Oscar Winners

The Coens return to form with this relentlessly suspenseful thriller that has one of the all-time scariest serial killers in film history. Without any use of score, they create chilling sequences out of silence. The writing, cinematography and sound are so precisely realized. Truly expert filmmaking. The third act is undeniably uncompromising (almost unsatisfactory). Yet utterly compelling and unforgettable.

One of Scorsese's most entertaining films. Sure, he's made better, but he's become not unlike the old pioneers of the past. Making genre films that are deceivingly simple and smuggling in substance amidst the action and suspense. Dynamite script and cast. (It was also great to see Marty finally get his Oscar.)

A truly epic masterpiece with the greatest battle scene on screen. Best of the trilogy. The emotional attachment to the characters reaches its zenith as we finally see how it all ends. Yes, it's long but so are the books and the filmmakers have earned the right to give the characters a proper farewell.

An overrated and flawed film. The first half is strong storytelling and Richard Harris is amazing. However, once the family dies, the story loses my interest. The poor action scenes are horribly cut together and the mediocre FX should never have won the Oscar. Still, Russell Crowe elevates this film tremendously and I absolutely love the superb score.

Good old-fashioned Hollywood storytelling. Dr Zhivago was clearly an influence. It may not have the intelligence of a Lean picture, but it certainly has the same epic stature. Cameron makes movie history (and lots of money) with this highly entertaining, yet flawed, love story. The suspense is well-paced and the drama keeps us entranced.

An overrated epic. The cinematography is gorgeous to a fault. Like Rodin's sculpture of Balzac's hands, the imagery takes away from the storytelling experience. Also, I didn't find much emotional connection between the two lovers. Do I need to read the book? Still, Juliette Binoche is the highlight of this film and the score is exquisite.

Alright. Overrated. Great battle scenes with some very strong moments. Although, it is seriously flawed with some terrible parts as well.

Deeply moving and very heavy. Technically as accomlplished as Citizen Kane. Spielberg proves himself as a "serious" filmmaker and produces his finest work of art.

My favorite western. A deconstruction of the western myth among incredible characters and brilliant screenwriting. Eastwood hits a home run with his swan song to the west.

A good psychotic thriller. Strong cast and accomplished director. But where's the metaphor?

A remarkable achievement that may seem a bit dry at times, still the cinematography is astonishing. It is a bit overlong, but there are certain sequences that are unforgettable. The score is a classic collaboration between a Western pop master and an Eastern classical genius. David Byrne and Sakamoto.

There's nothing terribly cinematic about this straight-forward drama. I suppose the appeal of James L. Brook's finest film, is there are so many honest moments with very real, flawed and hilarious characters. Also, the upfront approach to the subject of cancer is refreshing. Nicholson and MacClaine are a sight to behold. The message behind this film is that life will carry on despite the tragedies that befall us. It's all part of life's rich pageant. On a personal note, it's kind of frightening just how much I could relate to the 'kids in the hospital with their Mother' moment. Did Brooks have a camera spying in on my childhood?

Redford's directorial debut is surprisingly insightful, moving and profound in an understated sort of way. Not surprisingly, the acting is first-rate. Along with Kramer vs Kramer, this film helped usher in the small-scale dramatic films that would dominate 80s adult movie-making.

The breakthrough Woody Allen film that sums up a relationship perfectly. Or rather, the artist's "interpretation" of a relationship. This classic was the film that made audiences perceive Allen in a serious light. Surprising, considering how funny the movie is.

It is what it is. It works as a story but it's not exactly my cup a of tea. Ironically, the love story is pretty fun to watch.

As emotionally moving as films get. Untouchable cast with outstanding writing. Nicholson has never been better.

Complex and in some ways more complete than the original. The flashbacks are among the finest moments in American cinema. How did Coppola and Willis capture these images?

Pure movie magic. Coppola achieved greatness with this daring gangster film. The mature pacing and dark photography contribute greatly to its legendary status. Brando is also in prime form.

The epitome of 70s filmmaking. Dark and gritty with a documentary approach that inspired a decade's worth of brave new filmmaking.

It spawned a decade of brave new filmmaking. A double character study that remains as moving today as it did back in '69.

This classic Dickens' novel gets a lighter treatment in the form of a musical. Yet, the strength of the story prevails and the characters are wonderful. The real enjoyment of this film comes from the brilliant songs. Accomplished director Carol Reed (The Third Man) keeps things moving briskly. All in all, it may be flawed but this musical is a joy to watch. So long as you can forgive it from stealing the Best Picture Oscar from 2001: A Space Odyssey. A totally absurd travesty.

Straight-forward and to the point. Made during the height of the civil rights movement, this film caused quite a stir. Canadian director, Jewison directs this brilliant script with great confidence. But who wouldn't, with this stellar cast? Steiger is fantastic and Poitier is riveting to the point of burning a hole through the screen.

A movie almost everyone grew up with. Wonderfully moving story with timeless songs.

An absolute classic musical. Glorious photography with Hepburn running the show. Dynamite songs too.

For its time, this sexually provocative story was bold. Now it just comes across terribly dated. Despite the genius of Albert Finney, this movie is rather dull and uninspired. Perhaps, I need to be more British...

An extravagant epic and penetrating character study. Nobody makes motion pictures like David Lean anymore. Truly a jaw-dropping spectacle.

Technically one of the greatest achievements in motion picture history. Groundbreaking in its set design too. Not to mention the orchestrations. Another wonderful musical is Oliver! Great songs with a naturally great story.

Wilder's bold comedy about infidelity, loneliness and suicide. Lemmon and MacLaine are a perfect match and my heart goes out to Baxter. Wilder uses the cinemascope frame to illustrate t