| Title |
Director
/ Actors / Writer / Producer |
Description |
Buy
at Amazon USA or UK
|
Suggested
By
|
Amelie
(Le
Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain) (2001) |
d.
Jean-Pierre Jeunet
a. Audrey Tautou
|
Amelie is a unique cinematic experience.
It hits all the right emotional buttons; laced with euphoric
moments, blissful joy and cheeky humour. The combination of
a brilliant director, a trully outstanding actress and a great
film composer surmount to the success of this film. Although
having played quality roles in many French productions since
1996, it was Audrey Tautou's mesmerizing performances in "Amelie"
(Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain) and then "A Very
Long Engagement" (Un long Dimanche de Fiançailles) that
has since made her the darling of world cinema. Director Jean-Pierre
Jeunet is a perfectionist in every detail - costumes and sets
(even on location) are painstakingly manicured and enhanced
to emit the exact hues of colour and light needed to create
the required mood or visual dynamic. Yan Tierson composed the
memorable music which means that no DVD and CD collection would
be complete without Amelie the movie and Amelie the soundtrack.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| An
Affair to Remember (1957) |
d.Leo
McCarey
a.
Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr
|
The
mother of all pink champagne movies. Weepy. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| aThe
Accidental Tourist (1988) |
d.
Lawrence Kasdan
a.
William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Geena Davies
|
Trapped
between his own uncomfortable routine, a chaotic relationship
or a sideways exit into a new life, Hurt must tread his path carefully
- a particularly poignant challenge because of a broken leg. This,
with a constant recall of the memory of his son murdered a year
before, an estranged wife and a new oddball attraction in the
form of Geena Davies. A beautifully paced and endearing film. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Bagpuss |
w.p.Oliver
Postgate |
Like
the patterns on the wallpaper in your childhood bedroom, the memory
of Bagpuss stays forever. If you have children Bagpuss for them.
If you don't buy it just to say hello again to Professor Yaffle,
Madelaine the rag doll, Gabriel the toad, the Mouse Organ Mice
and of course Bagpuss.... just a saggy old cloth cat... but Emily
loved him. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Before
Sunrise (1995) |
d.
Richard
Linklater
a.
Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke
w.Richard Linklater, Kim Krizan
|
Thanks
to outstanding acting and an intelligent script the dialog between
Delphy and Hawke bounces along so naturally that you feel you
are a fly on the wall closely observing a real life situation.
The film draws out a scenario which could happen to any ordinary
person faced with such an ambivalent situation. From station to
station it is one of the most watchable rainy night movies of
the 1990's. Just see it (and its 2004 sequel). |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Being
There (1979) |
d.
Hal Ashby
a.
Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine
|
Ironically,
Sellers last film before he died. So simple yet so brilliant. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
Buffy
The Vampire Slayer (TV series)
|
a.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony
Head |
From a rather disappointing and
average pilot a few years back, Buffy improved in huge leaps
and bounds (and bites). A well chosen cast delivered a brilliant
script laced with classic one liners ... blink and you'll miss
them.
All dialogue and editing is immaculately
paced, synchronous with pin sharp wit and outrageous deadpan
irony. The bouncy, fluffy lingo deserves entry into dictionaries
everywhere to brighten up all languages around the world.
Humour and brilliantly understated
horror cross seamlessly with intelligent character study. Powerful
emotional turmoil, teen angst and cool-cute persona flourishes
throughout its cast, supported by a fine music score, great
featured bands, kicking special FX's and quality production
design - including some very creepy moments. (Watch out for
"The Gentlemen" (Hush) episode...ooohhh)
The natural, cool, quirky drama
makes Buffy a show of unique, class quality... with a few stakes,
potions and demons thrown in for good measure.
The purchase links here point
to:
Buffy
UK and USA at Cult Digital
|
Buffy
UK and USA
|
|
| cA
Canterbury Tale (1944) |
d.
Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
a.Eric
Portman,Sheila Sim
|
A
real period piece portraying a modern day (1944) pilgrimage to
Canterbury in Southern England during WW2. Close-to-life examination
of the characters, blended with vivid location shots amount to
Powell and Pressburger's finest documented portrayal of British
wartime spirit. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Cinema
Paradiso (1990) |
d.
Giuseppe Tornatore |
If
you haven't yet seen this Italian mega masterpiece... why not!
Needs no description... and as with many of the films listed,
this is the kind you can keep on the shelf forever and never get
tired of seeing it over and over. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Contact
(1997) |
d.
Robert Zemeckis
a.
Jodie Foster
|
From
a story by Carl Sagan and therefore based on a profusion of scientific
possibilities, this is an outstanding movie, which throws more
equations and questions into the extra terrestrial melting pot
than Fox Mulder could tackle in a lifetime. The most searching
feature of its kind since "2001".
Apologies for the following review cliché but... "this
is an absolute must see". |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Death
in Venice (1971) |
d.
Luchino Visconti
a.
Dirk Bogarde
|
One
of Bogarde's finest performances. The subject matter was covered
with so much style that it was considered both controversial and
aesthetically appealing in its time. Beautifully shot in Venice,
and most notably remembered for its use of Mahler's music, the
Adagietto
from the 5th Symphony. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Demon
Seed (1977) |
d.
Donald Cammell
a.
Julie Christie b.Fritz Weaver
w.
Dean R. Koontz
|
A
quality sci-fi / horror which was way ahead of its time. The frightening
concept of computer domination as it eats its way into the organics
of humanity itself...and, 25 years on not far from scientific
possibility since the advent of nanotechnology and A.I. !! ooer |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Desperately
Seeking Susan (1985) |
d.
Susan Seidelman
a.
Rosanna Arquette, Madonna
w.Leora
Barish
|
On
the surface this is a quirky, fun, cute, easy going gem. But there
is an undertow of melancholy that makes it somehow unforgettable.
Rosanna Arquette's (wonderfully understated) enigmatic presence
may have something to do with it. But so maybe does the general
ambience...which becomes increasingly reflective as years go by.
This may seem overstated but is this movie, as yet, an un-hailed
1980's period piece? |
USA
UK
|
LG
|
| e84
Charing Cross Road (1986) |
d.
David Hugh Jones
a.
Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, Judi Dench
|
Marks and Co., 84 Charing Cross Road, London is a bookshop and
the focus of this pleasant, enchanting little film about a growing
relationship between a New Yorker and Frank Doel the bookseller.
However, I don't know from which pleasant, enchanting little dimension
this films Charing Cross Road is in, cos it sure ain't the Charing
Cross Road I was in yesterday... unfortunately! |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Eternal
Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004) |
d.
Michel Gondry
a. Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet
|
Michel Gondry's second directorial
gem from 2004 (and a break from making his outstanding pop promos).
This is a truly unusual movie romance, penned by Charlie Kaufman
("Being John Malkovich") which might leave you in a similar
philosophical quandary as "Lost in Translation". However, "Eternal
Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind" also works in a similar way that
"Sliding Doors" played out a unique, fantastical experience,
without over-emphasing on the science fantasy - and so retaining
a warm attachment to the characters and therefore the emotional
turmoil that ensues..
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
Ferris Buellers
Day Off (1986)
|
d.
John Hughes
a.
Mathew Broderick, Mia Sara, Alan Ruck
|
Determined
to have a day off from school and despite of what the principal
thinks, Ferris and co. make the madcap most of it. There's a "cultural
awakening" scene in this movie as the three truants visit
an art gallery, accompanied by some affecting music... all which
sums up a sharp directorial balance between emotion and humour;
something which John Hughes accomplished so well in his films
of the 80's and 90's |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
Friends
(the complete
TV Series) (1994-2004)
|
a.
Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew
Perry, David Schwimmer, |
One of the slickest, finely tuned
American comedies in recent years. From the sublime to the ridiculous,
a magnetic TV choice for anyone who doesn't take life too seriously.
And you can simply watch them over and over. Great blues lifters.
Here we list only the new DVD
versions. Every series is now available in this format in complete
volumes
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| gThe
Great Race (1965) |
d.
Blake
Edwards
a.
Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, Peter Falk
|
Wacky Races on speed and obviously
the movie that inspired the cartoons. Completely potty from
start to finishing post. They don't make 'em like this anymore,
etc. etc.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Head
(1968) |
d.
Bob Rafelson
a.
The Monkees
p.
Jack Nicholson
|
The
Monkees parody their own manufactured image in this popadelic
rarity. The soundtrack
album is a lost classic (which became trendy again in the
early 90's). It highlights a hidden emotion and melancholy which
obviously bubbled under the foursomes comic shells. The film and
particularly it's music confirms that deeper artistic talents
were present in some guise or another (particularly Mike Nesmith).
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| How
To Steal A Million (1966) |
d.
William
Wyler
a.
Audrey Hepburn, Peter O'Toole
w.
Harry Kurnitz
|
Starring
the jet set princess of Pink Champagne comedy. Some nice lines
and subtle comic character studies. Set in a Paris we all like
to imagine still exists. (Particularly when viewed from behind
the wheel of a primrose coloured E-type convertible). |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Koyaanisqatsi
(1983) |
d.
Godfrey Reggio
|
Although
well over two decades have past since the visionary Reggio shot
this trippy masterpiece on almost no budget, it could easily have
been filmed today - or in another 20 years... only the clothes
show it's age. The film triggers, then perpetuates emotions and
melancholy like a windmill, primarily down to ingenious use of
nothing more than a camera - using time-lapse - and intuitive,
masterful, gadget free post production. Frame perfect editing,
fluid pacing and the music of Philip Glass completes this undoubted
masterpiece of cinematic history. Many film makers have been inspired
- and have tried to emulate the essence of Reggio's artistry...
as yet Kyaanisqatsi is unsurpasable. |
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
| Lost
In Translation (2003) |
d.
Sofia Coppola
a. Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray
|
A subtle drama set in Tokyo and
expertly directed by Sofia Coppola. Lost In Translation stars
the hugely talented Scarlett Johansson and a surprise change
of acting style by Bill Murray. Highly thought provoking.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| lThe
Last Picture Show (1971) |
d.
Peter Bogdanovich
a.
Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd
|
Atmospheric
American arthouse classic, and another keep forever movie. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
mA
Matter of Life and Death (1946)
aka Stairway
To Heaven (USA)
|
d.
Michael Powel, Emeric Pressburger
a.
David Niven, Kim Hunter, Marius Goring
|
Perhaps
inspired by the cinematic trickery of Jean Vigo 25 years previous,
Powell and Pressburger's memorable journey from reality into contemporary
fantasy marked the introduction of such film making into mainstream
cinema. David Niven and all supporting actors are perfectly cast.
The memory of this film remains with you always, and perhaps strikes
a chord similar to the 1997 What Dreams May Come. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Mon
Oncle (1958) |
d.a.
Jacques Tati |
For further details on Mon Oncle
see Monsieur
Hulot's Holiday.... since the next paragraph is just an
L-G ed letting of a little well deserved steam regarding some
of the dead wood he has dragged behind him in the past....!
One incredibly self righteous,
English, ex-colleague of mine would mock my interests in "foreign
films with subtitles"... (she would rather watch Brookside)...
Well.... perhaps Jacques Tati is a painlessly simple introduction
to fun foreign film culture for you...!!! (Oh, isn't it nice
how the web allows one to let off a little anonymous steam.
I could go on but... tut tut... unprofessional!
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Monsieur
Hulot's Holiday (1953) |
d.a.
Jacques Tati,
a.
Nathalie Pascaud
|
The
film that introduced Tati's gauche character Monsieur Hulot, whose
increasingly surreal adventures continued up until 1970 with Mon
Oncle, Playtime, and Traffic (all listed here). Tati's films define
a European style which one loves or snubs. The comedies of errors...
funny or sad. Tati was both... and brilliant at it. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Picnic
at Hanging Rock (1975) |
d.
Peter Weir
a.
Rachel Roberts, Helen Morse, Anne-Louise Lambert
|
An
essence of Dreambeat, in style, surreality, music, eerieness and
soft focus melancholy. A classic. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Playtime
(1967) |
d.a.
Jacques Tati |
see
Monsieur Hulot's Holiday |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| rA
Room With a View (1985) |
d.
James Ivory
a.
Helena Bonham Carter, Maggie Smith
|
Lucy
Honeychurch's encounters and subsequent dilemmas involving two
potential Edwardian suitors. This beautifully filmed, sophisticated
comedy of manners was drenched with well deserved Oscars. No film
collection is complete without this Merchant Ivory jewel. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Sabrina
(1995) |
d.
Sydney Pollack
a.
Harrison Ford, Julia Ormand
|
Although
a 1990's remake of the Bogart original, this version stands on
its own by reflecting colorful feel-good factors of '50's pink
champagne classics and done with authentic charm. A chauffeur's
daughter falls in love with the son of the wealthy Larrabee household....
Take it from here Harrison! |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Sliding
Doors (1998) |
d.
Peter Howitt
a.
Gwyneth Paltrow, John Hannah
|
Do
universes collide at random, or multiply at the point of split
decisions... or by just missing the train... or not? Sliding doors
provides one... or actually two scenarios which might comply to
such alternate future theories... Simple, no nonsense direction
by Peter Howitt. A love story in two, parallel parts! |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
Star Trek
Star Trek
Star Trek
Star Trek
|
a.Original:
William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan,
George Takei, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols
a.The
Next Generation:
Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton,
Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis
a.Deep
Space Nine:
Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Alexander Siddig, Terry Farrell,
Cirroc Lofton, Rosalind Chao, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman,
Nana Visitor
a.Voyager:
Kate Mulgrew, Robert Beltran, Roxann Dawson, Jennifer Lien,
Robert Duncan McNeill, Ethan Phillips, Robert Picardo, Tim Russ,
Jeri Lynn Ryan, Garrett Wang
a.Enterprise:
Scott Bakula, Jolene Blalock, John Billingsley, Dominic Keating,
Anthony Montgomery, Connor Trinneer
|
Before you skip this lengthy review
on Star Trek because your immediate impression when the name
is mentioned is nerds dressing up as Klingons, please read on
as Looking-Glass may suggest to you rather more philosophical
alternatives as why you should seriously reconsider these shamefully
misunderstood gems.
Of course, the original 60's Star
Trek series effectively played on a student's wide eyed primal
cravings for the fantastical... courtesy of rubber suited aliens
running around wobbly cardboard sets etc.
But nowadays, the presence of scaly alien life forms in cool
modern, galactic aware Star Trek are seamlessly integrated into
the plot. In fact no one blinks an eylid or three... and therefore
alien "race" generally becomes a transparent issue.
In fact most of the cast are "aliens" or even Artificial
Intelligence of strong individual identities.
The point is that recent incarnations of Star Trek being; TNG,
Voyager, Deep Space Nine and Enterprise are occasionally steeped
in brilliantly scripted dilemmas and powerfully acted scenarios
which often highlight ethics, morality and conscience. They
parallel close-future-relevant issues much discussed (or shamefully
not) in our present day.
Sometimes the scripts analyze and find solutions which can leave
you thinking...perhaps one day humans could tune more to their
natural senses, be it interracial, compassionate, or generally,
a higher plane outlook on common sense... as they do often in
Star Trek. Questions and philosophies are reflected on, and
often cleverly interlaced into the weekly activities and adventures.
It's however unfortunate that, as with any long term series
you really need to pick up on the characters and therefore follow
the flow with a little patience before you can thoroughly appreciate
the intellectual subtleties, while also enjoying it for its
entertainment value.
The scripts ooze quality. The action is well paced and the direction
brilliantly underdriven to allow the expanding Trek Universe
to breathe for itself - feeling as real and as organic as possible.
So if your looking for an intelligent fix to broaden your TV
horizons... you'll find its actually a phenomenon which has
been beaming down to your lounge for the last 40 years. A program
refined for the TV escapist which can actually prove to be extremely
therapeutical... no kidding.... I'll repeat that ... it has
theraputical qualitiies.
So, you can boldly tune in where
you might not have tuned in before... you can take a good look
at Star Trek... without dressing up as Spock!
There are hundreds of Star Trek
titles so please visit our Star
Trek Mini Site for an easy-find full selection
Star
Trek DVDs, CDs and Audio Books.
And remember...
...Resistance is futile!
|
All
Star Trek DVDs here
|
L-G |
| sThe
Singing Ringing Tree (1957) |
d.
Francesco Stefani |
In
60's UK this film was split into episodes for children's TV with
an English narrative. The Singing Ringing Tree and some of the
other East European DEFA productions of that period are pure,
eerie, Dreambeat fantasy. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Straight
Story (1999) |
d.
David Lynch
a.
Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton
|
An
exploration of morality and kindness through the eyes of an old
man driving a small tractor across America to make amends with
his ill brother. An unusually gentle film from David Lynch. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Summer
of '42 (1971) |
d.
by Robert Mulligan
a.
Jennifer O'Neill, Gary Grimes
w.
Herman Raucher
|
The
location, the atmosphere and the music of Michel
Legrand made this the original and most memorable of coming
of age movies. Crucial rainy night viewing. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| t2001
A Space Odyssey (1968) |
d.
Stanley Kubrick
a.
Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood
w.Arthur C. Clarke
|
When
released, summarizing its meaning was purely subjective. But over
the years film guide descriptions have carved a specific scenario
for this pioneering forerunner of modern space fiction. The point
is, you can make whatever you like of 2001. That was always the
fantastical charm of the movie. It is ingeniously enigmatic...
and should always leave one wondering.... And that's how it should
be when us mere earthlings make science fiction films portraying
"things" far beyond our present knowledge! An outstanding
sci-fi period piece. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Tess
(1979) |
d.
Roman Polanski
a.
Nastassja Kinski
|
Still
the most memorable and enigmatic version of Thomas Hardy's classic... |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| To
Catch a Thief (1955) |
d.
Alfred Hitchcock
a.
Cary Grant, Grace Kelly
|
Not
a Cary Grant, or Hitchcock classic but non the less a stylish
overspill of pink champagne. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Trafic
(1971) |
d.a.
Jacques Tati |
see
Monsieur
Hulot's Holiday |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Vanishing
Point (1971) |
d.
Richard C. Sarafian
a.
Barry Newman, Cleavon Little
|
Across
America car chase with surreal twist... and soul... with the help
of Super Soul! Not at all to be categorized with red neckish Smokey
and The Bandit stuff but perhaps more in tune with the "Fear
and Loathing" genre. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
What
Dreams May Come (1998)
|
d.
Vincent Ward
a.
Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr, Annabella Sciorra, Max von
Sydow
|
Surreal or slushy? Love it or
hate it? Either way What Dreams May Come is highly recommended.
P.S. To add to the strange factor it's Interesting to see Werner
Hertzog playing a part in this movie alongside Robin Williams.
...
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Wings
of Desire (1987) |
d.
Wim Wenders
a.
Bruno Ganz, Peter Falk
|
Angels listening by the shoulders
of Berliners continues Wim Wenders celluloid exploration of
individuality in the modern world. Melancholic in his unique
approach towards life at street level paralleled by black and
white fantasy.
Other Wenders films listed: Alice
in The Cities, The
American Friend
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
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