| 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
Age of Innocence (1993) |
d.
Martin Scorsese
a.
Winona Ryder, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daniel Day-Lewis
|
Another
"lost" recent classic?... just see for yourself! |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| aThe
Apartment (1960) |
d.
Billy Wilder
a.
Jack Lemon, Shirley MacLaine
|
As
the title suggests, all the action takes place in Lemon's humble
abode as he unwittingly lends it out for his slimy boss' sexual
pleasures. Another watch over-and-over classic. |
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 |
|
Betty Blue
(37°2 le matin) (1986)
|
d.
Jean-Jacques Beineix
a.
Beatrice Dalle, Jean-Hugues Anglade
|
Outstanding
cinematography plays a key role in the opening stages of this
film. Wonderful light, colour and impression. It can only be a
French movie which carries great visuals in hand with deeper substance...
sorrow, confusion and fear... all blending with bright touches
of humour and surrealistic undertones. |
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
| Bicycle
Thief (1948) |
d.
Vittorio De Sica
a.
Lamberto Maggiorani, Lianella Carell, Enzo Staiola
|
A
milestone of Italian neo-realism... played by amateur and non
actors. Albeit a feeling of incompleteness in terms of a rounded
ending, the memory of its natural qualities linger... Artistically
superb drama by Vittorio De Sica. |
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
| Blow
Up (1966) |
d.
Michelangelo
Antonioni
a.
David Hemmings, Jane Birkin, Vanessa Redgrave
|
For someone starting a cultural
collection of British swinging 60's Arthouse movies this classic
combined with other titles such as The Prisoner, Up the Junction
and If, would be a good start.... The memorable atmosphere of
the eerie wind blown park scenes linger forever.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
| bThe
Breakfast Club (1985) |
d.
John Hughes
a.
Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson
|
John
Hughes' teen genre films of the 1980's are shamelessly underrated.
They in fact turn out to be obvious templates for most "schools
in - schools out" productions ever since, right up even to
Buffy The Vampire
Slayer. The Breakfast Club was the milestone which brought
the anxieties and self searching of 80's American youth to mainstream
audiences. A must. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| 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 |
| Dead
Like Me (2003-4) |
a.
Ellen Muth, Laura Harris, Rebecca Gayheart, Callum Blue, Mandy
Patinkin, Cynthia Stevenson, Jasmine Guy, Britt McKillip, Callum
Blue
|
Finally, a TV series that was
set to cheer up the millions who had still been suffering cold-turkey
since the end of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer". "Dead Like Me"
oozes subtle deadpan humour, great character profiles and a
consistently strong script. With flavours of "Buffy", "Six Feet
Under", "Donnie Darko" and even elements of modern British comedy
thrown in for good measure, this truly unusual series has it
all. The lead character 'George' is played by the gifted Ellen
Muth, who as well as projecting a rather extraordinarily offbeat
acting talent is also a member of Mensa. In fact, Muth's father
has an entire museum named after him. Supported by a music score
courtesy of Stewart Copeland, "Dead Like Me" is destined to
become a high-pedigree cult classic...
|
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 |
| 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 |
| Fantasia
2000 |
Walt
Disney |
The
original release of Fantasia in 1940 was intended to be the first
of an ongoing work in progress.. with each successive release
including new works... Well its been a 60 year gap for this next
installment to appear, but in doing so it presents itself not
only in 35mm but most effectively as the first IMAX animated feature.
The gigantic IMAX hi-tech cinema experience is the place to really
absorb this enchanting experimentation of brand new and reworked
older pieces. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Father
Goose (1964) |
d.
Ralph Nelson
a.
Cary Grant, Leslie Caron, Trevor Howard
|
A
delightful and repeatedly enjoyable matinee romp with Walter Eckland,
(played by Grant), Caron and her sprinkling of charges... seven
schoolgirls... all of them stranded on a pacific island during
WWII. |
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 |
| Goodbye
Mr Chips (1939) b/w |
d.
Sam Wood
a.
Robert Donat, Greer Garson
w.
James Hilton
|
Impossible
for anyone to hold a tear back by the end of this Oscar winning
masterpiece. Shown through flashbacks, this is the life of a shy
classics master at an English public school. Apart from the odd
exceptions (like Untamed Heart and Before Sunrise) this is a prime
example of a lost art in sentimental but intelligent film making. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
gThe
Graduate (1968)
|
d.
Mike
Nichols
a.
Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross
p.
Lawrence Turman
|
Mike
Nichols' coolest of period pieces which became a template for
modern teen genre movies (and ads). The inclusion of the Simon
and Garfunkel soundtrack was an added masterstroke. Here's to
you Mrs Robinson. |
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 |
| If.... |
d.
Lyndsay Anderson
a.
Malcolm McDowell, Arthur Lowe
|
The
prequel to Oh
Lucky Man. An authentic public school setting is the backdrop
to fantasy, farce and a bizarre, violent climax. Directly inspired
by Jean Vigo's 1923 fantasy Zero
De Conduit |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| I'm
All Right Jack (1959) |
d.
John Boulting
a.
Peter Sellers, Terry-Thomas, Richard Attenborough
|
The
star cast for this great British comedy by the brothers John and
Roy Boulting goes on and on. Along with other Petter Sellers Classics
of that time, such as Heaven's Above, The Smallest Show on Earth
etc. such films as part of a DVD library will be enjoyed forever.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| kThe
Kitchen (Wo ai chu fang) 1997 |
d.
Ho Yim
a.
Yasuko Tomita, Jordan Chan
|
Well
worth discovering this charming, melancholic gem from Hong Kong
directed by Ho Yim. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
Leon (1994)
(akaThe
Professional (USA))
|
d.
Luc Besson
a.
Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman
|
Luc
Bessons American directorial debut. No point explaining... just
brilliant... just see it. |
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 |
| Manhattan
(1979) |
d.
Woody Allen
a.
Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Mariel Hemmingway, Meryl Streep
|
This movie deserves special attention.
New York may be the location but the scenario relates to metropolis'
from London to Sydney. Possibly Woody Allen's finest observation
of self absorbed, media oriented pseudo intellects, wrecking
their own lives as much as each others in the search for the
selfishly unattainable. As each character (except Mariel Hemmingway)
whines and whinges self sympathy about their "predicament",
one wonders how many towny trendies watching this are actually
viewing their own traits without a hope in hell of self admission.
The films final frame speaks volumes as Allen's character turns
to a camera close-up....You only need to imagine his thoughts:
"I'm such a whinging hypocritical arsehole but hey, I just
can't help myself." In retrospect, and on the humorous
side, Seinfeld fans may also recognize an inspired format. Incidentally,
Manhattan never seems to date.
Choose
from a complete list of Woody Allen Films here
|
Full
List
|
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 |
| oThe
Odd Couple (1968) |
d.
Gene Saks
a.
Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau
w.
Neil Simon
|
The
coolest film theme music ever and a most memorable movie vehicle
to introduce the Lemmon and Matthau screen partnership. |
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 |
| Rear
Window (1954) |
d.
Alfred Hitchcock
a.
James Stewart, Grace Kelly
|
As
with Vertigo this fascinating piece wears slightly better than
some of Hitchcock's other equally compelling masterworks.... But
then trying to be subjective about individual Hitchcock movies
over time is like comparing Beethoven's 9 symphonies |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Rosemary's
Baby (1968) |
d.
Roman Polanski
a.
Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes
|
Scary,
tense, aggravating, brilliant. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| rThe
Remains of the Day (1993) |
d.
James Ivory
a.
Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson
|
Life inside a country house from pre war to near present day is
impeccably played by both stars and supporting cast. Sir Anthony
as the repressed butler and Ms Thompson the house keeper. Subtleties,
elegance and melancholy prevail in this, another Merchant Ivory
jewel. Outstanding. |
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 |
| Silent
Running (1971) |
d.
Douglas Trumbull
a.
Bruce Dern
w.
Steven Bochco, Michael Cimino
|
A
sensitive sci-fi space movie with an environmental theme which
seems even more poignant in todays ecological climate than it
did when released in 1971. It also includes two little robots
with more endearing personality than c3po, r2d2 and the rest put
together. Sad and moving. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| sThe
Seventh Seal (1957) |
d.
Ingmar Bergman
a.
Gunnar Björnstrand, Bengt Ekerot, Nils Poppe, Max von Sydow
|
The
prolific Ingmar Bergman's most famous offering which has been
parodied into cliché oblivion... but still worth experiencing
if you've never seen it. His films cannot really be described
without falling into critical pretentiousness. You just have to
slow down... immerse yourself, allow to soak and let Bergman's
expression of melancholy tap into your own personal level of sensitivity.
L-G will be listing more of his films as time goes on... trouble
is, although the visuals, atmosphere and profoundness are prevalent
in ones memories I just can't remember the titles... there are
so many! (at least we're being honest here and are not listing
any old rubbish just to fill a web site for purely lucrative reasons!)
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| sThe
Shop Around The Corner (1940) |
d.
Samson Raphaelson
a.
James Stewart, Margaret Sullavan
|
A
somehow forgotten James Stewart classic of endearing charm, wit
and emotion. |
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 |
| Tess
(1979) |
d.
Roman Polanski
a.
Nastassja Kinski
|
Still the most memorable and enigmatic version of Thomas Hardy's classic... |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Trafic
(1971) |
d.a.
Jacques Tati |
see
Monsieur
Hulot's Holiday |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Untamed
Heart (1993) |
d.
Tony Bill
a.
Christian Slater, Marisa Tomei
|
This
really is heart felt (no pun intended) tear jerker, and a very
special film. The story becomes increasingly deeper in both substance
and emotion finally drawing to perhaps an expected conclusion
but with such delicate sensitivity. This is a must. |
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 |
| What
About Bob? (1991) |
d.
Frank Oz
a.
Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss
|
This
Frank Oz offering is quite simply great fun and uplifting. And,
as with John Hughes movies, this also leaves a balanced margin
for reflective emotion. Yah, yah...That being said there is otherwise
absolutely no point analyzing this film further........... ..............Well,
sorry trendy, angst critics, cynics and arties, but if you got
of your analy retented high horses for one minute and just let
go a giggle you might allow yourselves to see what else keeps
the real world refreshed and entertained after an easy going,
"hair exploding" nuts of a movie, like this one! |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
Dreambeat
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