This is hands-down one of the greatest horror films ever made. The cinematography is outstanding, the acting is superb, the chilling elements are on point; everything is there. What makes this movie stand out is definitely the direction by Stanley Kubrick and the amazing performance by Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance. An absolute joy to watch for any horror fan, this movie will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
9. Sucker Punch
Hate me yet? Well, out of all the films on this list people are going to criticize me for, this is definitely the one that shall probably receive the heaviest criticism. When this movie came out, people tore it to shreds. They claimed it was hypocritical, nonsensical, and an absolute mess. But...was it, really? I personally really enjoy this film. I liked the all-female cast, I love the visuals, and the cinematography all works well. The biggest complaint people have is the subliminally sexist undertone, but if you actually sit through the movie, you realize that that's the point. I feel that this movie was just a little too weird for people at the time it came out. For now, however, I will continue to watch this for a long time.
8. The Matrix
I did not expect to like this movie at all, but like a lot of other movies I have seen, this one eventually grew on me. I had been hearing about this movie forever, from parodies to cultural references to memes. And when I finally watched it, the entire thing blew me away. It was so amazingly original, from the camera movements to the story to the themes. So refreshing to have an action franchise for the thinking man. Intriguing, exciting, and thought-provoking, this film will go down as one of the most significant films of all time.
7. Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage
I feel a tad bit guilty for putting this one so far down the list, but I'm sticking with it. Let me just say that having Rush as the main topic isn't the only reason I love this movie. I liked the pacing and the editing out of anything, really. With the way the film is presented, it feels less like a documentary and more like a regular Hollywood film, which was a new and interesting approach that I hadn't seen before. Entertaining, funny, and heartfelt, this movie only brought me closer to the band (or should I say, "closer to the heart") and introduced me to an even broader range of classic rock.
6. A Clockwork Orange
I was originally going to put this film at the top of the list, but decided to change my mind. For years I had been hearing about this film, how it was weird and off-the-wall and simply legendary in its avant-garde presentation, and that any respectable non-conformist should watch it. So I did watch it, and let me just say that pretty much anything you've heard about this film is true. Is it weird? "Weird" probably isn't even the word! Is it disturbing? Absolutely, but it's also marvelously entertaining and quirky. Like a lot of movies I have reviewed so far, this film is not for everyone. But let me tell you, you haven't experienced true cinematic art until you have seen this film.
5. Spirited Away
It's rare when a person says that a movie actually changed their life. But for me, this one was definitely the biggest game-changer I ever experienced with cinema. I watched this film for the first time when I was about six years old (around the time it came out), and I experienced a whole range of feelings. Up until that point, I was only watching Disney films, so I had no idea at all that movies could be like this. It was dark, it was complicated, it was sweet, it was mystical, it was pretty much a little bit of everything, which made it so mind-blowing. This movie told me that a different movie world existed beyond the quintessential fairy tales, and inspired many of the things that made me who I am. As a film that is very close to my heart, this movie will stay with me for a very long time.
4. Let Me In
This film takes the cake as my favorite vampire flick and one of my all-time favorite horror films. I love how sincere the entire film is through its delivery, acting, and pacing. The combination of the harsh winter and the nearly-silent tone of the film is perfect for the uneasy yet peaceful atmosphere. And to top it off, we have two very superbly mature performances from our two leads; they alone could carry the entire film. Overall a sophisticated and darkly seductive piece of cinema.
3. Persepolis
I remember seeing a screenshot of this movie a few years back, and how that one image alone was enough to make me check out the book, and then the film itself. The thing that drew me in was the animation. I hadn't seen this type of animation style before, unless you count the short "Rhapsody In Blue" bit from Fantasia 2000. And let me just say that the animation is truly what sets this film apart. It is simply an absolute marvel. I love how the shots fade into each other, and the usage of silouettes, shadows, and slow-motion creates the illusion of a painting in motion, much like The Secret Of Kells. And the story is so brilliantly presented, so honest and raw, that you can't help but fall in love.
2. Pan's Labyrinth
I waited for years to see this movie, but was always a little off-put by the way it seemed like it was going to be a bit too unnerving. And to its credit, there are certainly a few scenes that will make you uneasy. But that is the beauty of it. This film was so remarkably engaging and such a joy to watch that I was hoping it wasn't going to end. But even when it did, the ending was pleasantly satisfying. I love how rich the storytelling is here; the tale of the lost princess is presented in a darker, grittier, yet more relatable and intriguing way. All in all, this movie is an absolute masterpiece.
1. Gone With The Wind
What other movie would I put at the top of this list? I think you would be hard-pressed to have anyone argue that this isn't the greatest film to ever come out of Hollywood. Literally everything you love about movies or would ever want to see in a movie is presented here: the characters are memorable, the cinematography is outstanding, the acting is great, the costumes are amazing, and the entire film is simply epic. There's romance, there's fighting, there's drama, it's all here, guys. If I could say anything bad about this film, I would. But quite simply, it is cinematic perfection.
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