must-watch movies - part 1

(source)

Movies are my favorite past time. Whenever I needed reprieve from the mayhem of a cubicle or just in the mood for lazing, I ring friends’ numbers and ask them about what movies to watch before the earth swallows me whole. I always get good recommendations and many I suggest to other friends too. Good movies are too precious not to get the popular viewing that they deserve. These are my top picks of flicks that are worth a good 90 minutes or so of your time (and would still want a second or third viewing despite anything that Rotten Tomatoes has to say). While my picks may not cause a stir in you (you, spoilers!), I would like to make an unsolicited endorsement just the same. Recommendations are welcome. And loads of porcorn, too.

(While movie-makers will continue to make good films, I'll be adding to this list from time to time. Just saying.)

Legends of the Fall. This Anthony Hopkins and Brad Pitt starrer is a sweeping family saga at the backdrop of tragic romance to an epic scale. Good, just good. 

Big Fish.  A gripping glance at father and son relationships. This is currently one in my top 5. Yeah, I can be that sucker for these dramas.

Finding Neverland. A depiction of JM Barrie’s inspiration for creating the classic Peter Pan tale. Johnny Depp is a well-liked actor too.  

Casablanca. Personal top pick for a romantic flick. Just watch it. Undoubtedly an immortal.  

Bridges of Madison County. A song has this line for its lyrics: it’s sad to belong to someone else when the right one comes along. This is pretty much about it. Makes you think. Love indeed has a greater meaning. 

Three Idiots. A story about friendship that will stand through time. Anybody would want that, eh. Got me chanting “all is well!” for a while.

The Lion King. My very first favorite animated movie. A rich storytelling that is highly relatable. This will be loved by both young and old, father and son. Hakuna matata somehow became a personal mantra.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. A charming melancholy you wouldn’t want to erase from your silver screen experience. We’ll that’s just me talking.

Into the Wild. An inspiring, haunting odyssey to self-discovery. This non-fiction’s poignant end elicits both comfort and conflict.

Sideways. Funny and moving and surely not about wines. It will stir you sideways.

The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. Probably, the two best Batman movies of all time. The fact that Christopher Nolan created both poses no further skepticism. A smart story-telling and way above being just comic-book movies.

In the Mood for Love. This Wong Kar-Wai classic is a gripping tale of suppressed longing. Gets you into the mood for love with its unique visual rendering.

Little Miss Sunshine. A moving, unpredictable comedy makes you revisit that inherent desire to win.  In the end, it will win you over to better yourself.

In Bruges. A surprising gangster film that reinforces your belief in change and second chances. Colin Farrell's comedy is a revelation.

Amelie. The poster says Amelie will change your life and it will. An illuminating movie bliss that says fantasy may just come to life. A delightful comedy. 

Chocolat. A light drama about defying conventions. Chocolat is just so sinfully delicious you cannot resist.

Fight Club. First rule: Don't talk about fight club. Second rule: Don't talk about fight club. So, let's just start reeling. A classic. Soap, anyone?

The Departed. Violent, exciting crime thriller that will not depart from you for a while.

Life is Beautiful. Life is beautiful and this movie is, too. Both poignant and sweet.

Pan’s Labyrinth. A smorgasbord of a film. Fairy tale plus drama plus conflict and violence plus myth and magic. Not a movie for kids but a sure great watch.

(500) Days of Summer. A clever and zany romantic story. Sweet and endearing, I have 500 days to fall in love.

Up. Masterful and full of life, Up will carry you to that direction. A lovely love story you’d want to share to your children and grandchildren. Oh-uh.

The Royal Tenenbaums. A quirky comedy about disappointment that never disappoints. Delightful and offbeat to a certain degree.

Children of Men. A futuristic thriller about man's struggle to recoup its ability to procreate. Disturbing and riveting both in the same way. What if...

The Shawshank Redemption. A prison drama which is a compelling testament to hope and human spirit. A moving, redeeming delight.

Cinema Paradiso. A nostalgic film about friendship and love. It felt like Dead Stars turned into a movie. 

Lost in Translation. A light tale about coming into terms with disillusionment and dealing with dilemma. Warm and dreamy and funny.

Almost Famous. An engaging tale of director Cameron Crowe’s experience as a rock journalist. A very endearing film I wanted to jump right into a bus after watching this. Well, almost.

The Way Back. This movie, which was inspired by real events is an epic story of endurance and will. Uplifting.

More coming soon.

(The photos are not mine, obviously.)