4th Part of the Cinematic gems that inspire me the most. We're continuing from where we left off in PART 1, PART 2 and PART 3!
IMPORTANT NOTE #1
Of course, "The Movie Is In The Eye Of The Beholder". One movie fan's heaven can be another's hell or vice versa. These are just my thoughts and reflecting my own taste. I hope this list serves you well and you find some of the movies I mentioned here worthy of bookmarking to watch them later. Please never hesitate to share your own thoughts about ANY MOVIE in the comments' area. You're always welcome to do that whether the movies listed here are your type or not. It's all about exchanging our opinions!
IMPORTANT NOTE #2
DEAR MOVIE INDUSTRY, what is the purpose of a "MOVIE TRAILER" that contains many SPOILERS? To ruin our precious movie-moments?
As you might be guessing, there are many movie trailers that mostly include "Spoilers". So, instead of using movie trailers in this post, I just used images to protect you from any kind of spoilers (For those who haven't watched them yet... In most of the time there will be NO SPOILERS here. I may talk about the storyline but NOT to the extent of a spoiler. I NEVER DO THAT). I don't know why are "they" including spoilers in movie trailers but it seems that it's almost a tradition now (ABSURD, right? - Unbelievable).
DRUMROLL, Please...
And may the 4th in the series be with you!
"Låt Den Rätte Komma In" (2008)
(a.k.a "Let The Right One In"
Directed By Tomas Alfredson)
RULE #1:
Vampires don't enter into your life unless they're invited.
RULE #2:
So, Let The Right One In.
Please don't let the blood you see above misguide you (but, yes, there will be blood!)..: Adapted from the book written by John Ajvide Lindqvist, this is something very special and yet still one of the best examples of the genre (if not the best, ever). I must admit that this is my favorite Vampire story, and it's much more than that. I still don't know WHY, but we also have a REMAKE, but you already know which one to watch, right? The original, Swedish version! What a big, fantastic surprise from such a low budget movie! It seems, having an "ORIGINAL STORY" to tell is always beneficial to the movie itself. I wish the people behind The Star Wars' "Prequel Trilogy" AND The "Sequel Trilogy" could understand that FACT.
Offering something original to the genre which is continuously abused by hundreds of nonsense Vampire Movies (i.e. movies to entertain teenagers, like "Twilight" Series) is definitely not an easy task,and "Låt den rätte komma in" shines like a star there. This is more of a powerful drama than a horror movie and it asks serious questions: How far you can go for "her"? Is she a "she" anyway? (I wish the movie spent more time on that as the book did, it could add more to the story) - Is the love you feel towards her enough to justify all the blood bath? Are kids innocent? OR, if an individual needs human blood to stay alive, if it's in his/her nature; then does he/she have the right to kill humans?
And I will even dare to say that the POOL SCENE in this movie is as impressive as the SHOWER SCENE in Alfred Hitchcock's "PSYCHO". I still remember the scene in question clearly which I think is what a great movie aims for.
NOTE: If you would like to watch another great "Vampire Story", you should also check Jim Jarmusch's "Only Lovers Left Alive" (the summit of hedonism). If you're not into Jim Jarmusch, then you may give a chance to Neil Jordan's ("Interview With The Vampire - The Vampire Chronicles") - Add Mr. Coppola and Mr. Stoker to the mix and you have "Bram Stoker's Dracula"...
My opinion? "LET THE RIGHT ONE IN" is second to none!
- "But... Are you old?"
- "I'm twelve. But I've been twelve for a long time"
Star Wars: Episode V - "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980)
(Directed By Irvin Kershner)
[Photo Source]
If there is a Star Wars Trilogy, it's the Original Trilogy; and if there is a Star Wars movie that tells what Star Wars is all about to those who enjoy abusing Star Wars, "The Empire Strikes Back" is definitely that one. It's obvious that George Lucas is an unbelievably greedy guy, besides he's not a good director. He has some "good ideas" which probably means "profitable ideas" in his dictionary, and I think this is the main reason why he failed so much with the "Prequel Trilogy" - George Lucas is the man who made me fall in love with Star Wars and yet made me a Star Wars hater. I consider myself more of a "The Empire Strikes Back" fan than a "Star Wars Fan". Thanks for all the love, hate, blood-pressure and anxiety, dear Mr. Lucas.
The letter George Lucas sent to executive producers of "Lost" (TV Series) epitomizes it all..:
"Congratulations on pulling off an amazing show. Don’t tell anyone … but when ‘Star Wars’ first came out, I didn’t know where it was going either. The trick is to pretend you’ve planned the whole thing out in advance. Throw in some father issues and references to other stories — let’s call them homages — and you’ve got a series. In six seasons, you’ve managed to span both time and space, and I don’t think I’m alone in saying that I never saw what was around the corner. Now that it’s all coming to an end, it’s impressive to see how much was planned out in advance and how neatly you’ve wrapped up everything. You’ve created something really special. I’m sad that the series is ending, but I look forward to seeing what you two are going to do next."Have you just said "The TRICK is to PRETEND you’ve planned the whole thing out in advance", Mr. Lucas?
The Force, The Jedi...
Once upon a time these words were used with care and they were evoking a sense of responsibility. Some may even say, "hey come on, that's just a movie" but whenever I hear that phrase it reminds me of the title of the book written by Simon Kuper, "Football Against The Enemy - Football Is Never Only Football"... Star Wars was not just a movie, it WAS much more than a movie. Unfortunately, the producers lowered the bar more and more with the horrible movies we have seen both in the "Prequel Trilogy" and the "Sequel Trilogy". What a heart wrenching experience to see that the legendary Star Wars is now no different from a "Transformers" movie. Nothing but a hunk of CGI, a "cash-cow" to milk... So, so sad.
Have you EVER encountered a main antagonist ("the bad") that has the same CHARISMA as Darth Vader? Only Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) of "The Silence Of The Lambs" comes close to that, or, "Capitán Vidal" of "El Laberinto Del Fauno"... We owe that to David Prowse, the man behind the mask, and James Earl Jones (the voice). When Darth Vader walks around in the Star Destroyer, you can clearly see the fear on the faces of the crew. I can only imagine how all that looked almost 40 years ago to the audience of 1980, particularly when they heard the iconic dialogue between Vader and Luke. One of the most memorable, unforgettable scenes in Cinema History!
And we have Dagobah scenes... These scenes and the thoughtful dialogue between Luke and Yoda were where the HEART of Star WARS was actually beating. The Force, and The Jedi... The mystical, vital base of Star Wars! Are there any lines you still remember from the "Prequel Trilogy" or the two movies of the "Sequel Trilogy"? None here. Zero. Not a single line! I remember the dialogue between Luke and Yoda almost word-by-word. I still remember what Han answered when Leia said "I love you" to him..: He said, "I know". Now that was what Han Solo could say. We are talking about a movie of 1980, not 2015 or 2017. And extremely talented Frank Oz... I prefer his 100% "real" Yoda over the cold, computer generated Yoda of the Prequels. How can Academy (Oscar Awards) expect to be taken seriously if Frank Oz doesn't receive an award for his extraordinary performance for Master Yoda? A puppeteer doesn't count? My "best actor" award goes to Master Yoda (Frank Oz) of "The Empire Strikes Back"!
I like Star Wars the most when it's dark, and free from any nonsense / childish characters like Ewoks (without a doubt, Ewoks and Gungans are there to invest in the future of Lucas' cash-cow. McDonald's "toy menus" are to fast food industry what Gungans, Ewoks and "childish war scenes" are to Star Wars cash-cow: the absolute abuse of kids for more profit.)
It would be unfair to turn a blind eye to the contribution of George Lucas here (after all, he is the God of the Star Wars universe), but my "thanks" goes to Mr. Kershner, for such a masterpiece.
"You have failed me for the last time, Admiral!"
"The Angels' Share" (2012) (Directed By Ken Loach)
[Photo Source]
Is it a tradition? (I mean, the photo above)
I don't know.
But I know one thing for sure:
Ken Loach is one of the best directors ever.
What is "The Angels' Share"* anyway?..:
*
"Angels' share" is a term for the portion (share) of a wine or distilled spirit's volume that is lost to evaporation during aging in oak barrels."
In this case, Ken Loach takes that "lost portion" and turns it into a warm, beautiful movie as always. So, here comes my Holy Trinity when it comes to movies that involve alcohol, grapes, grains and fermentation: "Sideways" (Paul Giamatti is great as usual), "Bottle Shock" (R.I.P. dear Alan Rickman), and, "The Angels' Share" which is my favorite because of the attitude of the director.
Once again, Ken Loach turns his camera to those who need it the most: Outcasts, pariahs, the lower class (what an "ugly" phrase, isn't it? Guess who invented it?), those who trapped in dead-end jobs (if they are "lucky" enough)... On the surface, this is clearly the most hopeful movie of Ken Loach, and you'll definitely laugh a lot when powerful drama meets thoughtful comedy. But when you analyze it deeply, this is "V For Vendetta" that comes in an oak barrel, chastises the "system" that traps individuals in the most modern forms of slavery. But as I have said before, this is a hopeful movie! If you need something beautiful nowadays, if you need a fresh air, then you should watch this movie. Enjoy the absolute solidarity between the characters thanks to fatherly care of Harry (a social worker), Leonie (the love of our main protagonist, Robbie), and Albert (what a personality, you'll know what I mean when you watch the movie but that "Mona Lisa" dialogue made me laugh very hard). I don't remember where I have read that but they say, "Ken Loach is the director who tells great stories with low budgets". So true. AND, I would add: "Ken Loach is the director who takes an ordinary story and makes it extraordinary"!
Robbie is in trouble with the law. He is also in trouble with the wealthy family members of his young girlfriend who don't approve of their relationship. He has a newborn son, yet he's jobless, homeless and hasn't got a penny to his name. Dead-end? And what all of these have to do with whiskey? We will see.
Not enough? You'll have the wonderful landscape of the Highlands (Scotland) and "Whiskey Man" Charles Maclean comes as a bonus.
I almost forgot!
VIDEO: The Proclaimers - I´m Gonna Be (500 miles)
From the soundtrack of "The Angels' Share" - Enjoy your drink!
- "Why are you doing this for us?"
- "Someone gave me a chance once and it changed my life. And it sure sounds like you two could do with some luck."
"Billy Connolly! Robert The Bruce! Braveheart ya' bastards! Alex Ferguson! we are the fucking champions! cheers!".
"Män Som Hatar Kvinnor" (2009)
(a.k.a. "The Girl With The Dragon Tatto")
(Directed By Niels Arden Oplev)
[Photo Source, #1, #2, #3]
- "Millenium Trilogy" Part #1: Män Som Hatar Kvinnor (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo)
- "Millenium Trilogy" Part #2: Flickan Som Lekte Med Elden (The Girl Who Played with Fire)
- "Millenium Trilogy" Part #3: Luftslottet Som Sprängdes (The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest)
As always, fellow Steemians, I'm talking about the original, Swedish version. It's better than the David Fincher remake (and yet I am a fan of his movies especially "Se7en", "The Game", and "Fight Club"), and not only that, we have a TRILOGY ("Millenium Trilogy") here, meaning that we have almost 7 hours to enjoy these beautifully crafted movies.
There is a very sad story (and more importantly, a CRIME) behind the book...
Adapted from the novel written by Stieg Larsson; the "name" of our main protagonist, Lisbeth Salander, is unfortunately not a coincidence. When he was 15, Stieg Larsson himself witnessed* the gang rape of a young girl and didn't step in to prevent the crime against her, while he was able to. Larsson never forgave himself and begged her (days after the crime took place) to forgive him for his "mistake". Naturally, she refused. Her name was Lisbeth. It's clear that the Millenium Trilogy was meant to be an apology to Lisbeth. (you may want to read further from: [1], [2],
[3] - * This Source tells that there was indeed a crime, but Larsson was not there while the crime took place)
The main reason why I always prefer to use the ORIGINAL TITLES of the movies.
"The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"?
No, not that the "girl" doesn't have a dragon tattoo, but the original title, "Män Som Hatar Kvinnor", actually means "Men Who Hate Women", and that perfectly fits when you think about the anti-misogynystic attitude of the movies (and the books). I think we need more movies (and books) like these where women (and men) are not confined to stereotypes. What a pleasure to see a woman as the main protagonist; it happens very rarely especially if the protagonist herself breaks taboos one after the other and destroys all the stereotypes invented by the society. Whether there is a major gulf between their personalities, I still can't help but think about the similarities of Clarice Starling (The Silence Of The Lambs) and Lisbeth Salander; two women, both trying to survive in a world dominated by abuse.
[Photo Source] - Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) in "The Silence Of The Lambs"
Lisbeth Salander: Already an unforgettable character thanks to Noomi Rapace (you'll remember her from the movie "Prometheus"); a hacker, a genius with photographic memory, doesn't give a damn about what others think, fierce (for understandable reasons), has her own wounds yet she knows how to withstand the worst. The word "worst" means that this is an "R" rated movie. Noomi Rapace is a joy to watch, there are some moments where her performance overshadows even the story itself (not that we don't have a very good story here)
Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist, is about to lose his credibility and faces the danger of jail time due to his mistaken allegations against a wealthy business man. Meantime, another wealthy man, Henrik Vanger, hires Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander to reveal the truth about his niece who disappeared almost four decades ago. Vanger thinks that his niece was murdered. That's all that I can share with you.
All that I can say is, watch all the three movies, if you haven't yet. You will NEVER forget Lisbeth Salander. I'll guarantee that.
- "What has happened to you? How did you turn out this way? You know everything about me. I don't know shit about you. Not a damn thing."
- "That's the way it is."
"Relatos Salvajes" (2014)
(a.k.a. "Wild Tales" - Directed By Damián Szifron)
[Photo Source] - The bride, or Mount Vesuvius? She doesn't even need gamma radiation!
Warning: PURE FUN (comes with a powerful sub text and social satire)!
There is a reason why it's Plural: "Wild Tales"
It's not that easy to find an absolute gem, not that they don't exist but it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack. There are many needles (absolute gems); but the haystack is also very, very big.
Good news! You've just found 6 needles, not just one!
What a great fit! "Needles", and "satire"!
This is a 6 in 1 pack, meaning six independent stories full of fun, dark comedy, satire, drama and pure beauty of cinema!
I wish we could have more of these, each story already stands out on its own and worthy of strong applause.
Don't worry, no spoilers..:
- Story #1: We have a flight and a plane full of passengers, and we learn that they all have something in common. What is it?
- Story #2: A greedy "loan shark" feels hungry and goes into a restaurant to order some food. It seems "the universe" is playing its game again. I have a very bad feeling about this.
- Story #3: When you drive, you better be careful with who you choose to dispute with.
- Story #4: Do you get your car towed frequently? Not a good feeling right? This part is definitely for you.
- Story #5: What happens when a wealthy business man's son involves in a car accident with his father's car? That's not a good sign.
- Story #6: When a bride learns that the groom cheated her on their wedding day... Well, ever heard of Mount Vesuvius, the volcano? Eruption of Vesuvius was calmer when compared to the reaction of the bride.
- "Good evening, a table for one?"
- "I see you're good at math."
"Contratiempo" (2016)
(a.k.a. "Setback" - Directed By Oriol Paulo)
[Photo Source]
This is one of these very rare moments where the IMDB ratings reflect the truth..: "8.1"!
"Contratiempo" absolutely deserves that.
A powerful and "honest" work of fiction (mystery / thriller / crime) that respects the intelligence of its audience. "Contratiempo" is not one of those movies where in the second half of the movie a previously unknown figure enters the scene and entirely changes the flow of events... That's not a good story, that's another way to say "we don't have a story but we are pretending to have one and making fun of you dear viewers". It happens a lot, if you know what I mean. It doesn't happen here; "Contratiempo" is in the same league with an Agatha Christie story.
Watching the movies in their original language adds much to the experience, and in my humble opinion, Spanish language has some kind of mysterious magic to itself (remember "Pan's Labyrinth"?) which adds even more to the tension and mystery of the movie. I don't want to reveal any plot points here as they might have the potential to ruin your own experience.
Hint: A masterpiece.
A warning: You will not be able to take your eyes off of it.
"Your testimony has holes, and I need details. Plausibility is based on details. I can use them to convince the world that you're innocent. I assure you, I can do it."
"Cube" (1997) (Directed By Vincenzo Natali)
Caution: "There will be gore".
[Photo Source] - Whether the walls are RED, GREEN or BLUE, there will be blood (or even worse).
You might forget some movies, but "CUBE" is not one of them.
And please note that "Cube" has one of the most memorable opening scenes I have ever seen in a movie (who can forget a scene like that anyway? It's impossible)
If you've read my thoughts on "The Man From Earth" from the First Part of these series, then you know that I am a fan of movies that based in one room. That is not exactly the case here, but let's say this is a movie based in a few rooms, "cubes", to be more precise.
Five people (there were actually six of them, but remember what I've just said about a "memorable opening scene"), totally strangers to each other, find themselves in a cube shaped room. They know neither where they are nor how they got there in the first place. Each one of them are from diverse social backgrounds and have a talent of their own which can be used to find the "exit", if there one exists. Each "cube" has six doors on their walls (including the ceiling and the floor), opening to other cubes, meaning that our small group of strangers are in a cube-maze (and some of them have traps)
Where are they? Who built that? Does it even serve a purpose?
I'm not sure if this was the main intention of the writers of "Cube" OR I'm forcing myself too much to find a sub-text, but I think the cube itself symbolizes the SYSTEM we live in. Soon or later, you find yourself in it, and once you enter there, it's very difficult to leave there in one piece. Frustrating. There is the Cube, there are people thrown into it (and maybe even by their own will), that's just the way it is, for all these years it has been there, and no one knows how long this cruel SYSTEM will last (hopefully, not that long.)
Is it a coincidence that each one of the individuals we see in the "cube" named after a prison?
This is definitely not a type of movie that you may watch with your family on a Sunday morning, but it's a remarkable example of "Sci-Fi" combined with "Mystery" (and I still insist that it has a powerful sub-text) - I like this movie very much. Ideas are bulletproof as always, especially with such a low budget.
"No more talking. No more guessing. Don't even think about nothing that's not right in front of you. That's the real challenge. You've gotta save yourselves from yourselves."
"Groundhog Day" (1993)
(Directed By Harold Ramis)
[Photo Source] - What is he doing? Seeing Bill Murray in the scene above alone is enough to make me laugh.
A "deep" classic that never gets old!
The absolute inspiration comes packed with never-ending fun! It's been 25 years and I still laugh (and think) in the same scenes, again and again. After all, "aging" and "getting old" are different things and the same is also valid for Harold Ramis' classic! I also consider this as a Christmas movie for the positive energy it radiates. Reminds me of another timeless classic, "It's a Wonderful Life" in that sense. And when it comes to its "humor" potential, the only movie gets close to it is a Steve Martin & John Candy (R.I.P.) comedy, "Planes, Trains & Automobiles".
Phil (Bill Murray) is an absolute jerk. It's in his nature. He doesn't treat people "good", and even if he does (very rarely) that's just for something in return. A bighead who's disrespectful and rude to his colleagues and his audience (he's a weatherman and they're in TV business). He's like a 24/7 full-time "negative energy" service.
Phil, Rita (Andie MacDowell) and Larry (Chris Elliott) are on their way to Pennsylvania, to their latest assignment: To report about the "Groundhog Day" on which a groundhog emerges from its den to see if it (the groundhog) has a shadow or not! If the groundhog sees its own shadow, then the Spring is on the way; if not, it means the winter will still be here with us for another 1.5 months and the groundhog returns to its den back!
The most powerful stories are "human" stories, whether they be Sci-Fi thrillers, Dramas, or Comedies. While Phil lives the same day one after another, he starts to notice his mistakes, learns to love others, and most importantly learns to be himself. And who knows, maybe he might even become a "good" person in the process.
Living the same day, again and again...
Now, isn't that the story of majority who's stuck in the same routine?
Is there a way to break that vicious cycle?
"Groundhog Day" has its own answer to that.
- "Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster?"
- "I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen"
"Big Fish" (2003) (Directed By Tim Burton)
[Photo Source] - Isn't that a nice shot?
Which one would you prefer?
- Telling an ordinary story in a dull, boring way...
- Telling an ordinary story in an extraordinary way...
Thanks to Tim Burton (and his characters, particularly Mr. Bloom), storytelling gets a whole new spin! I would even say, Tim Burton's best movie ever! (it's no secret that Tim Burton is a bit unbalanced when it comes to the "quality" of his movies, yet I love most of his works, from Edward Scissorhands to Corpse Bride) - You might even get a taste of Miyazaki (the legendary animator and manga artist) from "Big Fish", at least it was the case for me when I was watching it for the first time with my brother.
"Big Fish" is based around the core idea of a "father and son reconciliation" but it's also about these "great storytellers" who we admire. You know, it's almost impossible to not listen to these people when they have a story to share with their friends or even strangers, there is some kind of magic to it. They amazingly pull you into their story and you never feel bored. These people tell even the most ordinary stories in an extraordinary way, it's not the stories they tell but the way they choose to tell them. Is it charisma? Is it Magic? One person tells the same joke, nobody cares, the other tells the same joke but the same people laugh like they never did before. Edward Bloom (Ewan McGregor) is one of these people who naturally have the same kind of magic.
It's possible to interpret this movie in a variety of ways (and that happens only in great movies), but I believe every single word Mr. Bloom says... The stories Mr. Bloom tells might be a "bit" exaggerated; but I truly, deeply believe their authenticity. They are exaggerated, but they are real. These events actually happened... But, would we be still listening them if the storyteller was not a master storyteller like Mr. Bloom?
"They say when you meet the love of your life, time stops, and that's true. What they don't tell you is that when it starts again, it moves extra fast to catch up."
" I was thinking about death and all. About seeing how you're gonna die. I mean, on one hand, if dying was all you thought about, it could kind of screw you up. But it could kind of help you, couldn't it? Because you'd know that everything else you can survive."
[Photo Source] - This is a movie that doesn't need any introduction. You've already watched it thousand times, haven't you? What? You haven't? It's the "MOST CHRISTMAS" movie ever. If not, just watch it. And then watch it again. Then force others to watch it as well :) - We need more of these movies, don't you think? Pure positive energy!
"Every time you hear a bell ring,
it means that some angel's just got his (or, her) wings."