Some Of My Favourite Movies
Where to begin? I watch a lot of films time permitting but try to formulate my own opinions as opposed to recycling
those of others. Although I respect the reviews of critics such as Jonathan Ross and Mark Kermode I think its important
to have your own views that aren't subject to the bias intrinsic to media types. One site which I cannot recommend highly enough
is the The Internet Movie Database (IMDB), it has reviews and ratings by the viewing public as
opposed to some journalist with his finger in multiple pies.
This article contains a listing of my favourite films - in no particular order I hasten to add. Most of them are mainstream cinema releases. My knowledge of film is pretty good but I'm not a huge fan of arthouse cinema. Watching a film merely to gawp at fantastic lenses effects and a unintelligble plot is not my idea of entertainment. Without further a do the list....
The Usual Suspects (1995)
A choice for a lot of people. Well directed and acted on a relatively low budget. This film is now rightly installed as a classic. Keep your eyes open for the Special Edition DVD which is being released shortly as I right this.
IMDB Info Page
The Seven Samurai (1954)
Tragically this film is often eclipsed by the western remake 'The Magnificent Seven', the original version is far superior in my opinion. A simple plot idea perfectly executed by the great Akira Kurosawa. I've recently heard rumours of a remake being put together by MGM/Miramax so far it's still in the scripting stages.
IMDB Info Page
Hard Boiled (1992)
I would be keen to hear of an action film better than this. For sheer gun-totting
gratuitous violence nothing comes close to this film. The definitive DVD version of this film by Criterion is now tragically out of production, I hope someone can buy the original print and produce a decent copy for all the movies admirers.
IMDB Info Page
Once Upon A Time In China (1991)
Despite the anti-western political undertones this is a classic martial arts epic.
Based on the life of Wong Fei Hung a chinese teacher and healer who stood against the
westernisation of china it contains some truly breath taking martial arts sequences. Jet Li has been one of Hong Kongs hottest properties for many years and films like this demonstrate just why, watch his Chinese films instead of judging him based on his latest Hollywood offerings.
IMDB Info Page
Blade Runner (1982)
Rightly viewed as a cult classic these days despite its poor box office showing. Science fiction at its gritty best. A specialist police detective known as a 'Blade Runner' (Harrison Ford) battles a group of rogue androids in a decidedly futuristic Los Angeles. The directors cut is the better version with its added voice over and alternate ending.
IMDB Info Page
