My Favourite Films Of All Time - Part 1
My Favourite Films Of All Time: Part 1
For any former or present Film Studies and Television student, selecting a definitive list of your favourite films of all time is indeed...a tricky one. Not only do opinions of certain features that you've watched countless times change over a certain period, but actually selecting a specific film can make you feel as though you're abandoning the fondness and affection of another filmic-piece that holds personal and critical merit to your own understanding. While I've seen my fair share of films, from my early years of grasping the chance to see the new hit-blockbuster at the cinemas to recent years where I've seen and studied a wide-range of features, it ca't be denied that forming a list such as this is hard to put together. Nevertheless, I feel as though it's a good time to do this Blog Post being that I've recently thought about what my favourite films are...At this current time and place. So, without further a due, let's dig into my favourite films of all time. To preface firstly however, I do have a few stipulations. The main rule being that I'm not allowed to feature more than one film of the same franchise. So, for instance, if I decided to pick Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, then I'm not allowed to pick another Harry Potter film. I want this list to be varied with all soughts of different films and contrasting genre's, to give other features the spotlight. Also, with it being a list of 'favourite' films, that does mean that certain picks will be of my own personal opinion and affection, not just because the particular film has a critical-standing (which nearly all of them have anyway)....LET'S BEGIN!! ππ
35. AmΓ©lie - Jean-Pierre Jeunet (2001)
To start the list is Jean-Pierre Jeunet's romantic-comedy film, AmΓ©lie, which deservedly takes its place due to its amalgamation of the charming yet impish lead that Audrey Tautou enacts as the heroine lead and the surreal film-making techniques which is implemented to provide a sense of magic and whimsy to a modern Parisian setting. Indeed, like many French films that have come before it, Jeunet's films seamlessly displays a fantastical aesthetic, meshed with a typically ordinary setting, that begets this feeling that there's always 'magic' and 'wonder' all around us; as demonstrated through the green visual tint, the narration and fast-motion tracking which all exude melancholia. It's a film that makes you want to visit Paris as well as making you want to watch more films of this ilk...
34. Ferris Bueller's Day Off - John Hughes (1987)
What's interesting to consider when thinking about teen comedy films such as John Hughes' Ferris Bueller's Day Off is how the said genre comes in many forms. From the darker portrayals such as Heathers which uses murder as a story-telling device to exemplify maturity to the contrasting Napoleon Dynamite which see's a main character 'finding himself' in trying to become class president, the teen-comedy genre is a diverse film-class that broadly follows the same contextual archetypes; from a character finding love or a bunch of individuals trying to figure out what they want to do in life. For me, Ferris Bueller's Day Off manages to exhibit these themes with ease; balancing the comical moments with moments of meaning as seen in the art museum sequence. It's a fun film that accordingly demonstrates what a good teen-comedy should be doing...
33. When Harry Met Sally... - Rob Reiner (1989)
It may come as a surprise to many who know me well, that I would include a film in this list that is a romantic-comedy. While it can be argued that there are films which reside in the said genre that play-out to be the same as each other, roughly following the same context with little or no film-making prowess whatsoever, there are a select few rom-com features that do themselves justice in providing a story and formality that are distinctive. Rob Reiner's When Harry Met Sally is one of those films since we're not only presented with a story-structure that is devoid of the romantic conventions, with the two central characters meeting each other straight away and then separating from moments of time, but the chemistry between Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal is evidently noticeable; even when their respective characters don't get along at first glance.
32. Guardians of the Galaxy - James Gunn (2014)
If you're a casual reader of my Blog and have read one or two of my Film Reviews from time-to-time, then you'll know that I have discussed my fair-share of superhero films; most notably in the Marvel Cinematic Universe strain! While the many superhero features that I've reviewed aren't all terrible, with each one of them occupying a certain style that try to detract themselves from the familiar conventions of the genre, if there's one 'superhero' film from the MCU that I had to pick as my favourite, it would be James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy. As much as Thor: Ragnarok or the latest Avengers film came close, it's hard to disregard what Gunn achieved with his 2014 film. I think what's most impressive about Guardians is the way in which it used unknown Marvel characters in a likeable way and plotted them in what is essentially a cross breed Star Wars and Cowboy Bebop story. the comical elements combined with this over-arching theme of 'family' present one of the better superhero films to watch...
31. Lost in Translation - Sofia Coppola (2003)
Another film that slots into the romantic-comedy genre slot, although this time possessing a poignancy that's clear to see from the opening moments of the film, is Sofia Coppola's second feature film, Lost in Translation, a film which stars both Scarlett Johansson, as Charlotte, and Bill Murray as Bob who are both facing problems of their own in the lively and ever-busy city of Tokyo. One of the things that I really appreciated about this said film in my review that I did a few years ago, was the way in which the characters of Bob and Charlotte are separated from each other; a stark contrast to When Harry Met Sally. It's this purposefully divide between characters that allows time for us to appreciate the artistry of the film-making and the eccentric Japanese culture that's at hand. It's a film that feels natural and centres on a platonic relationship which see's Charlotte and Bob finding out about themselves and is forever memorable for the ending scene...
30. The Others - Alejandro AmenΓ‘bar (2001)
Admittedly, if there's one genre of film that I don't particularly watch avidly, it's definitely the horror genre. While I can say I've watched my fair share of them, it's evident as well how much I haven't watched enough horrors at the same time. That being said, there are a select few of the genre that I've become personally attached and appreciate them for specific reasons and Alejandro AmenΓ‘bar's The Others is one of those features. Along with Ridley Scott's Alien, The Others was one of the first horror films that had me cowering behind the sofa cushions since it occupies a classical style that doesn't give any hints the first time watching. It may not seem that scary now in comparison to a lot other horror films that are out there in this day and age, but AmenΓ‘bar's film is one of the better ghost stories to wrap your head and eyes around...
29. 500 Days of Summer - Marc Webb (2009)
As I mentioned when briefly talking about When Harry Met Sally, my preference when it comes to seeking out a good romantic-comedy to watch is that it has to have a distinctive contextual or visual aesthetic that doesn't wholly comply with the norms of the genre. In occupying a non-linear story-structure, in going from one place in time to another, Marc Webb's 500 Days of Summer is a wonderfully clever and ornate experience; providing artistic moments of film-making that acutely address the highs and lows of a relationship. The film is only heightened by the chemistry that Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt share between them, with the two seamlessly capturing the realistic and contemporary nature of a boy...meeting a girl. From the spry musical scene of Levitt's character dancing his way to work, to the sequence in which we see Tom's expectations vs. his reality, 500 Days of Summer is probably my favourite 'romantic' film...
28. Pan's Labyrinth - Guillermo del Toro (2006)
It wasn't until I was in the final years of high-school when I discovered to find and watch Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth and it so happens to be a dark-fantasy film that tangibly manages to occupy fantasy and reality in a dream-filled yet horrific way that is ultimately spellbinding to perceive and fathom. It's the level of potency in which the film delivers beautifully fearsome creatures and harrowing worlds and scapes that can't go unnoticed amongst the genre in which its placed in and serves to be, as many critics state, an Alice in Wonderland tale that adults can lose their way in.
27. Never Let Me Go - Mark Romanek (2011)
In looking at the list that I've written down for this Blog and for the next part, it's uncanny how many science-fiction films I've included...I guess it shows what I like I guess! Still, if there's one sci-fi feature that can easily be seen as a romantic-drama, it's Mark Romanek's book adaptation of Never Let Me Go, a film which horrifically tells the story of Ruth, Kathy and Tommy who are destined to serve a purpose; making the lives they've known disposable. Similar in vein to Children of Men, it's a story that not only centres on a over-arching love triangle, which is brilliantly showcased by the acting of Keira Knightly, Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield, but it poetically capitulates this idea of humanity and what it means to be human under extreme circumstances.
26. Ghost in the Shell - Mamoru Oshii (1995)
It was inevitable, those who read my Blog and know me well, that I was going to mention a Japanese animated film and the first of the bunch comes in the form of Mamoru Oshii's Ghost in the Shell, a visually complex animated feature which excitingly explores the severity of artificial intelligence and computerisation and humanity could potentially linked together, as one entity. Like Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira, Ghost in the Shell was one of the main reasons why anime became so popular in the 90's since it occupies themes and motifs that film enthusiasts today are still pondering over. Like Oshii's Angel's Egg, there are many personal interpretations to take away from this 1995 animated masterpiece but what's impressive about the films luscious imagery and deep story-telling, is that it lives up-to the hype that many have bestowed upon to it...
25. Baby Driver - Edgar Wright (2017)
Along with another certain film from last year that'll be mentioned later down the list in my follow-up Blog Post, Edgar Wright's Baby Driver was certainly one of the better highlights of film in 2017 since, like the previous film I just talked about, lived to the expectation in being a fun and highly stylised thrill ride. Although many people have qualms over the films story-line, and how it occupies a simplistic heist/love premise that has a predictable outcome, it's the charm of the characters themselves that makes the film so much fun to watch and their performances are enlighten by what the director utilises formally. In a way, it's like we're watching a musical being born with how Wright perfectly marriages the sweet soundtrack with the actions and motions of a particular character. If anything else, Baby Driver is one of the few films on this list that is film-making at its best.
24. A.I. Artificial Intelligence - Steven Spielberg (2001)
Originally beginning as a Stanley Kubrick project that was then later shelved due to development issues, Steven Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence is arguably one of the more understated films of the said director since it provides a sentimentality to a sci-fi context of artificial intelligence that is emotional in comparison to films of similar ilk. While audience members and critics alike are mixed on the films purposefully used sentimentalism, one interesting factor that makes Spielberg's film so wonderful to watch is it's mysticism; how David avidly seeks for the Blue Fairy and how closely it's connected with the story of Pinocchio. I can understand if many will be a little miffed at this selection, but it's a film non-the-less advocates some intriguing and beguiling ideas...
23. Castle in the Sky - Hayao Miyazaki (1989
Borrowing the floating island concept from Jonathan Swift's Gullivers Travels, Hayao Miyazaki's Castle in the Sky was the first animated feature to be released under the Studio Ghibli banner and it arguably remains to be one of their best and most underrated features to date. Set in an alternate/dystopian Victorian-esque era filled with sky pirates and steam-powered war machines, Castle in the Sky sets out to be one of the more streamlined and action-orientated Ghibli works there is; forever casting aside the obvious and deep motifs of Ghibli's filmography for an inviting story. From the get-go, it envelops you into the fantastical fray and introduces compelling characters in the forms of Sheeta, the innocent heroine with a mysterious crystal necklace, and Pazu who adopts the unlikely hero persona. Like with all Ghibli films, there's so much care to be seen in Castle in the Sky and deservedly takes its place on this list.
22. Inception - Christopher Nolan (2010)
Although much of the influence of this film was directly taken from Satoshi Kon's own film of Paprika, a Japanese animated feature-film that visually delves into dream-sharing, it's clear to see otherwise how Christopher Nolan's Inception takes a similar premise and uses it in a distinctive and tense way. Whereas the scenario in Kon's film focused on a character using dreams to help patients, Nolan takes it to a different level in using classical conventions from heist movies in which a group of characters decide to enter someone else's mind and manipulating a sub-conscious decision. What is to be taken away from Nolan had achieved with Inception is that, although it remains an accomplishment which saw the said directors prowess as a film-maker reach an all time high, it's a film that showed that even a big-budget blockbuster can uphold poetic and deep-thinking sensibilities...
21. The Shining - Stanley Kubrick (1980)
Whereas many cinema-lovers and general audiences will think of other similar films as their horror pinnacle, it's equally hard to look past the creative and abstract efforts that Stanley Kubrick brought forward in his film of The Shining. Although my introduction of the film came from The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror, in an episode called 'The Shinning' where the famous cartoon family stay at Mr.Burns' mansion as caretakers, it wasn't until I watched the very film itself where awe struck me. From the continuously-swaying camera movements providing an ironic sense of fluidity to the contextual proceedings and a supernatural story that is brought to life thanks to Jack Nicholson's central performance, The Shining is a must watch for any devoted film fan.
20. Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' on Heaven's Door - ShinchirΕ Watanabe (2003)
From the outreaches of Ghibli's filmography, what is intersting to consider is the plethora of other anime films that have been released and how they equally create a level of poignancy and visual detail that can't be dismissed. Although there isn't much pathos to witness, the animated splendour that's exhibited in ShinchirΕ Watanabe's Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' on Heaven's Door is ultimately sumptuous and cool. Set between episodes 22 and 23 of the infamous anime show, the film feels like an elongated episode all on its own, featuring the likes of Spike and the rest of the Bebop gang trying to capture/stop the manically villainous Vincent; an antagonist that outmatches Spike's own fighting ability, making for thrilling action sequences on futuristic monorails and on top of large spires. There's realistic motion, romance, action and comedy in Watanabe's bold and ambitious feature animation, and it never gets old re-watching it time and time again...
Isn't this just the greatest trailer you've ever seen?! ππ
19. LΓ©on: The Professional - Luc Besson (1995)
While others will see Luc Besson's LΓ©on: The Profressional as a spiritual spin-off to the said directors preceding film of Nikita, it's his first English-language feature-film that very much has a place of its own; seamlessly oozing style and wit in a multitude of lively frames. The crux of the piece is imperatively pivoted on the unusual relationship between Jean Reno's solitary hit-man character and his 12 year-old vengeful apprentice of Mathilda - a breakout performance from the once young Natalie Portman - who contrasts effectively in providing buoyancy to Reno's central character. Despite it's dark outlook, it's the films sentimentality that's more easy to notice is put to a great test in the conclusion when the love-it-or-hate-it Gary Oldman villain disturbs the father-daughter relationship. Although there are better examples of action that many may point towards, LΓ©on: The Professional has something special about it...
18. The Matrix - The Wachowskis (1999)
Is it right to argue that The Wachowskis' The Matrix is one of the most influential action films of the contemporary generation? Along with Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon and John Woo's The Killer, it's certainly plausible to suggest so; especially when you consider the film to combine it's fluent action sequence with a deep-rooted and well-thought-out plot-line that never gets old repeatedly. It's a film that, arguably, opened up Western audiences perception of choreographed stunt-work rather than action heroes using guns to save the day and provided some fundamental philosophical questions that we can still ponder over, like what Ghost in the Shell did. Upon reflection, is stands as one of the better action films, providing action moments that are imperative to the story; especially towards the end when Keanu Reeve's character has to do something that no one has ever tried before...And could go horribly wrong!
Right, I think I should probably stop here...For now. I don't want to keep rambling on with myself haha. My next post will be the conclusion of my list of favourite films. Until then, I hope you're all having a nice week and I'll see you soon! Adieu! ππ
Alex Rabbitte
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