Oh god Grave of the Fireflies </3 Such a beautiful but heartbreaking film, I could barely sleep the night I watched it. I'm not sure it could ever be a favourite purely because I'm not sure I ever want to watch it again.

 

Don't Look Now is a superb choice as well, the colour and use of the Venice setting is outstanding.

Oh god Grave of the Fireflies </3 Such a beautiful but heartbreaking film, I could barely sleep the night I watched it. I'm not sure it could ever be a favourite purely because I'm not sure I ever want to watch it again.

 

Don't Look Now is a superb choice as well, the colour and use of the Venice setting is outstanding.

 

It really plays on your mind long after it finishes :cry:

 

Glad you like Don't Look Now too!

11. Psycho

 

Alfred Hitchcock, 1960

 

 

“We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven't you?"

 

Towards the end of Hitchcock’s prime as a Hollywood director (between Rope and Marnie), comes the horror masterpiece that has shocked audiences for decades. As Janet Leigh attempts to escape from the law with a whole wad of cash, Hitch sets up his traditional ‘man on the run’ plot. But when she sees the towering sign of the Bates Motel, it all takes a turn for the worse. Not content with letting Leigh steal the limelight, Anthony Perkins is introduced with a mission: offer a room for the beautiful blonde, and give her the night of her life. As shocking as it is unpredictable, the shower scene is a defining moment in cinema history, with the music, the lack of any actual penetration and the days it took to actually shoot. Hitchcock knew exactly what he was doing, and he delivered completely. From this moment on, Psycho plays out as a deeply disturbing tale of madness, desperation, melancholia and insanity. Norman Bates is fragile, his world is crumbling as investigators attempt to uncover the truth, and his annoying Mother just won’t let go. Long time partner Bernard Hermann who offers the score, makes the film what it is, adding to the mood and intensity of the shots. It all really goes downhill when Hermann leaves Hitchcock, in his final few films, but at this point in the Master of Suspense’ career, he was churning out the timeless classics. And Psycho ranks as one of his greatest, for being downright shocking and forthright and the perfect build up of tension, with sporadic releases at the optimum times. It is a masterclass in creating fear and apprehension in the audience. Only one more Hitchcock film to come in the countdown...

 

10. Airplane!

 

David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker, 1980

 

 

“Is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?"

 

Sneaking into the top 10 now, is the funniest film ever made in my opinion. Perhaps the most quotable movie of all time, Airplane! is high-octane fun and laughs at a breakneck speed. The jokes come so thick and fast, that it’s impossible to get them all after one viewing. The wonder of the film is how it manages to remain this fresh so long after first release, and how after each viewing there are new jokes that sneak their way into the limelight. With not ONE dull moment, the film is a non-stop laugh-fest full of downright stupid, daft, clever, witty, farcical and satirical jokes. With an incredible cast of characters, each bringing their own unique spin on comedy, there really is something for everyone. The comedy sort of dies down from now on, so enjoy this while you can!

 

09. Carrie

 

Brian De Palma, 1976

 

 

“They're all gonna laugh at you"

 

Quite a way down in tone from Airplane! comes Brian De Palma’s take on Stephen King, in the lonely, fiery, bloody Carrie. With the upcoming remake due, it makes me question why on earth anyone would want to adapt/alter/or reissue such a classic film, which got everything right the first time. Carrie is a mixture of teenage school-angst, overprotective parents, the strains of religion on a modern day individual, the pressure from peers, growing up as an outcast to all and dealing with one’s sexual identity and location. Sissy Spacek is the lone girl caught in a world of beauty and sex, trapped in her body that is slowly losing control of itself. De Palma (as well as King), handle this brilliantly, with the gradual maturity of Carrie ultimately being her downfall. The influx of religion onto the film is interesting, as it bravely challenges modern day Christianity, and the regimented social practises that can dominate one’s life. Carrie is not only fearing and isolated from her peers and classmates, but also from God and the supernatural world around her. All of this builds up into the ultimate climax, where all manners of cinematic techniques are introduced, abused and thrown out in a feast of visual and aural extravagance. Not a film that is easy to digest, Carrie offers a lot to think about and consider, and is in conclusion a thrill ride like no other. Highly enjoyable and satisfying, Carrie is a true delight and fright.

Edited September 2, 201212 yr by HausofKubrick

08. Suspiria

 

Dario Argento, 1999

 

 

“Bad luck isn't brought by broken mirrors, but by broken minds"

 

Continuing perfectly from the final moments of Carrie, comes Dario Argento’s neon-filled rollercoaster ride, Suspiria. A wonder among the horror genre, Suspiria is loud, colourful, bright, jarring and intensely terrifying. More so than any other film, the score and visuals here bring out one of the weirdest, boldest cinema experiences ever, as your ears and eyes are thwarted with a whole assortment of colours and sounds. The film explores witches, but does so with such meticulous cinematography, that it really is impossible to describe on paper. Highly experimental, the soundtrack to this glorious film will have you jumping out of your seat in terror; it is such that it becomes impossible to tell whether the voices in the film are behind the screen or actually around you, or more so in your own mind. A truly unique experience and one of the 'funnest' films ever, Suspiria has to be seen to be believed, and even then it’s unbelievable.

 

07. The Godfather

 

Francis Ford Coppola, 1972

 

 

“I pledge my ever-ending loyalty"

 

The most predictable film to be included in the countdown, but one that deserves its place more than most. There are plenty of reasons why The Godfather is considered the greatest film ever made, and the finest piece of cinema ever to grace humanity. Without going too overboard with the compliments, quite simply The Godfather is exquisite, and just downright real. You know you are watching something special when the opening score kicks in (check out the trailer if you forgot it), and when Marlon Brando assumes his seat upon the family throne stroking his pussy cat in every which way. It has been said before over and over again, but from then on, The Godfather offers a bit of everything, and a whole heap of rugged, family issues. At heart The Godfather is a tale about a family struggling to survive and lashing out at the world. It is a musical and composed piece of pure delight and amazement. The most quotable film ever, and the most spoofed, the original remains the best most real testament to the true power of cinema. It should technically be #1 as the ultimate film, but as this is my list of favourite ever films, it doesn't quite manage it unfortunately.

06. The Exorcist

 

William Friedkin, 1973

 

 

“The Power of Christ compels you!"

 

The scariest film ever made. Fact. The Exorcist if not only a film, it is an experience all in itself. Darkly terrifying, cold and chilling right to the core it leaves you vulnerable and susceptible to all manner of feelings. Linda Blair as the possessed Regen is one of the scariest creations ever made. The language is shocking and repulsive, the visuals are haunting (her face remained implanted in my mind for days after I first watched it), the script is brave and the plot is so, so simple: what happens when evil overcomes good? But below the surface of this experiment in fear, is a more serious account of patriarchy in society, and the innocence of childhood. Friedkin has created a monster of a film, that has stood the test of time to remain the perfect example of how to terrify and shock an audience. It’s only downside is that it is perhaps too chilling, and goes too far to be considered a work of art. The Exorcist is all of my worst nightmares inside a 12 year old’s body. I shudder at the thought of it.

 

05. Vertigo

 

Alfred Hitchcock, 1958

 

 

“Only one is a wanderer; two together are always going somewhere"

 

Kick-starting the top 5 is the final film from Mr Alfred Hitchcock, and the one that recently dethroned Citizen Kane to be named the greatest film of all time. And that was no mistake, because Vertigo, as the name suggests, is a heightened example of all things Hitchcockian. Here he manages to perfect the notion of suspense, to the point where every twist and turn is a new shock to the story. James Stewart and Kin Novak are the perfect pairing of confused lovers, whose relationship spirals out of control to the point of possession. Hitch is able to take us from dizzying heights back down to a crashing reality in the matter of seconds, and Vertigo is a non-stop thrill-fest full of incredible moments, scenes and dialogue. The first half is a traditional mystery of sorts, while the second half turns the film on its head completely, offering a sinister take on their relationship. Of course, mention must once again go to Bernard Hermann for his awe-sinpiring soundtrack.

 

At its heart, Vertigo is a wondrous film, introducing some of Hitchcock’s most developed characters and one of his most intricate plots. For that reason it’s not only Hitchcock’s greatest film in my opinion, but one of the defining works of art in the last century.

Edited September 3, 201212 yr by HausofKubrick

I was just reliving the joys of Airplane! the other day, I think your description is pretty much perfect. Probably the only film with more quotable lines than Anchorman.

 

Carrie is excellent as well but I can't help feel that it pales in comparison with the book, as is the issue with even the best King adaptations.

I was just reliving the joys of Airplane! the other day, I think your description is pretty much perfect. Probably the only film with more quotable lines than Anchorman.

 

Carrie is excellent as well but I can't help feel that it pales in comparison with the book, as is the issue with even the best King adaptations.

 

Airplane has been all over TV recently, and everytime it's on i can't help but watch it all over again :lol: So, so funny!

 

I disagree about Carrie, it really brings the book to life (just like The Shining!)

04. Toy Story Trilogy

 

John Lasseter and Lee Unkrich, 1995, 1999, 2010

 

 

“To infinity, and beyond!"

 

Comfortably top 5 is the heartfelt trilogy from the monsters at Pixar. I first watched Toy Story at age 4, and decades later I can still switch it on, and be transported to that magical place that exists within all of us. The thing with Toy Storys is that they appeals to everyone without exception, because once again in true Pixar fashion, they are engineered with honesty and true human emotion. Not every film has heart pouring out of it, but somehow Toy Story 1,2 and 3 all manage it by the bucket load. The original introduces the characters gently, and sets up the trilogy perfectly. The sequel offers new characters, each itching for the limelight, and shines through with the gorgeous “When Somebody Loved Me”, which strikes a chord in my heart as one of the most beautiful pieces of film music ever made. The final (so far) instalment in the trilogy is a crazy adventure into Sunnyside Day-care, with as many (if not more) laughs than the previous two, and one of the most tear-jerking scenes in history (‘that’ fire scene). Yes they are toys and just plastic playthings, but when they are able to stand out as individual characters as much as Woody and co. the effect is a million times more effective than any movie that tries too hard to be genuine. It comes easy for Toy Story, because the producers love what they are doing, and know exactly what people want.

 

I have too many kind words for this incredible set of films, and cannot fully express how they have been with me throughout my life. They are the rare films that you can grow up, live, and die old with. Perfection.

 

03. 2001: A Space Odyssey

 

Stanley Kubrick, 1968

 

 

“It can only be attributable to human error"

 

Not so much a film, more an experience for the senses, Stanley Kubrick created a masterpiece that would last for the ages. At the peak of the space race in the 1960’s, Kubrick helped to develop one of the most brain-crushingly confusing films ever, and did so with such poise and intelligence, that the product was a visually stimulating masterpiece of epic proportions. Even the trailer is enough to send any traditional film fan barmy, with its complete lack of dialogue or focus, but one must suspend all of their inhibitions and just allow the film to take over if they are to fully appreicate and enjoy it. The bone-spaceship scene is a touch of genius, and the soundtrack has now become recognisable everywhere. The intense use of colours, the slow-paced movement through an infinite space, the dark black environments, the importance of A.I in contrast to a more primitive state of being, and one of the most riddling endings in history, 2001 is no easy task to complete or fully enjoy. But if you can grasp the film at its stern and follow it on its journey, Kubrick offers the most rewarding piece of art ever, as it questions our very existence, and the universe around us.

 

I was literally breathless after watching for the first time, and every time since I have gone away with a completely new meaning on what it all actually means. Anything that has the capability to do this is a winner in my opinion, and though many will disagree with its entertainment value, what 2001 does offer is an experience like no other. A euphoric trip into outer space, with a touching and difficult premise to grasp. Genius.

Edited September 4, 201212 yr by HausofKubrick

02. Repulsion

 

Roman Polanski, 1965

 

 

“I must get this crack mended"

 

First and foremost, Repulsion is not as technically perfect as the likes of The Godfather and 2001, but it offers something completely different: a harrowing piece of film making, which delves deep into the mind of a deranged individual. Isolated from the world around her Catherine Deneuve as Carol is a beautiful, yet strangely disturbed female in a world of obnoxious and patronising males that gaze at her every move. Her work in a beauty salon offers a light irony from the sinister life she leads as someone sheltered away from human contact. As she descends further and further into her own madness, to an eventual state of catatonia, Polanksi perfectly weaves the insanity through the piercing score and contrasting shadows in the claustrophobic setting. As part of Polanksi’s ‘Apartment Trilogy’ (alongside Rosemary’s Baby and The Tenant), Repulsion, though not considered to be so by most, is by far my favourite. It is relentless in its pursuits for shocks and thrills, and not only are we brought into the lone apartment of Carol, but also her messed up mind. The film opens with Carol’s eye, where the camera draws slowly from, and ends with a brilliant moment capturing exactly where we started, and bringing the horrid events of the film full circle.

 

Repulsion is beautiful and dangerous. Polanksi was still experimenting with this film, but in its current form, it stands as one of the finest piece of film making ever, and up there with some of even Hitchcock’s greatest moments. A favourite of mine, Repulsion is not only repulsive, but highly addictive.

 

04. Toy Story Trilogy

 

such a perfect trilogy and that fire scene nearly got me too. as much as i want more i can't see how they can improve on such a perfect ending to the set.

 

so much love for 2001 too. couldn't really get that into it at parts but technically and aestetically it's incredible. that bat scene in suspiria did not help my fear of bats too.

23. Pan’s Labyrinth

 

Guillermo del Toro, 2006

 

 

"She left behind small traces of her time on Earth, visible only to those who know where to look"

 

Pan’s Labyrinth perfectly marriages a young, innocent childhood, with the harsh world of wartime man. The film brilliantly captures two opposing worlds that are forced to live side by side, and the result is both breath-taking and frightening. Gruesome yet magical, repulsive yet spell-binding, the magical adventure is sure to dazzle and delight. On cinematography alone it stands above 99% of the films included in this countdown, and its poetic language and scenery makes it unique in so many ways. A film that is painful to watch, yet majestically gripping, del Toro has created a world unlike any other. With a brilliant cast, and stunning visuals, this has quickly become a modern classic, and it fully deserves its place as one of the greatest films ever made.

YES.

 

I R NOT ALONE

Edited September 4, 201212 yr by 濁pavel

01. A Clockwork Orange

 

Stanley Kubrick, 1971

 

 

“It's funny how the colors of the real world only seem really real when you viddy them on the screen"

 

Banned for 27 years, one of the most controversial films ever made sits atop my countdown of the 40 greatest films. From Stanley Kubrick comes the dystopian world where youths patrol the streets, and where the law is made to be broken. From the opening shot of Alex amongst his droogs in the milk bar, with that now iconic score tinkering in the background, you know you in for something special. A Clockwork Orange stands above all other films in my opinion because of its incredible cinematography that combines vibrant colours with the pure whiteness of innocence, the symphonic soundtrack, the stupendous plot, the brilliantly well-acted cast, the witty unique plot and the direction from Kubrick. All in all, A Clockwork Orange is the defining moment in cinema simply because it overtakes all other films in terms of relevance. Made some 40 years ago now, the concept still rings true in modern day life, and Kubrick almost anticipated what life would be like in the coming future. It is very telling for a director to take a novel, and transform it into a working piece of art in its own, but Kubrick manages it with such exuberance and a manner that frankly astounds the audience.

 

Throughout the film violence becomes a gimmick, sex because a farce, and brotherhood and familial structures no longer exist; basically everything we stand for in life is here shredded into oblivion leaving nothing but anarchy. The film itself is anarchic and out of control, with blubbering characters spewing all sorts of nonsense, and visions of a world beyond their own, but despite this the film remains true to our very beings, and stands as one of the most telling pieces of film-making ever. I have read the book, seen theatrical adaptations and watched the film ad-infinitum, and each time it offers something completely new and exciting.

 

A true masterpiece in every sense of the word, A Clockwork Orange is controversial, violent, brash and downright crude, but it doesn’t care. What it intends to do is shock and distort the viewer, and it does so perfectly. A great story told in an incredible fashion, defining not only the 70's, but the 80's, 90's and every decade that follows. A mark of genius and a rare gem of a film, that extends much futher beyond the protection of the cinema screen, to the point where it violates and disturbs our very selves.

Edited September 5, 201212 yr by HausofKubrick

Thanks for checking out this forum all, hope you enjoyed it. Any comments/thoughts are always welcome

 

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