1) Mulholland drive - Arguably one of the most surreal movies ever made. A lot of people either dislike the movie or are just oblivious to the 2+ hours they spent watching the movie. The fact that the DVD print of the movie was released with 10 hints to understand the movie is also a turnoff for a large number of people. However, if you really appreciate the "art factor" in movies, then this is probably one of the best movies you get to watch. The immaculate direction and beautiful picturization of the movie are the standouts. It's one of those movies which ignites your imagination and leaves things to your interpretation. Even Naomi Watts, an actress in the movie, in an interview admitted that she did not know what the director, David Lynch, exactly had in mind and had to rely on her own interpretation!
2) Requiem for a dream - The theme of the movie is a pretty common one - anti-drugs. But what makes the movie excellent is its ability to leave an impression on your mind well after watching the movie. The reality of the characters, the chilling progression of the movie, the moving visuals and the precise editing are the standout points as you get sucked into the movie. Ellen Burstyn gives one of the finest performances you'll ever see and in my view, she was highly deserving of an Oscar for the movie. She was nominated, but she didn't win it though. Last but not the least, one must mention the powerful soundtrack of the movie, which sends a shiver down your spine as you watch the movie.
3) The Man from Earth - In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated movies of all time. A user review on IMDB puts it perfectly when he says that this movie "represents the true art of science fiction". Like 12 angry men, this is a movie which is conversation-based in a single room. And that's all the movie is. A conversation between a few professors from different fields. Yet, as the movie progresses, you get enamored by the richness of the conversation and its implications. A simple, creative and intellectual (economical too!) movie that will have an impact on you and make you wonder why more such original movies aren't made any more.
4) The Pianist - I don't normally watch a movie simply because it won an Oscar. But this movie truly deserved the Oscars it got. Set against the background of World War II, the movie depicts a musician who's struggling to survive the destruction around him. While director Roman Polanski depicts beautifully the gory details of the war, he also captures the essence of human emotions in a riveting manner. The visuals are stunning and captivating. The narrative is brilliant and coupled with the amazing direction, the movie is very involving and a must-watch.
5) Udaan - It was just my wish to include one Bollywood movie in this list. So, while there are lots of movies to choose from, I chose this because it's a lot more contemporary. Its a story of a boy who, after being expelled from his school, returns home to his father. The narrative is simple and the character of the boy is something most teenagers in India can somewhere relate to. It's again one of those movies that leaves a lasting impression on you. The music is awesome and has profound lyrics that touch the heart of the youth. One of the best movies made in Bollywood, the freshness of the movie is a big factor for me to include it in the list of 5 movies here.
I'm sure I've not mentioned many other really good movies. I'll add if I come up with more.
2) Requiem for a dream - The theme of the movie is a pretty common one - anti-drugs. But what makes the movie excellent is its ability to leave an impression on your mind well after watching the movie. The reality of the characters, the chilling progression of the movie, the moving visuals and the precise editing are the standout points as you get sucked into the movie. Ellen Burstyn gives one of the finest performances you'll ever see and in my view, she was highly deserving of an Oscar for the movie. She was nominated, but she didn't win it though. Last but not the least, one must mention the powerful soundtrack of the movie, which sends a shiver down your spine as you watch the movie.
3) The Man from Earth - In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated movies of all time. A user review on IMDB puts it perfectly when he says that this movie "represents the true art of science fiction". Like 12 angry men, this is a movie which is conversation-based in a single room. And that's all the movie is. A conversation between a few professors from different fields. Yet, as the movie progresses, you get enamored by the richness of the conversation and its implications. A simple, creative and intellectual (economical too!) movie that will have an impact on you and make you wonder why more such original movies aren't made any more.
4) The Pianist - I don't normally watch a movie simply because it won an Oscar. But this movie truly deserved the Oscars it got. Set against the background of World War II, the movie depicts a musician who's struggling to survive the destruction around him. While director Roman Polanski depicts beautifully the gory details of the war, he also captures the essence of human emotions in a riveting manner. The visuals are stunning and captivating. The narrative is brilliant and coupled with the amazing direction, the movie is very involving and a must-watch.
5) Udaan - It was just my wish to include one Bollywood movie in this list. So, while there are lots of movies to choose from, I chose this because it's a lot more contemporary. Its a story of a boy who, after being expelled from his school, returns home to his father. The narrative is simple and the character of the boy is something most teenagers in India can somewhere relate to. It's again one of those movies that leaves a lasting impression on you. The music is awesome and has profound lyrics that touch the heart of the youth. One of the best movies made in Bollywood, the freshness of the movie is a big factor for me to include it in the list of 5 movies here.
- Memento (2000)
Chris and Jonah Nolan's finest work till date. The linearly non-linear screenplay let's you live the story from the protagonists perspective. The question posed in the end is something everyone should attempt to answer for themselves in their lives. - Equilibrium (2002) or Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984)
Both movies are set in dystopian futures where a dominant government is imposing highly restrictive rules on the citizens. Both are fascinating in their own way.
I haven't seen 1984, but I've read the book. The concept is what matters here. - The Matrix (1999)
Reality and fantasy collide in The Matrix. Of course, you think you can tell what's the real in this story. But take it as a thought experiment. When Morpheus offers you the two pills, how will you choose? Are you sure what's real? - The Usual Suspects (1995)
Kevin Spacey as Verbal Kint is splendid in this movie, which is Bryan Singer's best till date. I will say no more. Just watch it! - Fight Club (1999)
The lead cast is teeming with talent. And the story and screenplay speak for themselves. This is one of those movies which started out as a dud but are now considered among cult classics. - V for Vendetta (2005)
Bursting with philosophies and memorable dialogue. - Empire of the Sun (1987)
Christian Bale as a young teenager gives his best performance till date, according to me. He might be Batman for the rest of the world, but this role is what define Bale for me.
Case 2. The dying part is real, and could happen in a few months or more.
Without any speculations or assumptions about you might be going through, here are some movies I would suggest myself to watch if I was going to die in a few months. Assuming the suggester-me has seen the movies, and the dying-me hasn't. The following movies have something to say about how one can lead their time on this planet in a constructive manner.- Schindler's List (1993)
What will you give up to help others have a chance at survival? - The Green Mile (1999)
Based on a short story by Stephen King, it explores a few things about life, death, and helping others. - Into the Wild (2007)
Live free. Free of all worldly shackles. - Mr. Nobody (2009)
Sometimes not choosing is the most viable option. - Seven Pounds (2008)
Will Smith's best performance. It's all about helping others. - The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
A cliched appearance on this list? Perhaps. But that doesn't make it unworthy. It teaches you that effort bears fruit, eventually. - Life in a Day (2011)
If you have always wanted to travel the world and witness how different people live their days, then this is a valid shortcut, if not a substitute.
Case 3. The dying part is very real and is surely going to happen very very soon.
Honest suggestion: don't waste time on movies. Get out and live your life to the fullest possible extent with the people you care about and the people who care about you, and do things you love to do. (I apologize if there are any inherent unpleasant assumptions in this statement.)I'm sure I've not mentioned many other really good movies. I'll add if I come up with more.
The Exorcist
As soon as I see the credits for that film, I know I'm going to be watching a good one. I've seen it half a dozen times, and the effect is still the same.
Annie Hall
It's a great exploration of relationships. Definitely worth it's acclaim.
Platoon
Oliver Stone's great exploration of his view of Vietnam (well, one of his celluloidal explorations. Another good one is "Born on the Fourth of July").
Taxi Driver
Morality in an immoral city as told by the protagonist/anti-hero.
Other movies on the short list:
Apocalypse Now
Eraserhead
The Godfather trilogy
Blue Velvet
Wild at Heart
Lost Highway
Clerks
Master of the Flying Guillotine
The Street Fighter
Manhattan
Hannah and Her Sisters
Blow-up
Blow Out
Carrie
The French Connection
Bullitt
Annie Hall
It's a great exploration of relationships. Definitely worth it's acclaim.
Platoon
Oliver Stone's great exploration of his view of Vietnam (well, one of his celluloidal explorations. Another good one is "Born on the Fourth of July").
Taxi Driver
Other movies on the short list:
Apocalypse Now
Eraserhead
The Godfather trilogy
Blue Velvet
Wild at Heart
Lost Highway
Clerks
Master of the Flying Guillotine
The Street Fighter
Manhattan
Hannah and Her Sisters
Blow-up
Blow Out
Carrie
The French Connection
Bullitt
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