My Favorite Movies

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.

The plot is light initially, and this makes the catastrophic ending even more sad. Fellini delivers a simple faith there. I'm deeply touched by Gelsomina's character. She is a woman of substance. Giulietta Masina is lovely, charismatic, pathetically naive and innocent in this movie. Her wonderful performance deserves the prestigious name "Female Chaplin"!

Doctor Zhivago is the third David Lean's epic tale I have watched. To me, this one is better than The Bridge on the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia. I understand the former 2 are greater in art direction, but Doctor Zhivago has a more emotional storyline. I mean, how can one not be touched by that love between Lara and Yuri and feel sad about the ending? The scenery is not that great when comparing with the former 2 but still top-class. The theme score is amazingly graceful!

Bergman's films are very difficult to understand. So I am not going to find out how many women really exist. I prefer to discuss one of the meanings behind. Even the brightest person will have his own dark side. Most horribly, we may not know about that. We even don't know who we are, how can we understand and help with others? Bergman's approach is very artistic as usual, but this one is an attractive one to me.

"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.

Best movie ever! Flawless.

Don't want to mention too much about its plot. The multiple twists are mesmerizing and maybe the greatest in film history! Thanks to the wonderful script. Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine are both Oscar-deserving, unfortunately they were facing Marlon Brando's Vito Corleone that year. Olivier's multiple accents are incredible!

It firstly depicts the lonely and monotonous life of a taxi driver, followed by a process of seeking excitements by committing crimes. However, the process becomes helping others, like the killing in the grocery and the killings to save Iris. The plot development is very very unexpected, especially for Travis's recovery. The use of long takes and the background jazz music makes the whole atmosphere very artistic and lonely.

An extraordinary piece about the Vietnam war! Other than describing the grief and distortion imposed on soldiers, Coppola explores the dark side of humans (e.g. Robert Duvall's absurd command and words, mad behaviour towards Playboy playmates and cutting off arms of the inoculated children). The strong darkness in the warfields finally catalyzes the ridiculous civilization led by Kurtz. So it's more than criticizing the valueless war, but a film discussing human nature and value judgement towards it. It shows the hypocrisy of the Imperialism of the USA, but depicts the emptiness of American values as the soldiers were escaping from the war through drugs as well. Also, the approach is very artistic too, like the killing of Kurtz is juxtaposed with a slaughtering of a buffalo. Replacements of dialogues by images and symbolism, which is invented by Coppola, are both used marvellously. All these brush the atmosphere up.

I doubt why couldn't it win those technical awards in Oscar. The scenery is marvellous. But Henry Fonda's performance is superb also. He tells you what people need most in their old age. His relationship with Billy is interesting and sentimental. Katharine Hepburn's performance is slightly less powerful than Fonda to me, but she still portrays an adorable decent old lady vividly. The ending is heartwarming to watch.

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!

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.

The best wlll be its spirit: endurance and courage towards hardship. The most intriguing scene is the one about tornado. The KKK part is furious to watch either. The other will be the acting: not only Sally Field gave one of the greatest performances, but John Malkovich was also great for his screen debut. The ending is somehow sad since the social harmony seems still far away......

This film is for all movie lovers. It has tonnes of movie references. It's all about love - towards movie, towards friends, towards one's own lover and memory. It will make you happy, sad, laugh, cry and inspired. The nice film score will make you indulge in and enjoy it. The ending is one of the most moving scenes, I can even say, in the cinema history.

Of course, the ending is exremely touching and makes me cry! But besides that, I also adore the spirit - we should pursue something worthwhile, such as those we want and like, and not to be restricted by the so called normal order!

Many people argue that this film is even better than the Godfather. But I think they are two diffenent genres: GoodFellas is a story about Mafia only, Godfather is an all round epic. Godfather, however, illustrates the consequence of betrayal in a more devastating way. The killings in GoodFellas are sometimes lack of meaning (especially those from Tommy), but this reflects the cruel reality among Mafioso even clearer. The success of GoodFellas attributes to 2 persons: Scorsese adopts an artistic approach to create the story, with excellent music and shots (like the long take at Copocabana). The approach used makes us become a fellow of Henry and simultaneously turn a blind eye on the crimes he committed! This totally distorts our common belief. The other one is undoubtedly the crazy Tommy!!! Joe Pesci is amazing! De Niro doesn't shine when compared with the performance in Taxi Driver.

This movie is enlightening. Even if you think you have run out of goals to stay alive, there will always be an unique role tailored for you. We have the right to moan, but we shouldn't overlook the beauty near us. Al Pacino gives another one of his greatest performances, the Oscar is well-deserved. Just taste how he portrays a blind person and you will fall in love with this movie!

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.

Stunning cinematography. I can hardly find a comparable decent scene for Anna Paquin's dance at the beach. The piano score "The Heart Asks Pleasure First" and costume design are beautiful as well. The opening and twisted ending impress me most. Artistic and rich in symbolism (sinking piano, silence in the deep deep sea, you name it). Holly Hunter, who reminds me of Marlee Matlin, but being more determined with a more subtle performance, and Anna Paquin both deserved the Oscars.

Jean Reno is undoubtedly the most shining one, but Natalie Portman is very good as well. For Gary Oldman, I almost want to jump into the screen to strangle him!!! Actually parts about killings is even more suspenseful than the Godfather series, yet to me the best is the part towards the ending. It mixes tension, grief, small relief and unexpectedness together to root one of the most explosive scenes deeply inside my mind. My only criticism will be Mathilda treats Leon as her lover... it's too young for her isn't it?

This dark comedy is very funny, particularly for the death of Vincent and Marvin. Systematical plot development and tonnes of references also contribute to its achievement. It also depicts redemption. It's too bloody and violent to win the Best Picture, but great enough to be called as a materpiece.

The belief of the 2 protagonists that human relationship and love will eventually fade away is sad yet realistic. The dialogues are philosophically intriguing for its content (towards love and life mainly) and depth! I quite admire Jesse for his non-stop yet thought-provoking coversations. I really yearn for such an experience in an beautiful city like Vienna. (Of course this requires knowledge and coincidence...) Anyway mutual sweety love is well depicted, and the sadness of separation is distressfully shown. (especially when you know they did not meet again until 9 years later...) For filming, the take after the two's departure is excellent as it depicts the change of which scenery is still there, but no more warm feeling. It's again sad but poetic.

A woderful story with a marvellous script! I'm deeply touched. Other than the positive message conveyed that Will walks out from his world and fights for something he should fight for, power of friendship and trust are both illustrated well. Even more inspiring than "A Beautiful Mind".

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

A very good movie!!! The story is a mix of happiness, sadness, hope, tension, love, mutual trust and also miracles. Percy and Bill cause conflicts, but they add colour to the story, together with the lovely mouse Mr.Jingles. The ending which John got executed represents a dystopia. Kindness and innocence cost nothing. The saddest ending I have seen so far.

Wonderful ancient Rome atmosphere! The sword fights are bloody but superb! I guess everybody cannot help cursing Commodus and being sympathetic to the loyal Maximus. The ending is still positive as Commodus is killed as well and the Roman Empire is going to be republicanized. Most importantly, Maximus's will and soul will last forever, at least in my own mind.

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

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.

Another movie holding my breath from the opening till the end. The plot is twisted and stuffed with unexpectancy. Although there are quite a lot details, the development is still smooth and easy to follow. For casting, Sean Penn somehow acts well, but Tim Robbins is just speechlessly excellent! His role reminds me of Edward Norton in "Primal Fear", and this time the character is a tragic good guy instead.

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!

This movie reminds me of Schindler's List, and yet more realistic, heart-breaking and moving. It offers another angle to explore racism and basic human rights. If one is as capable as Don Cheadle in the movie, of course he ought to give a helping hand to the oppressed. But even if you don't, you shouldn't let prejudice, hatred and violence intrude your mind and become an oppressor.

The plot is so well constructed and the truth ahead seems to be everchanging. You cannot miss even one second! Christopher is truly a genius! To be an outstanding magician, both Borden and Angier have sacrificed a lot here. If we want to succeed, we may sometimes have to give up something important to us also. But have we ever considered if the cost is worthwhile?

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!

Another masterpiece from Clint Eastwood. Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski here, a Korean War veteran who is far away from the community and his relatives. He is a racist at the beginning as well. However, after interacting with his Hmong neighbours, his life has changed drastically. At first the film is stuffed with hilarious dialogues and jokes. When it comes the ending, it becomes shocking. You may not cry for it, but you will definitely be saddened. Eastwood is brilliant here. He is tough and rightful as always. This time, he is more babaric acted and provocative. This may sound odd but makes Gran Torino more amusing to audience.