25 - 1 - Great Films
25. ALL ABOUT EVE (1950) U.S.
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Screenplay: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
The essential movie about the theater, the essential screenplay about show people, and the essential story about Broadway celebrities and their relationships. There is no better example of the triumphs, failures, jealousies, and manipulations of theater stars and their associates than this. The acting by Margo (Bette Davis) / Eve (Anne Baxter / Addison (George Sanders) / Karen (Celeste Holm / and Birdie (Thelma Ritter) are exceptional—all nominated or winners of Oscars. Innocent Eve Harrington wins Margo’s confidence when convincing her she has seen every performance of Margo’s recent play. As Eve weaves her web into Margo’s inner circle of friends, she cunningly manipulates relationships and becomes the rising star, only to meet her match in a writer / critic. “My name is Addison DeWitt. My native habitat is the theater. In it, I toil not, neither do I spin. I am a critic and commentator. I am ESSENTIAL to the theater.” The sparks fly and the ending is as good as it gets!
24. THE WORLD OF APU (1959) India
Director: Satyajit Ray
Screenplay: Satyajit Ray
In this final chapter in the Apu trilogy from Indian director Satyajit Ray, Apu (Soumitra Chatterjee), a 23-year-old poor struggling writer with high ideals, embarks on a quest to find structure, success and spirituality in his life. He goes through a personal metamorphosis when, in an unplanned marriage, he marries beautiful but delicate Aparna (Sharmila Tagore). In this new journey he experiences death, despair, and disappointment in losing almost everything dear to him…except his young son! After a sojourn to find himself, he realizes his family responsibility never ends. This finality rewards viewers with a fresh look at where we find personal fulfillment. A true masterpiece in storytelling and filmmaking!
23. SCHINDLER’S LIST (1993) (BST) (Ed.) U.S.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Screenplay: Steven Zaillian
This combination of stunning direction, editing, acting, musical score (John Williams) and black and white cinematography (Janusz Kaminski) make this Spielberg masterpiece a must watch, but be warned—the extreme violence of the Holocaust is on full display here! Many will prefer a heavily edited version. This account is based on the true story of greedy businessman Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson). He eventually ends up saving over 1100 Jews by working them as free labor in his munitions factory. He puts a Jew, Itzhak Stern (Ben Kingsley), in the management, and proceeds to make defective shells on purpose. Schindler cleverly plays both sides as he tries to make a fortune off the free labor with Amon Goeth (Ralph Fiennes) who runs the concentration camp. The ending of these atrocities is very moving and satisfying. Many consider this as one of the greatest films ever made!
22. HIGH NOON (1952) U.S.
Director: Fred Zinnemann
Screenplay: Carl Foreman
This story is always on everyone’s list as a classic among westerns. It serves as a close-range character study of retiring marshall Will Kane (Gary Cooper), who must choose between leaving with his new Quaker bride (Grace Kelly) on their honeymoon, or staying to fight a notorious outlaw, Frank Miller. Miller, bent on revenge, is arriving on the noon train to be joined by two other killers. Tension mounts in actual time of around 2 hours, and Dmitri Tiomkin’s great score repeats the theme, “Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling.” The Marshall gets no help from any of the townsfolks, even his bride threatens to leave on the arriving train. Emotion and self-doubt increase as the train approaches and the clock ticks. Can Will deal with this moral dilemma? Cooper’s realistic portrayal show a man full of insecurity and fear, hoping to face the three men with some new kind of courage. Anticipation is built by the remarkable direction of Fred Zinnemann!
21. CITY LIGHTS (1931) (Silent) U.S.
Director: Charles Chaplin
Screenplay: Charles Chaplin / Harry Crocker / Harry Carr
Can a genius such as Chaplin make a slapstick comedy and a real romantic film at the same time? Amazingly, it works here, as the little tramp (Charlie Chaplin) befriends an eccentric millionaire and prevents him from committing suicide. The tramp benefits from his relationship to this rich man and earnestly saves his money. Meanwhile our tramp also falls for a beautiful blind girl who sells flowers. (Virginia Cherrill) As the story unfolds we find that a new operation might be available to restore her sight. The touching scene that eventually follows after her surgery is a truly enlightening moment in film history. Discovery and Epiphany! A jewel of a classic among silent films!
20. IKURU (TO LIVE) (1952) Japan
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Screenplay: Akira Kurosawa / Shinobu Hashimoto / Hideo Oguni
Japanese director Kurosawa proves he’s definitely included among the elite class of the world’s greatest directors. This marvelous character study covers the life of Kanji, (Takashi Shimura) a civil servant who’s been at the same boring job for 30 years. When he’s diagnosed with terminal cancer, he realizes how meaningless and dull his life has been. To break away from the monotony, the loneliness and the depression, he embarks on a personal journey to do something of value to give his life some kind of purpose. What can he possible leave behind to give his life story substance and meaning? “I can’t afford to hate people. I don’t have that kind of time.” This is his story. A remarkable experience in sensitive filmmaking!
19. NOTORIOUS (1946) U.S.
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Ben Hecht / Alfred Hitchcock
This extraordinary romantic mystery makes this one of the very best spy verses spy stories ever made. Taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Alicia (Ingrid Bergman) is coaxed into working as a spy to access the inner circle of her dishonored father’s Nazi friends. Complications arise when she falls in love with her American contact, Devlin (Cary Grant.) She goes so far in her assignment she agrees to marry Alexander Sebastian (Claude Rains.) She puts her life on the line as she arouses suspicion of his manipulating mother-in-law (Lady Konstantin.) Can Alicia be rescued from sickness, slow poisoning, and a surprise ending? Mystery, intrigue, suspicion, it’s all here, every scene building tension in this classic from master director Hitchcock, and the ending…well, you’ve just got to see it! One of the master’s best mysteries ever!!
18. THE SEVEN SAMURAI (1954) Japan
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Akira Kurosawa / Shinobu Hashimoto / Hideo Oguni
Can Kikuchiyo, (Toshiro Mifune), a veteran samurai who has seemingly outlived his usefulness, convince six others to protect a small ancient Japanese village against a marauder band of 40 bandits? And their reward, just three small meals a day? The answer comes from the final battle when the bandits attack the village. This masterpiece from director Kurosawa has been duplicated many times, as in The Magnificent Seven, ect. but never with such precision. Considered by many film historians as one of the greatest films of all time, it never fails to amaze and surprise. The ending has special significance, “The farmers have won. Not us.”
17. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (1997) Italy
Director: Roberto Benigni
Screenplay: Roberto Benigni / Vincenzo Cerami
A magnificent idea, a family / drama / comedy / fairytale that comes to life from the efforts of its star and director. Guido, a Jewish waiter, (Roberto Benigni) attracts the attention of a lovely woman (Nicoletta Braschi). They fall in love, he courts, marries her, and they have a young son. Things change rapidly in 1930s Italy as German forces occupy the country. Will he be able to hold his new family together and survive the dangers of life in a concentration camp? Only by using his IMAGINATION! Guido convinces his son the the Holocaust is a game in which they can win the grand prize. A fabulous story of love, courage, self-sacrifice and the love of music. it all adds up to an exhilarating motion picture experience. Benigni is sensational in his Oscar-winning comedy performance. The ending is over-the-top—the experience is unforgettable!
16. SINGING IN THE RAIN (1952) U.S.
Director: Stanley Donen / Gene Kelly
Screenplay: Betty Comdon / Adolph Green
What happens when movies with sound start replacing silent films? This great example shows what lengths good-looking untalented screen idols and film studio chiefs would go to to protect their movie stars. The musical numbers offer great variety. Some are beautiful—the Broadway Ballet sequence with Gene Kelly / Cyd Charrise. Some are hilarious—Be a Clown with Donald O’Connor). Some unforgettable as with Gene Kelly—Singing in the Rain, and some acrobatic—Good Morning with Gene Kelly / Donald O’Connor / Debbie Reynolds. With the passing of time, this family treat has become one of the most beloved musical comedies of all time and it only gets better with each repeated viewing! A joy to behold!
15. ON THE WATERFRONT (1954) U.S.
Director: Elia Kazan
Screenplay: Budd Schulberg
This engrossing drama captures the struggle and challenge of a man’s struggle to hold onto his integrity as a longshoreman on the docks in New York. Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) is caught in between union corruption and trying to be honest. His personal trials are intertwined between love of Edie (Eva Marie Saint) and the influence of Jesuit priest Father Barry (Karl Malden). Can Terry, a former boxer, and develop a clean conscience? Kazan’s sensitive direction and the acting performances by all is nothing short of phenomenal. An example, Terry and his brother Charlie (Rod Steiger) take a cab ride across town. Charlie pleas with Terry not to testify against union boss, Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb.) and the certain doom they’re about to face. This gritty story about loyalty and betrayal is truly a masterpiece in its every aspect. Leonard Bernstein’s score is wonderful. Watch carefully the walk in the park scene as Terry casually picks up Edie’s glove and what he does with it as they awkwardly try to get to know each other. A truly great character study of a man trying to better himself! “I coulda been a contender.”
14. THE QUIET MAN (1952) U.S.
Director: John Ford
Screenplay: Frank Nugent / John Ford
This labor of love filmed on location in Ireland and directed by the great John Ford takes place in his native Ireland in the 1920s. Sean Thornton (John Wayne) returns to his birthplace, Innisfree, leaving America with a hidden secret from his past, only to fall instantly in love for Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O’Hara). When he first meets her, she’s tending sheep for her rich brute of a brother, Will Danaher (Victor McLaglen). What follows are wonderful scenes of tenderness, comedy, and great dialogue. Sparks fly after matchmaker Flynn (Barry Fitsgerald) gets involved when the Irish customary rules of decorum, dowry and chaperone are seriously called into question. It all leads up to…well, see it and enjoy the experience. Winston Hoch’s gorgeous award-winning photography and Victor Young’s great Irish melodies, make this romantic comedy a feast for the eyes and ears! A treat!
13. THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994) (Ed.) U.S.
Director: Frank Darabont
Screenplay: Frank Darabont
This story grows more in popularity each year. A banker (Tim Robbins) is wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and sent to Shawshank Prison. Can he get a get a fair shake working through a violent prison system reeking of corruption and the suppression of truth? Years pass and he flourishes on the inside by working within the system, and by his unbreakable friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman). Has there ever been a prison movie where the odds are so stacked against truth and justice as this one? No! Impeccably acted with amazing realism (a heavily edited version is available) there is redemption…and justice, with one of the most satisfying endings. ever! Adapted from a short Stephen King novella, the story shines. “Get busy living, or get busy dying!”
12. HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY (1941) U.S.
Director: John Ford
Screenplay: Philip Dunne
This very special film, often ignored by modern audiences and critics because of its sentimental nature, takes place in a Welsh coal-mining town as it takes us through the life and struggles of the Morgan family. The endearing book by Richard Llewellyn is brought to life with all its trials, heartache and triumphs. Beautifully directed by John Ford, and the standout acting by (Donald Crisp) as the family patriarch Gwilym and (Sara Allgood) as his wife, this heartwarming film shows how determination, faith and family loyalty can overcome overwhelming obstacles. Mr. Gruffydd, a minister, (Walter Pidgeon) and Angharad Morgan (Maureen O’Hara) fall in love, but his spiritual duties interfere with love and marriage. The story unfolds by narration through the eyes of the youngest son Huw (Roddy McDowell). The poignant screenplay tackles timely social issues from a spiritual viewpoint such as the wide gulf between the rich and poor and the hypocrisy within the church. This magnificent film elevates honor, respect and commitment. A true treasure! “Men like my father never die.”
11. SENSE AND SENSABILITY (1995) U.S. / U.K.
Director: Ang Lee
Screenplay: Emma Thompson
This could very well be the best adaptation of a Jane Austen novel ever put on film. Taking place in England in the early 1800s, The Dashwood family including sister, Elinor (Emma Thompson) and Marianne (Kate Winslet) are left out of the family inheritance when their father suddenly dies. Very complex problems occur when both are led to certain expectations romantically, only to have life-changing events happen that delay the goal and opportunity of marrying well. The ups and downs of the family are carefully chronicled, including the heartbreak, and we are equally disappointed…until the very end! This romantic drama totally satisfies and fulfills. Ang Lee’s direction and Emma Thompson’s Oscar-winning screenplay are near perfect, and the acting from all is realistic and noble. A perfect film study of family commitment, devotion, and self-sacrifice! It’s better with each viewing!
10. THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965) U.S.
Director: Robert Wise
Screenplay: Ernest Lehmann
Can Maria (a wonderful Julie Andrews), confused and unsettled as a nun, fare better as a governess for Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) and his seven children? In one of the most beloved musicals of all time, every major number is an absolute delight. The success of this musical is largely due to its storyline in pre-war Austria, and its beautifully staged and choreographed songs. It found an audience like no other, many people watched it repeatedly—some theaters played it not just for weeks, or months, but for years! It features comedy, serious drama (the Nazis take over Austria) and romance. Example, Maria and the Captain’s scene in the gazebo expressing for the first time in song (Something Good) their true feelings for each other—may be one of the most beautiful romantic scenes ever filmed! The songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein II are ageless, from “Climb Every Mountain”, to “My Favorite Things,” and, of course, the opening scene of Maria in the Austrian countryside singing the title song is a joy to behold!
9. CITIZEN KANE (1941) U.S.
Director: Orson Welles
Screenplay: Herman J. Mankiewicz
A group of reporters try to discover the mysteries surrounding the life and death of newspaper and political tycoon, Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles). In a series of flashbacks we learn about his ambition, ruthlessness, arrogance, and genius, and the revelation of his eventual downfall. Considered by many in the film industry as the greatest film of all time, it does set the standard in so many ways. The articulate screenplay, Gregg Toland’s magnificent black and white photography, Orson Welles’ screen presence, and his innovative direction make this a landmark film for the ages. The experience for every generation since its release is truly remarkable and the film stands out in every category. We can only say,”Rosebud!”
8. THE GRAPES OF WRATH (1940) U.S.
Director: John Ford
Screenplay: Nunnally Johnson
John Steinbeck’s classic American novel comes to life as the Joad family struggles to survive the Great Depression of the 1930s. After the bank seizes their farm during Dust Bowl conditions, Tom Joad (Henry Fonda in a splendid performances) and his Ma (Jane Darwell) lead the family, pack up everything they can carry on their dilapidated vehicles, and head for California. John Ford’s realistic direction of their trials and tribulations in their destitute situation, is a marvel indeed. When Ma Joad looks into a faded mirror as she bids farewell to the only home they ever had. and trying her earrings on for maybe the last time, we hear “Red River Valley” mourning on the soundtrack. The ending, sad yet life-affirming, is unforgettable. Ma tells sickly Pa, “We keep a-comin’. We’re the people that live. They can’t wipe us out, they can’t lick us. We’ll go on forever, Pa, ‘cause we’re the people.” Every family should watch this film together as the story of how to survive hard times!
7. THE BICYCLE THIEVES (1948) Italy
Director: Vittorio De Sica
Screenplay: Cesare Zavatini / Oreste Biancoli
Antonio is unemployed in war-torn Italy after WWII. Like so many others, he and his young son struggle to survive, and he finally gets a job hanging posters. His new bicycle is a necessity for work, and it is stolen. He and his son frantically search the streets of Rome to find it. He finds the thief who took it, but he can’t prove it. Now desperate, should he steal another one to keep his job? He says, “There’s a cure for everything except death.” This heartbreaking story does end with his little family intact. Filmed by De Sica in gritty black and white, this was great example of Italian Neo-Realism, and filmed entirely with non-professional actors. Truly an amazing experience for film lovers!
6. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962) (Bio.) U.K.
Director: David Lean
Screenplay: Robert Bolt / Michael Wilson
The Arabian desert serves as the backdrop for his star-studded cast under the craftmanship of director David Lean. Loosely based on the autobiography of T. E. Lawrence, this is a study about a British soldier, Lawrence, (Peter O’Toole in an outstanding performance) who tries to unite the Arabs against the Turks, who were allies with Germany in WWI. It is truly educational showing how modern-day Arab / Muslim relations developed and deteriorated in the 20th century. This historical film is considered by many as one of the greatest character studies on an epic scale (3 hrs / 42 min). Among some of the greatest scenes ever filmed, Sherif Ali’s (Omar Sharif) ghostly appearance on arriving in a mirage out of the desert, and Lawrence’s personal rescue of a man out of the Sun’s Anvil, one of hottest places on earth. Maurice Jarre’s soundtrack is a concert to behold, and the acting is nothing short of spectacular. It all adds up to a stunning cinematic experience!
5. THE ROAD HOME (1999) China
Director: Yimou Zhang
Screenplay: Shi Bao
Beautifully filmed and crafted by Yimou Zhang, this simple story, above all, is a tale about devotion’s attachment to love. During an age when Chinese culture was still identified by arranged marriages, we experience love at first sight when young Zhao Di (Ziyi Zhang) falls instantly in love a new young schoolteacher Luo Changyu (Honglei Sun) who has just been sent to her remote village. Later, at the death of his father and to satisfy his mother’s grief, the teacher’s son Luo (Hao Zheng) returns to his village recalling the now legendary story of how they met. Black and white cinematography focuses on the modern-day funeral and ritual—flashbacks show how their young love blossoms, in extraordinary color. This film depicts this beautiful and surprising story with minimum of dialogue—volumes are spoken through the eyes and facial expressions. This film expresses how love can be experienced in any Language! Absolutely beautiful!
4. IT’S A WONDEFUL LIFE (1946) U.S.
Director: Frank Capra
Screenplay: Francis Goodrich / Albert Hackett / Frank Capra / 3 more contributors
Capra’s masterpiece of storytelling has become traditional holiday viewing, but the original film was not intended to be a Christmas movie. Oddly enough the film was not a financial success when first released. The story explores what life in this small town of Bedford Falls would have been like had George Bailey (James Stewart) never been born. His guardian angel, Clarence (a wonderful Henry Travers), tells him, “You’ve been given a great gift, George, a chance to see what the world would be like without you.” George, a man who sacrifices everything to keep his father’s savings and loan business alive, must keep putting off his dreams, his goals, his honeymoon, and all that’s meaningful to him, to make sure that the town doesn’t fall into the hands of greedy tycoon, Potter (Lionel Barrymore). We get to experience two stories in one, with fantasy, comedy, grief, disappointment, despair, even attempted suicide! Its timeless theme proves “no man is a failure who has friends.” This remarkable film for the ages is a treasure, especially in a world full of selfishness and cynicism. It gets better with each viewing! Wow!
3. BEN HUR (1959) U.S.
Director: William Wyler
Screenplay: Karl Tunberg / Gore Vidal / Christopher Fry
Possibly and debatably the greatest epic film ever made, it has certainly withstood the test of time despite the captious individuals who find fault with it. But it has everything—Spectacle, romance, adventure, spirituality, conflict, and one of the greatest action sequences in movie history, the chariot race! It is the fictional story of a wealthy Jewish noble, Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) who is falsely convicted of treason against the new Roman governor of Judea. It starts as a story of a man’s revenge against ambitious Messala, (Stephen Boyd), his boyhood friend, who wrongly accuses and condemns him to Roman slavery and his family to a living death in prison. Will that revenge win over the forgiveness taught by the Christ? A Winner of 11 Academy Awards, and at 3 and a half hours long, its production values are monumental, accentuated with a cast of thousands. Superbly written, directed and acted, with one of the greatest music scores ever set to film, it is a must see!
2. CASABLANCA (1942) U.S.
Director: Michael Curtiz
Screenplay: Julius J. Epstein / Philip G. Epstein / Howard Koch
One of the most famous and satisfying love stories ever made. Almost everything happens at Rick’s Place, a nightclub owned by broken-hearted Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart). He remains strongly neutral about involvement in WWII in French-owned Morocco. Elsa, (Ingrid Bergman) thinking her husband (Paul Henreid) has died in a Nazi concentration camp, comes to Casablanca with her husband and a torturous unintentional love triangle begins to blossom all over again. With mystery, intrigue, betrayal and self-sacrifice, this is a landmark romantic film to watch over and over again. Its superb writing makes it one of the most quotable films in history. As the chief inspector, Captain Renault (Claud Rains) shines in his role as he craftily manipulates most of the characters for his own ambition. The ending is both a surprise and wonderful…and so is the movie! Play it again, Sam!
1. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962) U.S.
Director: Robert Mulligan
Screenplay: Horton Foote
This quintessential film is a beautiful and poignant story of seeing a grownup’s fractured world through the eyes children, Scout and Jem. We experience life in Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression in this intensely moving and heart-warming story. Through all his challenges to raise his two children, Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) must defend Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), a black man accused of raping a white woman. A man of principle, he struggles to make a living as an attorney who takes on all the unwinnable cases. When Atticus defends the accused, he somehow transcends the racial injustices and barriers that seem impossible to overcome. His courtroom summation and the respect he gains from the black community are among some of the greatest scenes ever filmed. The story is remarkably realistic, and the acting is superb. Elmer Berstein’s music score is perfect, and the direction is flawless. The Harper Lee story has also become the most admired American novel of the 20th century. An unforgettable film experience!
