I thought Kirk Douglas wasn't appropriate in that particular role! I might have to watch that and The Best Years of Our Lives again sometime as I didn't dig them first time. Didn't rate Hitchcock's Marnie either.♦ Dr. Blofeld 14:40, 12 June 2014 (UTC)

Dr B, I will be happy to chime in when my memory comes up with others that might tickle your fancy. Spartacus is an oddity in SK's career. You may remember that he was brought in after filming had begun and, from what I've read and seen, Kirk was always meddling with things and that is reflected in the final product. At least it taught Stanley to make sure that he had complete control of his films from then on. One fun story (probably apocryphal) that I remember is that, since Tony Curtis killed Kirk's character in The Vikings (1958 film), Kirk got to return the favor in Spartacus. Cheers. MarnetteD|Talk 16:21, 12 June 2014 (UTC)

Powwow Highway Smoke Signals (film) are wonderful in their own right. They can be put together as a twin bill as both are road films and they feature powerful performances by Gary Farmer. There is a moment at the beginning of the second film that you think he is just playing an older version of his character from the first film. That changes though. The depth and nuance that he brings to both roles are worth seeing. MarnetteD|Talk 18:53, 12 June 2014 (UTC)

Hi again Dr B. I watched the Criterion Collections bluray of Solaris (1972 film) last night. The restoration is gorgeous. I don;t know if it would merit a place in your list but, if you haven't seen it, it would be worth your time. I just thought of a DYK link for this list. "Did you know that Dr Blofeld as seen a heck of a lot of movies!!" :-) Cheers. MarnetteD|Talk 01:07, 30 June 2014 (UTC)

Solaris is in the 1001 book, haven't got to it yet :-) I've seen virtually all in the book from 1939-1955 now, and am currently working through the silents and am up to the late 20s. I've already seen a lot from the late 50s in it but there's a few gaps but once seen along with the remaining 30s movies I'll have seen virtually all from the beginning to 1961, that's where the abundance of foreign movies kicks in I haven't seen!♦ Dr. Blofeld 09:54, 4 July 2014 (UTC)

@MarnetteD: I've seen Solaris now. What a masterpiece! The atmosphere in parts is incredible!♦ Dr. Blofeld 13:58, 19 August 2014 (UTC)

Dr B. I hope that you have seen some of Harold Lloyd's films. I watched the CC's release of Safety Last! yesterday. Another glorious restoration. It might be worthy of a place in your list. MarnetteD|Talk 18:29, 3 July 2014 (UTC)

@MarnetteD: Remember to @Dr. Blofeld: so I see your messages earlier! Thanks! Just seen The Passion of Joan of Arc. I'm very impressed with Dreyer. I'll watch your first suggestion Stray Dog later. It seems a lot, true, but if you really examine how many films have been released each year for the US and UK let alone world cinema I've barely seen anything! my strength is Golden Hollywood and New Hollywood, but foreign movies from 1960s-1990s and post 2000-2010 Hollywood films i've relatively weak on, although I've seen most of the big hit ones. I'll often see a post 2000s film on TV with a very well known actor and have never heard of the film! I'm trying to learn Spanish fluently, but ideally I want to be able to understand Spanish, French and Italian all fluently so I can watch any movie and not have to try to find the subtitles! I'll plough away with learning Spanish anyway! Yup, I thought Safety Last looked great when I saw it referenced in Scorsese's Hugo, on my to watch list! Another one I've been meaning to watch is Judex (1916 film). ♦ Dr. Blofeld 08:59, 4 July 2014 (UTC)

@Dr. Blofeld: I know that I mentioned this documentary series to you a few years ago put I want to post a link to it here for you and any other readers that look at this page. The Story of Film: An Odyssey is excellent in its own right but is even better in conjunction with the list that you have created here. Cheers. MarnetteD|Talk 15:21, 4 July 2014 (UTC)

@MarnetteD: I'm not doing too badly, I've seen a lot of them but there might be more in that list I haven't seen!! ♦ Dr. Blofeld 16:46, 4 July 2014 (UTC)

What did you think of these movies

• Ratatouille (film)
• Children of Men Valoem ^{talk contrib} 07:06, 15 June 2014 (UTC)

I've not seen them! @Lugnuts: feel free to make suggestions which aren't on the list. I didn't include Battleship on purpose but I'd not seen Rififi, just watched it and I agree it's a masterpiece!. Remember though I'm slowly ploughing through the 1001 book and am already very aware of a lot of ones I haven't seen, but if you recommend any in particular like Rififi let me know!♦ Dr. Blofeld 16:04, 21 June 2014 (UTC)

A couple of suggestions

This is a great list, just read through it all. Can I make a couple of suggestions? Where's Avatar (2009) and at least The Hobbit? I knew that Avatar was mentioned in the lead, I have to admit it's possibly still the most visually stunning film ever made despite its plot being a bit mediocre, and what about The Hobbit trilogy? I have to admit though (you might kill me after reading this) I have never seen Lord of the Rings!! ☠ Jaguar ☠ 20:32, 4 July 2014 (UTC)

Visually, yes, stunning as I stated. But it really is a very mediocre film in terms of plot and action. Not a great movie, could have been if Cameron had paid more attention to a decent script and plot instead of focusing on the 3D. The Hobbit Trilogy for real?? I thought it was a disappointment. Way too long and stretched out to be acceptable, a purely money making endeavour which totally affected the quality to stretch out a relatively small book into as many films as LOR. Not even a fraction as good as LOR. LOR technically, with the way it creates another world which is so powerful and captivating, and all of the other elements is the best film ever made. The Hobbit is a let down, User:Loeba and many others agree.♦ Dr. Blofeld 11:26, 5 July 2014 (UTC)

http://shaneajeffery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/shanes-top-20-films-1-once-upon-time-in.html

A few in there I haven't seen, he seems to have great taste judging by what he said about Once Upon a Time which I agree with (disrespect for The Godfather aside). The Ballad of Narayama also I need to see..♦ Dr. Blofeld 11:26, 5 July 2014 (UTC)

I agree, I was forced to watch the first Hobbit last year, I have no understanding on the LOTR universe whatsoever! Maybe I should watch them soon. Also the trilogy is being released a year after each other! Have you seen American History X? Not sure if it's worthy of being in the top 100 list, but it's a good film for sure. I only watched it because my favourite actor is in it! ☠ Jaguar ☠ 16:35, 5 July 2014 (UTC)

Ah! This is my last suggestion, have you seen Life is Beautiful? I watched it as part of a history lesson three years ago - it's an Italian film (with English subtitles) but it is the most beautiful film I've ever seen... actually one of those films that has a gripping storyline even if it is only subtitled (based on a true story too!). ☠ Jaguar ☠ 16:38, 5 July 2014 (UTC)

Not seen either! Will make a note to try and see them! ♦ Dr. Blofeld 20:36, 5 July 2014 (UTC)

Maborosi, After Life (film), The Woman in the Dunes, King of New York and Bad Lieutenant. ♦ Dr. Blofeld 13:12, 12 July 2014 (UTC)

Haven't seen any of those! The list of good films I haven't seen is probably longer than the list of great films!! ☠ Jaguar ☠ 20:44, 12 July 2014 (UTC)

Me neither.♦ Dr. Blofeld 07:10, 13 July 2014 (UTC)

No 21 Grams or The Straight Story?! Will go through my film collection and add a few more suggestions, Dr B. Lugnuts ^{Dick Laurent is dead} 18:28, 31 July 2014 (UTC)

@Dr. Blofeld: I noticed that Life is beautiful is now on the great list, just wondering what you thought of it? It's been two years since I've seen it but just like the title, I think it is the most beautiful film I've ever seen! ☠ Jaguar ☠ 19:42, 23 August 2014 (UTC)

Very good, but there was something about comparing Nazi imprisonment with a game which I didn't like.♦ Dr. Blofeld 19:57, 23 August 2014 (UTC)

I agree, the film is mostly based on a true story but I don't know if the whole part of the "game" was real or made up for comical effect. Anyway glad you liked it! ☠ Jaguar ☠ 20:04, 23 August 2014 (UTC)

Japanese animation

Based on your list you don't like/watch much animation, but I recommend giving Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind a go. If we count it as a Ghibli film, it's just become my second favourite from that studio (the first being Grave of the Fireflies, as mentioned last month). — Crisco 1492 (talk) 15:11, 29 July 2014 (UTC)

• Though I thought it not worth mentioning, I'll be explicit and say that I recommend the version with subtitles, rather than a dub. Can't vouch for the Disney dub, as I didn't watch it.. — Crisco 1492 (talk) 15:14, 29 July 2014 (UTC)

Thanks for that. Will try to see them some time!♦ Dr. Blofeld 15:29, 29 July 2014 (UTC)

@Crisco 1492: Just seen Nausicaa. Loved the ending, that's largely what made me add it as a great film rather than just a very good one. Thanks for suggesting it!♦ Dr. Blofeld 08:10, 30 July 2014 (UTC)

• Glad you liked it. My wife and I have been watching all of Studio Ghibli's works. I've enjoyed most of them, though Ponyo and Pom Poko weren't quite to my liking. Only halfway through their filmography though. — Crisco 1492 (talk) 09:01, 30 July 2014 (UTC)

@Crisco 1492: @MarnetteD:. Have you seen Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore? Now one of my favourites. It's the most charming Scorsese film I've seen, one of his best and most underrated.♦ Dr. Blofeld 20:48, 29 July 2014 (UTC)

Thanks for the ping DB. While I haven't seen it in 30 some odd years I still have fond memories of Alice.... It would make a good twin bill with After Hours (film), another underrated MS film. Crisco's recommendation is a good one - though I have to admit that I am a sucker for any of Hayao Miyazaki's films. C is also correct that the Japanese versions are better than the dubs. Interestingly, on the US DVD releases if you chose the Japanese language versions the closing credits are in Japanese and they are in English if you chose the dubs. I also want to recommend the 2000 film Shadow Magic. It is a fictional telling of how film was introduced to China. While it might not rate a place on your list in terms of the history of film it is interesting and worth your time. Cheers to you both. MarnetteD|Talk 21:48, 29 July 2014 (UTC)

• Don't think I've seen Alice...' - will have to have a look. — Crisco 1492 (talk) 01:13, 30 July 2014 (UTC)

Seven Days in May

@MarnetteD:, @Crisco 1492:, @Lugnuts:, @Krimuk90:. I don't know if any of you have seen this, I'd guess Lugnuts and Marnette have seen but I highly recommend watching the DVD commentary from John Frankenheimer edition on stage vu, click direct download link underneath. It's an incredible, I mean incredible insight into how a film is made and I found it extremely interesting. I'm a new fan of him, obviously I rate Manchurian Candidate very highly and really liked Seconds and Birdman of Alcatraz, but he was an absolute master technically, just what he was saying about how he shot certain scenes. Seven Days is a technical masterpiece! I've added a lot of details from his commentary to the making of the film which makes it pretty unique! He's definitely one I'm now going to revere and try to watch all of his films.♦ Dr. Blofeld 20:19, 12 August 2014 (UTC)

I can heartily second all of your comments Dr B. In fact, this is one of those films that, if I come across it while channel surfing, I can't help but stop and watch it to the end. Along with the technical items you mention the acting is first rate throughout. Although their scenes together are limited it is one of the wonderful Douglas/Lancaster collaborations. BL's rapid, clipped delivery of "I slept from eight to eight" is stuck in my memory banks. It also has one of Edmond O'Brien's great performances. The brief appearance by John Houseman gives us a glimpse of what was to come as he turned to acting after years as a producer. Great writing by Rod Serling also deserves a mention. For those of you who haven't seen it please move it to the top (or close to anyway) of your list. MarnetteD|Talk 21:03, 12 August 2014 (UTC)

• I'll have to keep my eyes open for a copy. Sounds wonderful. — Crisco 1492 (talk) 23:18, 12 August 2014 (UTC)

It sounds very interesting. I've added to my watchlist, and I'll watch it this weekend. The Manchurian Candidate is one of my favourite political thrillers, so I guess I'll love this one too! -- KRIMUK90 ✉ 00:55, 13 August 2014 (UTC)

The film is very good but it's the commentary which makes you realize it's a technical masterpiece and the planning behind every shot and scene which is a tremendous insight into film-making. @MarnetteD: Try to watch the DVD commentary version though, like you'll learn things that Houseman only agreed to it on condition that he had a bottle of wine etc! ♦ Dr. Blofeld 09:16, 13 August 2014 (UTC)

Thanks Dr B. I have already listened to the commentary. I was just adding other reasons to recommend the film. I remember the bottle of wine story. Great Stuff. Cheers. MarnetteD|Talk 15:23, 13 August 2014 (UTC)

@MarnetteD: Have you seen Barton Fink? I've given it a full four star rating. One of the greatest films ever!♦ Dr. Blofeld 17:30, 13 August 2014 (UTC)

I am happy to agree again Dr B! Often missed when people discuss their fave Coen brothers films this one is special. Cheers again. MarnetteD|Talk 17:56, 13 August 2014 (UTC)

Definitely! You've got great taste Marnette!♦ Dr. Blofeld 18:15, 13 August 2014 (UTC)

Thank you Dr B. You are making me blush hee hee. Hopefully, as other editors/readers come upon your list it will inspire them to seek out and view many of these films!! Your work on this list will be beneficial to others down the road. MarnetteD|Talk 18:44, 13 August 2014 (UTC)

Alternative versions of Shakespeare

Dr. Blofeld I was talking with some friends about adaptations of Will's plays and when we got to MacBeth I realized there was one you should know about - unless you've seen it already, of course. While The Throne of Blood is at the top of my list Scotland, PA is a close second. As before it might not be worthy of inclusion on your list but it is worth your time if you can track it down. Cheers. MarnetteD|Talk 13:10, 22 August 2014 (UTC)

Noted, thanks :-)♦ Dr. Blofeld 13:12, 22 August 2014 (UTC)

You are welcome. FWIW I may be a sucker for it because it is set in the year that I was a freshman in college and there are numerous items of furniture etc that my mom had decorated our home with. The production designer had a wonderful eye for detail. Enjoy your weekend. MarnetteD|Talk 13:41, 22 August 2014 (UTC)

@MarnetteD: I can't believe Empire of the Sun (film) got a number of negative reviews!! It's a marvelous film, definitely one of the best films of the 80s I've seen.♦ Dr. Blofeld 20:55, 13 September 2014 (UTC)

If memory serves @Dr. Blofeld: it was made during a period when critics were being harder on Spielberg then they had been up to that time. It is also amazing to see Christian Bale so young. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. MarnetteD|Talk 21:12, 13 September 2014 (UTC)

It ranks among the best films I've ever seen. I can understand though why some people might not think so highly of it.♦ Dr. Blofeld 13:19, 15 September 2014 (UTC)

New recommendation

Hi @Dr. Blofeld:. I was watching Al Capone (film) with Rod Steiger and realized that you should know about a under-appreciated gem of a film that he was in. No Way to Treat a Lady has a bravura and versatile performance by Steiger. It also show you can have an "edge of your seat" thriller without any gore on the screen. Cheers. MarnetteD|Talk 17:22, 18 September 2014 (UTC)

Cheers, thanks for that. Will watch both. The latter is probably another great film from 1968! Steiger was terrific! Only watched Fistful of Dynamite last month.♦ Dr. Blofeld 17:29, 18 September 2014 (UTC)

Hi one more time @Dr. Blofeld:. To be fair the Capone film is a bit of a potboiler. It is more representative of the B-films of the era then it is of Capone's actual life. It does contain a couple good performances including RS, Nehemiah Persoff and Martin Balsam. Another Steiger performance that probably should be on your "to see" list is his turn as Napoleon in Waterloo (1970 film). FoD/D,YS is another Steiger gem and James Coburn is wonderful as well. The DVD has a "locations then and now" featurette. They left the ruins of the huge stagecoach right where they blew it up! 18:18, 18 September 2014 (UTC)

@MarnetteD: I highly doubt it's anyway worse than Lancaster's portrayal of Robert Stroud, about as unrealistic as you can get!♦ Dr. Blofeld 18:28, 18 September 2014 (UTC)

You got that right. HeeHee. MarnetteD|Talk 18:37, 18 September 2014 (UTC)

@MarnetteD: Just seen Al Capone. While it didn't exactly have the feel of one of Cagney's early 30s movies, it was an enjoyable film, Steiger was great, although I didn't quite find him that believable as Capone. It did feel like it was missing something though, perhaps the action element, it didn't quite feel like aggressive prohibition gang warfare and feel like gritty 20s/30s Chicago, at least not on the level of something like Goodfellas with the warring! For one moment during one of the drive by shootings it did though.♦ Dr. Blofeld 10:28, 19 September 2014 (UTC)

Just seen No Way to Treat a Lady too. Absolutely loved it, best Steiger performance I've seen and that's saying something. I can't believe the actor from Charly won the Oscar for 1968 and not Steiger or O'Toole! Another masterpiece from 1968 to add to my list!! Just been tidying my list in alpha order by year and I think I lost a film in this edit. It might be 1939, can you figure out which one and restore it?♦ Dr. Blofeld 12:34, 19 September 2014 (UTC)

I have had a busy day @Dr. Blofeld: and only just got on WikiP. I thought you would appreciate NWtTaL. I wish more people would see it. Those who know him for On the Waterfront or In the Heat of the Night (and he is excellent in both of those) are missing a special performance. Did you find the missing film yet? I took a look at the list and every time I thought I had located one on the left side that wasn't on the right I'd scroll down (or up) and there is was. Cheers. MarnetteD|Talk 19:02, 19 September 2014 (UTC)

@MarnetteD: Nope. what film was it? I removed it by accident.♦ Dr. Blofeld 19:16, 19 September 2014 (UTC)

I'll keep looking when I get a chance. One thought - do you think you might have removed some of the "GA icon" stars when cutting and pasting? That would leave the film on both sides of the page. I'll check for that as well. MarnetteD|Talk 19:20, 19 September 2014 (UTC)

Found it @Dr. Blofeld:. If you look at this version before the alpha'ing Destry Rides Again is in the 1939 section twice so you must have erased the second one when making your edit. Full speed ahead with your film viewing!! MarnetteD|Talk 22:19, 19 September 2014 (UTC)

Cheers!♦ Dr. Blofeld 08:21, 20 September 2014 (UTC)

@MarnetteD: and @Krimuk90:. I doubt you've seen it Smaro but Marnette you might have seen The Mirror. A masterpiece, the acting and the elements of the film are top notch. Like Solaris, the atmosphere, spiritual feel and the elements are incredible, you just don't get that in most western films that you get in quite a few of these Russian ones. The actress (Margarita Terekhova), very attractive, reminds me very much of Meryl Streep in appearance and delivery. Very impressed with Tartovsky, gonna have to get myself another dosage in Andrei Rublev (film) later, "The Best Arthouse film of all time" according to The Guardian  :-)♦ Dr. Blofeld 12:37, 20 September 2014 (UTC)

Thanks for the mention @Dr. Blofeld:. I saw it but it was over thirty years ago. I'll have to find it and watch it again. Rublev is amazing as is his last film The Sacrifice. MarnetteD|Talk 20:47, 20 September 2014 (UTC)

Some suggestions

I leave here some films that are not in your list:

• Contact (1997 US film)
• Pi (film)
• Primer (film)
• The Man from Earth

--emijrp (talk) 13:47, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Added.

@MarnetteD: I've created User:Dr. Blofeld/Great films: To see. Obviously in my mind I have a lot I've been meaning to watch but they're primarily ones from world cinema I'd otherwise forget if I don't jot down. Basically some of the top ones from some of the world cinemas including Africa and the Balkans. You can only attain film watching excellence from watching films like The Goat Horn! I bet Tarrantino has seen it! My list is way too American, eventually of course I want it to be more even globally as there's many gems from all around, but it's finding them and also hopefully finding the subtitles. A big obstacle of course is not accessing the films but the lack of subtitles on those which aren't especially well known. What would be great is if people could start putting subtitles and translations into a given language for the regular films from Spanish, French, Italian, Bollywood cinema etc. That's largely the reason why I haven't seen that many Indian films. I don't want the list to get too big, but you're still welcome to recommend one occasionally! ♦ Dr. Blofeld 09:16, 26 September 2014 (UTC)

Films to see

Great list! Always fun to see what "great" films others haven't yet viewed. Not seen The Usual Suspects yet?! Blimey! From that list, I'd recommend the following to see ASAP:

• City of God
• Donnie Darko
• Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
• Heat (saw this recently for the first time myself)
• Pi

Of the rest, I didn't care much for Black God White Devil TBH. I'll get round to doing lists like these one day. Lugnuts ^{Dick Laurent is dead} 14:07, 26 September 2014 (UTC)

I don't think I've watched The Usual Suspects all the way through @Lugnuts:, have only caught it on TV when flicking channels! I had previously thought I hadn't seen Walken's King of New York too but turns out I'd seen it twice! I have a feeling I've seen Heat or at least bits of it and Donnie Darko on TV too but not in 10-15 years, but will watch all again fully.♦ Dr. Blofeld 13:34, 27 September 2014 (UTC)

@Lugnuts: Turns out as suspected I had seen most of the Usual Suspects. I used to watch a lot of films on TV at nights and not really pay attention to titles!♦ Dr. Blofeld 17:46, 10 October 2014 (UTC)

@Lugnuts: I was right, just realised starting to watch it I've seen Heat, liked twice on TV ages ago, title didn't ring a bell for some reason though!♦ Dr. Blofeld 19:38, 6 November 2014 (UTC)

Must add

The Great Dictator, Children of Men, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. Watch them if you can, you won't be disappointed. --John (talk) 22:12, 4 October 2014 (UTC) Das Boot as well if you have the stamina. --John (talk) 22:14, 4 October 2014 (UTC)

@John:, Thanks I've seen The Great Dictator of course many times, did I really forget it? I've a few Wes Anderson films to see! Stamina? I've seen the 317 minute uncut 1900 (film) version without stopping, Das Boot looks shorter in comparison!! @Lugnuts: and @MarnetteD: list here of amateur critics top tens which is worth checking out. A lot there I haven't seen...♦ Dr. Blofeld 12:55, 5 October 2014 (UTC)

I watched In Darkness yesterday. Simply amazing. Lugnuts ^{Dick Laurent is dead} 13:25, 5 October 2014 (UTC)

Thanks for the link @Dr. Blofeld:. Lots of good suggestions on the lists. I can say that Jacques Tati's films have a special place on my list. OTOH I am leery about recommending them to others nowadays. So much of the humor is visual and seen on a big screen in the theatre one can get drawn into the rhythm of the stories, such as they are. On a smaller home screen the very same technique can, for some, seem like the viewer is being held at arms length. This is especially true for Playtime where small things in the background add to the overall feel of a scene - but many of those disappear on a TV. In spite of that WP:OR on my part Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot and Mon Oncle are worth your time. Cheers. MarnetteD|Talk 16:43, 5 October 2014 (UTC)

@MarnetteD: Funny you should say that, honestly now I was looking for Mon Oncle around lunch time today but couldn't find it!! I had to skip in it my book and watch Jalsghar instead! I shall get the DVD I think. I absolutely loved Hulot's Holiday, it's long been on my list in 1953. Genius, in fact I recommended it to Cassianto and SchroCat who I don't think saw it afterwards.♦ Dr. Blofeld 17:04, 5 October 2014 (UTC)

If you like German films, try Wings of Desire. The sequel isn't so good but WoD is a must-see. --John (talk) 18:54, 5 October 2014 (UTC)

@MarnetteD:, @Lugnuts:, @Krimuk90: Have any of you seen Hiroshima mon amour? That's a beautiful film, so sensual. I also highly recommend A Woman Under the Influence (which I guess Marnette and Lugs will have seen) which is highly entertaining and a fabulous performance by Gena, Oscar worthy if it wasn't for Ellen Burstyn's superlative performance the same year in Alice.♦ Dr. Blofeld 21:20, 8 October 2014 (UTC)

Both wonderful films Dr B. I think Hiroshima mon amour is the first film I saw with a nonlinear storyline. Cheers. MarnetteD|Talk 21:29, 8 October 2014 (UTC)

The review of Hiroshima top right by Chicago Reader sums up my opinion of it! 100% rating on RT. ♦ Dr. Blofeld 21:30, 8 October 2014 (UTC)

Hiroshima mon amour is on my must-see list. And if messed-up world cinema is your thing, I can recommend Michael and Dogtooth. Lugnuts ^{Dick Laurent is dead} 06:40, 9 October 2014 (UTC)

@John: Thanks for recommending Das Boot. Terrific film. It was in my 1001 book so I'd have seen it anyway but excellent suggestion, cheers.♦ Dr. Blofeld 12:03, 13 October 2014 (UTC)

You are welcome. I must watch it again as I haven't seen it in ten years. --John (talk) 21:55, 15 October 2014 (UTC)

Great to see Shame on the list. Check out Steve McQueen's Hunger and sticking with Carey Mulligan, Drive is a must see too. Enjoy! Lugnuts ^{Dick Laurent is dead} 12:22, 17 November 2014 (UTC)

Good choices L. For another bit of brilliance from Lugnuts check out one of the disambiguation suggestions here Talk:Steve McQueen (director)#Different disambiguation term.3F. Sadly, the more mundane one was chosen :-) Cheers. MarnetteD|Talk 17:58, 17 November 2014 (UTC)

Films for this spooky time of year

A couple caveats. First, I know that Halloween celebrations are mostly a US thing though my understanding is that they are spreading to other countries as the years go by. Second, several of these are already on your list @Dr. Blofeld: but I have grouped two sets together as they make good triple bills.

Vampires not named Dracula

• Nosferatu - a gem of the silent film era the fact that we get to appreciate it today is a fortuitous circumstance indeed.
• Nosferatu the Vampyre - Werner Herzog's tribute film to Nosferatu is not just a remake but (for me) an enhancement of Murnau's film. The exterior scenes in the Tatra Mountains are gorgeous. Kinski may be the only actor who could have recreated Max Schreck's performance. Um well, at least until
• Shadow of the Vampire and Willem Dafoe - this fanciful recreation of the filming of Nosferatu contains wonderful performances by the actors involved. The scene where Schreck sees a film of the sun always gets to me.

The monster not named Frankenstein

• Frankenstein and
• Bride of Frankenstein are such great examples of 1930s Universal Pictures horror films. James Whale set a standard rarely lived up to by others.
• Gods and Monsters - as with SotV this is a fictional story of the last months of Whale's life with several detailed recreations of the making of BoF. The novel Father of Frankenstein is also worth a read for those interested

One other Universal gem

• The Black Cat (1934 film) - while it has almost nothing to do with Poe's story it does have marvelous sets and costumes. It is also one of the few times that Lugosi gets to be the (nominal) hero. The final scene between Lugosi and Karloff may be their best and it shows that you can make a viewers skin crawl without having blood on gore onscreen.

Dr B. I know I have taken up a lot of space on your talk page here. I hope that you and the watchers of this page will seek out the films on this list that they haven't seen (and re-watch the ones they have for that matter.) Please feel free to remove or collapse this after the 31st. Cheers to all. MarnetteD|Talk 17:31, 9 October 2014 (UTC)

Thanks Marnette, yeah I've seen half of them, the latter two Nosferatu and Gods and Monsters I haven't though. Aren't the two Frankenstein's on my list? I've seen them both.♦ Dr. Blofeld 17:35, 9 October 2014 (UTC)

I felt sure they were but I am delighted to see that The Black Cat is there as well!!! MarnetteD|Talk 17:40, 9 October 2014 (UTC)

@MarnetteD: Oh yeah, isn't the atmosphere of that film tremendous? I tell you what, on Halloween I'll watch the latter two Nosferarus and Gods and Monsters as a triple bill? ♦ Dr. Blofeld 10:24, 10 October 2014 (UTC)

@Dr. Blofeld: that will certainly be a busy viewing day :-) I might as well mention my favorite version of Stoker's novel. It is the BBC's Count Dracula (1977 film). While the F/X may seem dated today (though I still enjoy them) I find Jourdan's performance to be pitch perfect to the Count that I imagined when reading the book. Frank Finlay is also wonderful as Van Helsing. Jack Shepherd's Renfield is excellent as he plays him as a tortured soul rather than just a madman. IMO it stays closer to the novel than any of the many other versions I have seen. It even gives a sense of the epistolary nature of the novel by showing Harker writing in his diary and Seward speaking into his dictaphone. They filmed the appropriate scenes at Whitby. The only clunker is Richard Barnes attempt at a Texas accent. My videotape made in the late 80s was fading pretty badly so I was happy when it was released on DVD a couple years ago. MarnetteD|Talk 16:33, 10 October 2014 (UTC)

• Being an animation buff, though admittedly not a hardcore one, I recommend Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas for this time of the year. Just saw the first one for the first time on Sunday. Impressive stop-motion animation indeed. — Crisco 1492 (talk) 15:59, 14 October 2014 (UTC)

Thanks Crisco.@MarnetteD: and @Crisco 1492: You seen Black Sunday (1960 film)? That's the most atmospheric film I've ever seen, seriously dark and sinister, a really authentic horror film. If not watch it on Halloween it's one of the darkest films I've ever seen, an absolute horror classic!!♦ ♦ Dr. Blofeld 14:38, 18 October 2014 (UTC)

• My wife likes horror, so I'll see what I can do. — Crisco 1492 (talk) 01:19, 19 October 2014 (UTC)

Thanks for the recommendation @Dr. Blofeld:, I'll keep an eye out for it. Both of your choices are worth seeing @Crisco 1492:. I try to have TNBC on as I hand out candy to the costumed kids so they can hear the songs in the background. Coraline is a treat as well. Cheers to you both. MarnetteD|Talk 02:14, 19 October 2014 (UTC)

• I teach at an elementary/junior high school, and after I told the kids a short summary of Coraline they all begged me to bring it. I expect they'll like it. — Crisco 1492 (talk) 04:25, 19 October 2014 (UTC)

Added to list will try to see those. BTW I've added a best film of the year edition with a green GA cross now. If you haven't seen any of those with a green star on them I can't recommend them enough!! Obviously though standards will be lower in silent period, especially pre 1900 :-) The most difficult one was 1953, I mean perhaps technically in terms of content Tokyyo Story, Tales of Ugetsu and Wages of Fear are superior films, but I love Roman Holiday so darn much I couldn't not have it as the best!♦ Dr. Blofeld 09:16, 19 October 2014 (UTC)

Films to add

• Troy (film)
• Onibaba (film) --EditorMakingEdits (talk) 01:46, 14 October 2014 (UTC)

Troy? Perhaps I'll add that one on cinematography/set design/costume. I thought the film itself was pretty average and nowhere near as good as it could have been.♦ Dr. Blofeld 12:26, 14 October 2014 (UTC)

• I remember seeing that in theatres when I was in high school. One of my worse dates. — Crisco 1492 (talk) 16:00, 14 October 2014 (UTC)

Ok, but Onibaba is considered one of the greatest horror movies of all time, though some people dispute its genre. --EditorMakingEdits (talk) 01:22, 18 October 2014 (UTC)

@EditorMakingEdits: Really quite evil atmosphere in the film isn't it!Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 20:46, 31 October 2014 (UTC)

Film suggestions

Hi. Hope you're well. I've been meaning to add recommendations so here I go.

• Since it's approaching Halloween, I'm surprised you haven't seen The Thing.
• Other ones that jumped out was lack of the Linklater Before... trilogy which are all must watch especially since you're a fan of Boyhood.
• Also Iranian film About Elly from the same director as A Separation.
• The Prestige which is probably the best film Christopher Nolan has directed.
• Studio Ghibli titles: Grave of the Fireflies, Princess Mononoke, The Wind Rises, and Howl's Moving Castle
• Night and Fog documentary short on the Holocaust should really be recommended in schools everywhere.
• The Truman Show why didn't Jim Carrey stick with more serious roles?
• A Beautiful Mind should've really been Russell Crowe's consecutive second Oscar. Cowlibob (talk) 18:37, 29 October 2014 (UTC)

@Cowlibob: I've seen A Beautiful Mind, I'd forgotten it on my list. I've seen virtually all Oscar Best picture and actor winners.Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 19:18, 31 October 2014 (UTC)

I've been going through those as well but I dread having to watch Cimarron or The Greatest Show on Earth. From all accounts those are amongst the worst to win. Also glad you've got Hitchcock films well covered on your list, he's my favourite filmmaker. What do you think about the others I've recommended? Hope you're enjoying your holiday from trying to take over the world. Cowlibob (talk) 21:23, 31 October 2014 (UTC)

I've seen Night and Fog, it's on my list :-). My worst were Chariots of Fire, The Best Years of Our Lives then Cimarron but I'm due to watch The Best Years again to see if I change my mind. I thought it boring in all honesty first time. Yeah I've seen all of Hitchcock's except some of the late 20s and early 30s ones. Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 21:25, 31 October 2014 (UTC)

@MarnetteD:, @Lugnuts: and @Crisco 1492: Either of you ever seen Mondo cane? Fascinating and brilliantly made but horribly brutal and really really tough to watch for animal cruelty at times. Not for the faint of heart that's for sure!! There's a really dark vein of humour running through the film at times which is a dark a black humour as you can get, almost evil at times. Attacking obese women for starters! A guy eating snake on a plate and stuff! The turtle graveyard and underwater cemetery and the decapitated bulls scenes are really quite shocking! But the way it is shot and some of the imagery, especially the Papua New Guinea footage at the end and the Good the Bad and the Ugly style SPanish trumpet music all combined makes it one of the greatest masterpieces of cinema I've ever seen. It's a must see for the way it's made if nothing else!♦ Dr. Blofeld 19:59, 8 November 2014 (UTC)

Wow, I'm overwhelmed by the response ;-) ♦ Dr. Blofeld 12:02, 9 November 2014 (UTC)

One film not to watch Paper Man (2009 film). Crap pretty much sums it up.♦ Dr. Blofeld 15:11, 14 November 2014 (UTC)

Another film not to see is Dumb and Dumber To! BTW, I’m looking for the name of a film and am totally vague about it. Obviously not a Great Film but I enjoyed watching it. It may have starred Frederick March (or George Raft or Someone Else!). He acts as a famous actor who goes to a small town and meets up with his friend. This friend has a teenage daughter who is crazy about the actor. Saw it ages ago on a late-night show. The Hindi film Guddi has a very similar storyline. Can you help with the name of the film? Kaayay (talk) 14:46, 4 December 2014 (UTC)

Directors who deserve to be better known

Sacha Guitry

I have been meaning to mention the films of Sacha Guitry and then I saw Confessions of a Cheat added to the list. Filmaholics usually mention Citizen Kane and Welles has having changed the way that films were made. When I first saw CoaC (which was released six years before CK) I was blown away with how Guitry took the rules of film, broke them into little pieces, ground them up with a mortar and pestle and then threw them onscreen in way that had not been seen before. It is interesting to note that they both had an extensive career onstage before moving into film. I have also seen Pearls of the Crown, Désiré and Quadrille and can recommend all three. I've got a couple more directors to add to this when time allows. MarnetteD|Talk 22:10, 17 January 2015 (UTC)

Thanks MD, yup a delightful little film. And spot on in your analysis of it. Breaks the conventions of cinema as you say. I had intended watching those you suggested! I've been getting myself a double dose of another French master today in Bresson!♦ Dr. Blofeld 20:07, 18 January 2015 (UTC)

Another fascinating director. I'm glad that you are getting to enjoy him. MarnetteD|Talk 20:23, 18 January 2015 (UTC)

Bill Forsyth

Bill Forsyth brought a special and unique touch to his films (well most of them anyway) in the 80s. That Sinking Feeling and Gregory's Girl are fun and (for me) capture much more of what it is like to be a teenager (yes I can still remember those years) than most films that purport to be about those years. Local Hero is in my top five and I know it is on your list to see. Comfort and Joy is also wonderful and a nice change of pace for anyone wanting to get away from the usual batch of Christmas films. I also find Housekeeping to be as much a masterpiece as LH. It was marketed in the US as a comedy and that was a blunder as it is so much more than that. Michael Coulter's filming of the scenery of British Columbia is every bit as beautiful as his shots of Scotland in LH. Sadly it only exists in a pan and scan VHS which lessens its impact but it is still worth seeing one of Christine Lahti's best performances. I can also highly recommend reading Marilynne Robinson's 1980 novel Housekeeping which is the basis for the film. Her writing style is unlike anyone else that I have read and the book and film compliment each other like few others. The second film he made in the US is Breaking In and it is worth seeing as well. It contains one of Burt Reynolds most restrained performances. Being Human was mangled by the studio and it is hard to tell if any of Forsyth's version remains. My understanding is that his experience with that film pretty much put him off film-making. His last film Gregory's Two Girls is dreadful and is one of the few films that I have seen that I cannot bring myself to recommend to anyone. The two traits that I find most often in his film are a wonderfully quirky sense of humour and the ability to express melancholy in ways that no other director has been able to. Well I know these just add to your "to see" list. Maybe one of these days that list will actually get shorter :-) MarnetteD|Talk 20:59, 26 January 2015 (UTC)

Thanks MarnetteD all of Forsyth's films I've made a mental note to see sometime!Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 17:06, 29 January 2015 (UTC)

Yes GG is certainly fun, I know what you mean about recapturing your youth!Tibetan Prayer ^᧾

Ettore Scola

I have three Scola films to recommend.

1. We All Loved Each Other So Much is an absolute treat. It follows the lives of four friends from the war to the present day. It has one of the most beautiful fades from black and white to color that I have seen in any film. here is a review that puts it better than I can - though if you want to avoid spoilers you might want to hold off reading it until you get a chance to see the film. I was reminded of how much I enjoyed this film when I was watching the 2003 film The Best of Youth which is also worth seeing - though you need a free weekend if you want to see it all at once.

Cheers MarnetteD, I had actually been meaning to see The Pizza Triangle for a while, so finally got around to this and watched this immediately afterwards! Great suggestion, quite masterfully made, thanks, odd though that it was 1974, the whole look of the film in a lot of it felt like Rocco and his Brothers sort of thing c.1960. As you say the whole film just looks classic! Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 13:59, 15 March 2015 (UTC)

Glad you enjoyed it Tibetan Prayer. You are right about the look of the film. As a movie buff I thought you would enjoy the storyline and cameo involving Fellini. This film was my introduction to Nino Manfredi. A master of comedic timing he made me laugh many times over the years. Nudo di donna and Bread and Chocolate are particularly fun. MarnetteD|Talk 18:26, 15 March 2015 (UTC)

Oh I'm a sucker for films which reference classic cinema MarnetteD! It makes it that more special for us film enthusiasts, that was largely the appeal of Inglorious Bastherds for me. I was only thinking when there was the scene in which Bicycles Thieves was screening in the film how awesome it would be to watch a film like that on a big cinema screen.Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 10:09, 16 March 2015 (UTC)

1. That Night in Varennes is excellent. A fanciful tale of a meeting between Restif de la Bretonne, Giacomo Casanova, Thomas Paine who (with several others) are riding in a coach that is a few hours behind the one carrying Louis and Marie in their Flight to Varennes. It is chock full of thoughts and ideas about various subjects. It also contains one of the steamiest, sexiest scenes I have seen and proves that not a stitch of clothing has to be removed to get ones blood racing.
2. Le Bal - now this one is special to me which means I don't expect anyone else to like it as much. First thing to know is that it is a delightful throwback to the silent era. It covers almost 50 years of French history through the people who appear at a Parisian dance hall. It used the same set of actors (it should be noted that they are not professional dancers) for each vignette. One of my joys in repeated viewings is trying to decide which, if any, of them are playing the same person (there is one who definitely is) or completely different people or archetypal personages. Well, I am waxing far to philosophical about this. You can judge for yourself. The DVD has a special feature showing the stage production that the film was adapted from but my French is spotty so I am missing some of the info imparted.

These are the ones I saw back in the 80's and have been able to track down on DVD. I also saw The Family (only once though) and remember liking it but I haven't added it to my collection. MarnetteD|Talk 21:06, 24 February 2015 (UTC)

Directors who deserve to be better known 2

Hi Dr. Blofeld! Did you see any Salman Khan movies, or are they just terrible for you to watch. Jilebi2000|Talk 20:23, 20 May 2015 (UTC)

Not seen many of them!

@MarnetteD:, Krimuk90 and Lugnuts : I'd added what I think my top 10 film directors list would look like, obviously there's many who come close I've mentioned and others I've forgotten but those are the ones which immediately sprung to mind. I'd like you each to give me an idea of the directors you'd have in a top 10.Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 12:40, 21 June 2015 (UTC)

Tarkovsky is an excellent choice TP. My number one is Kurosawa. I know we've chatted about him before. A week or so ago I started watching his films in order again. As I get older his films seem to get deeper and more profound with each viewing. I would agree with all on your list as well as the honorable mentions. I would add François Truffaut, Peter Weir, Ernst Lubitsch, Ettore Scola and Fritz Lang to the list. I think that Franco Zeffirelli might merit a "others receiving votes" mention. He seems to blend the best of the worlds of stage and film like few others. His La Traviata (1983 film) is, for me, the best "opera on film". Of course, we are leaving dozens off the list but any youngsters wanting to fall in love with film will have a great starts with the names mentioned. MarnetteD|Talk 13:28, 21 June 2015 (UTC)

I think my top 10 would include Satyajit Ray, Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, and Woody Allen as well. More mainstream choices, I think. --Krimuk|90 (talk) 14:28, 21 June 2015 (UTC)

Good choices on your part Krimuk90. Your mention of Allen reminds me that my list should include Charlie Chaplin. Whether it be his short or feature films - many of them are on not just my 'best comedies" but my "best films" list. MarnetteD|Talk 16:48, 21 June 2015 (UTC)

Thanks. Yes, all mentioned would of course be right up there. I think my ten though are the ten directors I've been most impressed with overall. Films of theirs I've seen I've been in awe of. Obviously Bergman, Kurosawa and Ray especially, most films are great ones and there are elements of certain films which are quite brilliant at times, they come close for me. I think Wilder might win it though in terms of the largest body of entertaining films which are a joy to watch. Not all of Hitchcock's were masterpieces. but Wilder's filmography reads like a "Guide to the Gems of Golden Hollywood"! Capra, Cukor and John Ford too are others which spring to mind. The three most impressive 21st century directors I think Paul Thomas Anderson, Alexander Payne and Christopher Nolan are all obviously right up there.Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 19:08, 21 June 2015 (UTC)

Thanks Marnette. :) Oh yes, definitely Chaplin! And Doctor, yes, Alexander Payne is marvelous. Ang Lee and Clint Eastwood rank among my personal favourites. Among others, I also admire Todd Haynes, David Fincher and the Coen brothers; the last two specifically for the flawless ambiance they create in their films. Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson and James Cameron's vision are worth admiring as well. In India, apart from Ray, Shyam Benegal, Rituparno Ghosh, and Vishal Bhardwaj would feature in my top 10. --Krimuk|90 (talk) 01:40, 22 June 2015 (UTC)

@MarnetteD: Just seen Kurosawa's debut film Sanshiro Sugata. Exceeded my expectations. Not in subject, but in technical film making on only his debut. Some of the close up shots, camera position overviews and long shots of arches, and devices are masterful even at that stage, like the close up of the suffering face during the fight on the waterfont, the close ups of the fighter's faces and audience during some of the fights, which sort of reveals an insight into their psyche, different distance camera shots juxtaposed against each other from above gradually getting nearer to the defeated fighter, and even things like him walking down the stairs with a parasol or whatever it is. You watch it and how the frames are constructed. I really felt like I'd gone back in a time machine to early Japan, a special sort of feeling watching it, remarkable really. Some probably don't rate it, but it's brimming with talent!Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 21:05, 22 June 2015 (UTC)

As you note it is a remarkable debut TP. I get the sense that his time and learning as an assistant director was well served. He seems to have formulated a clear sense of what he wanted to do when he got the chance to be in charge. There are big things like his use of a high wind in the climactic battle that he would refine, improve and use to even more dramatic effect (Yojimbo and Dersu Uzala are two examples) through his career. Then he can go to small moments like the use of the parasol that you mention and they are every bit as effective. AK's next two films The Most Beautiful and Sanshiro Sugata, part 2 are not quite as special and they are effected by being made during the war but they do have extraordinary moments as well. MarnetteD|Talk 21:22, 22 June 2015 (UTC)

Yes, the wind and that cloud view, that was a force of nature wasn't it! Obviously it's not one of his best films, but I enjoyed it pretty much the same as some of his later masterpieces because my attention was more drawn to the technical side of how it was constructed I think.Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 21:27, 22 June 2015 (UTC)

Sorry Dr B, totally forgot about this. OK, my top 10:

1. David Lynch
2. Ingmar Bergman
3. Michael Haneke
4. Stanley Kubrick
5. Alfred Hitchcock
6. Quentin Tarantino
7. Alejandro González Iñárritu
8. Darren Aronofsky
9. Jean-Luc Godard
10. Yorgos Lanthimos

At first I thought it wouldn't be in any real order, but looking at it, I think it is in order. For today. Lugnuts ^{Dick Laurent is dead} 09:08, 30 June 2015 (UTC)

Questions

Have you watched The Fabulous Baron Munchausen by Karel Zeman? It's a great film and to me a perfect example of Czech cinema's surreal animation. I'm Brazilian and I'm wondering what are your favorite Brazilian directors and films? Possibly Glauber Rocha, Nelson Pereira dos Santos, Leon Hirszman? Man, I wanted to be like you! I consider myself a huge cinephile but I haven't watched half the movies you have. Some of my favorite directors include Jean Renoir, Kenji Mizoguchi, Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, Ingmar Bergman, Federico Fellini, among others. Cheers, I'm not there. Message me! 23:20, 6 September 2015 (UTC)

Also, have you seen Entr'acte by René Clair? I'm not there. Message me! 23:26, 6 September 2015 (UTC)

Katastasi just caught this. Thankyou Katastasi, I haven't seen those, will make a note to see them. Brazilian ones I've been impressed with you'll see on the list, some in late 50s and 60s in there you might see including films of those you mentioned. Rocha's films in particular I find "dynamic", a force of nature if you understand me. If you have any more Brazilian films you recommend from all periods feel free to suggest them. I did start creating films by year for Brazil last year like List of Brazilian films of 1970 etc but they all need completing and many of the films started! And yes, I fully agree with you on those directors, you're right, those are among the ones which most impress me too. Mizoguchi and Ozu are very special filmmakers, and Renoir and Bergman are so wonderfully consistent. Yes, I've seen a lot, but cinema is such a gigantic topic if you really consider how many films have been made each year globally. It really takes a long time to really watch what you want, and in my mind I'm just getting started ;-). As I was saying to Loeba, my weak area is 80s-present foreign films and I need to watch a lot more post 2000 films but while my strength is very clearly Golden Hollywood and early New Hollywood eras, overall I think I have a better balance of films than most people will have seen from different periods and countries. Glad you like the list anyway.Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 08:40, 10 September 2015 (UTC)

It's a great list indeed, will definitely look for more films to watch here! Yes I love Rocha. Another one of my favorite Brazilian films is Limite. Don't know if you've watched it, but if you didn't, I recommend it. Cheers, I'm not there. Message me! 11:01, 10 September 2015 (UTC)

@Katastasi: Limite was a wonderful film, thanks for recommending!! One of the best silents I've seen, amazing how the dynamics of water and wind can influence your emotions! I've seen a few more Brazilian films of late too, ones I've long been meaning to see. Too much to see from everywhere though! Yes if you can, try to see all of my three and four star films at least, if not the two starred ones and others. To really get a "top 20" rating from me it has to be a particularly special film and I don't give away three to four stars very easily!Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 07:08, 18 September 2015 (UTC)

I'm so glad you loved it, it really is a fantastic film, worthy of more recognition. A silent classic, to me. Its images are haunting but also beautiful, I think. I see you've watched Baron Munchausen as well. I'll be watching films on your list, for sure! Cheers, I'm not there. Message me! 04:40, 20 September 2015 (UTC)

List of Indian films to see

Doc, here is a list of Indian films that you must see asap! — Ssven2 ^{Speak 2 me} 12:20, 10 September 2015 (UTC)

Hindi

• Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)
• Swades (2004) — Must see asap!
• A Wednesday! (2008) — This excellent film prompted Chandran Rutnam to remake it as A Common Man (2013).

Tamil

• Saraswathi Sabatham (1966) — If you loved Thiruvilaiyadal, you'd love these ones too.
• 16 Vayathinile (1977), Alaigal Oivathillai (1981), Mudhal Mariyadhai and Oru Kaidhiyin Diary (1985) — P. Bharathiraja films which you would like to see.
• Mouna Ragam (1986) — Breakthrough film for Mani Ratnam which you reviewed for GA. Watch out for the staccato dialogues and the backlighting seqeunces which are staple part of Mani Ratnam films that came after this one.
• Mannan (1992) — More dramatic Rajinikanth film.
• Chinna Gounder and Singaravelan (1992) — You'll love the look and comedy these two films from R. V. Udayakumar offer.
• Alaipayuthey (2000), Kannathil Mutthamittal (2002) and O Kadhal Kanmani (2015) — Other highly recommended Mani Ratnam films. Krimuk loved the first two. Watch out for the train sequences and A. R. Rahman's songs in the third one. The fourth is set in the then ongoing Sri Lankan Civil War and is also a must watch!
• Indian (1996), Mudhalvan (1999) and Sivaji (2007) — Recommended S. Shankar films.
• Aalavandhan (2001) — The film that inspired the Kill Bill films. Watch out for Haasan (the bald one) in this one!
• Chandramukhi (2005) — If you want to see comedian Vadivelu at his best, these are for you.
• Sethu (1999), Nandha (2001) and Pithamagan (2003) — If you want something hard-hitting and "harsh reality"-type of films, then Bala's films are for you.
• Pizza (2012), Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012), Soodhu Kavvum (2013), Jigarthanda (2014), Kaaka Muttai (2015), Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015) and Joker (2016) — Recent films that are really excellent and must see.

Telugu

• Saagara Sangamam (1983) — Both are in the CNN-IBN list and are must watch films.
• Sri Ramadasu (2006), Sri Rama Rajyam (2011) and Shirdi Sai (2012) — More devotional films but from the Telugu side.

Malayalam

• Drishyam (2013) — A crime thriller that Hitchcock and Wilder would be proud of IMO!
• His Highness Abdullah (1990), Kaalapani (1996), Spirit (2012) — Recommended Mohanlal films.
• Pranchiyettan & the Saint (2010) — Mammootty is at his best here.
• 22 Female Kottayam (2012) — A must watch
• Ustad Hotel (2012) and Bangalore Days (2014) — Recommended Dulquer Salmaan starrers.

Kannada

• A (1998) — A bizarre but interesting and amusing Upendra film.
• Super (2010) — Another recommended Upendra film.
• Lucia (2013)

That's a great help, thankyou Ssven2, a few of those I had already made a mental note to watch anyway like Lagaan, 3 Idiots, Shree 420 etc. I think I've actually seen Pyaasa and Hum Aapke Hain Koun years back but I will watch again to make sure.. . I know all about Swades too having researched SRK! I'll try to watch two minimum of any of these a week, but I've got a lot to get through on everything ;-)Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 08:31, 10 September 2015 (UTC)

No worries. Do try to watch them all while you can! All the above mentioned are worth seeing. — Ssven2 ^{Speak 2 me} 11:15, 10 September 2015 (UTC)

@Ssven2: Sorry, but there's just too many you've now recommended. It was tough getting through the list as it was! I don't want to feel obligated in seeing all of these, I have far too much to see as it is! I don't mind keeping it to half a dozen in total to see but more than that is too much really. If we keep it to a simple I'll watch this if you watch xx I think it'll work better that way.Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 14:56, 27 March 2016 (UTC)

I think it works better if we just recommend one to each other and I'll see one after you've seen one etc. Rather than a big list for either of us! I will steadily try to see all of these though. Don't recommend ones which are in cinemas in India at the moment though as I'm never going to see those until they're on video in a few years!Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 15:08, 27 March 2016 (UTC)

A few German films ya need to watch!

The Nasty Girl, Run Lola Run, Trace of Stones, and The Tin Drum. Although I'm a typical teenager with typical taste, these films I've watched are great! You have already a lot of recommendations, these are mine. Watch if you'd like to. IMO, they are simply wunderschön! -- Frankie _talk 20:46, 13 September 2015 (UTC)

Cheers Frankie, may be a while getting to those!Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 15:19, 14 September 2015 (UTC)

Animation films

I happened to notice some animation films missing from your great films list (possibly you might have forgotten or you haven't seen them yet).

Disney and Pixar films

• Bambi (1942)
• Cinderella (1950) - You'll probably rate it higher than the 2015 one if you haven't seen it.
• Peter Pan (1953)
• Sleeping Beauty (1959)
• One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
• Winnie the Pooh (1977) and the 2011 film as well
• Aladdin (1992)
• The Lion King (1994)
• Pocahontas (1995)
• Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
• A Bug's Life (1998)
• The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride (1998)
• Mulan (1998)
• Tarzan (1999) - If you haven't seen it, Phil Collins' songs are sure to give a kind of chill in your spine! :-)
• Monster's Inc (2001) and its prequel Monsters University (2013)
• Finding Nemo (2003) - If you like Ratatouille, you'll love this one. Funny and moving at the same time if you haven't seen it yet!
• The Incredibles (2004)
• The Lion King 1 and 1/2 (2004)
• Bolt (2008)
• Tangled (2010)

Dreamworks films

• Shrek films
• Madagascar films
• Kung Fu Panda films
• How To Train Your Dragon films -I've seen Dragon 1.
• Antz (1998)
• Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

Think I've seen the Were Rabbit but will watch again at some point.Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 10:03, 4 March 2016 (UTC)

A few reccomendations

Today, the Makar Sankranti festival ends in India and in my hometown, i have managed to watch a few films. So, i felt i can recommend a few good films in Telugu which would be less than 15. Watch how many as you can and let me know whether anyone of them would qualify to reach it to the great films list. But, if you have watched any of them already, and have forgotten/felt ineligible to join that list, let me know that too. Here are they :

• Rakta Charitra (2010)—It is a two-part film, and you have to watch both to understand the rise and fall of the hero.
• Pathala Bhairavi (1951), Missamma (1955), Dakshayagnam (1962)—If you liked N. T. Rama Rao in Mayabazar and Malliswari, you can safely watch these.
• Manam (2014)—A heart touching film based on the concept of rebirth and karma.
• Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2013)—A very natural and realistic film. Please note that none of the characters, except the female leads, have names!
• Magadheera (2009), Maryada Ramanna (2010), Eega (2012), Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)—Films by S. S. Rajamouli.
• Arya (2004) and Oohalu Gusagusalade (2014). I opine that you may like the former compared to the latter.
• Arya 2 (2009). You may enjoy the experience if you understand the psyche of its lead, Arya.
• Vedam (2010)—A film by Krish.

At least, 70% of these are available on YouTube in English subtitles for free. For the others, i hope that you can find help from other legal video streaming websites or Amazon vouchers. So, if you are interested, if you have the time, and if these are available, try to watch half of these at least. Yours friendly, Pavanjandhyala (talk) 13:46, 16 January 2016 (UTC)

Thankyou Pavanjandhyala, always helps of course with subtitles! Still got a lot from Ssven to watch, so can't promise anything immediately. There's just too many films!Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 21:17, 27 January 2016 (UTC)

Pavanjandhyala Why don't you create a list too? It would be interesting to see it and what you rate given films.Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 21:24, 27 January 2016 (UTC)

No issues Tibetan Prayer. Do try to watch them. Of these all, Manam and Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu are the films i loved so much, especially for the way they were made. Coming to the possibility of a list, i don't think so that i've watched so many films to maintain one. In an year, i watch some 3 or 4 films, i like at least two of them, and at least one becomes a GA. That is what happening with me. But if you want me to rate these, i shall make a section in my sandbox where i will list them the way Ssven2 does. Shall i? Pavanjandhyala (talk) 12:04, 28 January 2016 (UTC)

@Pavanjandhyala:, watching Manam at the moment. I didn't realize that Naga Chaitanya was the son in RL of the other guy on the plane initially but I see now that the old guy Rao later on is the grandpa too, so a family affair. Naga looks nothing like his father but you can see the resemblance around the eyes to his grandpa, they're quite similar despite the age gap! Funny how looks can sometimes skip a generation like that. Kate Middleton and Prince William's kids look like her parents rather than them too haha!Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 15:28, 28 January 2016 (UTC)

Hmm. Interesting one that was. Anyways, i'm glad that you liked the film. Any particular sequence that stood out, according to you? For me, it was a sequence in the pre climax where both the couples unite and the old man is shown to be very happy i.e. This still. Incidentally, that was the last sequence filmed on ANR before his death. Pavanjandhyala (talk) 01:56, 29 January 2016 (UTC)

Okay. Since there was no reply on the ratings, i've decided to rate them here itself. But, please do note that these are ratings based on "my" tastes and preferences and may not match with yours all the time. Here we go:

• Rakta Charitra (2010)
• Pathala Bhairavi (1952)
• Missiamma (1955)
• Manam (2014)
• Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2013)
• Magadheera (2009)
• Maryada Ramanna (2010)
• Eega (2012)
• Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)
• Arya (2004)
• Oohalu Gusagusalade (2014)
• Vedam (2010)
• Kanche (2015)

Based on your list, Manam is done. And, i see that your rating is surely near mine's. The rest, is your's call. Yours friendly, Pavanjandhyala (talk) 14:31, 31 January 2016 (UTC) @Pavanjandhyala: Always ping me after a note here because I don't check this page daily! I don't want to rate films out of 5 but Manam was an enjoyable film. I liked the scenes between Rao and the lad, there's one where he's in bed which springs to mind. I liked that plane scene too and his expressions. I urge you to watch Late Spring if you've not seen it, I vaguely recall you saw Ikiru afterwards?Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 20:38, 31 January 2016 (UTC)

@Tibetan Prayer: Got it. Haven't watched Ikiru yet. Shall watch Ikiru and Late Spring soon. Once i'm done, i shall let you know. Pavanjandhyala (talk) 01:47, 1 February 2016 (UTC)

@Pavanjandhyala: If you like sentimental/moving films, those are the highest recommended ones. Also A Dog's Love (you can watch it on wikipedia!) Make Way for Tomorrow, Umberto D., Tokyo Story, Floating Weeds, The Story of the Last Chrysanthemums, Ugetsu, Sansho the Bailiff, No Regrets for Our Youth, One Wonderful Sunday and for the real tear jerker , the animated Grave of the Fireflies, are must see ones for that. Some of those make my top 50, the others would all make my larger best film list. Ozu and Mizoguchi are the great masters of that, with a poetic brilliance, a good number of Kurosawa's too. Common to some of those is Setsuko Hara, in my opinion one of the best actresses of all time, who exhibits a warmth and rare ability to make one happy. Very special. I don't want to plague you down with too many recommendations though, I stopped recommending ones for Ssven because I felt I was overburdening him! But watch any list on the main Great films page and you can't go wrong. Those really are among the best films I've seen. Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 11:50, 1 February 2016 (UTC)

@Tibetan Prayer: Good list. Shall manage to watch few of these soon. Meanwhile, I urge you to watch Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu and Eega. Both are brilliant, though i love the former more because of its realistic and natural portrayal of family emotions. Pavanjandhyala (talk) 15:41, 1 February 2016 (UTC)

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Hey Doc, I noticed your list doesn't have Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015. Did you not watch it yet or you just didn't like it? Just curious, haha. I love these lists. Cheers, κατάσταση 17:53, 27 January 2016 (UTC)

Nope, not seen it yet! I had already made a mental note to see it, but the Oscar nominated ones took priority for 2015 first. By the looks of it 2015 a very good year for film again. Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 21:16, 27 January 2016 (UTC)

Pre Code

You've got to love the Pre Code era. Particularly 1932-3. It gives a great insight into the morals of Hollywood at time in comparison to general society. So seedy/sleazy LOL. Just the conception behind them, you can tell the bosses in Hollywood were signing actresses in return for "favours". Wicked really, amazing the difference several years later from the early 30s with the children's musicals and animation!Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 12:37, 10 June 2016 (UTC)

Commercial films

It's sad to see what is happening today in the commercial film industry. I think in a way they're taking a step backwards. Because of the overreliance on CGI in sci fi/action films it really affects the continuity and setting of the films, it looks fake, so what you get is an insight to how they're actually making the films, in important scenes just the actors in a studio doing certain things, supposed to be facing these aliens/monsters and them not being there. It completely affects the atmosphere of the film, it feels empty somehow, because it has become more obvious how they made the film. Some of the blockbusters I've seen in last few years like the Avengers and Independence Day (recently) are guilty of this, it makes the film producers look lazy. At least in a lot of the 80s/90s blockbusters they didn't rely so much on CGI and seemed to have decent emphasis on plot and made the films more pleasurable to watch. For instance the end of a battle scene and smoke from wreckage, in the 80 and 90s there would have actually been smoke, it would seem more real, now it just looks like 90% of everything is CGI and you've just superimposed the actors in front of it, so you get this feel of detachment and that the actors are not actually part of the action. It really looks a sorry excuse for film. I appreciate that they're trying to make money, but cinema is increasingly losing its art. Tibetan Prayer ^᧾ 12:40, 6 July 2016 (UTC)

@Tibetan Prayer: You're darn tootin' right, mon ami. Right on the button!  — Ssven2 ^{Speak 2 me} 17:10, 6 July 2016 (UTC)

(talk page stalker) That's Mon'Ami dear! ;-) Pavanjandhyala (talk) 03:28, 7 July 2016 (UTC)