Anything Goes : What is your favorite film and why? by Abigail Yates

what are yours?

Currently I don't have a favorite film but films, and they are in the genre of horror and I like them because of the sort of effects you need to trigger fear in people, the approach many films take to do so are pretty creative.

I like to many of them I'd have a hard time picking just one.

Inception: it is one of the most unique movies you'll see. Regarding the imaginative looped city, and the amazing photography, the director made it possible! He made it possible for people to know how complex the dreams can be, how realistic they can get sometimes. You get lost on what's going on in the beginning, because it's really what happens in a real dream...

Lina Jones, think about all the films you like, is there one unifying theme to them? Is there a specific genre you like?

GiVan, I purposely did not include mine in the question as I did not want to color the responses. I will list mine after a few replies.

My recent favorite is: OPEN GRAVE. I studied it 12 times over a weekend. I've never done that before.

The most recent favorite movie of mine is Nightcrawler. enough story for a small budget. taxi driver protagonist with a network plot. suspenseful too.

I've just had a look and there are 428 films in my favorites list. There doesn't seem to be much connection either. They cover every genre, country, release date, obscure and popular. The latest additions to the list are: Mad Max: Fury Road, - the popular blockbuster / franchise. Side by Side, - A documentary about the history of digital filming techniques and celluloid fanatics. Peeping Tom, - A genre changing eye fest that almost destroyed the career of the prestigious director Micheal Powell.

I love cop movies and suspense, but I also love sci-fi and fantasy. Then there are the sweet lovey chick flicks lol. So some of my favorites are: P.S. I Love You - it gives a strong emotional response to its audience while being a great story about love and loss and learning to live again. Shawshank Redemption - it is just good storytelling and it was filmed beautifully. The characters make me care about who they are. LOTR and the Harry Potter series I love for the same reasons. They are fantasy, well told, great stories, beautifully filmed, with danger, heroism, and just fun to watch. A lot of time was put into sets and authenticity. Unbearable Lightness of Being - it contains history, love, deep characters, so much more.

pulp fiction, 300, lord of the rings, jackie brown

Abigail, my favorite film ever is Heat. I'm kind of obsessed with it. I love how every bit role is a cool little character turn. Even on my current web series, I was telling the director 'this scene is like the Waingro scene in the motel room'.

In general I'll watch pretty much anything that is shot in New York, England or Ireland. A lot of stuff takes place in L.A. and it's hit or miss, but there have been very few awful movies that take place in New York from what I've seen. For some reason I love anything that takes place on a ship or the open seas or in rough terrain. At the same time anything that takes place in a prison I cannot watch, it's depressing. Likewise any one-location movies I steer clear from. Now that I think about it, I guess I'm drawn to open space and I'm claustrophobic. I also love movies set in foreign cities during the 60s or 70s - it's kind of like going back in a time machine and walking the streets of that city. Anyway that's my 2 cents

This year, The Imitation Game - great writing, great acting and great production values.

Imitation game-- I liked how it was EPIC. His actions determined the fate of the world.

Well I guess now I have to watch Imitation Game.

Abigail, I thought the writing and acting was superb, the production values excellent - Benedict Cumberbatch was outstanding in his role as Alan Turing, his fellow actors not far behind - this is a movie devoid of action and explosions, devoid of any SFX or CGI, and guess what? It was still a wonderful viewing experience and held one's interest for the duration of the film - as an actress, director and filmmaker, I would be surprised if you were not impressed with what these filmmakers were able to produce on the screen - see it, let me know what you thought.

An American Werewolf in London because it blends elements from across a few genres so well. The FX hold up as well and the story is very compelling.

I also love American Werewolf in London

Wow I have so many favorites it would be hard to say one in particular.

I love "B" Horror Movies.The tongue in cheek humor, the creative subjects that are imaginative. Jack Frost the horror film is one of my favorites, where a killer snowman is on the loose. The Stuff, a yogurt like substance that takes over your mind "Are you eating it, or is it eating you?" Killer Klowns from Outer Space, where fully costumed clowns are killing everyone in town. Who doesn't like balloon animal tracking dogs? These types of films play to my child like imagination, and take me to the realm where imagining is FUN.

Love that answer Bryce. Fun.

Bryce, have you seen Invasion of the Saucer Men? Probably my favorite B Alien Horror.

It's hard to choose. Have to say mafia movies for one. Have seen the Godfathers so many times, I can recite the script in my sleep.

Deb, I looked up that title last night, and have plans on watching it today. Thanks. :)

From the Japanese New Wave, I'd probably say Woman in the Dunes, but a few others are close contenders.

That fight in DKR saw Bats get his ass kicked. He was more like a wimpy cosplayer.

Damien, Fight Club was interesting to me mostly because of the psychological element twist in the end.

The original, animated "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". Succinct story telling, engagingly done.

Chanel, I watched Imitation Game. Wow. I never knew who Turing was but his story is heart wrenching. I also watched Chaplin. I had never heard of the film before, but saw it in the list and his drive and determination was near obsessive. Really enjoyed both films.

I'm pleased you took the opportunity to watch The Imitation Game, I haven't seen Chaplin - I was stunned by the quality of Benedict Cumberbatch's performance, outstanding, great film all-round - haven't seen Chaplin.

have you two seen Whiplash? when it was highly praised during awards season, I DID NOT CARE! I recently saw it. First it was the last thirty minutes and I was already convinced that it was my new favorite movie of last year. Then in its entirety. It confirmed my suspicions. Check it out if you haven't.

Whiplash is an excellent film, you're on the money, GiVan.

Whiplash was definitely my favorite last year. My favorite ever has recently been in the news, but it's been my favorite since I first saw it: To Kill a Mockingbird.

Lawrence of Arabia, hands down. It has all the elements. Cinematography, script, character arc, performances, production design, score. My favorite movie of all time. My pick last year was The Imitation Game. Whiplash was good, so was the Theory of Everything. I didn't see all the nominees because I'm in Ireland.

GiVan, I have not seen Whiplash but since I'm suffering from it today then it may be a good opportunity to curl up on the couch and watch it.

Hassan, I don't think I've seen Inception. I will have to look it up.

Bryan Yeater, what is Woman in the Dunes about?

Abigail, thank you for asking! There is so much to say about this very important film! For now, please take a look at this specific post I made about the film: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/general_film_tv_discussion/Woman-in-the-D...

Abigail, inception is one of the best films of the century. Christopher nolan or the editor is a crosscut master. that final kick is such a beautifully executed scene. there's not much of a character arc but the HEAVY plot makes up for it. Hans Zimmers music is great too. must see.

oh, hope your neck gets better.

From Wong Kar-Wai's filmography, I can name several films which qualify as my favorites. For now, I'll name Days of Being Wild. I love this film. It's quite powerful, but it definitely requires some reflection. Honestly, you're better off watching at least two other films from this director before tackling Days of Being Wild. And even then, it's really on the second viewing that one realizes what a fantastic film this is. Film studies professor David Bordwell does a serious dissection and analysis of it on his Observations of Film Art blog. However, best to read it only after watching the film. And like I said, one should probably watch a couple other offerings from Wong Kar-Wai before tackling this one. For the uninitiated, BFI posted a wonderful introductory article on the works of Wong Kar-Wai just a few days ago. I've personally seen seven of his films, each about five times or so. The article is here: http://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/features/fast-track-fandom-w... With that said, here's the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cExEkJjyD8

Thank you GiVan, I'm feeling a lot better today

I loved Cyrano De Bergerac. It's wit and poetry and i love period films and I enjoy French films. That said I'm waiting for the next Superman film to be my favourite!

When I learned who the writer was going to be I decided BvS is going to be one of my favorites. Already like it on Facebook.

Okay, it's time to share another of my favorites. See the bottom of this post for a link to the film's trailer. This time, it's Edward Yang's masterpiece Yi Yi. We're all in this film. Well, not really, but chances are good you'll find some characters in this film that you can relate to deeply. It's a powerful and mesmerizing film. Yes, like many of my recommendations and favorites, some will find it slow. And it does come in just shy of three hours. It's part of the Taiwan New Wave, or perhaps because of the year it was made, it qualifies as the Taiwan Second Wave. Either case, Yang and Hou were essentially the founders of the Taiwan New Wave, beginning with In Our Time. Tony Rayns did a lovely video essay on the subject. I wish I could find it online. Here's the trailer, which is lovely in its own right. Turn the volume up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F6tSorwYqw

Cherie, I must confess that your post made me giggle a bit.

Givan I am giddy with excitement over Batman vs Superman. I have liked it on FB and imdb and have been on the imdb forums....(ugh those fanboys. What a bunch of nasty weirdos)And I have watched the trailer countless times. COME ON 2016!!!!!

Now that I turned in my script, I have a moment ... Going to look for Whiplash and if I can't find it then Inception

Cherie- nice to come across another WRITER excited about BvS. I've watched the trailer. I think it's been under 20 times. I already like the movie as if I've already seen it. As far as I'm concerned, it's the only movie being released in all of 2016! HAHAHA. Got to go, I have to watch the trailer again hahaha.

Into the Woods. Im not gonna say its my favorite film but if I ever had to choose, that one would be the closest to the title. I love how musical it is and how its so well done. I discovered my love to broadway with that movie.

Carline, I've never heard of Into the Woods ... Wait, maybe, is it about a bunch of different fairytales?

So many wonderful movies everyone is missing out on! I love films that have repeating motifs. One such great film with repeating motifs is THE VERTICAL RAY OF THE SUN. The repeating motifs in this film feature a brother and sister's morning ritual, as they listen to some Lou Reed song. In the clip here, he sings "Coney Island Baby". See the clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHzIedf458g The trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ma2Bt8c1Kc

Of course, while on the subject of repeating motifs, one of my favorite films of all time features the repeating motif of Maggie Cheung making her evening walk to the local noodle shop. Never has there been such artistry in a jaunt to the noodle shop for some noodles. Apparently, critics worldwide think the same thing, as they voted Wong Kar-Wai's IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE the greatest film of the 21st century in 2012. See the beauty of the trip to the noodle shop here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypY9OaKCfRU

Bryan, In The Mood For Love is a wonderful film, brilliant score, superb casting, disappointing ending - I would like to know who these critics are, the film is wonderful, but not, in my opinion, the greatest film of the 21st century - as the film was made in 2000, isn't that the 20th century? Chocolat with Juliette Binoche also was made in 2000, again, in my opinion, a much superior film on every level, do you honestly place the former higher than the latter? Curious to know how you rate the films side by side considering the former is one of your all time favourites, ironically, the latter mine, cheers.

Givan, it's the only film for me in 2016 too LOL!!! Been on the imdb boards everyday. don't know why it's horrible, but I need to see this movie and talking about it is the next best thing. Did you know my best friend used to illustrate for DC and Marvel and just gave me an oil painting of Superman for my birthday. I'm watching it for Superman not Batman. Also Henry is hot hahahaha.

Chanel, I love Chocolat. To a great extent, it is the cast that makes it great to me. Another of my lifelong favorites is Unbearable Lightness of Being. Cast, writing, filming ...

http://www.timeanddate.com/counters/mil2000.html and yes, 2000 is the 20th century, but that is a common error. The link explains why, if anyone is curious.

I could not find Whiplash or Inception. Who carries them?

Chanel, and everyone! I share with you the wisdom of pairing the Latin music of Nat King Cole with a film that takes place in 1962 in Hong Kong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj8pRh1wzeI Now, if you bear with me, there is much to say. Chanel, convention says the 21st century began in 2000, and thus the reason the turn of the millennium celebrations occurred on the eve of 1999. But the year is arbitrary, and it makes no difference to the result, and here's why. You can choose any year you want, and look at the results of BFI's once a decade poll, and see what is the first film to appear on the list for that year or above, and make a definitive statement about it. It is indeed significant that in the Sight and Sound Poll for 2012 (taken every ten years), the first film to appear on the list from the year 2000 and above is IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE. It came in at number 24. In other words, all films ranked from 1 to 23 were made in 1999 or prior. As an example, I could look at the critics poll, and state that Kubrick's 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY was voted the greatest film ever made as voted by critics, from any film ever made on or after 1968. That's a valid if arbitrary statement. But it doesn't change the significance of it. And that's the key. So 2000, or 2001, it doesn't matter. The list contains over 1,000 films, as voted by critics and directors worldwide. Every film ever made in the history of cinema is taken into consideration. Out of curiosity, I looked for CHOCOLAT's ranking, but unfortunately, it didn't make a showing in the top 1,000, but another film by the same director did, MY LIFE AS A DOG. It came in at 546. CHOCOLAT is indeed a nice film. In the end though, it's all about what we love and hold dear in our own hearts. One of the reasons it likely didn't rank at all is because directors and critics worldwide don't feel it offers something significant or necessarily astounding. And that's the thing about Wong Kar-Wai films. They are decidedly unique, and show us a side of cinema that we don't normally get to experience. A Wong Kar-Wai film can work on many levels, and especially his famous trilogy, including DAYS OF BEING WILD, IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE, and 2046. Regarding its ending, it's about perfect, I think. I believe better films don't necessarily give you what you want. They make statements about the human experience, provoke thought and contemplation. That's definitely why I listed WOMAN IN THE DUNES earlier. It's a seriously intellectual film that will have you pondering it long after viewing it. But back to IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE: there is an extraordinary nostalgia in the film, and with it's genius soundtrack, and lush cinematography, all combined with Wong's mediation on love and loss, it adds up to something rather amazing. Who would've thought to pair the Latin songs of Nat King Cole with a film which takes place in Hong Kong in 1962?

you could find whiplash and inception on Amazon.

Yes, Abigail.

Then yes Carline, I have heard of it, but not seen it. I will have to watch it. To be honest, I have not seen Into The Woods yet because the general census among my peers here was that it wasn't good. I'm willing to find out for myself. I may not be able to try to catch Whiplash or Inception again for a while. I have a number of things I need to get finished before heading for Indianapolis on Wednesday. Bryan I will try to get to the Woman in the Dunes when I get back as well. I'm curious, why did you start watching that genre of films? It sounds like you had to build up a taste for it so I'm just assuming there was a catalyst to your viewing originally?

Abigail-- there are tons of films on there.

Bryan, rather than the song you chose, the masterstroke was using PERHAPS, PERHAPS, PERHAPS, a song made famous by Doris Day - the answer to the question in the film answered by a song was wonderful filmmaking - re 2000 - 2001, it's not a significant question one way or the other - CHOCOLAT may be a nice film to a cinematographer, but I'm a writer and this film encompasses all the elements we are taught to seek - "show not tell" - "economy of words" - "less is more" - sub-text - foreshadowing, brilliant acting - it is wonderful writing and wonderful filmmaking - in fact the two films are remarkably similar in their simplicity and story telling capacity - I have a connection with Hong Kong and I've travelled there twice, so In The Mood For Love definitely resonates, but MY favourite Asian film is Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, a truly wonderful story of love and loss on a grand scale - also interesting is the film title 2046, this is the room number for Chow Mo-wan when he relocates, cheers.

Chanel, yes, Qizas is a masterstroke. Absolutely. And that's part of the genius of Wong Kar-Wai. It's not just a masterstroke, it's the synergy of the whole experience. Just prior to Qizas playing, we see the shot of the telephone ringing, unanswered, and we hear the voice over: "If there was an extra ticket, would you go with me?" I provided a link to the other song because it would hopefully conjure imagery of another beautiful scene which captures the nostalgia so eloquently: Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung walking down the empty Hong Kong street late at night, their backs to us, Maggie's purse swinging, Leung, a cigarette in hand, Nat King Cole singing. Chocolat may have a nice script, but it's been so long since I saw it. But it did not resonate with me strongly, else I might remember it better. You mention "show not tell", "economy of words", "less is more", subtext, foreshadowing, all good things, certainly. But there's more too, such as "symbolism", "metaphor", "repeating motifs", "parallel stories", "multiple layers", "allegory", "elliptical storytelling", and in some cases, the opposite of "economy of words", which would be "rich insightful dialog" too. We can take "economy of words" and "show not tell" and find a film that exemplifies it, such as Kaneto Shindo's superb film The Naked Island. Such a beautiful thing. And the opposite of "economy of words" might be Hiroshi Teshigahara's other masterpiece, The Face of Another, which is dialog heavy. Teshigahara's most famous masterpiece is Woman in the Dunes, which I mentioned earlier. All this leads to a question Abigail asked me, "what was the catalyst for me watching these films?" The short answer is to be a better filmmaker. There is a saying: "Do you want to write well? Then read good writing." The long answer for Abigail requires another post, and I will address it in another post, and use cooking as an analogy. I do hope you read it, because I'm going to touch on writing, not just filmmaking. You've alluded to Wong Kar-Wai's film 2046, but it's not clear to me that you've seen it. Yes, it does reference the room number in In the Mood for Love. It also references a year relevant to Hong Kong, but unfortunately, China's recent actions are rendering that year moot. If you wish to more fully appreciate In the Mood for Love, then I highly recommend seeing the full trilogy, which is Days of Being Wild, mentioned in an earlier post, and 2046. More Latin music will be found therein. If you did indeed see 2046, much of it will make more sense if you see Days of Being Wild. On that note, let me share with you Xavier Cugat's wonderful Perfidia, from Days of Being Wild, in time with press photos from the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtkjXu-kEds Now, regarding Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, I do indeed like the film, but I can't rank it my absolute favorite Asian film. Did you pick up on the homage by casting Cheng Pei Pei as Jade Fox? She of course, is famous for King Hu's 1966 film, Come Drink With Me. Ultimately though, Wong Kar-Wai's 2046 is a much stronger meditation on love and loss than Ang Lee's film. I see Crouching Tiger more as a character growth story, as we follow Zhang Ziyi's character. I do really appreciate her as an actor, but without a doubt, her best role was in 2046, hands down. Second to 2046, would be Zhang Yimou's film The Road Home, which is another beautiful film. And while I think Yimou's House of Flying Daggers suffers at some points, it's through no fault of Zhang Ziyi. I'm sure you know her from others, but she's played in two films which take place in Shanghai during the 30s. Neither are five star films, but they are Dangerous Liaisons, and Purple Butterfly. In Purple Butterfly, she plays a resistance fighter against the Japanese. Actually, Wong Kar-Wai's The Grandmaster touches on the Japanese invasion as well, and also features Zhang Ziyi. Actually, in the last 25 minutes of The Grandmaster in the Chinese Cut (not the Harvey Scissorhands cut), you will see a beautiful return to form for Wong Kar-Wai, and that's where there are some truly heart wrenching and beautiful scenes featuring her, all mostly in a montage form. And speaking of Shanghai resistance fighters, (and Ang Lee), have you seen Lust, Caution? Tang Wei stars, and her performance in that film is quite wonderful. Tang Wei, of course, is a major Ingmar Bergman fan, which alludes again to my message for Abigail, about the importance of watching critically acclaimed cinema. I'm sure you know of other Ang Lee films, such as The Ice Storm, Life of Pi, and so on, but he also made a cute film called Eat Drink Man Woman. Earlier, I mentioned homages, as in Ang Lee's homage to King Hu, and you mentioned "economy of words". I countered with The Naked Island as an example of "economy of words", but we get another homage to King Hu, and an example of "economy of words" in Tsai Ming-Liang's Goodbye, Dragon Inn. Definitely not for everybody, but loved by many, including myself. In the trailer to Goodbye, Dragon Inn, we start off by seeing King Hu's Dragon Inn, but then it segues to clips shot by Tsai Ming-Liang: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHMxMJ6qkOU

Bryan, we know your answers in Asian film, can you do the same not using Asian films as an example?

Of course I can, Chanel, but there are more compelling reasons to continue my Asian film recommendations. Certainly I cannot be an authority of equal measure for all genres and countries of origin. And when I give the answer to Abigail's question, using a cooking analogy as part of my answer, it will be more clear. And regarding Crouching Tiger, there was something else I wanted to mention. No doubt you're familiar with Chang Chen. He played Zhang Ziyi's romantic interest in the film. I preferred him in Hou Hsiao-hsien's Three Times. Wonderful film. It definitely fits your criteria for "economy of words". Let me share with you this beautiful clip from the film, with Chang Chen and Shu Qi. Be sure to turn the volume up quite a bit, as it plays rather softly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yineLp1brrI

Three Times is a wonderful film, Shu Qi is a beautiful woman, I see you cannot veer from your Asian films re comparisons with non Asian films - perhaps enough has been said, it would be deemed inappropriate to highjack this threat, time to give someone else a turn less we bore other members senseless, you have excellent taste, but perhaps a new subject is in order, cheers.

Chanel, others are invited to share, if only they would. I, for one, take the time to share truly great films that I would wager many if not most here have not heard of. I consider that a good thing, not hijacking. If we were arguing about, say, office chairs, now that would be hijacking. I will continue to share what are great films with others here. I don't demand what genres or countries of origin others share. I wish you would do the same for me.

Have you two seen SEVEN SAMARAI? Also, saw FURY ROAD a few days ago. It's was special. what did you think of it?

GiVan, Seven Samurai is quite a famous film, from that film came The Magnificent Seven movie - I thoroughly enjoyed Mad Max: Fury Road, some fantastic filmmaking, would love to watch it again.

GiVan, yes, I have seen Seven Samurai two or three times. Great film. It's interesting that you mention it, because it falls under the genre of well known Asian films that are popular in the U.S., along with such films as Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, House of Flying Daggers, and others, precisely because they are Hollywood like. Of course, as Chanel mentioned, Seven Samurai actually influenced Hollywood. Another Kurosawa film, The Hidden Fortress influenced a certain American director to make a film called Star Wars. On the other hand, I personally like to recommend films that typically didn't get mainline distribution into the U.S., precisely because their deviation from the Hollywood style is what makes them such a wonderful way to begin learning again, regarding storytelling, film grammar, and so on. Toshiro Mifune, of course, is well known for being Akira Kurosawa's muse, that is, until their falling out. Of the eleven Kurosawa films that I've seen, the ones I most like are actually not the samurai films. They are No Regrets for Our Youth, High and Low, and Red Beard. The latter two also star Mifune. No Regrets stars Setsuko Hara, better known as Yasujiro Ozu's muse. No Regrets for Our Youth is in fact the only Kurosawa film that features a woman as the protagonist. Kurosawa is certainly better known for making men's men's films, films about men doing manly things. That makes No Regrets for Our Youth so special, and is one of the reasons I love it so much. The other, of course, is because it stars Hara, also known as the Eternal Virgin. She walked away from cinema in 1963, after Ozu's death, never to make another public appearance. Many of us are Hara fans. A fellow on YouTube likes to make wonderful tributes to her, and here is one made specifically for her role in No Regrets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUGhS7t903c Now, since I mention Kurosawa's affinity for making men's men's films, as opposed to films about women, it's worth pointing out that all his contemporaries were making films about women. Those would be the other three of the big four from the Japanese Golden Era: Yasujiro Ozu, Kenji Mizoguchi, and Mikio Naruse. All auteurs, to be certain. Each had their muses. Ozu's was Setsuko Hara, Mizoguchi's was Kinuyo Tanaka, and Naruse's was Hideko Takamine. Each had their favorite themes they liked to explore, all women centric. Ozu was all about women rebelling against arranged marriages. Mizoguchi was about the downfall of women usually due to the greed of men. And Naruse was about women facing tough decisions as they approached middle age--usually decisions involving business, money and marriage. One of my favorite films from Naruse, and of course featuring his muse, Takamine, was When a Woman Ascends the Stairs. Lovely film. Please watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooW3aSKfsVA I mentioned the Japanese Golden Era above. There was also the Japanese New Wave. Directors from that movement had their own muses, mostly women as well. There was Kaneto Shindo and Nobuko Otawa, Yoshishige Yoshida and Mariko Okada, and Yasuzo Masumura and Ayako Wakao. And while Shohei Imamura didn't really have a muse, he certainly explored women centric themes, notably themes about women who become entangled with the men from the seedier parts of society, typically wannabe gangsters, pornographers, thieves, rapists, serial killers, and so on.

Maybe you've heard of Dinah Washington's song "What a Difference a Day Makes". Many cinephiles know the classic 1994 film in which it appears. You're kind of missing out if you haven't yet seen the film. Watch the clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBqHAPgB494 Valerie Chow. Wow!

Sum of All Fears, and movies like that make you think and make no apology for doing so. The same reason I liked Other Peoples Money and War of the Roses because Danny Devito had to fight to keep the ending. He's one of my favorite directors

Gavion, I haven't seen Sum of All Fears, and it's been three eternities since I saw War of the Roses, so it's certainly not fresh in my memory. To you, what qualifies a film as being one that makes you think and makes no apologies for doing so?

One that challenges and makes the audience question society or something that is unthinkable because it might be possibly true, like 'Sums of all Fears' that paints the true nature the U.S. being war profiteers and the fact that the A-bomb that goes off is American made. 'Other People's Money' the reality of 'Pretty Woman' that doesn't have a Cinderella ending when in the book Richard Gear's character leaves the prostitute and does marry her and live happily ever after. War of the Roses Danny Di Vito had to fight for the ending where they die in the end and she throws his hand off her with her last breath. 'The Wakening' where Robin Williams offers the thought, 'That it's unthinkable that they are trapped in the body, unable to express or do anything but helplessly watch the world go by.' Not the fun warm fuzzy that makes you believe that all is right with the world, when you know that it isn't In my plays, I do the same thing, I have one that ends with a suicide on stage, one about the media and how they are fear mongering whores that profit from ratings and corporate sponsoring, one about war and how the good soldier who is patriotic and noble with all good intentions is thrown into the middle of war that becomes his own personal hell and he is the teeth and blood of the beast or he is fed to it, and at the end of the day, he just looks to survive it, but he never returns home the same, But that gives you an idea. Movies and theatre that challenges and questions your own sense of humanity and what we do in the name of justice, honor that is guided, often blindly so, by sensibilities of God and country. Another example is 'The News Room' well the clip will say all I need to say, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zqOYBabXmA Things like this. Gavion E. Chandler~ 'Man is his own devil.'

Gavion, thanks for responding. You've echoed my sentiments exactly. I've posted a lot in this thread, and essentially, all my film recommendations are foreign films. I've been trying to send a strong message here. Filmmakers need to watch more foreign cinema, because they'll start learning again. Imagine you're a chef, and all your life, you've only eaten cookies, cakes and pies, and you've known anything else. The only ingredients you're aware of are sugar, flour, molasses, vanilla, chocolate, eggs, and a few other staples of sweets. If you're a filmmaker, and you mostly watch Hollywood, then you're like that chef. Granted, you've plucked some gems that refute that analogy, but I think you understand what I'm getting at. One day, someone comes along and shows the chef the produce aisle in the supermarket. He samples an onion, a tomato, some broccoli. He's introduced to meats, pastas, vinegar. Suddenly, the chef is learning all over again. Real learning in huge strides is occurring. Ideas are abounding. I'm not just discussing film endings. Nor am I just discussing films which are intellectual. I'm talking about new film grammars. New ways to point the camera. New ways to use music. That's why I mention the films I do here. Not only are they beautiful. They will show you new things. I have mentioned many films here. I could mention many more. I want people here to experience the empty hallways of Yasujiro Ozu, and how he uses them as scene transitions. Or how Wong Kar-Wai uses the fabric print of cheongsam dresses to indicate a day has passed. How Teshigahara explores themes of identity within society. And speaking of intellectual films which make you think, and contain layers that you peel back like an onion as you watch the film, please watch Teshigahara's masterpiece Woman in the Dunes. If you want ambiguity, watch Wong Kar-Wai. And if you want films which are empathic, which make you actually give a damn about the characters, then again, please watch the films I've recommended.

Abigail, some time ago, you asked what prompted me to explore the type of cinema I've been sharing here. The short answer is to be a better filmmaker. The long answer is basically in my last post just above, where I addressed Gavion. And in that process of wanting to be a better filmmaker, I discovered better cinema. My greatest pleasure in watching films is derived from the types of films I mention here. Sure, I enjoy Hollywood films too, but as I said, there are more ingredients to use to make films than the ones Hollywood employs.

I've never acquired a taste for Asian film but I have enjoyed many foreign films. Life Is Beautiful is one. Roberto Begnigni was fantastic in it. Blue Is The Warmest Color (La Vie d'Adéle) is an LGBT film that moves at a different pace without losing the audience. In Better Than Chocolate Karyn Dwyer is adorable and the painting scene is creative and sensual. Gavion, I think The Glass House is one like you describe. It's why I found it terrifying, because someone could actually do that to another person. I'm out of town, in Indianapolis, so I'm slower in responding, but I am reading.

Abigail, the Asian films most people see in the States are precisely the ones which distributors think the American public will like. They are not the films in which I claim are the ones to learn from, nor the ones of critical interest. There is so much more to Asian cinema. I have named several here. How many have you seen or heard of?

Abigail, pleased you enjoy foreign films, more pleased you like Chocolat, one of my favourites - yes, Asian films can be an acquired taste, may I suggest A Chinese Ghost Story (1987) with English subtitles - the silly slapstick takes a little getting used to, but the romance and chemistry between the debt collector and the ghost was wonderful - some of the camera angles and editing was excellent filmmaking, LOVE this film, why not try it - I'm a romantic and that scene where she is barely dressed and her lover hides in her bathtub as they try not to be discovered, when she kisses him underwater, that beautiful music, it hooked me in, lol.

Man on a Train is a really good movie and one my all time is Sword Fish with John Travolta. I love that the ending has two scenarios and the fact that the bad guy gets away with it. But I will let you listen and watch John's mercenary character tells it straight... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjDLin6Egyw

Watched a Hollywood Reporter Roundtable with Cumberbatch today and the passion they all have for their roles is great. There was another with a table of women and the fact that they spoke about how they wanted to share the story through the characters ... It's what makes them great in my mind.

Chanel, I'll see if I can find it. I've been sick ever since getting home from Indianapolis so really I'm not even home yet. I've been staying at my boyfriend's house so he can nurse me back to health. I'm going home today. I'll have some time to watch TV.

Bryan, I don't remember names of films unless they catch my attention and hold it. If I'm not pulled in fairly quickly then I lose interest. Bad cinematography will lose me as quickly as a bad story, but sometimes I still watch bad cinematography in hopes of a good storyline. I always think there has to be some redeeming quality to it, but I watched a movie on gypsies recently and couldn't find a single redeeming quality. It was poorly lit, poorly filmed, poorly acted, and as best as I could tell the storyline was weak. I just watched it hoping to find something interesting about gypsies.

Abigail, let us hope you recover quickly, put that boyfriend to good use where he can nurse you back to health - I just Googled the film with English subtitles - if you decide to follow suit, don't forget, the 1987 version is the original and the best, cheers.

Just watched A Chinese Ghost Story. It had a number of interesting characteristics. I liked the wolves eyes and how atmospheric some of the scenes were. I wasn't fond of the end because it doesn't tell what happened to her after he literally went through hell to save her. Subtitles mean I can't look away but often also distract from what I'm trying to see picture-wise. A number of times I'm not sure what was said, but overall it was an enjoyable movie. My boyfriend is a monster maker so a ghost story was a good choice, there were a number of elements he would enjoy.

Gavin, I love The Newsroom

Abigail, I appreciate you took the time to see it, sorry it didn't reach greater heights for you, but I love the romance/music in this film, you might want to try the soon to be released The Assassin with Shu Qi, well received in Cannes earlier this year.

Bryan, I just watched Woman in the Dunes. There were parts I liked and parts I didn't. There were a lot of close ups and extreme close ups, some of which I really liked and some that just annoyed me and took me out of the movie. There were some scenes, as you said, that moved extremely slow and I tried to hang in there and wait it out, but I don't have a lot of patience with that so I caught myself having to rewind as I was doing something else (like eating or playing with my cats) instead of watching. The slower pace did make it easier to get all the subtitles though and still feel like I saw the movie. I felt sad for him because he decided his cage wasn't so bad. I also prefer my stories to neatly tie up the endings and I wasn't sure if she was saying no because they wouldn't take care of her or if she was just so accustomed to her hole in the ground that it terrified her to leave it. I can see where they had to get creative with the cinematography to keep the scenes from becoming too stale. I didn't like a weak leading woman but if the point was to shine light on human fear of acceptance then I get it. I'm not sure how I feel about it overall.

Hassan, it turns out that I had seen Inception. That movie will really play with your mind. If I recall I liked it.

Ok I think that's it for my sickbed movie binging for the night, haha! The sun came up an hour or so ago so I suppose I should take an Advil and try to sleep. Depending on how strong I feel after a nap I will either finally get unpacked or binge again. Earlier I looked up Juliette Binoche and watched four movies she was in. She stars in two of my all-time favorites, but I chose others that I had not seen yet like 1,000 Times Good Night, Godzilla, and Words and Pictures. I tried to find Clouds of Sils Maria, but didn't want to pay a rental fee, may check Amazon Prime later. Goodnight!

I didn't like Inception. I found it boring and too restrained. I'm not sure what part played with your mind, but for me it was yawn

Cherie, it wasn't one of my favorite movies, but it was when the lines between reality and dream blurred.

And there will be no binge watching tonight because a transformer just blew and I don't have anything but my phone and hesitate to use it for that given that I may need the charge tomorrow to call the electric company again. ... Oh! They're here! Yay!

Cherie -After sharing the same enthusiasm over BvS, it's almost heart breaking to read you wrote that about INCEPTION.

Why? It had a couple great special effects, but really, that's all it had going for it. For a film about dreams it sure was too restrained. I kept waiting to be blown away. I wasn't.

Abigail, thank you for watching Woman in the Dunes. So much to say here, and so many online have already said so much about it. I'm sure you're aware that Roger Ebert placed it on his list of "Great Films". I understand it totally didn't work for you. I know this is going to sound hugely condescending, but there is some truth to it: In the bookstore you'll find bestsellers, and they're called page turners for good reason. You can't put them down. They have one level typically, the story. Literature, on the other hand is slower. Literary works aren't exactly called page turners. But they do have three levels. On the surface, the prose. In the middle, the story. And below, the theme. Hollywood makes bestsellers. Arthouse films are analogous to literature. Literature doesn't come easy. It's an acquired taste. Pretty much every film I mention, or will mention, won't come easy, until you develop the taste for them. But they are all critically acclaimed, films of critical interest, on lists of the great films, and in the end, there's more to learn from them if you're a filmmaker. There's a reason directors and critics rank these films above any other films. Specifically, I haven't even touched on Woman in the Dunes. The second viewing was better for me. Like you, it was one of my early ventures into that genre. I have subsequently watched about 100 films from the Japanese Golden Era and the Japanese New Wave. Japan was indeed a powerhouse in cinema in the 50s and 60s.

I'm with Cherie, Inception was nowhere as good as portrayed, it didn't do it for me either - Woman in the Dunes is an old film and many would find it difficult to relate to such a film, and in the main you a correct, Bryan, it's an acquired taste to appreciate the films you appreciate - you are also correct where you say there are bestsellers/page turners as well as literature - I don't find your attitude condescending, but I prefer bestsellers - there are times when we can marvel at the clever/profound filmmaking as in literature, but quite often I simply want to be entertained as provided by "popular" films that engage, devoid of concentration re how clever the director may be.

I understand Chanel. I too like bestseller type films. But it's not a mutually exclusive thing. There should be room in everyone's films to watch list for both. Or let me put it rather more bluntly: if anyone is aspiring to write screenplays or make films, and they want to learn a broader set of ways to tell stories, they're doing themselves and the world a huge disservice by not broadening their experience of film. And the more they diversify their tastes, the more they will easily find pleasure in the more difficult films. The better directors and writers out there watch a diverse set of films. The bad directors and writers out there are rather limited and naive with regard to the films they've experienced. You know how those more naive writers and filmmakers decide what to watch? They let the Hollywood marketing machine drown out what they could be aware of, by virtue of the money Hollywood has to promote their offerings.

Bryan, I also didn't find your comments about best sellers as condescending either. And Woman in the Dunes wasn't a total bust for me either. Like I said I could appreciate the camera angles in the small spaces and some of the extreme close ups I found to be clever to help tell the story. There were also those moments in which the ECs took me out of the story, but, as a filmmaker, even those moments can be learned from. I also don't think it was a bad story, the ending was just not satisfying to me because it left me with some big questions. Plus I'm such a free spirited person that it bordered on being a horror film to me in a way. I like some horror/suspense films, like Gothika, but being taken hostage and worn down like that ... Ouch. Then for him to seem to surrender to it in the end ... Where's the hope? It is such a complex story and characters and I get why you like it from a filmmaker's POV but as a film I'd want to sit and watch for entertainment value, I enjoyed Chinese Ghost Story more in that fashion.

Chanel, I also loved Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Bryan, I understand and appreciate your views, but you also need to tread carefully - I already expressed your thoughts not to be condescending, but you are appearing to be dangerously close to pontificating - I have no issue with you having an elitist attitude, I have no aversion to culture and your appreciation of such, but do you need to look down on people that don't follow suit - actually, that sounds suspiciously like condescending - telling people "bluntly" what they should and should not do, to suggest they may be"rather limited and naive", by not adhering to your advise they "must" be bad directors and writers - on the premise I am limited and naive, not to mention a bad writer, surely, I should have the right to follow that path without any external indignation, to prefer writing popular rather than cultured work? Cheers.

I was fascinated with INCEPTION mostly because it was a caper/heist film told in a science fiction arena. I don't recall ever seeing that.

I'm going to compile myself a viewing list of all the films I haven't seen that have been mentioned, is anyone else watching?

Actually Chanel, I agree with Bryan. He has a point that isn't elistist. He said people should watch both to broaden their horizons. The best directors etc DO watch a broad range of films. Is it elitist if it's true?

Yes, Cherie, one should broaden their horizons and watch both, that certainly isn't elitist, but I have asked bryan to comment on films OTHER than Asian, shed some light on OTHER filmmaking, I'm still waiting - everyone is entitled to a point-of-view, I certainly respect what bryan had to say, but he doesn't follow his own advise, he mocks Inception which is held in high regard, though not by you and me, lol - Chocolat is a wonderful example of filmmaking, but a view not shared by Bryan, it's all Asian, Asian, Asian and nothing else will do - this is fine because I enjoy those films, but he was beginning to IMPOSE why one should watch those films and failing to do so suggests one is a lesser writer or director - in my view, and you may disagree Cherie, I feel one should not denigrate someone that chooses not to watch LITERATURE and CULTURE as a poor cousin to someone that does - I'll have to check, but I think Bryan may have deleted the said post I'm referring to here - only an opinion, cheers.

Chanel, My post is not deleted, nor have I mocked or harped on other person's posts. But I have been forced to defend what I've shared here, which is decidedly more than you have. So, Chanel, why don't you start sharing, and stop judging other person's posts, hmm? Maybe I share lots of Asian films, but that's better than just sharing one Juliet Binoche film, is it not? And for the record, I could discuss Bergman, Fellini, Antonioni, Tarkovsky, the Coen Brothers, Herzog, Wenders, and others, but I bear no responsibility to anyone, least of all to you, to do so.

Bryan, you are someone with considerable knowledge re film and I've enjoyed most of your posts, I wish you would "shift" and discuss Bergman, Fellini, etc. - that would make for a most stimulating conversation - Chocolat and Inception were examples that there is quality filmmaking beyond Asia and I was more than happy to explore - I did suggest to you, and would welcome opinion, on comparing Casablanca with Woman in the Dunes, that would have appealed to me, but obviously that was not the path you wished to follow, which is fair enough, you know my thoughts on the matter and will leave it at that, cheers.

Does anyone like horror or suspense films? I couldn't watch them for years when I was younger, but have watched a number of them in the past couple years. I was trying to think of more, older, films that I enjoyed and here is what I came up with: American Werewolf in London Shawshank Redemption Unbearable Lightness of Being The Indiana Jones movies LOTR series Tomb Raider Harry Potter series I finally saw the trailer for SM vs BM when we went to see Antman and it looks like it could be a lot of fun!

I like Horror. the only films made in the last maybe 20 years are IT FOLLOWS, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, BABADOOK. I love thrillers as well.

I hated Babadook so bad I couldn't even finish watching it. It was so slow and laborious. The two horror films that impacted me are The Ring and The Grudge. shudders

I liked the original Ring, surprised how much it scared me, I should never watch these films home alone, lol.

GiVan, I have not yet seen It Follows but it created quite a buzz when it came out. I will see it when I get the chance.

Cherie, I watched Babadook with my boyfriend and he loved it. It was slow, but it had some interesting parts to it since he seems to permeate the kids' lives. I saw The Grudge, in bits and pieces lol. I tried watching it alone abut when the hair came out of the wall the second time I was done. I watched it again later with my boyfriend and made it. It was scary to me. The way she creeps out .... shivers

Chanel, sometimes I try to watch them alone too, I tell ya, it's not always a good idea! LOL. I've been known to have funny movie in the line up so I can watch the scary one then normalize my brain with the comedy!

I watched both those horror films many, many years ago and still The Grudge affects me. Those scenes where 'she' creeps into the bed (this might have been the first or second one I can't remember) has haunted me since. Occassionally I'll be lying in bed and feeling the creeps and I'll imagine her raising her head to the side of my bed, black hair creeping along the sheets, making that godawful choking sound and I'll have to turn the lamp light on lol. I keep telling myself 'stop it it's not real stupid' haha.

Haha Cherie! I was a child when Kevin Bacon was stabbed through the chest with a sword from under the bed ... I couldn't sleep on my back for years and I'd check under the bed, sometimes I still do! I don't remember the name of the other one that freaked me out, but the sheets would breeze a bit then come off and a hand would come around and grab the person in bed. Both still haunt me! Haha.

I watched Pan's Labyrinth back in 2006 to study the lighting of it. It also has some interesting camera angles. I actually bought a copy of Fangoria that had a significant write up about it as well just to see how it was done and how the creatures were created. I spent two or three days curled up in my mom's bed watching all the DVD extras of the LOTR series. There is a ton of information on those! I watched every inch. Movies are so fascinating!

Yeah Abigail, some movies are wonders. skyscrapers and nature are nice, but movies when done right are just remarkable structures and landscapes.

well looks like this thread is officially OVER. I ENJOYED it. Thanks ABIGAIL.

Sorry GiVan, I have been so busy lately that I haven't had much time to nurture it. I have thoroughly enjoyed it as well. I would love to keep it alive however for anyone else that wants to join in. I'm about to make a list of the movies that were on top each year for the past 80 years and start trying to watch them and see what can be learned from them. I may even form a group to watch them and discuss them (in person or skype or FaceTime). Kind of like a book club. :)

I just started a Facebook group Film Club, if you're interested. The movie list is being compiled from Nominees for Best Picture and Top 10 Box Office films from the past 75-80 years. https://www.facebook.com/groups/116161375403686/