20 Favorite Movies (Oct. 2002 update)
Submitted by jenhowel on Mon, 10/21/2002 - 05:07
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- 20)BARAKA I was flipping channels back in Wisconsin and this film happened to be on IFC. My brother and I were absolutely transfixed and ended up being late to a party so we could watch almost to the end. Basically, Baraka is scenes of life, religion, war, creation and destruction from around the world set to different world music. It is a meditation on the world's potential for peace, goodness and life, and its actual state of war, turmoil and destruction. It is both a movie of stunning beauty and hope and a devastating film which made me cry. It is at once a treat for the eyes, music to your ears, food for thought, and an urgent message to your soul. I recommend it to everyone, and I think it had more of an effect on my spiritual growth than I've even yet realized.
- 19)HAPPINESS This film is so fucking perfect. It takes on the subject of happiness and then goes on to show a number of unsuccessful ways people are trying to find it. Many people were disgusted by the characters in this film, particularly a pedophile and an obscene caller. But what is so interesting about this movie is that the least sympathetic character ends up being the person who is the most accepted in today's society - the uptight suburban housewife. Todd Solondz brings humanity and compassion to figures we've been trained to revile and hide. This film is a reminder that we're all looking for the same thing really, but for some of us the quest is impossible and damning.
- 18) ROMANCING THE STONE An old favorite, dating back from third grade when I fell in love with the protagonist Jack T. Colton played by Michael Douglas. This is a smart action/comedy/romance featuring a strong female lead in Kathleen Turner. How many of THOSE do they make these days, huh? It is an incredibly well-done entertainment featuring a female lead who thinks, acts and changes and gets the majority of the screen time. Refreshing, fun and eminently rewatchable, I'm not sure if Romancing the Stone will ever leave my top 20.
- 17) RAISE THE RED LANTERN This Zhang Yimou film made when he was still with main actress Gong Li is one of the most depressing movies I've ever seen. But it is also beautiful and so haunts me. It's the story of a new fourth wife brought into an early nineteenth century Chinese home, and her slow descent into madness as she encounters back-stabbing, isolation, injustice and death. Everything technical about this movie is excellent from the acting to the music. The mood is set just right. Flawless and would probably be higher up on the list, except I'm partial to not being totally depressed by my favorite movies!
- 16) DONNIE DARKO To be honest, I'm not quite sure how to explain this movie yet. I've seen it about 3 times now, don't quite understand it yet, but definitely feel that there's something there besides a confusing or weak plot/philosophy. This movie makes me feel like I'm swimming in another dimension suffused by 80's music, trying to discover the meaning of life. This movie is like a great 3 a.m. conversation you have when almost everyone's left the party and the TV in the corner, long-ignored, is blaring the test pattern. And Jake Gyllenhall is not only very cute, but amazing. So there you have it.
- 15) THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS This movie may have an unfair advantage as I'm compiling this list in fall, because it really is the premiere fall movie. Those campfires, and woods, and night skies brimming with promise all make me feel like running out into the wild to a time that no longer exists. This movie evokes such a mood in me, and that's the main reason why it's on this list. It's just magical. I can justify it by saying that Madleine Stowe is a fantastic underused actress, that Daniel Day-Lewis is fantastic (and hot), that the editing and music are great. But it all comes down to the magic here, and the best kiss in any movie I've ever seen. That put your lips together and blow shit just doesn't do it for me.
- 14)A ROOM WITH A VIEW This Merchant-Ivory film is in some ways just comfort food to me, as I grew up watching it and identifying with the young repressed Lucy Honeychurch. But the magical thing about this movie is in Lucy's transformation from proper fearful young miss to one who follows her heart. Helena Bonham-Carter really brings to life the tale of a young girl transfigured by Italy. And it doesn't hurt that the rest of the cast (Denholm Elliot, Julian Sands, Daniel Day-Lewis, Maggie Smith, Judy Dench, Rupert Graves, etc. etc.) are also in top form. It is a romantic, funny, touching film about reaching past one's habits and fears to love and life.
- 13) LAGAAN This epic Indian musical about unfair taxation by the British in the late 1800's sounds like a bore. In fact, it is a uniformly entertaining and dramatic musical with brilliant songs, a very charismatic lead in Ahmir Khan(sp?), and a cliched but still powerful message, that you should dare, fight and never give up.
- 12) FIGHT CLUB This movie (and book) was way ahead of its time in terms of what Americans were ready to hear. Its indictment of an empty consumerist society way out of touch with nature was its point, but most people couldn't see past the fight scenes. I think it's the most underappreciated movie of the last 10 years, easily. Technically speaking everything's also fabulous. Great acting, really cool cinematography, directing and editing and a killer script that pulls no (ha ha) punches. I don't get people who don't get "Fight Club".
- 11) LABYRINTH Sure this isn't a "great" movie. But you know what? Most "great movies" are dull. Labyrinth is magical, musical, romantic, exciting, fun. My brother and I used to watch it every time our parents went out on dates when we were little. We'd jump around to the songs as the end credits rolled, because this movie just got us going. And I used to try to call the Goblin King into my bedroom at night. Yup. I wanted David Bowie with big hair and tights. Seriously, though, this is the best kid's movie I know, partly because it acknowledges that kids have desires, curiousity and crave independence the same way another classic (Alice in Wonderland) did.
- 10) HIGHLANDER I only watched this movie in the last few years. The first time, I saw it with a bunch of gamers obsessed with swords, and all I saw were boring fight scenes. Then I watched it with my brother and was stricken by how much I'd missed. Here is this gorgeous, epic movie about immortals fighting to survive, losing those they love, befriending, teaching and fighting with each other throughout the world. It's an amazing concept, and I'm not sure if the movie actually contains philosophy or truth, but it sure makes me think a lot whenever I watch it. Oh yes, and the amazing soundtrack by Queen, my favorite band, helps too.
- 9) THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK The gloomy philosopher of the original trilogy (don't talk to me about those new ones) is its greatest point. This is the film where it all happens. Han and Leia get together, Luke begins training and struggles with the truth about dad. Yoda gets to have his say. And everything goes to shit. This is the Star Wars movie that acknowledges life doesn't always have a happy ending. If it were just depressing, though, it wouldn't matter. What's truly great about Empire is that you can always watch Jedi and learn the other lesson, when things are at their worst, you can still turn them around.
- 8) THE SOUND OF MUSIC No matter how depressed I am this movie cheers me up. If you have depression, you know that's a cinematic achievement. Even if this film wasn't my pick-me-up movie, though, it's still great.It definitely gets my vote for the best musical ever (Moulin is not as successful as a musical). Julie Andrews talent is shown off at its best, the songs are memorable and timeless, the music never seems like an interruption, it just is. Sure, this movie can be cheesy. But a lot of cheese is just an embarrassing amount of heart, and the more you embrace that heart, the less embarrassing and cheesy it becomes.
- 7) PASSION FISH It's funny that the best movie I've ever seen about women is written and directed by a man, John Sayles. Maybe it's because Sayles writes everyone in this still and deep film, like people, not stereotypes. This movie has no action, no fast-placed plot, not even a clear ending. But it is one of the most engrossing films I've ever seen, every time. The writing is fucking amazing. The acting (Mary McDonnell, Alfre Woodard) superb. This is a small movie that is about the universal topic of being responsible for making yourself well and dealing with what life gives you. And it addresses this topic without once feeling hokey. That's impressive.
- 6) BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE I just saw this film TODAY. In general I give a movie about 3 months before I let it in the top 10, but hey, this movie was that amazing. I cried no less than 4 times while watching this documentary by Michael Moore. Ostensibly about guns in American society, it's actually about so much more. It's about fear in American society and the hatred and violence that leads to and then feeds off of. This documentary doesn't have all the answers, but it offers some intriguing leads. And it faces up to the questions, which is more than most people in our society are willing to do. This film is an amazing achievement and should be watched by everyone in America with an open heart and an open mind. It's given me a new commitment to work for a better future. To love my neighbor and not fear the boogeyman, whether under my bed or, ahem, in Iraq.
- 5) HOWARDS END "Only connect," wrote E.M. Forster in Howard's End, a novel about classes intermingling, misunderstanding, connecting and disconnecting with each other. The Merchant-Ivory movie based on this novel brings out all the passion and message of the novel while not seeming quite so dry. Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham-Carter and Anthony Hopkins are joined by an amazing supporting cast to flesh things out. What results is a magical slice of very early 20th century life giving a message that applies today. We are all connected.
- 4) LOLITA ('97) Yes, I have seen the Kubrick version, and it is dreck. Adrian Lyne's Lolita is letter-perfect to the best novel of the 20th century and Dominique Swain as Lolita and Jeremy Irons as Humbert give Oscar-worthy performances that instead had to be totally overlooked because of American hypocrisy. This movie aches with obsession and longing, hums with tension, and is broken by bouts of humor and ultimately violence. It is every bit as layered and complicated as the relationship it portrays, without once being confusing or weighted down. An amazing achievement, for some reason overlooked.
- 3) HENRY AND JUNE This movie is not for everyone. Its characters, though played to perfection, are not always likeable. Its literary history (the love affair between Anais Nin and Henry Miller in 1930's Paris) is not too well-known. But if you love literature and want to see perhaps the most well-done erotic film ever made, Henry and June is for you. Phillip Kaufmann (QUILLS, UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING) outdoes himself as do Maria de Medeiros as Nin, Fred Ward as Miller, and Uma Thurman as Miller's wife June. In fact, this movie is the main reason I keep hoping Thurman will find a decent picture.
- 2) BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA I hope someday this perfect Dracula movie gets the respect it so sorely deserves. It is not only the best Dracula adaptation I've seen (finally someone uses the character of Lucy to full advantage for one thing), it's also wonderfully executed. The costumes, production design, scoring, cinematography, effects PERFECTION. Sure, Winona Ryder occasionally strikes a wrong note, and Keanu, well sucks (though Jonathan Harker sucks too). This is all made up for, however, by Gary Oldman's incredible portrayal of Dracula as so much more than a monster, but not quite a man.
- 1) MOULIN ROUGE! It was difficult supplanting Bram Stoker's Dracula, number one in my heart since I was 15. But the decadence, energy, music, colors, rush of this movie, assaulted my senses until I could only surrender. If that was all there was, however, I wouldn't go back again and again for more. Baz Luhrmann's film truly is a celebration of the Bohemian ideals: Truth, Beauty, Freedom and Love. Above all things love. And this film is suffused with that love, from the care taken in every costume, to the lyrics of the well-chosen songs, to the heart that each performer gives their character. This film makes you want to love, sing, vibrate with life. What more can you ask for from a film?
Author Comments:
Though many comments pervade this list, here's a summation of what makes a movie a "favorite" for me.
1. It doesn't matter if it's "respected" or on a critics' Top Ten List. I like what I like.
2. In my opinion, the entertainment and magic value of the movies is often overlooked as an important factor in "greatness." Sure, Citizen Kane may be more artful, but will it really warm more hearts or affect more minds than "The Empire Strikes Back"? I like my movies to really affect me in an emotional way, not just an objective, intellectual level.
3. I also think characterization is underappreciated in film criticism. I have a strong tendency to prefer films with complex, interesting characters who come to life. Films that offer these will definitely be more emotionally effective, as well as psychologically instructive.
4. The visual is underestimated in cinema, funny enough. Peter Greenaway made this statement in an interview with Film Comment, and I completely agree. We invented cinema, a medium primarily associated with sight and yet the majority of films may as well be books or radio shows for all they use this advancement. I really appreciate when a film is visually stunning or interesting.
5. I've noticed a tendency in this list to talk about the message of the movies I like. I'm beginning to find this important too. What is the movie trying to say? Is it talking about a universal value or emotion, or is it just up there showing off special effects, good acting, technical mastery, pretension without heart?
6. Rewatchability matters. Who wants a favorite movie that you never want to see again?
After finishing the list I've noticed that the majority of these movies have female protagonists and none of the female characters could be called lame. Most lists of great movies could not boast either of those points. I think when you watch movies as a woman it's from a very different perspective, and I guess to me a "great" film is one which gives credit and screentime to you know, half the population. (Exceptions granted for war films etc.)
Hey Jen, just noticed Pasion Fish on this list. That is a really well done movie. If you liked that one and you have not seen Limbo by Sayles yet, may I suggest a viewing. It is a pretty nice movie that might be right up your alley.
I also appreciate your comments/Rant about your best movies as opposed to what is traditionally considered as great. As a guy who has a more traditional greatest film list, I can aprreciate an opposing view of what I fear is my creeping pretentiousness.
Of course ultimately what is great for one person should be a totally subjective thought. Good work.
Great list Jen! Even with only 11 movies accounted for, this is my favorite version of your "Favorite 20 movies" list.
I hope it only gets better, cause I may have to restructure yet again to include BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE, which was like a rush of fresh air to my soul.
The next nine entries certainly didn't disappoint! This list has vaulted into the ranks of my favorites on the site. I've seen most of these movies, and I'll try to see the ones I'm missing.
I think Happiness is one of the great films of the past 10 years. Landmark in my book.
I notice that you have included the Merchant-Ivory films A Room With A View and Howard's End. I love Howard's End but I always found A Room With A View not nearly so interesting. But my favourite is Remains of the Day (Merchant-Ivory/Anthony Hopkins/Emma Thompson) - even better than Howard's End. You will love it !
Highlander also on my list of favourites.
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I have seen "Remains of the Day", but it is not as dear to me as "Howards End", and I think the main reason for that is that the book by Kazuo Ishiguro is SO much better than the film.
Well, that's not totally true. I also think "Howards End" is just a better film, with layers that reveal themselves over time and this indefinable magic. But the book Remains of the Day actually made me weep and the film did no such thing, despite the impeccable acting.
"A Room With a View" is so wonderful to me because it is a love story set against a strikingly romantic background, because there are quirky characters that endear themselves to you after many watchings (The Miss Allans, Mr. Beebe, Freddy), and most of all because of Helena Bonham-Carter's subtle picture perfect performance. I watched this movie first as a young muddled girl, so I really identified.
We watched Baraka in a class called The Nature of Religion. It is quite something. The sound was incredible.