There are films. And then there are films.

[FirstAscent]

Please discuss and share. Try to do better than just posting a link with no explanation. The point is to discuss.

Try not to provide spoilers. Always assume others have not seen the film you are discussing. If you must, and I firmly object, then be courteous enough to provide a very clear BOLDFACED CAPITAL LETTER warning like this:

SPOILER WARNING about STAR WARS:
Try to make the spoiler have enough verbiage leading into the spoiler itself such that the information is not immediately visible to the eye. Then you can proceed with the relevant information that you really shouldn't be saying, such as Darth Vader is Luke's father. Keep the WARNINGS above and below without extra linefeeds so the spoiler text does not stand out. I'm serious. Spoilers wreck the film watching experience.
END SPOILER.

But there's really no need to provide spoilers. Films can be discussed intelligently in very interesting ways without spoilers. When providing links, try not to create links that would create too much of a spoiler. Trailers sometimes are spoilers themselves, but if it's the official trailer, then that's okay.

53 films to watch right now:

Tokyo Twilight: This is an exceptional film from director Yasujiro Ozu. It will leave you in tears. More info: http://www.criterion.com/films/771-tokyo-twilight

In the Mood for Love: This film is pretty much considered to be Wong Kar-Wai's masterpiece. However, watch his other films as well. In the Mood for Love is actually the second in a very loose trilogy, comprised of Days of Being Wild, In the Mood for Love, and 2046. More info and trailer for the film: http://www.criterion.com/films/198-in-the-mood-for-love

Let Me In: This film is very underrated. The problem is further compounded by those who watched the Swedish version first, and can't accept the fact that Let Me In is actually an astounding film. Why? It has an extraordinarily beautiful soundtrack, superb acting, beautiful lighting, metaphors within the cinematography and lyrics, and the story is simultaneously tragic and beautiful. A clip from the film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F62GjsKAfNs&feature=relmfu

2001: A Space Odyssey: Maybe you've seen this. But if you haven't seen it properly, then you need to watch it again. It is generally considered the greatest science fiction film ever made, is pretty much considered one of the greatest films ever made (consistently in the top ten - Sight & Sound's Directors Poll rates it at #2), and is generally one of the most discussed films ever, and will continue to be for the next 100 years. Watch every minute of this film with rapt attention. It is simultaneously very slow (sometimes boring), and yet also the most incredible trip anyone will ever go on: I defy you to watch the following clip and tell me it isn't art of the highest form. And remember this film was produced 46 years ago. Yes - 46 years ago, as production began in 1966. A clip from the film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpvOUnz4T7Q

Pale Flower (subtitled): I truly love this film. It's a beautiful example of the Japanese New Wave of the sixties. It's a noir with the deepest blacks and whites that almost seem blue. It's a morality tale (or would that be an immorality tale?). Whatever the case, you should watch it. The original trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

Hunger: This film will take you to the grave. Fassbender's performance is dedicated, to say the least, and McQueen's direction is fantastic. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9IiUbBV4zc&feature=relmfu

The Face of Another (subtitled): This is another film from the Japanese New Wave. However, it's also a film from Hiroshi Teshigahara. That means a lot. Please do not consider passing this one by. Tell me, how many films have you watched which belong to the category of avant-garde existentialism? I thought so. This film will stay in your mind. Trust me. The trailer just doesn't do the film justice. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK5Rz6txcDU

Yi Yi (subtitled): How can I convey what a beautiful film this is? So poignant, powerful, touching, sad, and wonderful. It's long, but worthy of several viewings. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F6tSorwYqw

Never Let Me Go: Carey Mulligan and Izzy Meikle-Small's performance are beyond measure. The cinematography is beautiful. The story just stabs you in the heart. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXiRZhDEo8A

2046 (subtitled): Are you prepared to watch what many consider to be one of the most beautifully filmed movies ever? Until you've watched a Wong Kar-Wai film, you're not yet complete. There are films, and then there are Wong Kar-Wai films. Words to describe his works? Dreamy. Sublime. Swooning. Meditative. Sumptuous. Beautiful. He is the master of love found and lost across the hallway corridor, and his films are a visual and auditory experience that just sings to the soul. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8OAxS9L7es

Here's an example of Wong Kar-Wai's film grammar (and Zhang Ziyi's incredible performance). In this clip from 2046 (only this scene is in black and white), Zhang's character realizes she's just fallen in love. The clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRfPF3tLIGQ

Mystery Train: I don't know how to describe this one. All I can say is, it provides fond memories after having watched it. The trailer: http://www.criterion.com/films/2057-mystery-train?q=autocomplete

Woman in the Dunes (subtitled): This is pretty much the most famous film from Hiroshi Teshigahara. And it's actually a very famous film, period. It's another film that belongs in the category of avant-garde existentialism. It's a deep probing film about identity, freedom, and life. It will not go away when it's over. More information and a trailer: http://mubi.com/films/woman-in-the-dunes

Inglourious Basterds: This movie has grown on me. On the second and subsequent viewings, I have come to really enjoy this film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/inglourious-basterds

Chungking Express: Wong Kar-Wai banged out this movie because he and his actors needed a break while filming Ashes of Time. Despite the quick production, it's a beautiful and fun movie to watch. Faye Wong, one of the stars in the film, also covers a song by the Cranberries, in Cantonese! More info: http://mubi.com/films/chungking-express

Barry Lyndon: This is a Stanley Kubrick film. He actually used special lenses from NASA to film many of the scenes lit only by candlelight. More info: http://mubi.com/films/barry-lyndon

An Education: Carey Mulligan shines in this modern film about a student in 1960's London coming of age. More info: http://mubi.com/films/an-education

Three Colors: Blue: Juliet Binoche stars in this in this beautiful french film about surviving tragedy. More info: http://mubi.com/films/three-colors-blue

No Country for Old Men: Who doesn't like this movie? One of the Coen Brothers' best. More info: http://mubi.com/films/no-country-for-old-men

The Innkeepers: Horror done right. It's not about blood. It's about what forces lie down the hallway when you're alone at night. More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-innkeepers

Lost in Translation: Sofia Coppola says she was most inspired by Wong Kar-Wai's film In the Mood for Love (see further above) when she directed this film starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. More info: http://mubi.com/films/lost-in-translation

Secret Sunshine (subtitled): This film features a devastating performance by the lead. It asks some tough questions. Midway through might put the viewer in a position to judge, but nothing is cut and dried in this film: The trailer: http://www.criterion.com/films/27750-secret-sunshine?q=autocomplete

True Grit: I love this film by the Coen Brothers. Hailee Steinfeld steals the show. More info: http://mubi.com/films/true-grit--2

The Makioka Sisters: This film might not be for everyone. But if you give it a chance, you'll be drawn into the lives of these four Japanese sisters. More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-makioka-sisters

Jane Eyre: The cinematography in this film is excellent and the dialogue between Jane and Mr. Blackthorne is top notch. Some of the shots look like Rembrandt paintings. More info: http://mubi.com/films/jane-eyre--2

The Thin Red Line: A surreal existentialist piece by Terrence Malick. More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-thin-red-line

The asterisk next to the following movies indicate that I actually have not yet seen the following films, but they are so highly critically acclaimed or loved by many, and on my soon to watch list, that they bear mentioning.

*Raise the Red Lantern: More info: http://mubi.com/films/raise-the-red-lantern

*Cyclo: More info: http://mubi.com/films/cyclo

*The Human Condition: More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-human-condition

*Seven Samurai: Without a doubt Akira Kurosawa's most famous film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/seven-samurai

*The Cranes are Flying: Russian film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-cranes-are-flying

*The Spirit of the Beehive: Spanish film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-spirit-of-the-beehive

*Tokyo Story: Yasijuro's most famous film and voted the greatest film of all time. More info: http://mubi.com/films/tokyo-story

*Raging Bull: A Martin Scorsese film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/raging-bull

*Lust, Caution: More info: http://mubi.com/films/lust-caution

*Fallen Angels: A Wong Kar-Wai film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/fallen-angels

*Oldboy: More info: http://mubi.com/films/oldboy

*The Mirror: One of Andrei Tarkovsky's most famous films. More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-mirror

*Woman of the Lake: More info: http://mubi.com/films/woman-of-the-lake

*Twenty-four Eyes: A Japanese film very much loved film by the Japanese. More info: http://mubi.com/films/twenty-four-eyes

*Vengeance is Mine: More info (trailer contains nudity): http://mubi.com/films/vengeance-is-mine

*Ashes of Time Redux: A Wong Kar-Wai film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/ashes-of-time

*The Insect Woman: More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-insect-woman

*Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring: More info: http://mubi.com/films/spring-summer-fall-winter-and-spring

*Adaptation: More info: http://mubi.com/films/adaptation

*Poetry: More info: http://mubi.com/films/poetry

*Farewell my Concubine: More info: http://mubi.com/films/farewell-my-concubine

*Intentions of Murder: More info: http://mubi.com/films/intentions-of-murder

*Sansho the Bailiff: More info: http://mubi.com/films/sansho-the-bailiff

*Rashomon: More info: http://mubi.com/films/rashomon

*Ivan's Childhood: One of Andre Tarkovsky's most famous films. Actually, does Tarkovsky have any films that are not famous? More info: http://mubi.com/films/ivans-childhood

*When a Woman Ascends the Stairs: More info: http://mubi.com/films/when-a-woman-ascends-the-stairs

*Yojimbo: An Akira Kurosawa film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/yojimbo

*Harakiri: More info: http://mubi.com/films/harakiri

*Cafe Lumiere: More info: http://mubi.com/films/cafe-lumiere

*Ugetsu: Considered to be one of the greatest films of all time. More info: http://mubi.com/films/ugetsu

*Street of Shame: More info: http://mubi.com/films/street-of-shame

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[finkleshnorts]

Ever since I first saw Steve McQueen's (no, not that Steve) Hunger over two years ago, it has been my favorite movie (although, I'm not sure if I'm allowed to have a favorite movie, as a self-professed film lover).

Hunger is one of those rare, visceral films that shakes you to the core of your humanity. I'm in the middle of watching it again, and it is as rewarding--and challenging--as ever.

In my opinion, it's one of the most starkly original films of the decade. What's more: it manages to never feel like a gimmick. It doesn't emit the slightest hint of stereotypical art-house pretension, because it's storytelling is so pure and seamless.

I could talk for hours about the meaning of the film, it's intentions, and the questions it raises. But I'd just encourage everyone to sit down and watch it. Commit to it. Don't look away. You'll soon find yourself completely immersed in it's characters and horrifically hypnotic imagery. It's a sensory and emotional experience unlike any other you'll encounter on-screen.

*unpause*

[FirstAscent]

Ever since I first saw Steve McQueen's (no, not that Steve) Hunger over two years ago, it has been my favorite movie (although, I'm not sure if I'm allowed to have a favorite movie, as a self-professed film lover).

Hunger is one of those rare, visceral films that shakes you to the core of your humanity. I'm in the middle of watching it again, and it is as rewarding--and challenging--as ever.

In my opinion, it's one of the most starkly original films of the decade. What's more: it manages to never feel like a gimmick. It doesn't emit the slightest hint of stereotypical art-house pretension, because it's storytelling is so pure and seamless.

I could talk for hours about the meaning of the film, it's intentions, and the questions it raises. But I'd just encourage everyone to sit down and watch it. Commit to it. Don't look away. You'll soon find yourself completely immersed in it's characters and horrifically hypnotic imagery. It's a sensory and emotional experience unlike any other you'll encounter on-screen.

Absolutely beautiful film. And the dialog sequence midway through is amazing, given it's single shot take of 16 (or was it 22?) minutes. I was stunned at the end when I learned how many days his strike lasted. Fassbender is great. I also liked him in X-Men: First Class, Jane Eyre and Inglourious Basterds.

[FirstAscent]

Pale Flower, 1964. A stylish, cool noir. Mariko Kaga as Saeko is stunning. It's considered to be one of the 'Great Films'. The soundtrack is powerful. It seems that everyone who watches this film comes away really liking it. Criterion's transfer to Blu-ray is stunning.

Pale Flower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

[finkleshnorts]

And the dialog sequence midway through is amazing, given it's single shot take of 16 (or was it 22?) minutes.

I believe it's 20+. I recall reading that the scene broke some records. The change of pace there is so incredibly appropriate.

Pale Flower, 1964. A stylish, cool noir. Mariko Kaga as Saeko is stunning. It's considered to be one of the 'Great Films'. The soundtrack is powerful. It seems that everyone who watches this film comes away really liking it. Criterion's transfer to Blu-ray is stunning.

Pale Flower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

I'll definitely check it out. I've heard of it before.

[FirstAscent]

I believe it's 20+. I recall reading that the scene broke some records. The change of pace there is so incredibly appropriate.

The guy who plays the priest, he actually moved in with Fassbender for a month explicitly to practice that scene every day for a month.

Pale Flower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

I'll definitely check it out. I've heard of it before.

There are some great films from the Japanese New Wave of the sixties, Pale Flower among them. Interestingly, most films from the Japanese New Wave Cinema are shot in 2.35:1 aspect ratio (a good thing).

And at this moment, I was watching Wong Kar-Wai's 2046 again. I just paused it at the taxi ride scene. The shots are just so dreamy. And Zhang Ziyi's performance is just amazing. Here's the clip linked below (the film is in gorgeous color, but this scene is a pseudo black and white, and definitely not as black and white as the youtube clip, nor as blurry). The slow motion and music combined with the streaking lights and expression on her face are just beyond words: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRfPF3tLIGQ

EDIT: Funny! I used almost the same words as the comments on the video. There's just no other way to describe these things, I guess.

[FirstAscent]

I don't like films, and I don't know any films, and if I did, I couldn't engage in discussion about them.

You're kidding! Really? I think you should give it a shot (watch films, recommend them, or thank others for recommending them).

[Phinnaeus Gage]

No spoiler!

I truly enjoyed The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFk0T0eQonw (trailer)

Sorry for not provided a description.

~Bruno~

[FirstAscent]

I truly enjoyed The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFk0T0eQonw (trailer)

That's actually a Criterion title now. That says something.

Consider the films mentioned thus far in this thread:

Hunger: It is a Criterion film.
Pale Flower: It is a Criterion film.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: It is a Criterion film.
2046: It is not a Criterion film, but two of the director's films are. They are Chungking Express and In the Mood For Love.

What does Criterion have to say about The Curious Case of Benjamin Button?

Essay #1: http://www.criterion.com/current/posts/1167-the-vision-is-in-the-details-on-working-with-david-fincher

Essay #2: http://www.criterion.com/current/posts/1146-bits-and-bobbles-of-benjamin-button

Essay #3: http://www.criterion.com/current/posts/1125-the-curious-case-of-benjamin-button-the-man-who-watched-the-hours-go-by

Criterion's general page for the movie: http://www.criterion.com/films/1584-the-curious-case-of-benjamin-button

[FirstAscent]

One of the movies that really stands out for me was Oldboy.

Discussing it without spoilers is fairly difficult. It was simply a powerful film, even if not always pleasant. Certainly unlike anything else I've seen.

Definitely go with the original Korean and sub-titles if necessary.

I own it on Blu-ray. I have not watched it yet. Please do not spoil it for me. I selected Oldboy due to my method of discovering movies to watch. Since you liked Oldboy, I really think you should take a harder look at the films that I'm mentioning in this thread.

And I think you should always watch a film with the original audio and use subtitles if you need to. Do not watch audio dubs, except perhaps for animated films. The reason is because the original spoken language contains the acting, which is part of the film and the characters.

[FirstAscent]

There are two films by Hiroshi Teshigahara that I highly recommend. They fall into the category of avant-garde existentialism. Yes, there's actually such a category, if you dig deep enough into the art world. There's actually three films, but among the three, I find number two and number three to be the best. These films were made in the mid '60s.

Actually, author Kobo Abe and Hiroshi Teshigahara collaborated together during this period. Abe was the writer, and Teshigahara was the director, and these films are really the product of their deep collaboration. These are heavy films. They will reside in your head after they are over.

The first film, entitled Woman in the Dunes, is well known and critically acclaimed. There's a ton of information out there about Woman in the Dunes, on blogs and such. As is typical of Japanese trailers, especially from the sixties, you'll find there's a little bit of nudity even in the original trailer: http://www.reelz.com/trailer-clips/28000/woman-in-the-dunes-trailer/

The second film, entitled The Face of Another, is more polished, but probably a little less known and critically acclaimed. I really enjoyed this film as well. The story is excellent, and the filmmaking is superb. Not to be missed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK5Rz6txcDU

If you choose not to watch these two films, you're only cheating yourself out of something extraordinary.

More information is available at Criterion: http://www.criterion.com/boxsets/458-three-films-by-hiroshi-teshigahara?q=autocomplete

Woman in the Dunes: http://www.criterion.com/films/826-woman-in-the-dunes

The Face of Another: http://www.criterion.com/films/828-the-face-of-another

Essay on The Face of Another: http://www.criterion.com/current/posts/592-the-face-of-another-double-vision

General essay: http://www.criterion.com/current/posts/607-the-spectral-landscape-of-teshigahara-abe-and-takemitsu

[Phinnaeus Gage]

I truly enjoyed The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFk0T0eQonw (trailer)

That's actually a Criterion title now. That says something.

Consider the films mentioned thus far in this thread:

Hunger: It is a Criterion film.
Pale Flower: It is a Criterion film.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: It is a Criterion film.
2046: It is not a Criterion film, but two of the director's films are. They are Chungking Express and In the Mood For Love.

What does Criterion have to say about The Curious Case of Benjamin Button?

Essay #1: http://www.criterion.com/current/posts/1167-the-vision-is-in-the-details-on-working-with-david-fincher

Essay #2: http://www.criterion.com/current/posts/1146-bits-and-bobbles-of-benjamin-button

Essay #3: http://www.criterion.com/current/posts/1125-the-curious-case-of-benjamin-button-the-man-who-watched-the-hours-go-by

Criterion's general page for the movie: http://www.criterion.com/films/1584-the-curious-case-of-benjamin-button

You got to be kidding me! I barely read any of the posts, simply posting one of my true favorites, and you're now telling me that it's related to the others posted thus far? Amazing!

~Bruno~

[FirstAscent]

You got to be kidding me! I barely read any of the posts, simply posting one of my true favorites, and you're now telling me that it's related to the others posted thus far? Amazing!

The sad thing is your admission that you've barely read any of the posts. I have nearly fainted from this truth. Please read the posts so that your life will be enriched. You're missing out. And I'm serious.

[cbeast]

At the risk of going OT, I get tired of people saying that the book was better. I doubt that any average Joe has a better imagination than the great directors, DPs, lighting, makeup, talent, etc. Their cumulative efforts are often quite astounding. Sometimes it seems they compress the information of a thousand words into 24 fps.

[FirstAscent]

At the risk of going OT, I get tired of people saying that the book was better. I doubt that any average Joe has a better imagination than the great directors, DPs, lighting, makeup, talent, etc. Their cumulative efforts are often quite astounding. Sometimes it seems they compress the information of a thousand words into 24 fps.

Actually, here's my take on it. Let's say a film is coming out, and it's based on a much loved book. The following scenarios, among others, present themselves:

1. You haven't read the book, and you're looking forward to seeing the movie. In such a case, watch the movie first, and then read the book if you so wish.

2. You have read the book, loved it, and now you want to see the movie. The movie might disappoint, because you have your expectations of what should be in the movie, and how the characters are. Film is a different medium. It cannot, nor should it, try and be exactly like the book.

I never read the Dragon Tattoo books, but I hear they're good. Instead, I decided I just wanted to enjoy the movies. Nor have I seen the Swedish versions. So I watched Fincher's version with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. My view of the film is not tainted by the books or the Swedish films. And I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed the American version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

[FirstAscent]

It doesn't emit the slightest hint of stereotypical art-house pretension, because it's storytelling is so pure and seamless.

Interesting statement. Not your assessment of Hunger, but your statement in general about the possible qualities of arthouse films. It calls to question what makes an arthouse film an arthouse film. I might be inclined to say that there are possibly four levels of arthouse films:

1. Those that display arthouse pretension. Are they really arthouse films then, instead of just being wannabees?

2. Those that are very arty in their subject matter, techniques of cinematography, etc., and one might be inclined to accuse them of arthouse pretension, but one shouldn't, because they're just so interesting, or meditative, or beautiful, or something.

3. Those films which mostly seem like a mainstream film, but get the arthouse label due to them being an indie, their beautiful cinematography, and thought provoking subject matter.

4. Those films which have been critically acclaimed and are very good, but never got the proper exposure due to distribution, and perhaps they did not contain enough explosions.

[Phinnaeus Gage]

You got to be kidding me! I barely read any of the posts, simply posting one of my true favorites, and you're now telling me that it's related to the others posted thus far? Amazing!

The sad thing is your admission that you've barely read any of the posts. I have nearly fainted from this truth. Please read the posts so that your life will be enriched. You're missing out. And I'm serious.

I offer no excuses, but I did, this time it may have bordered on time constraint. To be fair, I glimpsed over the posts, but didn't digest them. It was kindly like, nice, nice, nice, etc., my turn. That said, your post, FirstAscent, was warranted.

~Bruno~

[FirstAscent]

You got to be kidding me! I barely read any of the posts, simply posting one of my true favorites, and you're now telling me that it's related to the others posted thus far? Amazing!

The sad thing is your admission that you've barely read any of the posts. I have nearly fainted from this truth. Please read the posts so that your life will be enriched. You're missing out. And I'm serious.

I offer no excuses, but I did, this time it may have bordered on time constraint. To be fair, I glimpsed over the posts, but didn't digest them. It was kindly like, nice, nice, nice, etc., my turn. That said, your post, FirstAscent, was warranted.

You are, in fact, still invited, even urged, to do more than gloss over the posts, and give the linked trailers or clips a spin, and then provide deep insightful commentary.

[JMAHH]

Old Boy, Pale Flower, FirstAscent's suggestions... There is quite some Asian emphasis there. Do we have an explanation?

[FirstAscent]

Old Boy, Pale Flower, FirstAscent's suggestions... There is quite some Asian emphasis there. Do we have an explanation?

It happens to be the current meander that the thread is currently in. It might meander in the opposite direction soon. Also, have you seen these films? I think you might want to. Very much so. However, I can assure you that I will offer up some Russian films, as well as French and German films. Maybe others. And even contemporary well known American films. Anyone else is welcome to recommend a film.

As for the current suggestions, do you have any take, one way or another on some of the Asian films presented, such as Pale Flower, Woman in the Dunes, 2046, or others? Feel free to comment on the trailers themselves, or the films, if you've seen them. No spoilers please!

[finkleshnorts]

Underrated movies?

I'd vote for Andrew Dominik's The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. The brooding revisionist western features Casey Affleck at his finest, and Brad Pitt damn near his.  Also a young Jeremy Renner of pre-Hurt Locker fame. Sam Shepard steals several scenes as Frank James.

Though often criticized for its deliberately slow pace and overall length, it is really less a film than a poem, and should be considered as such. Many have compared the opus to Altman's McCabe and Mrs. Miller, though I have yet to see it. The cinematography in TAOJJBTCRF is sweet and eerie; any given still deserves to be framed in a log cabin somewhere. The characters are generally cold and despicable, which brings the visuals to the center of the emotional stage. Nick Cave's score couldn't be any more fitting. The old-timey dialogue is also an authentic treat for anyone who's lived in the southern United States.

My one small complaint about about the film it that the final act (featuring a peculiarly small role from Zooey Deschanel) belabors it's point for about 20 minutes too long. It's all very rewarding in every sense except narratively. The credits just don't start rolling when you expect them to. And at a 160 minute runtime, it is a bit unfair to the viewers.

[FirstAscent]

The cinematography in TAOJJBTCRF is sweet and eerie; any given still deserves to be framed in a log cabin somewhere.

There is a saying: "Every frame a masterpiece". Or sometimes, "Every frame a Rembrandt". Roger Deakins did the cinematography for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. He also did the cinematography for another western that I love dearly: True Grit (The Coen Brothers).

Speaking of every frame being a Rembrandt, has anyone seen Jane Eyre with Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowska? Great film. And I was mesmerized by the atmospheric lighting, which looked just like a Rembrandt painting.

Look at these Rembrandt paintings: http://www.russianpaintings.net/doc.vphp?id=753

And then look at these scenes from Jane Eyre (especially from the 0:50 mark to the 1:00 mark). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8PLpXvhtlc

The youtube video does not do it justice. The actual film, during those scenes, are indeed very Rembrandt like.

[finkleshnorts]

The cinematography in TAOJJBTCRF is sweet and eerie; any given still deserves to be framed in a log cabin somewhere.

There is a saying: "Every frame a masterpiece". Or sometimes, "Every frame a Rembrandt". Roger Deakins did the cinematography for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. He also did the cinematography for another western that I love dearly: True Grit (The Coen Brothers).

Speaking of every frame being a Rembrandt, has anyone seen Jane Eyre with Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowska? Great film. And I was mesmerized by the atmospheric lighting, which looked just like a Rembrandt painting.

Look at these Rembrandt paintings: http://www.russianpaintings.net/doc.vphp?id=753

And then look at these scenes from Jane Eyre (especially from the 0:50 mark to the 1:00 mark). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8PLpXvhtlc

The youtube video does not do it justice. The actual film, during those scenes, are indeed very Rembrandt like.

I didn't know Deakins did True Grit too, but I do really like that movie. His work in TAOJJBTCRF earned him an Oscar nomination, or was it a win? ( Either way, Oscars have become a joke in recent years. In my opinion). He went a little nuts with that blurry vignette effect (that he went ahead and named the Deakins effect, I think  ), but I still liked it.

Haven't seen Jane Eyre, I'll have to add it to my list.

[finkleshnorts]

By the way...

I really like noir, and the Pale Flower trailer (pg 1 of this thread) was just mouthwathering.

[FirstAscent]

By the way...

I really like noir, and the Pale Flowers trailer (pg 1 of this thread) was just mouthwathering.

It's Pale Flower (not Pale Flowers). Anyway, I just love that movie. The Criterion Blu-ray is outstanding. The blacks are so black, and it is completely devoid of grain or artifacts. It's very clean. Of course, that doesn't even address the story, or the actors. It's just an awesome film. As an aside, there's one scene in the opening credits that is just on fire, but you'd never notice except for repeated viewings. Mariko Kaga's face appears in the shot, taking up a very small part of the screen real estate, but once you notice it, it's just intense.

And the Pale Flower trailer, for those who missed it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

Speaking of Mariko Kaga, I was so entranced with her in Pale Flower that I went searching for other films that she's been in. I have at least one, even before I bought Pale Flower, that being Pleasures of the Flesh: http://www.criterion.com/films/23954-pleasures-of-the-flesh

But Only on Mondays directed by Ko Nakahira is the one that has captured my attention. Mariko Kaga is just so cute. I know very little about the film. It's another film from the Japanese New Wave. It hasn't yet received the Criterion treatment like Ko Nakahira's Crazed Fruit, but it looks interesting. Although the first part of the trailer makes the film look as though it might be some Japanese version of an Annette Funicello beach party film, if you stick with the trailer, it becomes clear it has a darker side. Also, as is typical of Japanese trailers from the era, it shows some nudity: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvW3BaStfh4&feature=related

[FirstAscent]

I'd like to know if you haven't seen 2001: A Space Odyssey. Please respond.

Also, I'd like to know if you haven't seen 2001: A Space Odyssey properly. Properly means in the original 2.35:1 aspect ration in high resolution, either HD or in a theater with 70mm projection.

Properly also means from the first minute until the credits roll, uncut, including the creepy 2 minute intro that comes before the MGM Lion. This is the title scene after the lion (turn the volume up!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-QFj59PON4

[finkleshnorts]

I'd like to know if you haven't seen 2001: A Space Odyssey. Please respond.

Also, I'd like to know if you haven't seen 2001: A Space Odyssey properly. Properly means in the original 2.35:1 aspect ration in high resolution, either HD or in a theater with 70mm projection.

Properly also means from the first minute until the credits roll, uncut, including the creepy 2 minute intro that comes before the MGM Lion. This is the title scene after the lion (turn the volume up!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-QFj59PON4

After reading this, I popped it in for yet another viewing. I just finished the creepy black overture, and I'm already getting goosebumps. It's one of my favorite movies. Utterly timeless. It's amazing how pretty much everything in this movie has stood the test of time. Even the special effects look impressive to me. I'm watching it in the letterbox ratio on an HD TV, but only on DVD.

It was the movie that legitimized the sci-fi genre. And no other sci-fi film has come close to greatness of this masterpiece.

Malick's The Tree of Life doesn't hold a candle to this movie either. It's still very good, but I pity those who've only seen The Tree of Life. (I brought it up because it's impossible to talk about The Tree of Life without mentioning 2001, but many of my friends have only seen the former. It's frustrating).

Does anyone have a specific interpretation of the film's ending? Mine changes every time I watch it.

Which reminds me, I need to watch Inland Empire again. That was a real whatthefucker for me.

[FirstAscent]

I'd like to know if you haven't seen 2001: A Space Odyssey. Please respond.

Also, I'd like to know if you haven't seen 2001: A Space Odyssey properly. Properly means in the original 2.35:1 aspect ration in high resolution, either HD or in a theater with 70mm projection.

Properly also means from the first minute until the credits roll, uncut, including the creepy 2 minute intro that comes before the MGM Lion. This is the title scene after the lion (turn the volume up!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-QFj59PON4

After reading this, I popped it in for yet another viewing. I just finished the creepy black overture, and I'm already getting goosebumps. It's one of my favorite movies. Utterly timeless. It's amazing how pretty much everything in this movie has stood the test of time. Even the special effects look impressive to me. I'm watching it in the letterbox ratio on an HD TV, but only on DVD.

It was the movie that legitimized the sci-fi genre. And no other sci-fi film has come close to greatness of this masterpiece.

Malick's The Tree of Life doesn't hold a candle to this movie either. It's still very good, but I pity those who've only seen The Tree of Life. (I brought it up because it's impossible to talk about The Tree of Life without mentioning 2001, but many of my friends have only seen the former. It's frustrating).

Does anyone have a specific interpretation of the film's ending? Mine changes every time I watch it.

Which reminds me, I need to watch Inland Empire again. That was a real whatthefucker for me.

These might as well have been my words. You are so spot on. You hit a lot of the points I was going to mention.

- Utterly timeless
- It's an alternate 2001 that could have been, for real.
- The attention to detail is stupendous. The Pan Am space plane is based on research for a space plane.
- No other science fiction film comes close, for many reasons.
- Tree of Life is often compared, for obvious reasons. And in fact, Douglas Trumbull worked on both films.
- There's a whole younger generation that has not experienced this movie.
- It is indeed the ultimate trip, and the opening title sequence seems to indicate that you are indeed going to go on the ultimate trip.

As far as an interpretation goes, I'm always game for it, but I don't want to provide spoilers. I love discussing those scenes, but how can you without spoiling it for others?

Here are three famous clips that I don't think are spoilers. Please turn the volume up! Imagine it's 1968, and you've just sat down in the theater, and you've never, in your life, seen anything like this.

The opening titles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-QFj59PON4

The discovery of tools: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd3-1tcOthg&feature=fvwrel

The Blue Danube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpvOUnz4T7Q

[cbeast]

There are some movies I can watch once and be satisfied that I did not entirely waste my time. There there are movies that steal away my life even if I watch them several times. It takes a conscious effort to avoid being caught up in the rhythm of the story's heartbeat.

[finkleshnorts]

It brings a smile to my face imagining watching this film in 1968. I mean, all of these images are so ordinary for us--even cliche--but can you imagine being 13 in 1968 and watching the future unfold on screen? The prescience is astounding.

I'm going to shut my netbook so I can just soak this movie in. It's SO good. It just demands everyone's full attention. In fact, I feel guilty browsing bitcointalk while this is playing right in front of me.

[FirstAscent]

There are some movies I can watch once and be satisfied that I did not entirely waste my time. There there are movies that steal away my life even if I watch them several times. It takes a conscious effort to avoid being caught up in the rhythm of the story's heartbeat.

I used to never really spend much time watching movies over and over. But now I do. I just love getting lost in the movie's world, and the characters. Their lives are lived over and over in a sort of limbo state. These days, there always seems to be a certain movie in my collection that is my "go to" movie to bring up when I can't choose what to watch.

[FirstAscent]

It brings a smile to my face imagining watching this film in 1968. I mean, all of these images are so ordinary for us--even cliche--but can you imagine being 13 in 1968 and watching the future unfold on screen? The prescience is astounding.

I'm going to shut my netbook so I can just soak this movie in. It's SO good. It just demands everyone's full attention. In fact, I feel guilty browsing bitcointalk while this is playing right in front of me.

Kubrick acknowledged that he would never explain the movie. And that's the way it should be. Films are far more powerful when they are open to interpretation.

Sight & Sound's every ten years poll (one for critics and one for directors) puts 2001: A Space Odyssey as the 6th greatest film ever made as reviewed by critics. Directors put it as the 2nd greatest film ever made. Directors put Tokyo Story as the greatest film ever made.

Regarding the floating pen scene in 2001, it's clever the way the effect was achieved, if you're interested.

As for the theme of alien contact within film, I don't think any film has ever done it as well as 2001.

Regarding my mention of Tokyo Story: I haven't seen it yet, but I very recently watched Ozu's Late Spring, which I dearly loved, as most people do who have seen the film. In fact, Late Spring appeared at number 15 on the poll. Interestingly, Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love appeared at number 24, and was only one of two films from the 21st century to make the list. Wong Kar-Wai's other films have been mentioned earlier in this thread and other threads, including 2046 and Chungking Express.

Sight & Sound's notes on Tokyo Story and its director, Ozu Yasujirô: http://www.bfi.org.uk/news/ozu-yasujiro-master-time

Extra tidbit of info: the article linked above mentions that Masahiro Shinoda worked as assistant to Ozu prior to directing his own films. Masahiro Shinoda went on to direct Pale Flower, among others.

[FirstAscent]

I mentioned my discovery of Only on Mondays, directed by Kô Nakahira (of Crazed Fruit fame) a few posts back, because I was looking for other films from the Japanese New Wave starring Mariko Kaga, who is in Pale Flower. So anyway, I found this, which is the opening credits to Only on Mondays. Such classic sexy sixties: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tqW0Ota95Y&feature=related

It starts silent, then the music kicks in.

[FirstAscent]

Here's a short two minute clip from Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love that Criterion put out in anticipation of the October 2nd Blu-ray release. So mesmerizing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ypY9OaKCfRU

[philips]

Space Odyssey

First saw it when I was 10, didn't understood a thing and didn't really like it (except the monkey part).

Again at maybe 18, totally disappointed, what he heck is this...where is my beer.

At 20 intrigued, forgot about the beer (so many questions) but pissed because Pink Floyd soundtrack never made it in.

Maybe 25, fascinated and overwhelmed, how could they make a film like this back then? Perfect and timeless..thank God Pink Floyd soundtrack never made it in.

To this day I still don't know how to interpret the second half. Of course I read the book, but that's just Clarke interpretation.

A masterpiece, the kind of film you can't do anything but watch, popcorns are out of the question, you barely breath while watching it and everything else totally fades around you and the screen.

[FirstAscent]

So, the following films have received discussion so far, or at least brief mention:

- Hunger
- Pale Flower
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- 2046
- In the Mood for Love
- Chungking Express
- Oldboy
- Woman in the Dunes
- The Face of Another
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (David Fincher)
- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
- Jane Eyre
- True Grit (Coen Brothers)
- Yuka on Mondays (Only on Mondays)
- 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Inland Empire
- Tokyo Story
- Late Spring

I suspect some of the titles below might get discussed here soon enough. I've either seen them, or they're going to be watched very soon, or they're definitely on my list of films to watch. Some are very mainstream. Everyone should add their own film titles. So, in no particular order...

- Never Let Me Go
- No Country for Old Men
- Three Colors: Blue
- Three Colors: White
- Three Colors: Red
- Secret Sunshine
- Let Me In
- Branded to Kill
- Japanese Summer: Double Suicide
- Mystery Train
- Pigs and Battleships
- The Insect Woman
- Intentions of Murder
- The Makioka Sisters
- Sunshine
- Poetry
- Empire of Passion
- The Spirit of the Beehive
- Lost in Translation
- A Dangerous Method
- World on a Wire
- Paris, Texas
- The Innkeepers
- Layer Cake
- Lust, Caution
- Raise the Red Lantern
- Eros Plus Massacre
- The Darjeeling Limited
- Black Swan
- Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring
- X-Men: First Class
- Inglourious Basterds
- Watchmen
- Stalker
- The Mirror
- Ivan's Childhood
- With Beauty and Sadness
- Manji
- A Night to Remember
- The Road
- Winter's Bone
- Pride & Prejudice
- The Prestige
- The Ninth Gate
- The Unbearable Lightness of Being
- Days of Being Wild
- Fallen Angels
- Ashes of Time Redux
- Hara Kiri
- Capricious Summer
- Kuroneko
- Yi Yi
- Still Walking
- Bottle Rocket
- Hugo
- Fargo
- The Jacket
- An Education
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
- Chinatown
- Yojimbo
- Farewell my Concubine
- Once Upon a Time in Anatolia
- Remorques
- Rashomon
- Insignificance
- Army of Shadows
- Osaka Elegy
- Sisters of the Gion
- Women of the Night
- Street of Shame
- When a Woman Ascends the Stairs
- Jigoku
- I am Waiting
- Rusty Knife
- Take Aim at the Police Van
- Cruel Gun Story
- A Colt is my Passport
- Tokyo Drifter
- Belle du Jour
- The Scent of Green Papaya
- Cyclo
- The Vertical Ray of the Sun
- High and Low
- Vengeance is Mine
- Revanche
- Vampyr
- Daybreakers
- The Only Son
- There Was a Father
- Good Morning
- An Autumn Afternoon
- Floating Weeds
- Early Summer
- Early Spring
- Tokyo Twilight
- Equinox Flower
- Late Autumn
- The End of Summer
- Dodes'ka-den
- Wise Blood
- The Leopard
- Senso
- For All Mankind
- Twenty-four Eyes
- Salo
- Ikiru
- The Thin Red Line
- Double Suicide
- Intimidation
- The Warped Ones
- I Hate But Love
- Black Sun
- Thirst for Love
- House
- Au Revoir les Enfants
- Ugetsu
- The Human Condition
- Gate of Flesh
- Onibaba
- Kwaidan
- Taxi Driver
- Goodfellas
- Battle Royale
- The Hunger Games
- Memento
- The Incredibles
- Horton Hears a Who
- Spirited Away
- The Man Without a Map

And others...  

[FirstAscent]

I want to see Poetry, and I've already seen Secret Sunshine, both Korean films directed by Lee Chang-dong. Poetry is reputedly even better than Secret Sunshine. But I can tell you, Secret Sunshine was really good.

Secret Sunshine trailer: http://www.criterion.com/films/27750-secret-sunshine

Poetry trailer: http://mubi.com/films/poetry

[finkleshnorts]

- No Country for Old Men
- Inglourious Basterds
- The Road
- Winter's Bone
- The Prestige
- Fargo
- An Education
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
- Chinatown
- Yojimbo
- Taxi Driver
- Goodfellas
- Memento
- The Incredibles

Wow. These are the only ones I have seen. I love all of them except for The Presige... I it's Nolan's weakest work in my opinion. Actually, I wasn't crazy about The Incredibles either.

Eternal Sunshine has a lot of amazing, memorable, dreamy scenes that I will never forget. But it also had some scenes that I felt were out of place. And the subplot about the program employees was absolute shit. Nearly ruined the movie for me.

Memento is admittedly gimmicky. Pearce, nor whats-her-face, are not great here. The movie is redeemed by the expertly crafted mood that is set. I also love the last few lines of the film which pack a not-so-subtle postmodernist punch.

The Road is so true to the book. It portrayed everything exactly as I pictured it when I read the book. So kudos there.

Winter's Bone. Man, is that close to home. Many people refer to my county as the meth capital of the world. That kind of living is just a short drive away.

[FirstAscent]

- Hunger
- Pale Flower
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- 2046
- Chungking Express
- Woman in the Dunes
- The Face of Another
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (David Fincher)
- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
- Jane Eyre
- True Grit (Coen Brothers)
- 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Late Spring
- Never Let Me Go
- No Country for Old Men
- Three Colors: Blue
- Three Colors: White
- Three Colors: Red
- Secret Sunshine
- Let Me In
- Branded to Kill
- Mystery Train
- The Makioka Sisters
- Sunshine
- Lost in Translation
- A Dangerous Method
- The Innkeepers
- Layer Cake
- The Darjeeling Limited
- Black Swan
- X-Men: First Class
- Inglourious Basterds
- Watchmen
- Stalker
- The Road
- Winter's Bone
- Pride & Prejudice
- The Prestige
- The Ninth Gate
- Bottle Rocket
- Hugo
- Fargo
- The Jacket
- An Education
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
- Tokyo Drifter
- High and Low
- Daybreakers
- The Thin Red Line
- Battle Royale
- The Hunger Games
- Memento
- The Incredibles
- Horton Hears a Who

Honest bob,

The above are the ones I've seen. The others are on my list. Also, certainly I've seen plenty more films than on the list. Mostly, the list, including the films I haven't seen, are recently viewed films, and films that have hit my radar recently. Many are great films, some are just lesser known films (either arthouse, foreign, or both). And I should add more to the list.

Regarding the ones you commented on:

I liked The Prestige. I'm not ready to watch it a third (or is it a fourth?) time any time soon though.

I love The Incredibles. I think it's Pixar's most entertaining film. Mostly, I liked the suburban scenes better than the island scenes.

Eternal Sunshine takes a few viewings. A truly great film? I don't know. It's just a thinking person's movie is all, I guess.

Memento is like Eternal Sunshine. It challenges the mind.

The Road is absolutely depressing. But emotionally moving, well shot, and well acted.

Winter's Bone I have watched twice. I'm a fan of Jennifer Lawrence. Loved her in X-Men: First Class, along with Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy. Hunger Games as well.

Did you like An Education? I'm a big fan of Carey Mulligan. She's really hit it big recently. She'll be in The Great Gatsby and the Coen Brothers latest film as well. I also loved her performance in Never Let Me Go.

[FirstAscent]

I haven't seen The Mirror yet. As is typical though, it has Andrei Tarkovskey's amazing cinematography. Notice in the film clip the shot where the children get up from the table and the bottle falls. The thing to notice in the shot is the camera work and composition after that, as the camera moves through the scene. Consider, given the content of the scene, how may opportunities they got to retake that shot.

The Mirror: http://mubi.com/films/the-mirror

Tarkovskey probably ranks as Russia's greatest film director. As an aside, I find it interesting that the site linked to above which hosts the clip from The Mirror and just about every other film made explains that the site was actually developed due to inspiration from Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love.

[Jermainé]

The fountain
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414993/


Cerebral greatness.

[payb.tc]

At the risk of going OT, I get tired of people saying that the book was better. I doubt that any average Joe has a better imagination than the great directors, DPs, lighting, makeup, talent, etc. Their cumulative efforts are often quite astounding. Sometimes it seems they compress the information of a thousand words into 24 fps.

Actually, here's my take on it. Let's say a film is coming out, and it's based on a much loved book. The following scenarios, among others, present themselves:

1. You haven't read the book, and you're looking forward to seeing the movie. In such a case, watch the movie first, and then read the book if you so wish.

2. You have read the book, loved it, and now you want to see the movie. The movie might disappoint, because you have your expectations of what should be in the movie, and how the characters are. Film is a different medium. It cannot, nor should it, try and be exactly like the book.

I never read the Dragon Tattoo books, but I hear they're good. Instead, I decided I just wanted to enjoy the movies. Nor have I seen the Swedish versions. So I watched Fincher's version with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. My view of the film is not tainted by the books or the Swedish films. And I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed the American version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

there are many restricting factors.

i've read a book called jurassic park, and if someone somewhere in 1991 had decided to make that into a movie, it would probably have been 8 hours long and rated R.

[FirstAscent]

The fountain
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414993/


Cerebral greatness.

I actually tried it, and couldn't get past about 20 minutes or so. I don't remember why. I'm sure it's worth a second try, as others have recommended it to me as well.

[FirstAscent]

At the risk of going OT, I get tired of people saying that the book was better. I doubt that any average Joe has a better imagination than the great directors, DPs, lighting, makeup, talent, etc. Their cumulative efforts are often quite astounding. Sometimes it seems they compress the information of a thousand words into 24 fps.

Actually, here's my take on it. Let's say a film is coming out, and it's based on a much loved book. The following scenarios, among others, present themselves:

1. You haven't read the book, and you're looking forward to seeing the movie. In such a case, watch the movie first, and then read the book if you so wish.

2. You have read the book, loved it, and now you want to see the movie. The movie might disappoint, because you have your expectations of what should be in the movie, and how the characters are. Film is a different medium. It cannot, nor should it, try and be exactly like the book.

I never read the Dragon Tattoo books, but I hear they're good. Instead, I decided I just wanted to enjoy the movies. Nor have I seen the Swedish versions. So I watched Fincher's version with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. My view of the film is not tainted by the books or the Swedish films. And I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed the American version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

there are many restricting factors.

i've read a book called jurassic park, and if someone somewhere in 1991 had decided to make that into a movie, it would probably have been 8 hours long and rated R.

I read the book before the movie came out. I was psyched to see the movie. I saw it on the opening weekend, and was pretty satisfied with it - especially the T-rex attack scene. Over time though, other aspects of the movie have lost their luster, mostly certain characterizations.

[FirstAscent]

Cyclo would be the next movie I'd like to watch from director Tran Anh Hung: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdOPQj8ccPA

I watched his film The Scent of Green Papaya last night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxuWJ1y1Tww

After I watch Cyclo, I'd like to give The Vertical Ray of the Sun a watching: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ma2Bt8c1Kc

[Jermainé]

The fountain
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414993/


Cerebral greatness.

I actually tried it, and couldn't get past about 20 minutes or so. I don't remember why. I'm sure it's worth a second try, as others have recommended it to me as well.

Yeah just watch it sober. 

[FirstAscent]

The fountain
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414993/


Cerebral greatness.

I actually tried it, and couldn't get past about 20 minutes or so. I don't remember why. I'm sure it's worth a second try, as others have recommended it to me as well.

Yeah just watch it sober.  

Those are spare words! Where are the passionate locutions which wax eloquently about your favorite auteurs and their films that have moved you? Surely there are other movies that you have found enthralling. In the meantime, perhaps you could comment on some of the films I have recommended, in place of those you have not chosen to share with us. Which of these might you wish to watch now? Please tell me.

- 2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8rG4plRMZ4&feature=related
- In the Mood for Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypY9OaKCfRU
- Woman in the Dunes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaLl4Y2BAT0
- Late Spring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4Ul10BSzRw
- The Mirror: http://mubi.com/films/the-mirror
- Mystery Train: http://www.criterion.com/films/2057-mystery-train
- Three Colors: Blue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVaqLZmMf-k
- Pale Flower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

So, we have meditations on unrequited love, avant-garde existentialism, a study on family life in post war Japan, reflections on childhood, lost souls, surviving tragedy, and immorality.

Let us throw in Gate of Flesh as a bonus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0xWk4_EMx4

Extra bonus! A clip of the beautiful Zhang Ziyi in 2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_oTpuUjtX8&feature=relmfu

And I'm really looking forward to seeing Army of Shadows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on38oTESbHU

And I just watched Yi Yi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbwNZGrRfF8

[FirstAscent]

So there's only five people in these forums who have a film to discuss, comment on, or share? Really?

I've suggested films. Perhaps even films that others were not aware of. Anyone is free to comment on my above suggestions after watching the trailers. But just as equally, any member is obviously free to discuss some other as of yet unmentioned film with another member. I'm a little bit confused as to the notion that nobody watches movies. If you wish to discuss The Avengers or some other film, then by all means.

[Blind]

I don't watch many movies, so my pool to pick from is limited (and not as ambitious as some previously mentioned), but here are few that I enjoyed (picked from my media drive that survived digital holocaust, so not complete by any means):

- American Beauty
- American Psycho
- Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
- Blow
- Fargo
- Gran Torino
- He Was a Quiet Man
- In Bruges
- Million Dollar Baby
- Revolver
- Rock'N'Rolla
- Sexy Beast
- Strange Days
- The Beach
- The Ghost Writer
- The Thirteenth Floor
- Trainspotting
- Twelve Monkeys
- Vanila Sky

[Jermainé]

- 2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8rG4plRMZ4&feature=related
- In the Mood for Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypY9OaKCfRU
- Woman in the Dunes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaLl4Y2BAT0
- Late Spring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4Ul10BSzRw
- The Mirror: http://mubi.com/films/the-mirror
- Mystery Train: http://www.criterion.com/films/2057-mystery-train
- Three Colors: Blue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVaqLZmMf-k
- Pale Flower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

2046 was amazing. So many elements mixed into one awesome movie. I remember watching it and "What Dreams May Come" in one sitting. I smoked so much that night lol. IDK I cant really explain it... movies with over the top visuals and obsurce non-linear scripts make me feel fuzzy.  

- American Beauty
- American Psycho
- Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
- Blow
- Fargo
- Gran Torino
- He Was a Quiet Man
- In Bruges
- Million Dollar Baby
- Revolver
- Rock'N'Rolla
- Sexy Beast
- Strange Days
- The Beach
- The Ghost Writer
- The Thirteenth Floor
- Trainspotting
- Twelve Monkeys
- Vanila Sky

We have similar taste, have you seen Mr. Nobody?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0485947/

[FirstAscent]

I don't watch many movies, so my pool to pick from is limited (and not as ambitious as some previously mentioned), but here are few that I enjoyed (picked from my media drive that survived digital holocaust, so not complete by any means):

- * American Beauty
- American Psycho
- Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
- Blow
- * Fargo
- * Gran Torino
- He Was a Quiet Man
- In Bruges
- * Million Dollar Baby
- Revolver
- Rock'N'Rolla
- * Sexy Beast
- Strange Days
- The Beach
- * The Ghost Writer
- * The Thirteenth Floor
- Trainspotting
- * Twelve Monkeys
- * Vanilla Sky

I've seen nine of those (asterisked). Interestingly, two on the list which I have not seen still leads me to believe you might like Layer Cake, which is an excellent film. A couple on your list that I haven't seen have caught my eye. Now, about four posts back, I suggested some films. Have you watched the clips? I can't say that you might find any interesting. Actually, I can. I think you'd like all of them, provided you don't have an aversion to subtitles. I used to avoid subtitled movies like the plague. But I took the plunge, and it opened up a whole new world.

Layer Cake: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5R4iepdXqo

[FirstAscent]

2046 was amazing. So many elements mixed into one awesome movie. I remember watching it and "What Dreams May Come" in one sitting. I smoked so much that night lol. IDK I cant really explain it... movies with over the top visuals and obsurce non-linear scripts make me feel fuzzy.  

Regarding 2046, it helps if you're aware it's part of a trilogy:

1. Days of Being Wild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cExEkJjyD8
2. In the Mood for Love: http://www.criterion.com/films/198-in-the-mood-for-love
3. 2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8rG4plRMZ4&feature=related

Days of Being Wild is on it's way to me in the form of a Blu-ray. In the Mood for Love will be released as a Blu-ray in exactly one week. They can all be watched independently, and to be honest, among the three, I've only seen 2046. However, it's pretty much understood that among the three, Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love is the masterpiece - and is one of the most beautiful films ever made. However, many do say that 2046 is perhaps the most beautiful film ever made. Factor in the soundtrack, and it's hard to argue.

Consider his other well known films though:

- Chungking Express: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjd7PFf_TFw
- Ashes of Time Redux: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saHxm_md60c
- Fallen Angels: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZda7nWftQI
- Eros (Wong Kar-Wai did the first of three segments): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaSY1pcWDmI
- Grandmasters (not yet released): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CfC_1_Wpmo

All are rather mouthwatering. Among these latter five, I have only seen Chungking Express. These omissions will be rectified. Now, considering the eight trailers/clips above, there are only three scenarios:

1. You've seen the films, and rewatching the trailers is eye candy.
2. You haven't seen the films, in which case watching the trailers is mandatory and not to be missed.
3. You're cheating yourself out of seeing great films.

Question: is there a single word that adequately captures the essence of a Wong Kar-Wai film? Some possibilities:

Sublime. Dreamy. Exotic. Beautiful. Lovely.

[finkleshnorts]

Boyle's Trainspotting is really great. The ending is excellent. Rewatched 2001 again tonight with a friend who'd never seen it before. He was blown away.

[scribe]

Which reminds me, I need to watch Inland Empire again. That was a real whatthefucker for me.

The first time I saw Inland Empire I was expecting something similar to Lynch's previous stuff, in that it could be discussed, inspected, and ultimately made sense of. I'm a big fan of the rest of is stuff, especially Mulholland Drive and Lost Highway.

But the whole feel of Inland Empire is something different. After reading a few articles on it, I realised it has to be watched "without thought". It definitely helps to watch Mulholland Drive first as it ties into some of the same underlying themes, but really Inland Empire is about how you feel what's going on, rather than how you understand it. There are a couple of points which have me unable to do anything but watch, and yet I have little idea why (plot-wise).


Also, following on from the discussion of 2001, I'd definitely recommend both A Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon by Kubrick. Many people seem to assume the former is an unwatchable monstrosity of terror, based on the notion that it was banned, but realise just how subtly clever it is when they watch it. The latter is long and epic, but has some amazing cinematography. Kubrick used a NASA 50mm lens with a f/0.7 aperture to shoot some scenes lit just by candlelight.

(Oh, also Dr. Strangelove is possibly my favourite film ever.)

[FirstAscent]

Boyle's Trainspotting is really great. The ending is excellent. Rewatched 2001 again tonight with a friend who'd never seen it before. He was blown away.

It makes me happy that someone was introduced to 2001: A Space Odyssey in a way that ensured it was watched it properly, as I'm sure you made sure he got the full experience. Properly, of course, means:

- Pretend it's 1968.
- Make sure you're watching the widescreen 2.35:1 version.
- 1080p if you are able.
- Turn the volume up!
- Sit down and watch it, and soak it in. Don't blink.
- Pause the film if you must go to the refrigerator or bathroom.

Also, following on from the discussion of 2001, I'd definitely recommend both A Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon by Kubrick. Many people seem to assume the former is an unwatchable monstrosity of terror, based on the notion that it was banned, but realise just how subtly clever it is when they watch it. The latter is long and epic, but has some amazing cinematography. Kubrick used a NASA 50mm lens with a f/0.7 aperture to shoot some scenes lit just by candlelight.

I wish Barry Lyndon would get the Criterion treatment. As usual, Kubrick was always pushing the envelope. Remember that there were often hundreds of candles in those scenes lit just by candlelight. Factor in the fact that Kubrick was notorious for liking to do about 80 takes per shot to get just the right performance. Think about that style of filmmaking combined with hundreds of candles.

[finkleshnorts]

And no lights on!!

[FirstAscent]

And no lights on!!

Of course!

Criterion just released a 'Three Reasons' video for In the Mood for Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC4BfRhsh-c&feature=youtu.be

I'm picking up the Blu-ray when it's released on Tuesday if there's a promotional sale price on it.

[Jermainé]

It makes me happy that someone was introduced to 2001: A Space Odyssey in a way that ensured it was watched it properly, as I'm sure you made sure he got the full experience. Properly, of course, means:
- Pretend it's 1968.
- Make sure you're watching the widescreen 2.35:1 version.
- 1080p if you are able.
- Turn the volume up!
- Sit down and watch it, and soak it in. Don't blink.
- Pause the film if you must go to the refrigerator or bathroom.

I can watch 2001 all day one of the absolute best movies I've ever seen. After that I was never the same, I stopped watching block busters unless I was very familar with the director. Most films lack the ambition...

With that said I made the ultimate list   This may need its own thread.



The Professional (1994) Action, Drama
Wicked.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcsirofJrlM


Deconstructing Harry (1997) Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Classic Woody Allen. Extremely hallarious.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwXOol3hRUg


Cube (1997) Horror, Sci-Fi
For you die hard sci-fi fans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY5PkidV1cM


Sky Blue (2003) Action, Sci-fi, Animation
Hands down the best visual animation I’ve ever seen. Akira (1988) Karas (2005) after that
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kuSBLYfwco


The Man From Earth (2007) Drama, Sci-Fi
Ahh.. the perfect example of excellent story with virtually no budget turned into a great film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z9WFruP1wA


Primer (2004) Drama, Sci-fi
Great, intuitive film that shows a little hard work and dedication could be life changing. Shit I wish I had friends as creative as these guys. Actually, I wish I had friends that create anything. lol anyways, this movie will trip you the hell out backwards. Watch twice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqx32xkATrY


Barry Lyndon (1975) Adventure, Romance, Drama
The wont notice the time go by... It just that awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHCKrusk5SQ



Enter The Void (2009) Fantasy, Drama,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJkPLYmUyzg
If there was a most innovated/trippy movie award, then Enter the Void wins hands down. I even cried a few time  


The house of Flying Daggers (2004) Action, Romance
Yo when I seen the china man shoot 4 arrows way down field (through a deep forrest with trees everywhere) to hit 4 different dudes at the same time, I knew this one was special.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0H5jekD61k


Tombstone (1994)
Action, Western
Kurt Russell slaps up Billy bob thorthen. Hahahaha.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTWYKf5hXIg


City of God (2002) Action, Drama, Crime
Gritty, brutal and adventure all mixed in one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJdW1TevoyA


Enter Sunshine of the spotless mind (2004) Romance, Drama, Sci-fi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GiLxkDK8sI
They don't make em like this anymore...

Mr. Nobody (2009)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzXH-MIPzZQ

Timescrimes (2007)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS8G8Ntms8Q


The Fall (2006)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeAyIQ_OT_I
Geographic masterpiece. One of the few films that rely on real locations rather then a bunch of CGI.


The Fountain (2006) Sci-fi, Drama
Still my favorite movie of all time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAuxryJ6pv8

[FirstAscent]

With that said I made the ultimate list   This may need its own thread.

Please post your list here. Also, have you checked out the trailers to the following Wong Kar-Wai films: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=109868.msg1221467#msg1221467

As for the recent films you listed, I've seen Cube, Barry Lyndon, Tombstone, City of God, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. All good movies. House of Flying Daggers is on my soon to watch list. Cube was interesting, but I think it could have benefited from slightly better acting. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind definitely requires multiple viewings to sort it all out.

[Jermainé]

Please post your list here. Also, have you checked out the trailers to the following Wong Kar-Wai films: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=109868.msg1221467#msg1221467

i seen all Wong Kar-Wai films 2046 being the best. His other work all seems like the same movie done over and over again. lol

[kibblesnbits]

Big Trouble in Little China
Mannequin
Eraserhead

Just kidding - im a blank slate with a lot of the movies on this list.  From the suggestions here, I'm going to check them out.  Hope they're on the Netflix.

[Perry]

In my opinion the most beautiful film ever:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095250/

The Big Blue
(Le Grand Bleu)

of Luc Besson

[FirstAscent]

Just kidding - im a blank slate with a lot of the movies on this list.  From the suggestions here, I'm going to check them out.  Hope they're on the Netflix.

I hope you do check them out. I can't speak for everybody's list, but I can speak for my lists. A couple of points:

- If you have an aversion to subtitles, I totally understand. Try these movies anyway. You will not regret it.
- Try to watch them intently. Take the viewing experience seriously.
- These are a mix of older and modern pieces. Both are deserving of your attention.

Now some notes on the films I suggest you watch now. These aren't really negotiable. If you haven't seen them, watch them. They are worth it. These have been mentioned before, several times by me, but who reads every post in a thread, let alone clicks on the links?

Please tell me which of these you've already seen, and which capture your attention. I'd be interested to know.

11 films to watch:

Let Me In: This film is very underrated. The problem is further compounded by those who watched the Swedish version first, and can't accept the fact that Let Me In is actually an astounding film. Why? It has an extraordinarily beautiful soundtrack, superb acting, beautiful lighting, metaphors within the cinematography and lyrics, and the story is simultaneously tragic and beautiful. A clip from the film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F62GjsKAfNs&feature=relmfu

2001: A Space Odyssey: Maybe you've seen this. But if you haven't seen it properly, then you need to watch it again. It is generally considered the greatest science fiction film ever made, is pretty much considered one of the greatest films ever made (consistently in the top ten - Sight & Sound's Directors Poll rates it at #2), and is generally one of the most discussed films ever, and will continue to be for the next 100 years. Watch every minute of this film with rapt attention. It is simultaneously very slow (sometimes boring), and yet also the most incredible trip anyone will ever go on: I defy you to watch the following clip and tell me it isn't art of the highest form. And remember this film was produced 46 years ago. Yes - 46 years ago, as production began in 1966. A clip from the film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpvOUnz4T7Q

Pale Flower (subtitled): I truly love this film. It's a beautiful example of the Japanese New Wave of the sixties. It's a noir with the deepest blacks and whites that almost seem blue. It's a morality tale (or would that be an immorality tale?). Whatever the case, you should watch it. The original trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

Hunger: This film will take you to the grave. Fassbender's performance is dedicated, to say the least, and McQueen's direction is fantastic. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9IiUbBV4zc&feature=relmfu

The Face of Another (subtitled): This is another film from the Japanese New Wave. However, it's also a film from Hiroshi Teshigahara. That means a lot. Please do not consider passing this one by. Tell me, how many films have you watched which belong to the category of avant-garde existentialism? I thought so. This film will stay in your mind. Trust me. The trailer just doesn't do the film justice. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK5Rz6txcDU

Yi Yi (subtitled): How can I convey what a beautiful film this is? So poignant, powerful, touching, sad, and wonderful. It's long, but worthy of several viewings. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F6tSorwYqw

Never Let Me Go: Carey Mulligan and Izzy Meikle-Small's performance are beyond measure. The cinematography is beautiful. The story just stabs you in the heart. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXiRZhDEo8A

2046 (subtitled): Are you prepared to watch what many consider to be one of the most beautifully filmed movies ever? Until you've watched a Wong Kar-Wai film, you're not yet complete. There are films, and then there are Wong Kar-Wai films. Words to describe his works? Dreamy. Sublime. Swooning. Meditative. Sumptuous. Beautiful. He is the master of love found and lost across the hallway corridor, and his films are a visual and auditory experience that just sings to the soul. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8OAxS9L7es

Here's an example of Wong Kar-Wai's film grammar (and Zhang Ziyi's incredible performance). In this clip from 2046 (only this scene is in black and white), Zhang's character realizes she's just fallen in love. The clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRfPF3tLIGQ

Mystery Train: I don't know how to describe this one. All I can say is, it provides fond memories after having watched it. The trailer: http://www.criterion.com/films/2057-mystery-train?q=autocomplete

Woman in the Dunes: This is pretty much the most famous film from Hiroshi Teshigahara. And it's actually a very famous film, period. It's another film that belongs in the category of avant-garde existentialism. It's a deep probing film about identity, freedom, and life. It will not go away when it's over. More information and a trailer: http://mubi.com/films/woman-in-the-dunes

Secret Sunshine (subtitled): This film features a devastating performance by the lead. It asks some tough questions. Midway through might put the viewer in a position to judge, but nothing is cut and dried in this film: The trailer: http://www.criterion.com/films/27750-secret-sunshine?q=autocomplete

[finkleshnorts]

Big Trouble in Little China
Mannequin
Eraserhead

Just kidding - im a blank slate with a lot of the movies on this list.  From the suggestions here, I'm going to check them out.  Hope they're on the Netflix.

If you can find some on netflix, could you post them here? I can't really browse netflix with my TV remote.

[FirstAscent]

Big Trouble in Little China
Mannequin
Eraserhead

Just kidding - im a blank slate with a lot of the movies on this list.  From the suggestions here, I'm going to check them out.  Hope they're on the Netflix.

If you can find some on netflix, could you post them here? I can't really browse netflix with my TV remote.

For Criterion films, (many of the films I recommend are Criterion films), Hulu would be the place to stream them. Example: scan down the right hand column of this page: http://www.criterion.com/films/27604-pale-flower

[kibblesnbits]

Big Trouble in Little China
Mannequin
Eraserhead

Just kidding - im a blank slate with a lot of the movies on this list.  From the suggestions here, I'm going to check them out.  Hope they're on the Netflix.

If you can find some on netflix, could you post them here? I can't really browse netflix with my TV remote.

(I hope your not talking about my three suggestions...)

Let Me In is confirmed on NetFlix.  First on my list.

[FirstAscent]

Big Trouble in Little China
Mannequin
Eraserhead

Just kidding - im a blank slate with a lot of the movies on this list.  From the suggestions here, I'm going to check them out.  Hope they're on the Netflix.

If you can find some on netflix, could you post them here? I can't really browse netflix with my TV remote.

(I hope your not talking about my three suggestions...)

Let Me In is confirmed on NetFlix.  First on my list.

So very glad that someone is going to watch my recommendations. Or is this just a coincidence? Are you going to go for all eleven films in my recent list a few posts back? Which ones caught your attention?

On a sidenote: I wish Wong Kar-Wai's Blu-ray of Days of Being Wild would arrive in my mailbox already: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cExEkJjyD8

[FirstAscent]

Two directors have come to my attention lately. They are Yoshishige Yoshida and Hou Hsiao-hsien. I actually can't believe how much Yoshida's A Story Written With Water looks like Hiroshi Teshigahara's work, after watching a trailer.

I definitely want to see Hou Hsiao-hsien's Cafe Lumiere.

Other titles of interest to me so far by these two guys are:

Director Hou Hsiao-hsien:
- A Time to Live and a Time to Die
- Three Times
- The Puppetmaster
- Good Men, Good Women
- Flowers of Shanghai
- Millennium Mambo

Director  Yoshishige Yoshida:
- Heroic Purgatory
- The Affair
- Flame and Women
- Woman of the Lake
- Eros Plus Massacre

Admit it, you've got to love the titles of some of these films. Especially those of the Japanese New Wave (Yoshishige Yoshida in this case).

Of course, after watching Edward Yang's Yi Yi, and being blown away by it, I've started to explore his catalog of films as well.

[naypalm]

God Bless America
Idiocracy

Movies about stupid people. God bless America is a gore-fest. Idiocracy is Idiocracy.

[LightRider]

Looper is a dumb movie.

[FirstAscent]

Looper is a dumb movie.

I haven't seen it, but you're probably right. Read the thread. There are some gems in here. Start with this post ( https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=109868.msg1224410#msg1224410 ), and then go back and read through the whole thread.

[kibblesnbits]

Big Trouble in Little China
Mannequin
Eraserhead

Just kidding - im a blank slate with a lot of the movies on this list.  From the suggestions here, I'm going to check them out.  Hope they're on the Netflix.

If you can find some on netflix, could you post them here? I can't really browse netflix with my TV remote.

(I hope your not talking about my three suggestions...)

Let Me In is confirmed on NetFlix.  First on my list.

So very glad that someone is going to watch my recommendations. Or is this just a coincidence? Are you going to go for all eleven films in my recent list a few posts back? Which ones caught your attention?

On a sidenote: I wish Wong Kar-Wai's Blu-ray of Days of Being Wild would arrive in my mailbox already: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cExEkJjyD8

Watched "Let the Right One In"(english subtitled) - very good movie, I'll add it to the dark,snowy movies (The Shining) that I throw in once the snow starts here.  First big snowfall - always The Shining. 

Anyone watch "Inherit the Wind" with Spencer Tracy?  That's a really great movie and a great cast.  Harry Morgan is a judge, Dick York (Bewitched) is on trial.

[FirstAscent]

Big Trouble in Little China
Mannequin
Eraserhead

Just kidding - im a blank slate with a lot of the movies on this list.  From the suggestions here, I'm going to check them out.  Hope they're on the Netflix.

If you can find some on netflix, could you post them here? I can't really browse netflix with my TV remote.

(I hope your not talking about my three suggestions...)

Let Me In is confirmed on NetFlix.  First on my list.

So very glad that someone is going to watch my recommendations. Or is this just a coincidence? Are you going to go for all eleven films in my recent list a few posts back? Which ones caught your attention?

On a sidenote: I wish Wong Kar-Wai's Blu-ray of Days of Being Wild would arrive in my mailbox already: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cExEkJjyD8

Watched "Let the Right One In"(english subtitled) - very good movie, I'll add it to the dark,snowy movies (The Shining) that I throw in once the snow starts here.  First big snowfall - always The Shining.

Just for the record, I did not recommend Let the Right One In.

In my opinion, it's too bad you watched Let the Right One In instead of Let Me In. The problem is, people who watch Let the Right One In before Let Me In in general can't help but criticize Let Me In, and their experience of watching Let Me In is reduced considerably. This is unfortunate, because objectively speaking, Let Me In is a better made film by far. What it has that Let the Right One In does not is:

- Better soundtrack
- Better acting
- A more tightly focused story
- Better cinematography
- Better lighting
- Deeper film grammar (watching the film over and over reveals subtle metaphors within the shots)

It's actually a major point of contention between those who watched Let the Right One In first, and those who appreciate Let Me In. Anyway, if you want to watch any of the movies I've recommended, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so.

[Jermainé]

^ i hardly watch remakes so i'd have to agree with ya first.

however Judge Dredd(2012) blew my mind off into the abyss. Must see for action fans

[cbeast]

Has anyone seen Ink? It's probably one of the most creative extremely low budget films I've seen.

[FirstAscent]

^ i hardly watch remakes so i'd have to agree with ya first.

however Judge Dredd(2012) blew my mind off into the abyss. Must see for action fans

Let Me In is very well done. 89% critical review on RottenTomatoes. Three and a half stars (out of four) given by Roger Ebert. Stephen King calls it the best American horror movie in twenty years.

All that aside, it's an incredible movie. Suspenseful, beautiful, tragic, melancholy, etc. All four actors give fantastic performances: Chloe Moretz, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Elias Koteas and Richard Jenkins.

On a different note, I'm excited by the arrival of seven movies in the mail today:

Director Jean-Pierre Melville:
- Army of Shadows: http://www.criterion.com/films/153-army-of-shadows

Director Wong Kar-Wai:
- Days of Being Wild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cExEkJjyD8

Director Yasujiro Ozu:
- Early Spring: http://www.criterion.com/films/770-early-spring
- Tokyo Twilight: http://www.criterion.com/films/771-tokyo-twilight
- Equinox Flower: http://www.criterion.com/films/783-equinox-flower
- Late Autumn: http://www.criterion.com/films/800-late-autumn
- The End of Summer: http://www.criterion.com/films/801-the-end-of-summer

I'm very excited. I'm not sure which one to watch first.

[FirstAscent]

Has anyone seen Ink? It's probably one of the most creative extremely low budget films I've seen.

When you judge a low budget film, do you judge it from the context of "Well, it's good considering it has no budget" or do you judge it from the context of "Well, it moves me emotionally or makes me think hard or just plain wows me in one way or another."?

By the way, Ink is getting three and a half (out of five) stars at MUBI, and they're a pretty tough crowd.

[cbeast]

Has anyone seen Ink? It's probably one of the most creative extremely low budget films I've seen.

When you judge a low budget film, do you judge it from the context of "Well, it's good considering it has no budget" or do you judge it from the context of "Well, it moves me emotionally or makes me think hard or just plain wows me in one way or another."?

By the way, Ink is getting three and a half (out of five) stars at MUBI, and they're a pretty tough crowd.

For a digicam no budget movie it had the most creative direction, camera work, and editing I'd seen at any budget. Films like that almost make me want to get back into video... almost.

[FirstAscent]

Has anyone seen Ink? It's probably one of the most creative extremely low budget films I've seen.

When you judge a low budget film, do you judge it from the context of "Well, it's good considering it has no budget" or do you judge it from the context of "Well, it moves me emotionally or makes me think hard or just plain wows me in one way or another."?

By the way, Ink is getting three and a half (out of five) stars at MUBI, and they're a pretty tough crowd.

For a digicam no budget movie it had the most creative direction, camera work, and editing I'd seen at any budget. Films like that almost make me want to get back into video... almost.

Without commenting on Ink specifically, as I know virtually nothing of it, the notion of creative direction and creative camera work and creative editing can mean many things. But sometimes I think people misjudge. I actually think the camera work in the first half of Melancholia (as an example, if you've seen it) was terrible. And they didn't exactly have a low budget or unskilled camera operators. They were using Arri Alexas, which are about as good as it gets. So the only thing one can assume is the terrible camera work was an attempt at being creative. But it was just awful. By awful, I mean blown highlights and hunting for focus. Shit that didn't make it a better movie.

Then there's fast cuts. They have their place, but they're unfortunately used sometimes to mask bad filmmaking. The Jason Bourne series utilized fast cuts well in fights, but for every good use of them, there are ten poor uses of fast cuts. If the camera guy is thinking that fast cuts are the way to mask bad camera work or poorly conceived cinematography, well then, he's just bad at his craft. Yes, fast cuts can turn shitty camera work into a rhythmic montage of images, which is better than nothing, but it's not great filmmaking.

To me, great filmmaking is understood when it's seen. It typically features slow choreographed camera work, powerful acting which shows emotion, lighting which is mesmerizing, and art direction that gives clues to plot and character through the visual placement of reflections and props which are telling secondary stories or metaphors, all accompanied by a soundtrack which fuses eloquently with the story.

[cbeast]

Has anyone seen Ink? It's probably one of the most creative extremely low budget films I've seen.

When you judge a low budget film, do you judge it from the context of "Well, it's good considering it has no budget" or do you judge it from the context of "Well, it moves me emotionally or makes me think hard or just plain wows me in one way or another."?

By the way, Ink is getting three and a half (out of five) stars at MUBI, and they're a pretty tough crowd.

For a digicam no budget movie it had the most creative direction, camera work, and editing I'd seen at any budget. Films like that almost make me want to get back into video... almost.

To me, great filmmaking is understood when it's seen.

Indeed.

[Roger_Murdock]

Looper is a dumb movie.

I actually thought it was pretty good. A little silly, but certainly entertaining. I do have one quibble. I'm normally pretty good about suspending my disbelief for the purposes of enjoying a movie, but there was one thing about this movie that made that almost impossible.  The future mobsters pay the assassins (who are 30 years in the past) by sending silver or gold back with the targets. Wouldn't that be prohibitively expensive?  Why not send millions of dollars worth of fiat back? That would cost the mobsters almost nothing while still representing some real purchasing power back in the past.  At least they didn't pay by sending Bitcoin private keys back. That would have been REALLY unrealistic.

[finkleshnorts]

Big Trouble in Little China
Mannequin
Eraserhead

Just kidding - im a blank slate with a lot of the movies on this list.  From the suggestions here, I'm going to check them out.  Hope they're on the Netflix.

If you can find some on netflix, could you post them here? I can't really browse netflix with my TV remote.

For Criterion films, (many of the films I recommend are Criterion films), Hulu would be the place to stream them. Example: scan down the right hand column of this page: http://www.criterion.com/films/27604-pale-flower

Perfect! I'll watch this next chance I get. I've been super busy lately.

[FirstAscent]

Perfect! I'll watch this next chance I get. I've been super busy lately.

Criterion films on Hulu: http://www.hulu.com/movies/criterion

A few notes:

- Note that each section is actually a gateway to a whole list of films.
- Only some Criterion films are available on Hulu.
- Some Criterion films which are not currently a DVD or Blu-ray are on Hulu
- In re to above, for example: With Beauty and Sorrow (With Beauty and Sadness): http://www.hulu.com/watch/406759

With Beauty and Sorrow is one of many on my 'list' of films to watch. It was directed by Masahiro Shinoda, who also directed Pale Flower. Mariko Kaga is in it. I found this film within the bottom section on the Hulu page. Scan that section, as it features a huge number of movies, many of which are not yet officially in the Criterion disc collection, and it makes me wonder if these films will soon be in the Criterion disc collection.

[FirstAscent]

After all of us took a much deserved two day vacation from this thread, it's high time all four or five of us get back to work and continue the discussion on movies. Such endless possibilities! And that means you.

[FirstAscent]

I watched Yasujiro Ozu's Tokyo Twilight last night. Wow.

http://www.criterion.com/films/771-tokyo-twilight

[Wekkel]

If you list City of God, why not list Tropa de Elite and Tropa de Elite 2 as well 

*Tropa de Elite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjY62OrSIAo&hd=1

*Tropa de Elite 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfKRvqTvTuo&hd=1

[alexanderanon]

Glad I found this thread.

I have to first echo an earlier poster's adulation for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. A beautiful, wistful, mesmerizing masterpiece. But let me focus on the soundtrack by Nick Cave (who also wrote the film) and his bandmate Warren Ellis. I like to think my musical knowledge is of a pretty wide scope, yet, I can't help but award the soundtrack album as probably my all time favorite album. Dreamy, evocative, and masterfully crafted. I listen to it many times a week:
All Thing's Beautiful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DlYX2eKDvI
Mary's Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB9_9_TpdPo

But this level of genius is to be expected of Nick Cave (and Warren Ellis). Check out The Proposition , also written by Cave, which itself features incredible music and sweeping views of the unforgiving Australian desert.
The preferred trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcmXPkzJyks

And lastly on this Nick Cave theme, his first collaboration with director John Hillcoat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwSETqqhhgo
Ghosts of the Civil Dead is a violent work depicting an increasingly oppressive prison atmosphere as it slowly reaches boiling point.

And as for my other favorite movies apart from Nick Cave, I look to Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet. Very much an adaption from the original theater work, it certainly conveys a stage atmosphere with minimal cinematography and scene variety, but with the A-list cast, I don't think you'll mind at all. Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin, Jack Lemmon, Kevin Spacey, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin...all in career performances. The lines read like fuckin' poetry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgAU2RJHfvE

[FirstAscent]

Glad I found this thread.

Welcome! Please participate.

And as for my other favorite movies apart from Nick Cave, I look to Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet. Very much an adaption from the original theater work, it certainly conveys a stage atmosphere with minimal cinematography and scene variety, but with the A-list cast, I don't think you'll mind at all. Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin, Jack Lemmon, Kevin Spacey, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin...all in career performances. The lines read like fuckin' poetry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgAU2RJHfvE

I've seen Glengarry Glen Ross. It is a very interesting film, and never dull.

I've been watching Yasujiro Ozu's films this week. Tokyo Twilight was my most recent. Very powerful. Here is a summary of recent recommendations I made in this very thread. Watch these if you haven't already: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=109868.msg1224410#msg1224410

[yrtrnc]

Godfather 1,2,3
Shawshank redemption

[LightRider]

The Zeitgeist Documentary series is the most influential and profound documentary trilogy that I've ever seen.

www.zeitgeistmovie.com

[FirstAscent]

After watching Ozu's powerful Tokyo Twilight two nights ago, I watched Ozu's Equinox Flower last night. Equinox Flower was very enjoyable, but Tokyo Twilight definitely wins with regard to emotional power. Screening at my residence tonight is Ozu's Late Autumn.

Earlier this week I watched Ozu's Early Spring, which starred both Ryô Ikebe anid Keiko Kishi. Ryô Ikebe, of course, also starred in Shinoda's Pale Flower, a must watch for readers of this thread. Watch the mouthwatering trailer of Pale Flower here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU . Keiko Kishi starred in Ichikawa's The Makioka Sisters about 35 years after appearing in Ozu's Early Spring. I really liked The Makioka Sisters. Watch the trailer here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1zeU16TuI4  

Interestingly, both Equinox Flower and The Makioka Sisters feature a daughter named Yukiko who is stubborn to marry.

[FirstAscent]

The 50 second tribute to Lulu...

Some people don't really like Wong Kar-Wai's 2046, but most do. But almost everybody agrees that its melding of music with imagery is amazing. The story meanders, but in a beautiful way. It's hard to describe. Consider the short clip linked to below. Lulu's story comes to a close, and then, and here's one of many examples of why the film is so magical, we get a little 50 second tribute to Lulu. The quality of the Youtube clip is crap and is too dark, but you'll get the idea. In the context of watching the film, these little segments are just sublime.

The clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=WOAS0k30ksU#t=28s

The mind blowing nightclub shot...

Watch the choreography in the following shot. It's all in some pseudo stylized slow motion as we watch one woman enter, another exit, and then a third giving the bald guy a smack on his head as she exits.

The clip: www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=G0XoGNy-4_c#t=510s

[Eridani]

With movies (like any other entertainment medium) there's the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. While I do have some quirky and odd films lying around and waiting to be watched (S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Fantastic Planet, The Holy Mountain, Beyond the Black Rainbow), there's very little purpose in me watching them in the first place. 'Twas never all that interested in sitting down for hours watching a strewn sequence of events take place, even though there were a few popular/unknown movies that struck my fancy when I saw them with friends.

From my experience watching Spirited Away a handful of times over the years, I'd have to vouch for Studio Ghibli as being one of the best animated movie producers out there. The artwork is absolutely stunning for what it is, especially when considering that it isn't your run-of-the-mill CGI and the animations are downright fluid for hours on end. How can you not adore those signature characters on the screen: Totoro, Chihiro, etc.?

But as aforementioned, there's always a horrendous disasterpiece to counterbalance the successes of certain films and film producers/directors. If you've ever heard about or seen any Tommy Wiseau work, you can understand where I'm going with this. If you can or have watched through The Room without cracking a smile, busting out in laughter, or breaking down at the incredibly ludicrous acting... props to you! His whole catalogue of films is a slurred chronology of bad and what not to do while directing, producing, or acting in a film; Hell, it's a pain even bringing the petty fool up for discussion!

Yeah, I know that these snippets don't cut it in comparison to the preceding reviews... My experience with film and cinema remains very limited at this point in time (something I hope to change in the near future). But this thread looks to be a very promising goldmine of quality cinematic ventures; I'll be more than happy to take a gander at some of these works at a later date!

[FirstAscent]

With movies (like any other entertainment medium) there's the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. While I do have some quirky and odd films lying around and waiting to be watched (S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Fantastic Planet, The Holy Mountain, Beyond the Black Rainbow), there's very little purpose in me watching them in the first place. 'Twas never all that interested in sitting down for hours watching a strewn sequence of events take place, even though there were a few popular/unknown movies that struck my fancy when I saw them with friends.

There is a game called S.T.A.L.K.E.R. There is a very famous film called Stalker, directed by the very famous Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky. He also directed The Mirror, Ivan's Childhood, and others. These three films are present on various lists I have created in this thread. I am not familiar with a film called S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Please clarify.

Regarding the other three films you have mentioned above, they all appear weird. That is not a bad thing at all. I am vaguely aware of the titles, but otherwise know little or nothing about them. Stalker could certainly be considered to be a weird film. I have mentioned some rather strange films in the thread, among them House and Woman in the Dunes, and perhaps even Jigoku. But aside from your mention of Spirited Away, weird films make up the majority of films you have mentioned. How critically acclaimed are they? I guess my point is, given all that you've said, and all that is obviously missing from your post, what range of film watching experience do you count as contributing to your opinion of films?

From my experience watching Spirited Away a handful of times over the years, I'd have to vouch for Studio Ghibli as being one of the best animated movie producers out there. The artwork is absolutely stunning for what it is, especially when considering that it isn't your run-of-the-mill CGI and the animations are downright fluid for hours on end. How can you not adore those signature characters on the screen: Totoro, Chihiro, etc.?

Spirited Away is on my list of films to watch, and most any other animated film from the same director. These animated films hit my radar the same way almost all the other films on my list have hit my radar. What I mean by this is by applying the proper filters and following various links, a net is cast which captures the films of note.

But as aforementioned, there's always a horrendous disasterpiece to counterbalance the successes of certain films and film producers/directors. If you've ever heard about or seen any Tommy Wiseau work, you can understand where I'm going with this. If you can or have watched through The Room without cracking a smile, busting out in laughter, or breaking down at the incredibly ludicrous acting... props to you! His whole catalogue of films is a slurred chronology of bad and what not to do while directing, producing, or acting in a film; Hell, it's a pain even bringing the petty fool up for discussion!

Life is too short to watch countless bad movies. Repeated watching of bad movies only leads one to become skeptical of the film watching experience. But there are so many fine movies, each with their own merits. As I just mentioned above, application of the proper film discovery methods leads to many fine gems.

Yeah, I know that these snippets don't cut it in comparison to the preceding reviews... My experience with film and cinema remains very limited at this point in time (something I hope to change in the near future).

One can enjoy many different film genres simultaneously. Appreciating fine films on their own merits is key. I would never apply the same metric when watching a Yasujiro Ozu film of the '50s vs. a Marvel Studios film of the last ten years. Iron Man delivers polished action and fun. Tokyo Twilight (Ozu) delivers powerful observations of strife within family relationships which will have you crying. I recommend both. I'm sure you've seen Iron Man. I can be fairly confident you haven't seen Tokyo Twilight.

But this thread looks to be a very promising goldmine of quality cinematic ventures; I'll be more than happy to take a gander at some of these works at a later date!

Start with a set of keywords. They will lead you to good places. In general I won't mention obvious keywords, directors, films, etc. For example, everyone knows about Star Wars, The Avengers, etc. Most people have heard of Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, and yet it's surprising how many people haven't seen the film, let alone have seen it properly, so it must be referenced, one way or another.

Some keywords:
- Criterion (publisher of critically acclaimed films, and lesser known arthouse films)
- Japanese New Wave
- French New Wave
- Asian cinema
- MUBI (social networking - see what people are discussing)

53 films to watch right now:

Tokyo Twilight: This is an exceptional film from director Yasujiro Ozu. It will leave you in tears. More info: http://www.criterion.com/films/771-tokyo-twilight

In the Mood for Love: This film is pretty much considered to be Wong Kar-Wai's masterpiece. However, watch his other films as well. In the Mood for Love is actually the second in a very loose trilogy, comprised of Days of Being Wild, In the Mood for Love, and 2046. More info and trailer for the film: http://www.criterion.com/films/198-in-the-mood-for-love

Let Me In: This film is very underrated. The problem is further compounded by those who watched the Swedish version first, and can't accept the fact that Let Me In is actually an astounding film. Why? It has an extraordinarily beautiful soundtrack, superb acting, beautiful lighting, metaphors within the cinematography and lyrics, and the story is simultaneously tragic and beautiful. A clip from the film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F62GjsKAfNs&feature=relmfu

2001: A Space Odyssey: Maybe you've seen this. But if you haven't seen it properly, then you need to watch it again. It is generally considered the greatest science fiction film ever made, is pretty much considered one of the greatest films ever made (consistently in the top ten - Sight & Sound's Directors Poll rates it at #2), and is generally one of the most discussed films ever, and will continue to be for the next 100 years. Watch every minute of this film with rapt attention. It is simultaneously very slow (sometimes boring), and yet also the most incredible trip anyone will ever go on: I defy you to watch the following clip and tell me it isn't art of the highest form. And remember this film was produced 46 years ago. Yes - 46 years ago, as production began in 1966. A clip from the film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpvOUnz4T7Q

The Innkeepers: Horror done right. It's not about blood. It's about what forces lie down the hallway when you're alone at night. More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-innkeepers

Pale Flower (subtitled): I truly love this film. It's a beautiful example of the Japanese New Wave of the sixties. It's a noir with the deepest blacks and whites that almost seem blue. It's a morality tale (or would that be an immorality tale?). Whatever the case, you should watch it. The original trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

Hunger: This film will take you to the grave. Fassbender's performance is dedicated, to say the least, and McQueen's direction is fantastic. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9IiUbBV4zc&feature=relmfu

The Face of Another (subtitled): This is another film from the Japanese New Wave. However, it's also a film from Hiroshi Teshigahara. That means a lot. Please do not consider passing this one by. Tell me, how many films have you watched which belong to the category of avant-garde existentialism? I thought so. This film will stay in your mind. Trust me. The trailer just doesn't do the film justice. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK5Rz6txcDU

Yi Yi (subtitled): How can I convey what a beautiful film this is? So poignant, powerful, touching, sad, and wonderful. It's long, but worthy of several viewings. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F6tSorwYqw

Never Let Me Go: Carey Mulligan and Izzy Meikle-Small's performance are beyond measure. The cinematography is beautiful. The story just stabs you in the heart. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXiRZhDEo8A

2046 (subtitled): Are you prepared to watch what many consider to be one of the most beautifully filmed movies ever? Until you've watched a Wong Kar-Wai film, you're not yet complete. There are films, and then there are Wong Kar-Wai films. Words to describe his works? Dreamy. Sublime. Swooning. Meditative. Sumptuous. Beautiful. He is the master of love found and lost across the hallway corridor, and his films are a visual and auditory experience that just sings to the soul. The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8OAxS9L7es

Here's an example of Wong Kar-Wai's film grammar (and Zhang Ziyi's incredible performance). In this clip from 2046 (only this scene is in black and white), Zhang's character realizes she's just fallen in love. The clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRfPF3tLIGQ

Mystery Train: I don't know how to describe this one. All I can say is, it provides fond memories after having watched it. The trailer: http://www.criterion.com/films/2057-mystery-train?q=autocomplete

Woman in the Dunes (subtitled): This is pretty much the most famous film from Hiroshi Teshigahara. And it's actually a very famous film, period. It's another film that belongs in the category of avant-garde existentialism. It's a deep probing film about identity, freedom, and life. It will not go away when it's over. More information and a trailer: http://mubi.com/films/woman-in-the-dunes

Inglourious Basterds: This movie has grown on me. On the second and subsequent viewings, I have come to really enjoy this film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/inglourious-basterds

Chungking Express: Wong Kar-Wai banged out this movie because he and his actors needed a break while filming Ashes of Time. Despite the quick production, it's a beautiful and fun movie to watch. Faye Wong, one of the stars in the film, also covers a song by the Cranberries, in Cantonese! More info: http://mubi.com/films/chungking-express

Barry Lyndon: This is a Stanley Kubrick film. He actually used special lenses from NASA to film many of the scenes lit only by candlelight. More info: http://mubi.com/films/barry-lyndon

An Education: Carey Mulligan shines in this modern film about a student in 1960's London coming of age. More info: http://mubi.com/films/an-education

Three Colors: Blue: Juliet Binoche stars in this in this beautiful french film about surviving tragedy. More info: http://mubi.com/films/three-colors-blue

No Country for Old Men: Who doesn't like this movie? One of the Coen Brothers' best. More info: http://mubi.com/films/no-country-for-old-men

Lost in Translation: Sofia Coppola says she was most inspired by Wong Kar-Wai's film In the Mood for Love (see further above) when she directed this film starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. More info: http://mubi.com/films/lost-in-translation

Secret Sunshine (subtitled): This film features a devastating performance by the lead. It asks some tough questions. Midway through might put the viewer in a position to judge, but nothing is cut and dried in this film: The trailer: http://www.criterion.com/films/27750-secret-sunshine?q=autocomplete

True Grit: I love this film by the Coen Brothers. Hailee Steinfeld steals the show. More info: http://mubi.com/films/true-grit--2

The Makioka Sisters: This film might not be for everyone. But if you give it a chance, you'll be drawn into the lives of these four Japanese sisters. More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-makioka-sisters

Jane Eyre: The cinematography in this film is excellent and the dialogue between Jane and Mr. Blackthorne is top notch. Some of the shots look like Rembrandt paintings. More info: http://mubi.com/films/jane-eyre--2

The Thin Red Line: A surreal existentialist piece by Terrence Malick. More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-thin-red-line

The asterisk next to the following movies indicate that I actually have not yet seen the following films, but they are so highly critically acclaimed or loved by many, and on my soon to watch list, that they bear mentioning.

*Raise the Red Lantern: More info: http://mubi.com/films/raise-the-red-lantern

*Cyclo: More info: http://mubi.com/films/cyclo

*The Human Condition: More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-human-condition

*Seven Samurai: Without a doubt Akira Kurosawa's most famous film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/seven-samurai

*The Cranes are Flying: Russian film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-cranes-are-flying

*The Spirit of the Beehive: Spanish film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-spirit-of-the-beehive

*Tokyo Story: Yasijuro's most famous film and voted the greatest film of all time. More info: http://mubi.com/films/tokyo-story

*Raging Bull: A Martin Scorsese film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/raging-bull

*Lust, Caution: More info: http://mubi.com/films/lust-caution

*Fallen Angels: A Wong Kar-Wai film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/fallen-angels

*Oldboy: More info: http://mubi.com/films/oldboy

*The Mirror: One of Andrei Tarkovsky's most famous films. More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-mirror

*Woman of the Lake: More info: http://mubi.com/films/woman-of-the-lake

*Twenty-four Eyes: A Japanese film very much loved film by the Japanese. More info: http://mubi.com/films/twenty-four-eyes

*Vengeance is Mine: More info (trailer contains nudity): http://mubi.com/films/vengeance-is-mine

*Ashes of Time Redux: A Wong Kar-Wai film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/ashes-of-time

*The Insect Woman: More info: http://mubi.com/films/the-insect-woman

*Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring: More info: http://mubi.com/films/spring-summer-fall-winter-and-spring

*Adaptation: More info: http://mubi.com/films/adaptation

*Poetry: More info: http://mubi.com/films/poetry

*Farewell my Concubine: More info: http://mubi.com/films/farewell-my-concubine

*Intentions of Murder: More info: http://mubi.com/films/intentions-of-murder

*Sansho the Bailiff: More info: http://mubi.com/films/sansho-the-bailiff

*Rashomon: More info: http://mubi.com/films/rashomon

*Ivan's Childhood: One of Andre Tarkovsky's most famous films. Actually, does Tarkovsky have any films that are not famous? More info: http://mubi.com/films/ivans-childhood

*When a Woman Ascends the Stairs: More info: http://mubi.com/films/when-a-woman-ascends-the-stairs

*Yojimbo: An Akira Kurosawa film. More info: http://mubi.com/films/yojimbo

*Harakiri: More info: http://mubi.com/films/harakiri

*Cafe Lumiere: More info: http://mubi.com/films/cafe-lumiere

*Ugetsu: Considered to be one of the greatest films of all time. More info: http://mubi.com/films/ugetsu

*Street of Shame: More info: http://mubi.com/films/street-of-shame

Some directors:
- Yasujiro Ozu
- Wong Kar-Wai
- Wes Anderson
- Akira Kurosawa
- Edward Yang
- Tran Anh Hung
- Kon Ichikawa
- Ti West
- Stanley Kubrick
- Masahiro Shinoda
- Hiroshi Teshigahara
- Lee Chang-dong
- Hou Hsaio-hsien
- Yoshishige Yoshida
- Kenji Mizoguchi
- Jean-Luc-Godard
- Ko Nakahira
- Louis Malle
- Koreyoshi Kurahara
- Keisuke Kinohita
- Shohei Imamura
- Nagasi Oshima
- Satyajit Ray
- Ang Lee
- Mikio Naruse
- Masaki Kobayashi
- Philip Kaufman
- Hirokazu Kore-ada
- Zhang Yimou
- Sejun Suzuki
- Werner Herzog
- Andrei Tarkovsky
- Lars von Trier
- Brad Bird
- Michael Mann
- Danny Boyle
- Joe Wright
- Coen Brothers
- David Fincher
- Jim Jamusch
- Krzysztof Kieślowski
- David Cronenberg
- Steve McQueen
- Terrence Malick
- Quentin Tarantino
- Sofia Coppola
- Jean-Pierre Melville
- Martin Scorsese
- Hayao Miyazaki

[FirstAscent]

I'm loving this one trailer and one clip. I want to see these two films now really badly now.

Wong Kar-Wai (director):
Ashes of Time Redux (trailer): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saHxm_md60c

Akira Kurosawa (director):
Ikiru (clip): http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nr2d6PsRpsc

[FirstAscent]

So I watched Manji last night. The 1964 film's plot is rather intricate and deals with more than the two beautiful Japanese women becoming infatuated with each others' bodies and the sexual relationship between them which follows.

Manji: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-5XRJYsOlc

[Jermainé]

So I watched Manji last night. The 1964 film's plot is rather intricate and deals with more than the two beautiful Japanese women becoming infatuated with each others' bodies and the sexual relationship between them which follows.

Manji: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-5XRJYsOlc

waaaa? Sounds like my kinda movie. Ill have to hit up netflix

[FirstAscent]

So I watched Manji last night. The 1964 film's plot is rather intricate and deals with more than the two beautiful Japanese women becoming infatuated with each others' bodies and the sexual relationship between them which follows.

Manji: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-5XRJYsOlc

waaaa? Sounds like my kinda movie. Ill have to hit up netflix

Erotic themes were quite common in Japanese films of the '60s - i.e The Japanese New Wave. Consider Gate of Flesh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0xWk4_EMx4

Women in the Dunes had a healthy dose of eroticism in it (a film I've repeatedly recommended here). But please, do not confuse these wonderful films which explore identity and freedom with trashy material. I do not promote trashy material here.

Below is a starter list for those wishing to explore Asian cinema in greater depth. The list here is just shy of 200 films. I have easily another 100 films to add to this list. These are not random selections, but carefully selected for their fame, winning of awards, their directors, critic reviews and public opinion. I have not seen them all, but I'm working on it. There are many very famous and highly revered films in this list. One of them is considered to be the greatest film ever made according to a directors' poll. Watch them all. Two or three times each. They are listed in no particular order.

The Host
Manji: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-5XRJYsOlc
The Warped Ones
Chungking Express: http://mubi.com/films/chungking-express
I Hate But Love
2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=G0XoGNy-4_c#t=1826s
Late Spring
Late Autumn
Farewell my Concubine
A Bittersweet Life
Ashes of Time Redux: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saHxm_md60c
Equinox Flower
Early Spring
Battle Royale
Tokyo Twilight: http://mubi.com/films/tokyo-twilight
The Scent of Green Papaya
Days of Being Wild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cExEkJjyD8
High and Low
Cyclo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdOPQj8ccPA
Yi Yi: http://mubi.com/films/yi-yi-a-one-and-a-two
The Makioka Sisters
Pale Flower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU
Woman in the Dunes
The Face of Another
Pitfall
Secret Sunshine
Tokyo Drifter
Branded to Kill
No Regrets of our Youth
Priest of Darkness
Spirited Away
My Summer at Grandpa's
The Sandwich Man
Taipei Story
That Day, on the Beach: http://mubi.com/films/that-day-on-the-beach
Temptress Moon
Three... Extremes
Black Sun
A Borrowed Life
The Third Dead Angle
Intimidation
Thirst For Love
Lightning
Sudden Rain
Sound of the Mountain
A Wife's Heart
Untamed
Doube Suicide
Japanese Summer: Double Suicide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1J9Migw-zQ
Anzukko
Daughters, Wives and a Mother
As a Wife, As a Woman
A Wanderer's Notebook
A Woman's Story
Yearning
Mother
I Lived,  But...
Affair in the Snow
Flame and Women: http://mubi.com/films/flame-and-women
Home From the Sea
All About Lily Chou-Chou: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDr1scwNC78
All Around Us
Tokyo Sonata
The Taste of Tea: http://mubi.com/films/the-taste-of-tea
Vibrator
Black Rain (Shohei Imamura)
Under the Blossoming Cherry Trees
Pandemomium
Scattered Clouds
Silence Has no Wings
The Bad Sleep Well
Flowing
The Crucified Woman
Where Chimneys are Seen: http://mubi.com/films/where-chimneys-are-seen
Flavor of Green Tea over Rice
The Story of the Late Chrysanthemums
What Time is it There?
After the Rain
Spring in a Small Town (1948)
Floating Clouds (1955): http://mubi.com/films/floating-clouds
Blind Beast
Giants and Toys
Seisaku's Wife
The Wife of Seishu Hanaoka
The Terrorizers
A City of Sadness: http://mubi.com/films/a-city-of-sadness
Women in the Mirror
Coup D'Etat
The Human Promise
The Affair: http://mubi.com/films/the-affair
A Time to Live and a Time to Die
Three Times
The Puppetmaster
Good Men, Good Women
Flowers of Shanghai
Millennium Mambo
A Brighter Summer Day
Silence
Childhood Days
Spy Sorge
The Housemaid (1960)
Three Seasons
Forever Enthralled
Devils on the Doorstep
The Housemaid (2010)
Ju Dou
A Confucian Confusion
Fires on the Plain
Cure
The Clone Returns Home
Sansho the Bailiff
Heroic Purgatory: http://mubi.com/films/heroic-purgatory
A Story Written With Water: http://mubi.com/films/a-story-written-with-water
Woman of the Lake
Crazed Fruit
I am Waiting: http://www.criterion.com/films/2955-i-am-waiting
Osaka Elegy
Eros
The Grandmasters
Summer Soldiers
Rikyu
Tears on the Lion's Mane
The Petrified Forest
The Ruined Map
Only on Mondays: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tqW0Ota95Y
With Beauty and Sadness
Manji: www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-5XRJYsOlc
Twenty-four Eyes
Tokyo Olympiad
The Eel
Jigoku
The Insect Woman
The Vertical Ray of the Sun: http://mubi.com/films/the-vertical-ray-of-the-sun--2
Pigs and Battleships
Norwegian Wood
Empire of Passion: http://mubi.com/films/empire-of-passion
Gate of Flesh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0xWk4_EMx4
Antonio Gaudi (Hiroshi Teshigahara)
Kuroneko
Intentions of Murder
A Story of Floating Weeds
Eros Plus Massacre
The Pornographers
Red Cliff
Youth of the Beast
The Only Son
The End of Summer
Death by Hanging
Patriotism (1966)
Street of Shame
Dodes'Ka-Den
Cafe Lumiere: http://mubi.com/films/cafe-lumiere
Lust, Caution: http://mubi.com/films/lust-caution
When a Woman Ascends the Stairs
Vengeance is Mine: http://mubi.com/films/vengeance-is-mine
An Autumn Afternoon
Floating Weeds
Good Morning
Poetry
In the Realm of the Senses
The Human Condition
Early Summer
Last Life in the Universe
Still Walking
Raise the Red Lantern
Dolls
Kwaidan
Onibaba
Mother (2009)
House
The Hidden Fortress
Hard Boiled
Sanjuro
Kagemusha
Audition
Fallen Angels: http://mubi.com/films/fallen-angels
Hero
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring
Harakiri
Ugetsu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgBHeJfnJ5s
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Ikiru
Tokyo Story
Hiroshima, Mon Amour
Yojimbo
Rashomon
Oldboy
In the Mood for Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypY9OaKCfRU
Seven Samurai

I also have included the following movies, despite them not being Asian. One was inspired by Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love and explores Japanese society, one features a young Japanese couple exploring Memphis, and one stars Maggie Cheung, a famous star in Asia.

- Lost in Translation
- Mystery Train: http://mubi.com/films/mystery-train
- Clean

[FirstAscent]

Aside from a few people who made a few posts each, why does it seem that I'm the only one here who has something to say about films? Surely there are others here who have something to say.

[Phinnaeus Gage]

Aside from a few people who made a few posts each, why does it seem that I'm the only one here who has something to say about films? Surely there are others here who have something to say.

Although I enjoy good films, I don't have the intellect on this subject matter to contribute wisely to this thread. (I hope this post doesn't come back and haunt me on some other topic)

~Bruno K~

[FirstAscent]

Aside from a few people who made a few posts each, why does it seem that I'm the only one here who has something to say about films? Surely there are others here who have something to say.

Although I enjoy good films, I don't have the intellect on this subject matter to contribute wisely to this thread. (I hope this post doesn't come back and haunt me on some other topic)

When you say "good films", which do you mean:
- Films which are deemed to be good by some higher standard
- Films which the public really liked

Yasujiro Ozu's Late Spring might fall into the former. The Avengers falls into the latter. I liked both films. Some people might avoid the former for a number of reasons, such as the fact that its black and white, subtitled, older, and lacking any eye popping visuals. Some people might avoid the latter for a number of reasons, such as the fact that its another summer blockbuster that puts action and visuals over a higher intellectual and emotional experience.

As I said, I liked both films. But I'd be curious to hear your idea of what a good film is.

[FirstAscent]

I just watched Farewell My Concubine. Good movie. Nearly three hours long. Outstanding performance by Leslie Cheung. Gong Li stars in it as well.

[FirstAscent]

I have recently watched:

- When a Woman Ascends the Stairs
- No Regrets for our Youth
- One Wonderful Sunday
- Early Summer
- An Autumn Afternoon
- Tokyo Story
- Twenty-four Eyes

All wonderful movies.

Three of them starred Setsuko Hara. That's a big plus. For the first time, I saw Hideko Takamine. Now I want to see all films that she's in.

Please share recent movies you have seen. No spoilers please.

[FirstAscent]

First, this is how the conversation went with myrkul in another thread:

As an aside, here's a beautiful and famous film for you that is anti-war, anti-nationalist, and anti-fascist. Don't miss out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWNl2IbVJMs

Dude, what is it with you and Japanese movies? You're like a fucking hipster or something.

Not to derail the thread, but this needs to be answered, here and now. It has nothing to do with hipsterism. You are completely missing the point. We're all aware of Hollywood films. No need to recommend films which people are aware of. As for Japanese films, most are aware of the Samurai films, the monster films, and likely the gangster films. That's how a lot of the public visualize Japanese cinama. But there's another class of Japanese films that most, such as yourself, are unaware of, and yet are not just considered great Japanese films, but are ranked as some of the greatest films ever made worldwide. Yet so many are unaware of them. Do yourself a big favor, and stop resisting because the messenger is me. As an example, the above recommended film (Twenty-four Eyes) is very powerful. You should experience films by the following Japanese directors: Yasujiro Ozu (Late Spring, Early Summer), Mikio Naruse (When a Woman Ascends the Stairs, Floating Clouds), Kenji Mizoguchi (Ugetso, Street of Shame), Masahiro Shinoda (Pale Flower), Hiroshi Teshigahara (Woman of the Dunes, The Face of Another) and Keisuke Kinoshita (Twenty-four Eyes). And from Tawain: Edward Yang (Yi Yi, A Brighter Summer Day). And from Hong Kong: Wong Kar-Wai (In the Mood for Love, Chungking Express, Days of Being Wild, 2046). And many others.

Ignore them at the risk of never discovering something wonderful. You don't know until you try. Post in the film thread, and continue this discussion. You're invited to debate me, argue with me, post your opinions, post your reviews, or learn more about these films. Give it a shot. You've got nothing to lose, and possibly something to gain.

As a continuation of a reply to myrkul, I submit trailer links to some of my favorite Asian films (mostly Japanese) which I mentioned to myrkul, who might be thinking I'm out to annoy him with film recommendations, and yet that isn't the case at all.

I used to be averse to older films (they're grainy black and white, often have static camera shots, over acting, etc.). But I was wrong. I missed so much. I was also averse to subtitles. But I was wrong. You will get used to subtitles. I promise that. And as for older film stocks, story trumps all.

Regarding the director Mikio Naruse, the actress he uses most is Hideko Takamine. You are missing something wonderful until you see her performances. Same goes for the director Yasujiro Ozu and his favorite actress, Setsuko Hara. These two actresses are considered to be most loved and revered actresses in the history of Japanese cinema, and for good reason. But you'll never know until you start watching films they've appeared in. Why cheat yourself? Here's a fan made video which is a tribute to Setsuko Hara and Hideko Takamine. I admit, you just won't be able to appreciate these two women until you actually watch the stories they appear in, but it's a start.

Here's the tribute to Setsuko Hara and Hideko Takamine: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O6tdZucyVc

One movie I recently watched was Akira Kurosawa's No Regrets for our Youth, starring Setsuko Hara. It's an anti-war film which takes place during World War II.

Here's a fan made tribute to Setsuko Hara from No Regrets for our Youth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUGhS7t903c

Masahiro Shinoda likes to put Mariko Kaga in his films. To say she is cute is about the biggest understatement ever made.

And then, in modern times, we have the stars Wong Kar-Wai likes. They are Tony Leung, Leslie Cheung, Maggie Cheung, Carina Lau, Faye Wong, Zhang Ziyi and Gong Li. Zhang Ziyi's performance in 2046 was absolutely stunning. Maggie Cheung is one of China's biggest stars. All are wonderful.

Mikio Naruse: Naruse generally explores the plight of women with the society they find themselves in.
- When a Woman Ascends the Stairs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooW3aSKfsVA

Wong Kar-Wai: Wong's films are all about unrequited love. He has completely changed the way films are made, and is one of the most controversial directors making films today.
- In the Mood for Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfZbh4cteqI
- 2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8rG4plRMZ4
- Days of Being Wild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cExEkJjyD8
- Chungking Express: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjd7PFf_TFw
- Fallen Angels: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZda7nWftQI

Masahiro Shinoda:
- Pale Flower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

Edward Yang:
- Yi Yi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F6tSorwYqw
- A Brighter Summer Day

Keisuke Kinoshita:
- Twenty-four Eyes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWNl2IbVJMs

Yasujiro Ozu: (two clips, not trailers)
- Early Summer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF3Gz66P2zQ
- Late Spring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyY02NdkINw

[kakobrekla]

Dead Man (1995) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112817/

Jim Jarmusch + Neil Young + Johnny Depp. Hell, even Iggy Pop is in.

Its psychedelic and I continue to watch it occasionally.

[myrkul]

As a continuation of a reply to myrkul, I submit trailer links to some of my favorite Asian films (mostly Japanese) which I mentioned to myrkul, who might be thinking I'm out to annoy him with film recommendations, and yet that isn't the case at all.

Thanks for all the suggestions, and while I won't reject them out of hand simply due to the source, I may or may not watch them. I'll be judging them on their merits, not yours.

Which brings me to the next point. You may not be out to annoy me with film suggestions (regardless of the fact that that is what you are accomplishing), but you are out to (re)educate me. And we know how well reeducation works out for the pupil. When I want culture, I'll go get it. You can stop bringing it to me.
Thanks!

[FirstAscent]

As a continuation of a reply to myrkul, I submit trailer links to some of my favorite Asian films (mostly Japanese) which I mentioned to myrkul, who might be thinking I'm out to annoy him with film recommendations, and yet that isn't the case at all.

Thanks for all the suggestions, and while I won't reject them out of hand simply due to the source, I may or may not watch them. I'll be judging them on their merits, not yours.

Which brings me to the next point. You may not be out to annoy me with film suggestions (regardless of the fact that that is what you are accomplishing), but you are out to (re)educate me. And we know how well reeducation works out for the pupil. When I want culture, I'll go get it. You can stop bringing it to me.
Thanks!

Sharing movies to watch is not reeducation. It's sharing movies to watch. Please share your own suggestions.

And I am waiting for those suggestions. I am indeed curious. Are they tied strictly to your political beliefs? Is V is for Vendetta high on your list? Why would you prefer Bollywood recommendations over Japanese recommendations? Do you prefer intellectually stimulating films? Films with beautiful cinematography? Are you averse to subtitles? Do black and white films turn you off? Do you like films with certain actors or actresses?

Will I disrespect your choices? No, I won't. I'll just try and point you to additional films to watch.

[myrkul]

Sharing movies to watch is not reeducation. It's sharing movies to watch. Please share your own suggestions.

Stalking me with movie recommendations in completely unrelated threads may or may not be an attempt at reeducation, but it sure as hell is annoying. As I said, if and when I want culture, I am more than capable of seeking it out myself. I get that you have discovered Japanese Cinema. I'm glad for you. Contrary to what your Aspergers tells you, however, not everyone is necessarily as interested in it as you are, and definitely not necessarily right this moment. So lay off. At least keep it to this thread. I'm subscribed now (just as I am to that other thread) so if you feel the need to spout off about either subject, feel free. Just don't do so when we're speaking about unrelated topics, capisce?

[FirstAscent]

Sharing movies to watch is not reeducation. It's sharing movies to watch. Please share your own suggestions.

Stalking me with movie recommendations in completely unrelated threads may or may not be an attempt at reeducation, but it sure as hell is annoying. As I said, if and when I want culture, I am more than capable of seeking it out myself. I get that you have discovered Japanese Cinema. I'm glad for you. Contrary to what your Aspergers tells you, however, not everyone is necessarily as interested in it as you are, and definitely not necessarily right this moment. So lay off. At least keep it to this thread. I'm subscribed now (just as I am to that other thread) so if you feel the need to spout off about either subject, feel free. Just don't do so when we're speaking about unrelated topics, capisce?

You're taking it too seriously because of our constant agitation with each other. You are the only one who has been on the receiving end of a film suggestion in any other thread (as far as I can remember). The film recommendations are ways of taking a heated argument and flipping it on its side. No need to be quite so offended by it any more than what would have otherwise transpired in said thread. Once an argument gets to that point, a random reply (that actually might have more value than a continued flame war) is just that.

However, my random film recommendations to you were also, in fact, as you probably sensed, precisely a showing of disrespect to you, in more ways than one. But you knew that, because we're both aware of our intense disrespect for each other, at various times. So the purpose was to achieve two simultaneous goals:

1. Show disrespect in turn, as it goes both ways.
2. Find a neutral topic, where amends can be made.

As for stalking, let's not go there. Rather than point out hypocrisy, instead, I'm offering you constructive discourse on the subject of film.

Furthermore, you're accusing me of being fixated on Japanese cinema. Actually, it's an exploration of all of film, in stages, as per what currently strikes my fancy. My abilities to recommend Eastern European and Russian films at this point are limited (all I can do is mention Andrei Tarkovsky). Better that I share what I know, rather than pontificate on what I am not familiar with. But it goes further than that, as there is a special place within the film library for Japanese cinema. Consider that the most recent high level poll places Yasujiro Ozu's Tokyo Story (starring Setsuko Hara) as the greatest film ever made. All directors mentioned appear on the short lists (from perhaps 50,000 to 100,000 total films that have seen theatrical release).

Anyone who likes film (isn't that most everyone?) deserves to be exposed to some of the greatest films, many of which are Japanese.

So feel free to take offense at the disrespect I have shown you, but don't be so critical of the fact that you have learned of some of the potential in viewing Japanese cinema now, as opposed to when you desire it, as the two are unlikely to coincide unless you learn of it to begin with due to some random exposure, which is happening right now.

[FirstAscent]

Dead Man (1995) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112817/

Jim Jarmusch + Neil Young + Johnny Depp. Hell, even Iggy Pop is in.

Its psychedelic and I continue to watch it occasionally.

Have you seen Mystery Train?

[kakobrekla]

Dead Man (1995) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112817/

Jim Jarmusch + Neil Young + Johnny Depp. Hell, even Iggy Pop is in.

Its psychedelic and I continue to watch it occasionally.

Have you seen Mystery Train?

If you mean, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097940/, then I belive I have not. Why, should I?

[Ragnar17]

Aside from a few people who made a few posts each, why does it seem that I'm the only one here who has something to say about films? Surely there are others here who have something to say.

It seems to me you like to hear yourself talk/type

[FirstAscent]

Dead Man (1995) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112817/

Jim Jarmusch + Neil Young + Johnny Depp. Hell, even Iggy Pop is in.

Its psychedelic and I continue to watch it occasionally.

Have you seen Mystery Train?

If you mean, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097940/, then I belive I have not. Why, should I?

Who do you think directed the movie you mention that you continue to watch?

[FirstAscent]

Aside from a few people who made a few posts each, why does it seem that I'm the only one here who has something to say about films? Surely there are others here who have something to say.

It seems to me you like to hear yourself talk/type

Not my choice, but yours. I'm here to listen too. You're apparently not here to listen, and you're obviously not here to contribute.

[kakobrekla]

Dead Man (1995) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112817/

Jim Jarmusch + Neil Young + Johnny Depp. Hell, even Iggy Pop is in.

Its psychedelic and I continue to watch it occasionally.

Have you seen Mystery Train?

If you mean, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097940/, then I belive I have not. Why, should I?

Who do you think directed the movie you mention that you continue to watch?

Well, his movies vary a lot. For example, I enjoyed his somewhat meta physical art film The Limits of Control (2009) as well, on the other hand, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999) seemed barley average to me.

[FirstAscent]

Dead Man (1995) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112817/

Jim Jarmusch + Neil Young + Johnny Depp. Hell, even Iggy Pop is in.

Its psychedelic and I continue to watch it occasionally.

Have you seen Mystery Train?

If you mean, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097940/, then I belive I have not. Why, should I?

Who do you think directed the movie you mention that you continue to watch?

Well, his movies vary a lot. For example, I enjoyed his somewhat meta physical art film The Limits of Control (2009) as well, on the other hand, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999) seemed barley average to me.

You don't know until you try. There's also Stranger Than Paradise, Down by Law and Night on Earth. Those three and Mystery Train are Criterion films. That right there says something. I've only seen Mystery Train.

[Ragnar17]

Jim Jarmusch seems interesting. Ive seen Broken Flowers and am still not sure what I should think because of the ending, but I definitely laughed out loud a couple times. I will have to check out his other stuff. I consider this next suggestion the best movie I have ever seen so of course I think others will like it. I would love to hear what others think. And I know its free online. And see it subbed not dubbed.

Paprika ~ Satoshi Kan

Mind blowing and was the movie that completely inspired inception. You can do so much more with animation especially relating to the dream topic. Besides the whole dream idea, it can be pretty deep philosophically if you think about it that way. Very fast paced and you have to be on your game to be able to even understand it let alone catch all the amazing little things.

[FirstAscent]

And see it subbed not dubbed.

That's the proper way to watch any non-animated film which requires translation. Dubs are a poor surrogate for original acting.

Paprika ~ Satoshi Kan

I never heard of it, but now I'm interested. Especially since Satoshi Kon also directed Millennium Actress, which is on my list to watch. So I'm curious, have you watched Millennium Actress? There's a particular reason I ask, and it relates to a post I made about a week ago, not to mention the fact that it relates heavily to most of my posts.

[myrkul]

And see it subbed not dubbed.

That's the proper way to watch any non-animated film which requires translation. Dubs are a poor surrogate for original acting.

FTFY. Original voice acting is always better.

[FirstAscent]

And see it subbed not dubbed.

That's the proper way to watch any non-animated film which requires translation. Dubs are a poor surrogate for original acting.

FTFY. Original voice acting is always better.

I am not necessarily in disagreement with you. But in certain animated films, an English voice actor and the original voice actor may both voice act equally well to an animation, since they're both coming at the work from the same position. But in live action, there is a huge difference between the person doing the acting, and someone trying to match that actor's internal emotions and external appearance.

[zxyzxy]

Jim Jarmusch seems interesting. Ive seen Broken Flowers and am still not sure what I should think because of the ending, but I definitely laughed out loud a couple times. I will have to check out his other stuff. I consider this next suggestion the best movie I have ever seen so of course I think others will like it. I would love to hear what others think. And I know its free online. And see it subbed not dubbed.

Paprika ~ Satoshi Kan

Mind blowing and was the movie that completely inspired inception. You can do so much more with animation especially relating to the dream topic. Besides the whole dream idea, it can be pretty deep philosophically if you think about it that way. Very fast paced and you have to be on your game to be able to even understand it let alone catch all the amazing little things.

you should watch his psychological debut movie, Perfect Blue

[Ragnar17]

ive been planning on watching perfect blue for a long time but never have gotten to it

[Ragnar17]

and i have not read many of your posts or seen millenium actress but now it is also on my list

[OpenYourEyes]

-

[FirstAscent]

Hmm, I've got a huge buffer on my passthepopcorn account, so maybe it's time to get some of these recommendations.

Which ones?

[FirstAscent]

and i have not read many of your posts or seen millenium actress but now it is also on my list

The significance of Millennium Actress is that it is inspired by the actress Setsuko Hara, one of the most, if not the most famous Japanese actress of the 20th century, although I would put Hideko Takamine (she's wonderful) along side her in terms of being famous. Most of Setsuko Hara's fame is likely derived from her performances in Yasujiro Ozu's wonderful movies, but I enjoyed her performances in Kurosawa's No Regrets for our Youth and The Idiot as well. I'm still looking forward to seeing her performances in three Mikio Naruse films, (those being Sound of the Mountain, Repast and Sudden Rain) as well as a few others by other directors.

Here's a fan made tribute to Setsuko comprised of clips of Kurosawa's No Regrets for our Youth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUGhS7t903c

[FirstAscent]

And of course, here's a fan made tribute to Hideko Takamine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSLKCLv-7bI

I just watched her for the third time in When a Woman Ascends the Stairs last night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c57V3Owk30w

I can't wait to see her in other Mikio Naruse films, such as Yearning, Floating Clouds, Lightning, Flowing, and about ten others.

[FirstAscent]

40 seconds of extraordinary choreography and cinematography (as is typical of Wong Kar-Wai): http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=5BF_LrRF3Q4#t=251s

Another amazing 30 seconds of a mesmerizing confluence of soundtrack and cinematography using slow motion. Turn the volume up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=5BF_LrRF3Q4#t=1732s

[FirstAscent]

Some recent viewings I've done of some great films:

- Three Times (Hou Hsiao Hsien): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqhLDTxODhY
- Terrorizers (Edward Yang)
- Floating Weeds (Yasujiro Ozu): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPjHBhWm4MU
- Thirst for Love: http://www.criterion.com/films/27762-thirst-for-love?q=autocomplete
- The Samurai Trilogy: http://www.criterion.com/films/529-samurai-i-musashi-miyamoto
- Seven Samurai (Akira Kurosawa)

[Snowfire]

I'm not as knowledgeable as many real film buffs are. But I like Viskingar och Rop, l'Avventura, Picnic at Hanging Rock, Blow-Up, and Ran. Those have stuck with me over the years.

[philips]

I'm not as knowledgeable as many real film buffs are. But I like Viskingar och Rop, l'Avventura, Picnic at Hanging Rock, Blow-Up, and Ran. Those have stuck with me over the years.

Picnic at Hanging Rock, good one.

[gyverlb]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned Grave of the Fireflies.

An amazingly good and heartbreaking story.

[FirstAscent]

I'm not as knowledgeable as many real film buffs are. But I like Viskingar och Rop, l'Avventura, Picnic at Hanging Rock, Blow-Up, and Ran. Those have stuck with me over the years.

Most of those are Criterion films. Hence you might like a lot of the ones I've mentioned here.

[FirstAscent]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned Grave of the Fireflies.

An amazingly good and heartbreaking story.

I watched that one a month or two ago. Great and sad story.

[Isokivi]

A man from earth. I've been forcing people around me to see it for a couple of years and havent yet come across a person who wouldnt of have had a strong emotional reaction to it. I find it hard to understand how a movie of this magnitude never really got any attention.

[FirstAscent]

A man from earth. I've been forcing people around me to see it for a couple of years and havent yet come across a person who wouldnt of have had a strong emotional reaction to it. I find it hard to understand how a movie of this magnitude never really got any attention.

I couldn't find such a film.

I assume you meant this film? http://mubi.com/films/the-man-from-earth

[FirstAscent]

want to necro this in the hopes some more good films get added.

thanks

Edit: Guess it is not a necro after all! 

Have you not been following these three threads?

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=246542.0

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=243525.0

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=249593.0