//P) Best of the best (Fav of the years)

Takes a little time to warm up, but getting close to the main characters is what this film is all about. The underlying hypocrocy is dealt with in a realistic manner with a whole back story which lets you understand where all the hurt and outlook comes from.

Perhaps Eastwood?s most deeply connecting film to date in terms of both the character he plays and in directing this film.

This is a film you cannot help but get emotionally pulled in to.

Worth all the praise and recommendations.

Exceptional!!! Without doubt one of the best films that I have watched in a long time. A gritty, true to life storyline with very natural performances, particularly from the two main characters. This film held me from the get go and never failed to grab my attention throughout. Quite a frightening reality, which makes it a sensational Drama.

This is a film that should be on everyone?s ?must see? list (or at the very least every Brit?s ?must see? list).

People who are easily offended by bad language should probably give it a miss.

A film that has completely blown me away on many levels.

A true story of a journey of self-discovery and search for identity, living a simplistic lifestyle, travelling a Nomadic adventure. A film of rebellion and anti-conformity.

This film is beautifully made in every sense of the word. The views of nature were captured in great detail, the acting was of high standard and very natural, the relationships between people and their relationships with the material world were completely in depth.

Excellent work here by Emile Hirsch who jusifyably portrayed this true life character's journey and of course Kudos to Sean Penn for the Screen play and Direction in this film and for choosing a project with such human insight.

Although a short role, it has to be said that the older guy in this film (whose name I can't seem to get at the moment) played a blinding role and a totally believable performance.

Inspirational, breathtaking, liberating and one hell of a life experience. The best film I have watched for a long time and this has instantly become one of my favourite films of all time. I shall now be buying the book..

UPDATE:

Second viewing already plus reading the book. I have fallen in love with the philosophy behind the story and have found a deep fascination and admiration into the character Alexander Supertramp.

Gritty, emotionally powerful, raw and what British Films should be made of. With an almost frightening reality to it, none of the cast could be faulted in this and the acting was of such a high standard that parts could have been mistaken as a documentary.

VERDICT: An absolute must see.

I have complete mixed feelings about this film, the beginning made me feel pretty uncomfortable, which I?m sure was it?s aim and made the impact that was needed.

The rest of the film was fantastic and a well played lead role from Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

A powerful film of child abuse, friendship and male prostitution, with some very strong images.

Fascinatingly weird and utterly brilliant, a story which unravels slowly and reveals an outstanding ending.

The controversial appearance of Bale in this film is so devastating to watch. He truly ran risks to his health for this role, losing 63 lb to accomplish the look, which although is a rather drastic action, it's not exactly a recommended way of doing things, however, the story obviously benefitted from the transformation.

A superb performance by Bale and for those of you who enjoy the weird and wonderful, this was will dazzle.

Directed by Clint Eastwood and boasting an all star cast of some of Hollywood?s most talented Actors. This is Hollywood minus the Hollywood glint, it?s down to earth, believable, with some impressive performances all around, in particular, Tim Robins, Sean Penn and Marcia Gay Harden.

This Murder mystery, turned vigilante storyline is tough, raw and deeply personal.

The brilliance of the film is that it doesn?t just build to a climatic ending, there are some pretty big things that happen throughout the film that make a huge impact.

One of my favourite films that I have watched over and over.

A hugely impressive film from Martin Scorsese, everything in the movie is on such a grand level, acting, scenery, it?s epic length.

A great cast from both sides of the pond, where there were Irish with an American accent and Americans with an Irish accent.

Personally, I?m not too much of a fan of Award ceremonies, as I don?t like them to influence my film choices, but it?s easy to see where all the awards came from in the making of this film, Daniel Day-Lewis was outstanding and there's no doubt of him earning his award for this role.

A bitter-sweet tale from start to finish, this film is all about breaking generational cycles of learned behaviour. The film has a very raw honesty about it and the emotions go from each extreme, from no feeling to intense feeling and is a most extroidinary tale of love and lost.

It was certainly Halle Berry's best performance to date in my opinion, but Billy Bob Thornton was something else and this was arguably his best role to date too.

The Father must have played a great role too, because the disgust of his character really is felt through the storytelling.

One of my favourite films, it?s deep and it?s human!

Utterly brilliant! Completely worthy of all it's praise. If you like films where various stories intertwine then this is an absolute must.

The acting, the plot and pretty much everything about this film was gritty and realistic.

VERDICT: You do need patience with this film, but one I definitely recommend people to see

Fincher's 'Fight Club' rightly takes it's place in popular film history as a classic must see. It had many levels and layers to it and some impressive graphic and camerwork.



The twisted plot gives first time viewers unpredictability and multiple viewers a sense of familiarity even though I can still pick up on something different each time.



There is a certain sense beneath the chaso in this film and a sense of irony in trying to be an individual.



My favourite quote of the film: "It's only when we've lost everything, we are free to do anything'.

Re-watched this film and found it as powerful as the first time I'd watched it. This to date is definitely Edward Norton's role of a life time, he made parts cringeworthy and you just couldn't wait for him to be turned around, Edward Furlong played a fantastic part too. There was something in this movie that made it feel so real. This film isn't a promotion for violence, it's a promotion for peace.

Wow! Billy Bob Thornton's performance in this film was amazing. Billy Bob, not only starred in this amazing film but also wrote and directed it and hit the jackpot on all three. It's a long viewing, but most certainly needed, great performances all around.

Just my all time favourite film, another re-watch.

Even though it is an all star cast and each play great roles, the best performance in this film has to go to young Joseph Perrino.

A film of child abuse, corruption, religeon, domestic abuse.

The story is told in 2 parts, one as the 4 young boys going to a correctional facility for a prank that went horribly wrong and the second part, revenge.

In addition to this it is believed to be based on a true story

The Basketball diaries takes you on a journey of a drug user from the very beginning and shows the escalation into drug abuse and the crimes comitted to support the habbit. The film lures you into a false sense of security by showing the boys just as juvenile delinquents , not experiencing too many problems, then bang, they're hooked and everything changes.



The end result (in my opinion) is Dicaprio?s finest performance to date and this is why I feel in later years he took on a few films that really didn?t show his acting skills at his best. One particular scene is extremely powerful and emotional.



Based on a true story, this is a remarkable tale cleveryly put together.

One of the most outstanding films ever made. Brilliently written, well casted, by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins.

Adaped from book to film, each twist accurately calculated, which will not fail to bring a smile to your face. A very powerful on screen relationship between the two main characters, which only adds to the depth of this amazing tale.

VERDICT: For the small minority that haven't seen this film, be prepared to be blown away.

Utterly brilliant! In De Niro's directional debut, we see him taking a back seat as a supporting actor in this film as Chazz Palminteri, takes his one man stage show to the big screen.

Based on some true events in Chazz Palminteri's life growing up, A Bronx Tale saw freshly plucked actors and actresses take the main parts next to De Niro and Palminteri, in order to keep the film authentic.

A Bronx Tale is a film of many layers, from the star crossed lovers, who's friends and families are against each other in a race war, to the impressionable young boy, who is raised with two father figures, one an honest hard working man, the other a mafia boss who provides glamour and money, but also, violence and mistrust.

This film contains some of my favourite film quotes, along with a perfectly chosen soundrack, which emphasizes scenes all the way through the movie to add to the already powerful piece.

Chazz Palminteri, really makes this character his own and for me, sets a benchmark to which other Gangster bosses should be measured against throughout this movie genre.

Just a powerfiuly fantastic film, watched it several times

Certainly my favourite Jodie Foster/Anthony Hopkins role, this is my genre, what could be a better story than to have a Serial Killer, profile another Serial Killer? This is a film that sets a benchmark for all other Serial Killer movies.

Also, on the second disc of the dvd is 'A Making of The Silence of the Lambs' which is pretty interesting and well worth a watch, if you like special feature

One of the greatest films ever made, Ray Liotta makes his role of a lifetime appearance leading a star cast of unfaulted actors in Scorsese's masterpiece.

Capturing the highs and lows of organised crime, this film based on the true life story of Henry Hill from being a somebody to a nobody.

VERDICT: I really can't imagine too many people wouldn't have seen this, it's a timeless classic, but to people who haven't seen it because they are not fans of this genre, if you only ever watch one gangster movie, make it this one.

Also for those of you who enjoy a behind the scenes look at the Director's role, the special features are definitely worth a look.

A phonominal true story brought to life by the fantastic performances of Daniel Day Lewis and Brenda Fricker.

This Jim Sherridan film really grasps the poverty of the era which really gives you a sense of a working class family during this time. Also captured well was the Mother and son relationship and the strength of a family that stands together.

Powerful, emotional and brilliant.

One of my old favourites, the best part Dustin Holfman has ever played. It gave an insight to the world into Autism.

Stanley Kubrick?s ?Full Metal Jacket? is one of the best war films made in my opinion. It?s very much a film of two parts, which I feel is the secret of the films' success. In the first part we see the training of the recruits, in the second we see them go to war, I've not seen any films from this genre that show both.

Admittedly I preferred the training part to the war part, but enjoyable throughout regardless. I felt Matthew Modine who played Joker was a great character in the film.

Many of the action shots of injury etc were very well done and apart from the colour of the blood were fairly realistic.

Glad I finally got around to watching this film, had many reviews for it and everyone else seems to have already watched it.

An absolute classic that?s still a great watch to this day. A love story with a difference when opposites attract in a culture clash as an adventure takes place. Paul Hogan will be remembered for a long time to come for this role.

One of those watch over and over type of films.

Not your average Steven Spielberg film, this powerful masterpiece captures a horific tale of control displayed in a number of different ways.

This film remains a timeless classic due to the era that it's set in.

This should be on the list of anyone who calls themself a film fanatic.

An absolute masterpiece, old style gangster film, with a lot of character.

This film is such a nostalgic film for me, from the first time of watching as a school project in my teens, I immediately fell in love with the story. Each character has been developed well in accordance with the book and this was the best film in my opinion to have come from the Brat pack. This film tugs at your emotions and really draws you in. It's one of those that can be watched over and over and is a timeless piece.

A film I have watched over and over since I was a kid and annoyingly know pretty much every word to.

I am a self-confessed, non-girly girl and a flixster friend thought they'd made a breakthrough when they heard I liked this film, sorry to disappoint but it was the assort course, the relationship between Zac and Sid and the relationship between Zac and Serjeant Foley that I loved so much.

VERDICT: A film that everyone should watch at some point

I remember watching this film many years ago and thinking what great make up on Jack and how fantastic the metamorphosis scene was, of course compared to what we see today, it does seem quite dated, but the actual storyline isn?t and is still very watchable.

As a De Niro and Scorsese fan I'm not sure why I'd waited so long to watch this masterpiece.

The 'warts and all' true life story middleweight boxer Jake Lamotta was a little drawn out, but held me from start to finish.

Superb performances by De Niro and Pesci and a fantastic transformation with De Niro as the older Jake.

VERDICT: A must see for all De Niro/Scorsese/boxing fans

Such a well known film and yet my first viewing of it and I really enjoyed it.

My first thought was that women everywhere have been bringing up children and balancing work etc for years and years and along comes a man that does it and bam, a big film, however - I feel this films highlights how difficult life is for a single parent regardless of their gender.

After a slow start ?Deerhunter? evolves into an impressive piece of cinema history, with the ability to have as strong an impact today as it did at the time of it?s release.

With an impressive cast and strong performances by De Niro and Walken, this film totally pulls you in and really gets to your emotions.

A great oldie! I don't know what it was about this film that I enjoyed so much, but I was hooked from start to finish. A really good performance from the actress playing the main character.

It may be dated in looks, but the story is quite timeless.

VERDICT: Would definitely recommend it, maybe it will attract people who like the older style films

A film of absolute brillience, I last watched this iflm in my teens when I just didn't get the greatness of it.

Robert De Niro was outstanding as the character Travis Bickle, living in a bit of a fantasy world, ever so gradually turning himself mad from the lonliness and too much time to think. He's angry about the world he lives in and the scum that breathe the same air as him. Although a relatively short role, Jodie Foster playing a 12 and a half year old hooker is just another excellent performance to add to her list. She was probably the best young actress out there.

This film will have you glued to the screen. There's no doubt that in Robert De Niro's career as an actor, that this one of his finest performances.

VERDICT: I just can't promote this film enough, it's an absolute must see and one of the best performances of all time.

Perfection! An absolute phenomenal film with Nicholson's finest performance to date in my opinion.

Great characterisation here with all the patients and a real insight into hospitals for mental health in that era, especially the use of electric shock treatment.

This should be in the collection of anyone who calls themselves a movie addict.

The Godfather films require stamina because of the length, at over 3 hours long, the film is not fast paced, yet elegantly created.



The introduction of De Niro in the flashbacks gave another dimension to the already established story, which I?m sure is contributory to most fans thinking this was the best of the Godfather trilogy.



It?s a must see for any fan of this genre.

A bit drawn out, but an extremely enjoyable film. Performance by both were great, but Steve McQueen's role was pretty outstanding. For the age of this film, they dealt with some of the topics really well and the make up for Steve McQueen though his punishment, is a pretty amazing transformation.

VERDICT: One of the best older films I've seen, definitely recommend it.

Yes this really is the first time I have watched this, despite this genre being one of my favorites a few years back.

This really is a film of two halves for me, with the second half being so much better. In the first hour, I really was wondering why a lot of people refer to it as a masterpiece, but as the film escalates it certainly becomes more enjoyable and transform into a memorable and worthy piece.

Pacino, although not quite the actor then (in my opinion) to the one we see today, still carried off a great role.

I agree with pretty much everyone else that has watched this film that it is a must see and I?ve also been told by many that Part II is the best, so looking forward to watching that one.

4 STARS

Probably one of the most original films ever made and certainly one of the most controversial in it?s day and still today.

A Clockwork Orange has a very surreal outlook on life with the storyline being narrated by the main character played by Malcolm McDowell. He is the leader of a non conforming gang of thugs, who spend their time playing by their own rules, conflicting violence robbery and rape on the innocent, in contrast there is a gimpse of culture as the boys listen to Beethoven and speak with poetic tones and often in a peculiar dialect.

The journey this film travels in, splits between consequences of actions and a bizarre tale of experimental behaviour control.

McDowell?s character has become something of a cult icon and was no doubt an impressive early performance by the star. (In addition you may notice a unrecognisable Warren Clarke, also in the gang).

Based on the true story of Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck (dubbed The Honeymoon Killers). Not every detail is completely accurate to the original story, however it appears to be a much more accurate portrayal than the later film released ?Lonely Hearts? (Salma Hayek and Jared Leto).

Shirley Stoler played her role well as she came across cold, calculating and insanely jealous.

The quality of film appears to look older than it actually is and has a worn look in parts, it seems this is down to the very low budget involved in making the film. Having said that, you get used to the quality pretty fast and the interesting storyline emerges and is an interesting journey of two obsessed lovers on the road on a murdering rampage. .

Such a huge musical production adapted from the Charles Dickens novel, which captured the era and it?s class divide so clearly. The film also managed to show an authentic look of London during the 19th Century, made possible from a huge ensemble of people working on the set design and build.

Impressive casting abilities allowed for a perfectly selected group of Actors to bring the already established characters to life and do them justice and have made the characters, people whom weve all come to know and love today.

Music and lyrics by Lionel Bart set the mood of scenes throughout and have become well-known sing along classics.

Some interesting ?Behind the scenes? footage appear on the special features and are worth taking a look at.

Oliver is a must see of Classic musicals.

A very enjoyable film. Loved Paul Newman in this. A great watch

One of the great classics and yet, this is the first time I have watched it. I certainly wasn't disappointed, in fact I was very impressed by the clever way in which the escape was plotted and I had been totally unaware that this film was based on a true story.

One of the longer Hitchcock films, Gary Grant is a comical character who finds himself being set up by agents for a number of crimes. This is an action packed film where Grant's character has to work hard to survive.

The very beautiful Eva marie Saint plays Grant's forward sexy love interest and seems to be quite intent in getting what she wants.

This film could fall under many categories, Action, Love, Thriller, Mistaken Identity.

On the special features, Eva Marie Saint (as she is today) takes us through the making of the film along with Hitchcock's daughter, which is an interesting watch also.

An incredibly clever film, not only was this low budget due to most of the film being filmed in the jury room and that's a difficult thing to achieve and pull it off, but the actual way that evidence was pulled apart and re-examined was genius and scary in that, it makes you wonder how many people have slipped through the system in this way.

A storyline that has mimiced in many more recent films.

Impressive! I enjoyed the reamking of this in 'The Perfect Murder' with Michael Douglas and Gwyneth Paltrow, so was intigued to watch the original.

Filming most of this film in one place, is really creative on Hitchcock's part. It is all 'so terribly terribly British, but that certainly captures the era that the film was made in.

Brilliant yet simple, as are so many of Hitchcock's films, a very clever and sinister story for it's era.

Worthy of all it?s praise, Cagney just has great presence on screen and of course the lovable rogue image suits him well.

As a storyline, this ticks many boxes for me, a Gangster story, Robbery, Undercover operation and is such a good base story for modern day films and tv Dramas.

An instant favourite!

A much underestimated and underrated Hitchcock Thriller, In fact this was Hitchcock?s favourite. Of course this appeals to my interest of Serial Killer films and it?s great to see an enjoyable early one.

The characters were all very developed here and the storyline is told from a unique perspective, in that it involves the Killer?s own family.

An enjoyable performance from X White and Joseph Cotton who are both new names for me.

4 STARS

Jimmy Cagney suited these roles so well and impressively they managed to pick a young ?Rocky? to look and sound just like him. A story with moralistic value of two young boys, whose lives are split in a moments notice, ultimately deciding each of their fates.

In my opinion one of the best ever film endings, which will leave you contemplating the outcome.

This always has been one of my personal favourites.