Oscar - Best Director List

The first Oscar grand slam winner! How can you not love Clark Gable? An iconic role for him. He is mesmerizing. Claudette Colbert is sweet and charming. Frank Capra's nonexistent optimism and the funny dialogues make this film the first ever immortal comedy.

Money cannot buy us happiness, love and respect from others. Yet, how many can give up this necessary evil and to pursue freedom and happiness?

Simply classic! Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable is the best screen couple! Wonderful music score. I admit it's quite long, but it's very enjoyable to watch how capricious Vivien Leigh is and how amusing Clark Gable reacts.

Technically, Citizen Kane should beat it at ease. But its plot is not weak, and Oscar prefers realism that time. Don't forget it's wartime in 1941, genres like this were preferred is undoubted.

Mrs. Miniver is as wonderful and inspiring as Casablanca. It should have great influence on the warfare and inspired the Allies. The cast's performance is superb, especially for Greer Garson, Richard Ney and Dame May Whitty. Probably the most well made Best Picture depicting life in the 1940s.

Bogart is brilliant!

The reason I give it such a low rating is mainly because of time difference: it's now more than 60 years after it's filming! Just like Rebel Without a Cause, alcoholism is no longer a grave concern in the 21st century, though Billy Wilder should have shocked the people in 1940s. Indeed, Ray Milland just keeps irritating me in this movie!

If you really want to appreciate this movie thoroughly, I guess you will have to explore the post-WWII history of the USA. But anyway, you will be moved by Harold Russell. The social messages behind, like the pain the war brought, the psychological change on US people and the hard life the veterans led, are well depicted. But, just slightly dated anyway......

Just like "The Lost Weekend" in 1945 and "The Best Years of Our Lives" in 1946, this movie dealt with American social issues. Yet together with "The Lost Weekend" and "Rebel Without A Cause", this movie's importance vanishes when time elapses. Also, it is just too boring and long-winded for me! How can it take 30 minutes to get into the main theme?

The script is a masterpiece! It's a shame that I could not understand the subtle meanings behind the dialogues.

Montgomery Clift is once again incredible. He is not a saint in the movie, but his penalty is far too heavy. The 3 protagonists are all losers finally in a mismatch like this. Quite saddened huh?

It's a movie about military life. That classical kissing scene isn't really my major favourite - because Montgomery Clift and Frank Sinatra are stunning! Ernest Borgnine's role leaves me a deep impression too.

Very inspiring for Brando's performance and the ending. The whole cast acts very well. I particularly like Karl Malden's role. He is charismatic.

The plot is fine enough. It deals with daily routines we must deal with. But the ending is somehow too rush......

A great Western-like epic tale. If you have watched "There Will Be Blood", you may love this one: one of the filming location is just the same! If you are astonished by that remarkable oil gush, you must not miss the similar effect took place 50 years ago! "There Will Be Blood" depicts the evil side of oil, this film focuses more on its benefits (and racism as well). The music score is excellent. For the cast, Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor are just marvellous, for both their acting and characters in the film. For James Dean, I am still puzzled why he earned the Best Actor nomination for Oscar. He is not the protagonist! But he deserves a "supporting role" award at least! Can you imagine James Dean became a lonely old man in despair at the end? His character is more or less the same as Daniel Plainview - not that greedy, but more lonely and pathetic.

The story is quite boring in general. But for the ending, it is just simply classic! Starting from the set up of the bomb and the discovery of the wire build up the tension. The climax is reached when general Colonel Nicholson discovered Joyce, followed by the quick killing of the chief Japanese commander. Then Shears quarreled with Nicholson and make him realised he should be loyal to the host country. But Nicholson wanted to show the soldiers were superior, so it was great to arrange him to become fainted and bombed the bridge down. I cannot get relieved before the bridge collapsed!

It is artistic in some ways. But the fatal flaw is that it lacks nice songs, let alone memorable ones. So 9 Oscars...... is it a joke?

Ridley Scott's Gladiator has adapted this story's main idea (staying alive to seek revenge) and an unfair competition with the weaker one wins. But gladiation is replaced by an excellent chariot racing. Also, Ben-Hur is far more religious, by adding Biblical characters (Jesus and Pilate) and incidents (discrimination against leprosy patients and miracles). Belief to God is always mentioned too.

I adore musicals. Tragic ending is also my favourite. But I don't know why this piece just cannot move me.

The script may not be top-class, but the sound and desert atmosphere are marvellous.

That's Albert Finney 40 years ago! He is so charming! The part near the end is more enjoyable than its opening part.

Oh my god! Hepburn is really "loverly" here! Another wonderful and enjoyable musical! The songs and the melody are memorable.

A joyful musical with a good story and so many memorable songs!

Another story concerning Henry VIII's marriage. Paul Scofield is magnificent here, for both his acting and character. Great score.

"Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me. Aren't you?" Yes, this seductive drama embarks a new era in American film history. Mike Nichols' direction is perfect, from varied cinematography and well-fitted soundtrack from Simon & Garfunkel, to funny but memorable dialogues, hilarious storyline and a social message behind. Dustin Hoffman portrays well as a lost graduate with his facial expressions, tone and gestures; Anne Bancroft is sexy and desperate of course; Katharine Ross is great as well. Remember that scream? The Graduate is indeed the landmark of the blissful year of 1967.

I love musicals. This adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic novel is no exception. The songs here are pretty nice. That dance in the slum is enjoyable. Fagin, Dodger and the fiendish Bill are all giving brilliant performances. I don't know why people criticize it as one of the worst Oscar Best Picture. Of course it deserves it! How the hell would the Academy act like an idiot and give the award to that lousy crap 2001: A Space Odyssey?

Jon Voight is so naive and Dustin Hoffman is so pathetic here. Good theme song. Beatuiful use of montage. The subject is still shocking even from today's point of view.

A wonderful WWII biography of a top class general. George C. Scott's portrayal is excellent! How can one possibly forget that long opening speech?

The part starting from the long chase approaching to the end is marvellous!

One will always wonder how can this one beat Godfather and grasp 8 Academy Awards in 1972. But really, Cabaret deserves the honour, especially for Bob Fosse and Liza Minelli. Although it is not as moving as Moulin Rouge! or as funny as Chicago, it is still a milestone (it's in the 1970s!) in the genre of musicals. Those songs and dances are just amazingly enjoyable. Just don't miss it please!

The unexpected ending is undoubtedly very good, but the music score is superb too. It's enjoyable to see how Newman sets the fraud up.

Comparatively not as suspenseful as Part I and even Part III, but the focus is the different leadership between Michael and Vito: Michael is more cruel and cold-blooded; his father is all-round. Michael finally pays for his arrogance and suspicion in Part III. My only dissatisfaction is that De Niro didn't speak to Pacino directly!

McMurphy cares his friends and wants to bring hope to them, but he sacrifices himself at the end. This is very tragic and sad. But luckily,"The Chief" is inspired by him and seek for freedom aftewards. This tells us that our future is still held in our own hands.

I appreciate Rocky's effort and dedication, the ending is very inspiring either. But the plot as a whole is quite tedious.

Woody uses an innovative approach to reveal this love story. For instance, he uses caricature and narrations with audience directly. Alvy Singer is a typical Woody Allen style character: paranoid, laughable and philosophic. However, the subject matters touched - love and lust are just too trivial for Woody's films. So, called to be Woody's best? I am heavily in doubt.

The pace is low at first, followed by a series of sudden changes which discuss the grief imposed on the characters. The play of the Russian Roulette controls the whole plot and the fate of those involved in the war.

Dustin Hoffman is excellent portraying a perfect father here! The court scene and the ending are really touching.

I can understand why it can beat Raging Bull in the Oscar. Raging Bull is about self-destrution and redemption, Ordinary People is about social problems among bourgeoisies. The social reflection can provoke more discussions and social impacts. It is a very gloomy movie with almost no laughter. Like American Beauty and Revolutionary Road, the movie is set in suburban area. The atmosphere is seemingly peaceful but icy and chilling in fact. Timothy Hutton gives an electrifying performance here. Just look at the quarrel scene with his mother and the emotional breakdown at the end! His Oscar is well deserved.

It's really really long....but quite enjoyable, probably because of the portrayals of the charismatic yet tragic Warren Beatty, tough Diane Keaton and fine-as-usual Jack Nicholson. This mix of epic, love, history and documentary could have been more memorable, but is good enough in general, such as the sad ending.

A wonderful biographical movie doesn't require an unforgettable plot. As long as it can tell the life of the protagonist accurately and make audience agree with him (or hate him in the case of villains) and have a clear image, it will be a masterpiece. Gandhi is one of them. Comparing with Milos Forman's Amadeus, Mozart will just be a talented and pitiful man in our eyes; Gandhi is, however, an adorable and memorable hero. We can observe his charisma and immortal spirit here. So once again, it's just amazing! Maybe together with Amadeus, they are the best and most deserved Oscar Best Picture winner for the 80s!

The endearing mother love is adorable. The music score is very good.

A classic movie of music opera! Wonderful rhythm and palace set up. Mozart is pathetic and we all criticize Salieri, but who knows if Mozart not died that early, could he write those wonderful music? God is usually quite fair. A tradeoff is unavoidable.

A simple and peaceful story. The view of the Africa jungle is marvellous, especially for the scene that Karen and Denys are riding the plane. The ending that Denys got killed is beyond my expectations, but the plot is still quite tranquil.

Oliver Stone focuses more on the war itself than The Deer Hunter and Apocalypse Now. But he also depicts how war poisons and tortures the people.

A biography of the pathetic Pu Yi, whose freedom is always being controlled. I just think that I'm watching a classic Chinese made movie! For the effects, Bertolucci uses many symbolisms, including his well-known sex related ones. For the confession of Pu Yi and a scene of the Cultural Revolution, they again criticize communism.

Dustin Hoffman is excellent. Very touching for the ending.

Generally quite peaceful. The ending criticizes Yankees' hegemonism. The music score and Western view are nice.

The psychological competition between Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter will be quite memorable. But except Lecter's escape, the story lacks surprises.

An unusual Western movie. Myth of pure hero is exploded though friendship is retained. Gene Hackman's role reminds me of Nurse Ratched!

What else should I do except salute to Schindler? The speech at the end by him deeply touches my mind. Each appearance of Ralph Fiennes will make me nervous!!! This movie is probably the best in the criteria of depicting the life of Jews during the World War II as it's both artistic and profound in meaning - human conscience.

Tom Hanks's finest performance and one of the masterpieces of the 1990s! Gary Sinise is awesome also. Many people criticize this movie of winning the Oscar Best Picture by beating The Shawshank Redemption and Pulp Fiction. Yet, it deserves the Oscar in all ways! Just look at the American History depicted and the American spirit revealed, why can't it be the winner of 1994? I'm a fan of Pulp Fiction as well, but in my opinion, it can and even should not win the Best Picture for the massive bloody violence and drug abuse content. I mean, how can a movie treating crimes as routine be the best picture of the year? In 1994, the social influence of Forrest Gump is much more than that of The Shawshank Redemption. It is therefore unquestonable that Forrest Gump, a politically correct movie, is the winner! Actually, it is just the same case for Rocky beating Taxi Driver and Network in 1976. I cannot agree that this film is "overrated", at least one should pay tribute to Tom Hanks and its storyline!

I just could not believe the entire world betrayed William Wallace. For the battles, I think music can enhance the atmosphere.

An ordinary story with a really touching ending.

I don't care the criticisms. 11 Academy Awards explain everything. This one got to be the greatest blockbuster in the 1990s.

While appreciating the battling scenes, let us don't forget the cruelty of war.

It's very subtle in meaning. Freedom costs a price. One should always be responsible for what he has done. But we are all troubled by all sorts of things and want to get rid of them, and don't want to pay for it either. However, this will bring grief to us. So what should we do? Should we just accept the fate? Also, deceiving is not a good way to release pressure too.

I must say that I was totally lost when I watched this movie for the first time in the theatre! But I finally make to understand it now! Soderbergh uses 3 graphical colours to depict the 3 storylines. This approach will make the plot very loose if it is not handled well. Yet, the story is clear and not chaotic. Drug trafficking, as shown in the movie, is hard to put to a stop. This reminds me of the case of Serpico! The "Serpico" here is Benicio Del Toro, who represents the conscience in the corrupted society. Of course, Michael Douglas as a judge in an awkward situation, Catherine Zeta-Jones as a forced strong woman and Don Cheadle as another good cop are good as well.

Oh come on it's John Nash portrayed by Russell Crowe! I love Ed Harris's role most. A wonderful biography.

The plot is divided into 2 parts. The first part is about the pathetic life of the Jews under the rule of Nazism. Jews can only live without dignity and basic safety. The scene that the Germans threw an old man out of the window and they asked a row of Jews to lie on the floor and shot them afterwards are very shocking. The other part is the exile life of the pianist. The act of the German general doesn't bring him a good ending is quite sad actually.

Probably the best in this trilogy!!! The battling scenes are awesome as usual. But the key to success is symbolism, including the winning, reunification and the seperation of the fellowship. Sméagol just deserves the ending.

At first I think it is just another Rocky, but I am wrong. The twisted development is attractive to watch. It tells us that how to lead a shiny life. Yet, the ending is so tragic to watch, just like "Madison County", "Mystic River" and Eastwood's forthcoming film "Letters from Iwo Jima". Hilary Swank gives another electrifying performance here. Those boxing scenes are memorable. Her Oscar is well deserved. Eastwood once again showed that he is probably one of the best directors as well as actors despite his age.

If the plot is not about the controversial issue, Brokeback Mountain won't be that beautiful and touching. The forbidden yet pure love depicted is truly sentimental. Of course we can list how great this movie is item by item, but I think this masterpiece should be looked as a whole. One may dislike the subject matter, but no one should deny it's an artistic and beautiful classic. Or at least, respect Heath Ledger please!

There is neither Italian Mafia nor New York mean streets. But you could still expect some Scorsese trademarks like Jazz and cinematography. This Hong Kong adaptation is not his best work, but the story about undercovers in a deceptive and brutal reality worths a glimpse, as you won't want to miss the performance from the stunning cast.

Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho and Rear Window? Get lost! They alomost bored me to death. The Exorcist? Oh please go away! I just find the little girl disgusting. Dr. Hannibal Lecter? Sorry, my dear, you are never going to be more frightening than Javier Bardem! This movie is the thrillest one I have ever seen so far. You will be nerve-racking as long as Javier Bardem is there. Those 2 lethal weapons force me to sweat! My friends keep looking for the deep meanings behind the dialogues approaching to the end, but I'm not very concerned about it this time. It's just about the fact that the world is ever changing and the older generations can no longer catch up. The unique soundless scenes and tension atmosphere are already enough for me to give it a full credit!

I don't want to waste time on commenting the unique and flawless plot. Go and explore yourselves. I just want to say its editing and cinematography are superb as well. Please be the biggest Oscar winner for the year!