10. THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (2006)
Directed by Gabriele Muccino
Starring Will Smith and Jaden Smith
WHY?
First time I saw this film, I didn't really think that much of it. It was so depressing. Everything went so wrong, all the time. Second viewing however, I loved it. I knew what was going to happen, and the struggles it took to get there. It's a film that gets better each time I view it. Will Smith is at the top of his game here, and his son is fantastic too in the role.
BEST MOMENT
When Will Smith locks himself in the bathroom with his son, pretending its a cave. He then starts crying as something is banging on the door. What a moment.
BEST QUOTE
Christopher: What are you doing?
Christopher Gardner: Paying a parking ticket.
Christopher: ...But we don't have a car anymore.
Christopher Gardner: Yeah, I know...
09. TITANIC (1997)
Directed by James Cameron
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet
WHY?
It's hard to put a genre on this film. Some people think it is a romance. Don't get me wrong, it is a romance... but at its heart, this is a film about a disaster. It's a heavy drama. It is absolutely phenomenal filmmaking, mixing various genres together to give the viewer the ultimate experience. Even though it is three hours long, it never feels like it to me, because I am so drawn into the story and it never gets boring. The actual sinking contains some of the most hard hitting scenes to hit film, including people snapping bones as they fall... or even a frozen baby in the water. Great stuff.
BEST MOMENT
There's so many I could choose from. I'd say my favourite is when Jack is in handcuffs, and Rose fetches an axe... then all the lights go out. That scene has everything, drama, romance and horror. Perfectly made.
BEST QUOTE
[Rose is about to cut Jack free with an axe]
Jack: Wait, wait, wait! Take a couple practice swings over there.
[Rose chops a hole in a cupboard door]
Jack: Good! Now try and hit the same mark again.
[Rose chops again, missing the first hole by about 3 feet]
Jack: Okay, that's enough practice.
Directed by James Cameron
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet
WHY?
It's hard to put a genre on this film. Some people think it is a romance. Don't get me wrong, it is a romance... but at its heart, this is a film about a disaster. It's a heavy drama. It is absolutely phenomenal filmmaking, mixing various genres together to give the viewer the ultimate experience. Even though it is three hours long, it never feels like it to me, because I am so drawn into the story and it never gets boring. The actual sinking contains some of the most hard hitting scenes to hit film, including people snapping bones as they fall... or even a frozen baby in the water. Great stuff.
BEST MOMENT
There's so many I could choose from. I'd say my favourite is when Jack is in handcuffs, and Rose fetches an axe... then all the lights go out. That scene has everything, drama, romance and horror. Perfectly made.
BEST QUOTE
[Rose is about to cut Jack free with an axe]
Jack: Wait, wait, wait! Take a couple practice swings over there.
[Rose chops a hole in a cupboard door]
Jack: Good! Now try and hit the same mark again.
[Rose chops again, missing the first hole by about 3 feet]
Jack: Okay, that's enough practice.
08. FINDING NEVERLAND (2004)
Directed by Marc Forster
Starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet
WHY?
I wasn't expecting to like this one as much as I did. I wasn't expecting the film to be so interesting. I never knew the story of Peter Pan getting written would be so interesting, and heartbreaking. It's hard not to have a lump in your throat by the end of the film. It also contains some great quirky scenes that are done to represent a child's imagination. Not many films would take a risk like that, and that is why this film stands out so much.
BEST MOMENT
When the play comes to perform privately in Kate Winslet's home.
BEST QUOTE
Peter Llewelyn Davies: This is absurd. It's just a dog.
J.M. Barrie: Just a dog? *Just*?
[to Porthos]
J.M. Barrie: Porthos, don't listen!
[to Peter]
J.M. Barrie: Porthos dreams of being a bear, and you want to shatter those dreams by saying he's *just* a dog? What a horrible candle-snuffing word. That's like saying, "He can't climb that mountain, he's just a man", or "That's not a diamond, it's just a rock." Just.
Directed by Marc Forster
Starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet
WHY?
I wasn't expecting to like this one as much as I did. I wasn't expecting the film to be so interesting. I never knew the story of Peter Pan getting written would be so interesting, and heartbreaking. It's hard not to have a lump in your throat by the end of the film. It also contains some great quirky scenes that are done to represent a child's imagination. Not many films would take a risk like that, and that is why this film stands out so much.
BEST MOMENT
When the play comes to perform privately in Kate Winslet's home.
BEST QUOTE
Peter Llewelyn Davies: This is absurd. It's just a dog.
J.M. Barrie: Just a dog? *Just*?
[to Porthos]
J.M. Barrie: Porthos, don't listen!
[to Peter]
J.M. Barrie: Porthos dreams of being a bear, and you want to shatter those dreams by saying he's *just* a dog? What a horrible candle-snuffing word. That's like saying, "He can't climb that mountain, he's just a man", or "That's not a diamond, it's just a rock." Just.
07. UNBREAKABLE (2000)
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
Starring Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson
WHY?
Phenomenal film. It's technically a superhero movie, but its the first act (where they find out they have a power), lengthened to a two hour movie. It's all based around the character development, and Shyamalan was still on the top of his game when he wrote this script. This is my favourite Samuel L. Jackson performance out of all the stuff that he has done. Everything he says is so powerful and twisted. By the time the film reaches its finale, I was on the edge of my seat.
BEST MOMENT
Bruce Willis follows the Orange Man...
BEST QUOTE
Elijah Price: Your bones don't break, mine do. That's clear. Your cells react to bacteria and viruses differently than mine. You don't get sick, I do. That's also clear. But for some reason, you and I react the exact same way to water. We swallow it too fast, we choke. We get some in our lungs, we drown. However unreal it may seem, we are connected, you and I. We're on the same curve, just on opposite ends.
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
Starring Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson
WHY?
Phenomenal film. It's technically a superhero movie, but its the first act (where they find out they have a power), lengthened to a two hour movie. It's all based around the character development, and Shyamalan was still on the top of his game when he wrote this script. This is my favourite Samuel L. Jackson performance out of all the stuff that he has done. Everything he says is so powerful and twisted. By the time the film reaches its finale, I was on the edge of my seat.
BEST MOMENT
Bruce Willis follows the Orange Man...
BEST QUOTE
Elijah Price: Your bones don't break, mine do. That's clear. Your cells react to bacteria and viruses differently than mine. You don't get sick, I do. That's also clear. But for some reason, you and I react the exact same way to water. We swallow it too fast, we choke. We get some in our lungs, we drown. However unreal it may seem, we are connected, you and I. We're on the same curve, just on opposite ends.
06. STRANGER THAN FICTION (2006)
Directed by Marc Forster
Starring Will Ferrell and Maggie Gyllenhaal
WHY?
Like many films, I wasn't expecting much from this. I love Will Ferrell as a comedian, and was concerned that he couldn't carry a drama film too. How wrong I was. He proves to be an excellent lead, yet again. This film has such a unique premise compared to most other films... and I really had no idea how the next scene would play out. That's the films greatest compliment, that it is never predictable. All the performances are also fantastic, and the film wouldn't work unless it was under the capable hands of director Marc Forster (who also directed Finding Neverland on this list).
BEST MOMENT
The ending. I was so tense it was unbelievable.
BEST QUOTE
Harold Crick: [on bus, and sees Ana get on the same bus] Miss Pascal! Miss Pascal!
Ana Pascal: [she sees him and moves away so that she is standing in the aisle]
Harold Crick: It's Harold Crick from the IRS.
Ana Pascal: [embarrassed] Hi.
Harold Crick: Hey, do you want a seat?
Ana Pascal: No.
Harold Crick: Because there are 11 empty ones.
Ana Pascal: No. I'm fine.
Ana Pascal: [Ana tries to fit, hanging onto a pole that is already full of people. The bus jolts, and she is flung into a seat that is next to, Harold. Embarrassed, she stays there and tries to ignore him]
Harold Crick: So, how are you?
Ana Pascal: I'm lousy. I'm getting audited! By a real *creep*, too.
Harold Crick: Miss Pascal, I think I owe you an apology. IRS agents... we're given rigorous aptitude tests before we can work. Unfortunately for you, we aren't tested on tact or good manners. So... I-I... I apologize. I o-ogled you. Sorry.
Ana Pascal: Apology accepted. But only because you stammered.
Harold Crick: So, are you a frequenter of the Metropolitan Transit Authority too?
Ana Pascal: No. I'm just late.
Harold Crick: Big flag burning to get to?
Ana Pascal: Actually, it's my weekly evil-conspiracy and needlepoint group. You wanna come?
Harold Crick: I left my thimbles and socialist reading material at home.
Kay Eiffel: [narrating] So Harold began to engage in small talk.
Harold Crick: [to Ana] You have very straight teeth.
Ana Pascal: Thanks.
Kay Eiffel: [narrating] *Very* small talk.
05. THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994)
Directed by Frank Darabont
Starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman
WHY?
This film is actually Number one on the IMDB ratings chart. I don't think it's the greatest film in history, but it definately deserves every bit of praise that it gets. It is written and directed fantastically, with great performances all around. The music is also amazing. There is not one thing in this film that does not work. By the time that the ending rolls in, you feel satisfied in a way that many films can never achieve.
BEST MOMENT
When he finally escapes from Shawshank. One of the greatest moments in film history.
BEST QUOTE
Brooks: [narrating] Dear fellas, I can't believe how fast things move on the outside. I saw an automobile once when I was a kid but now they're everywhere. The world went and got itself in a big damn hurry. The parole board got me into this halfway house called "The Brewer". And a job bagging groceries at the Foodway. It's hard work and I try to keep up but my hands hurt most of the time. I don't think the store manager likes me very much. Sometimes after work I go to the park and feed the birds. I keep thinking Jake might just show up and say hello. But he never does. I hope wherever he is he's okay and makin' new friends. I have trouble sleepin' at night. I have bad dreams like I'm falling. I wake up scared. Sometimes it takes me a while to remember where I am. Maybe I should get me a gun, an, an rob the Foodway so they'd send me home. I could shoot the manager while I was at it, sort of like a bonus. I guess I'm too old for that sort of nonsense anymore. I don't like it here. I'm tired of being afraid all the time. I've decided not to stay. I doubt they'll kick up any fuss. Not for an old crook like me.
[carves "Brooks was here" into wood. Admires his work for a moment. Then kicks out the table beneath him and hangs himself]
04. THE PRESTIGE (2006)
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale
WHY?
When I first saw this film, I went to sleep straight after. When I woke up, I watched it again. No film has made me do that before. The twist in this film is so great that I instantly had to see it again. I don't want to spoil it, but anyone that has seen it will know what I mean. Christopher Nolan has proved to be a master of directing by now... and this film is no exception. It is suitably dark as ever, but plot is the most important thing. The film is non-linear, which I don't normally like... but it truly works here. The best thing about this film is the script, and everyone needs to see it.
BEST MOMENT
When you realise the big twist, and you instantly need to watch the film again to see how stupid you've been all along...
BEST QUOTE
Alfred Borden: Everything's going to be alright, because I love you very much.
Sarah: Say it again.
Alfred Borden: I love you.
Sarah: Not today.
Alfred Borden: What do you mean?
Sarah: Well some days it's not true. Maybe today you're more in love with magic. I like being able to tell the difference, it makes the days it is true mean something.
03. AMERICAN BEAUTY (1999)
Directed by Sam Mendes
Starring Kevin Spacey and Annette Benning
WHY?
I'd heard so many great things about this film before I saw it, I didn't think there was any way it could live up to such expectations. I was wrong, as ever. Like The Prestige, the true star here is the script. It truly is one of the greatest in history. Every character is brilliant, and everything they do is interesting. Kevin Spacey tells you what is going to happen at the start of the film, but by the time it does happen... you can't believe it. You're so drawn into the world and how all the characters got here that you're still surprised by it. The music is also phenomenal, and most people would recognise as soon as they hear it.
BEST MOMENT
Another film that's extremely hard to choose. The ending is of course fantastic, but my favourite part has to be the basketball game scene. Everything in that is brilliant.
BEST QUOTE
[at the dinner table]
Carolyn Burnham: Your father and I were just discussing his day at work. Why don't you tell our daughter about it, honey?
Lester Burnham: Janie, today I quit my job. And then I told my boss to go fuck himself, and then I blackmailed him for almost sixty thousand dollars. Pass the asparagus.
Carolyn Burnham: Your father seems to think this type of behavior is something to be proud of.
Lester Burnham: And your mother seems to prefer I go through life like a fucking prisoner while she keeps my dick in a mason jar under the sink.
Carolyn Burnham: How dare you speak to me that way in front of her. And I marvel that you can be so contemptuous of me, on the same day that you LOSE your job.
Lester Burnham: Lose it? I didn't lose it. It's not like, "Whoops! Where'd my job go?" I QUIT. Someone pass me the asparagus.
02. BIG FISH (2003)
Directed by Tim Burton
Starring Ewan McGregor and Albert Finney
WHY?
This is a film of moments, like Benjamin Button. However, with the creative mind of Tim Burton, it really blossoms past what most can do. I want to become a filmmaker to tell stories, and this film is all about stories and how they are represented. It has a perfect blend of reality and fantasy. It is hopelessly romantic, and dramatic. I love every single second of it. There's a mini moment (as I also mentioned in my review of Benjamin Button), that hit me hard. It's the point where Edward finally passes. The look on Billy Crudup's face is amazing, and the music (that is incredible too), suddenly strikes a deep piano note. There's something about it that always gets under my skin.
BEST MOMENT
When Will's Dad begins to die... and he has to tell the story of how he dies.
BEST QUOTE
Norther Winslow: I've been working on this poem for 12 years.
Young Ed Bloom: Really?
Norther Winslow: There's a lot of expectation. I don't wanna disappoint my fans.
Young Ed Bloom: May I?
Young Ed Bloom: [Edward reeds the poem on the notebook ] The grass so green Skies so blue. Spectre is really great!
Young Ed Bloom: It's only three lines long.
Norther Winslow: This is why you should never show a work in progress.
01. FORREST GUMP (1994)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright Penn
WHY?
A lot of people will probably complain that this is a bit too predictable to be my favourite drama film, but I don't care what they say... because I love this film too much for words. In my eyes, it is a perfect piece of filmmaking. Nearly every genre is used (bar animati0n!), and blended to perfection. Again, it is a film of moments, but one that will probably never be surpassed. I don't need to say any more, everyone probably will have (and should have) seen Forrest Gump, and come away with that warm feeling that it leaves you with.
BEST MOMENT
It's nearly impossible to choose the greatest moment in Forrest Gump. I think it's when Forrest finds out he has a son for the first time though.
BEST QUOTE
[Forrest has finished assembling his rifle]
Forrest Gump: DONE, DRILL SERGEANT!
Drill Sergeant: GUUUUUUMP! Why did you put that weapon together so quickly, Gump?
Forrest Gump: [confused] You told me to, Drill Sergeant?
Drill Sergeant: Jesus H. Christ!
[looks at stopwatch]
Drill Sergeant: This is a new company record! If it wouldn't be such a waste of a damn-fine enlisted man I'd recommend you for OCS! You are gonna be a general someday, Gump, now disassemble your weapon and continue!
Directed by Frank Darabont
Starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman
WHY?
This film is actually Number one on the IMDB ratings chart. I don't think it's the greatest film in history, but it definately deserves every bit of praise that it gets. It is written and directed fantastically, with great performances all around. The music is also amazing. There is not one thing in this film that does not work. By the time that the ending rolls in, you feel satisfied in a way that many films can never achieve.
BEST MOMENT
When he finally escapes from Shawshank. One of the greatest moments in film history.
BEST QUOTE
Brooks: [narrating] Dear fellas, I can't believe how fast things move on the outside. I saw an automobile once when I was a kid but now they're everywhere. The world went and got itself in a big damn hurry. The parole board got me into this halfway house called "The Brewer". And a job bagging groceries at the Foodway. It's hard work and I try to keep up but my hands hurt most of the time. I don't think the store manager likes me very much. Sometimes after work I go to the park and feed the birds. I keep thinking Jake might just show up and say hello. But he never does. I hope wherever he is he's okay and makin' new friends. I have trouble sleepin' at night. I have bad dreams like I'm falling. I wake up scared. Sometimes it takes me a while to remember where I am. Maybe I should get me a gun, an, an rob the Foodway so they'd send me home. I could shoot the manager while I was at it, sort of like a bonus. I guess I'm too old for that sort of nonsense anymore. I don't like it here. I'm tired of being afraid all the time. I've decided not to stay. I doubt they'll kick up any fuss. Not for an old crook like me.
[carves "Brooks was here" into wood. Admires his work for a moment. Then kicks out the table beneath him and hangs himself]
04. THE PRESTIGE (2006)
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale
WHY?
When I first saw this film, I went to sleep straight after. When I woke up, I watched it again. No film has made me do that before. The twist in this film is so great that I instantly had to see it again. I don't want to spoil it, but anyone that has seen it will know what I mean. Christopher Nolan has proved to be a master of directing by now... and this film is no exception. It is suitably dark as ever, but plot is the most important thing. The film is non-linear, which I don't normally like... but it truly works here. The best thing about this film is the script, and everyone needs to see it.
BEST MOMENT
When you realise the big twist, and you instantly need to watch the film again to see how stupid you've been all along...
BEST QUOTE
Alfred Borden: Everything's going to be alright, because I love you very much.
Sarah: Say it again.
Alfred Borden: I love you.
Sarah: Not today.
Alfred Borden: What do you mean?
Sarah: Well some days it's not true. Maybe today you're more in love with magic. I like being able to tell the difference, it makes the days it is true mean something.
03. AMERICAN BEAUTY (1999)
Directed by Sam Mendes
Starring Kevin Spacey and Annette Benning
WHY?
I'd heard so many great things about this film before I saw it, I didn't think there was any way it could live up to such expectations. I was wrong, as ever. Like The Prestige, the true star here is the script. It truly is one of the greatest in history. Every character is brilliant, and everything they do is interesting. Kevin Spacey tells you what is going to happen at the start of the film, but by the time it does happen... you can't believe it. You're so drawn into the world and how all the characters got here that you're still surprised by it. The music is also phenomenal, and most people would recognise as soon as they hear it.
BEST MOMENT
Another film that's extremely hard to choose. The ending is of course fantastic, but my favourite part has to be the basketball game scene. Everything in that is brilliant.
BEST QUOTE
[at the dinner table]
Carolyn Burnham: Your father and I were just discussing his day at work. Why don't you tell our daughter about it, honey?
Lester Burnham: Janie, today I quit my job. And then I told my boss to go fuck himself, and then I blackmailed him for almost sixty thousand dollars. Pass the asparagus.
Carolyn Burnham: Your father seems to think this type of behavior is something to be proud of.
Lester Burnham: And your mother seems to prefer I go through life like a fucking prisoner while she keeps my dick in a mason jar under the sink.
Carolyn Burnham: How dare you speak to me that way in front of her. And I marvel that you can be so contemptuous of me, on the same day that you LOSE your job.
Lester Burnham: Lose it? I didn't lose it. It's not like, "Whoops! Where'd my job go?" I QUIT. Someone pass me the asparagus.
02. BIG FISH (2003)
Directed by Tim Burton
Starring Ewan McGregor and Albert Finney
WHY?
This is a film of moments, like Benjamin Button. However, with the creative mind of Tim Burton, it really blossoms past what most can do. I want to become a filmmaker to tell stories, and this film is all about stories and how they are represented. It has a perfect blend of reality and fantasy. It is hopelessly romantic, and dramatic. I love every single second of it. There's a mini moment (as I also mentioned in my review of Benjamin Button), that hit me hard. It's the point where Edward finally passes. The look on Billy Crudup's face is amazing, and the music (that is incredible too), suddenly strikes a deep piano note. There's something about it that always gets under my skin.
BEST MOMENT
When Will's Dad begins to die... and he has to tell the story of how he dies.
BEST QUOTE
Norther Winslow: I've been working on this poem for 12 years.
Young Ed Bloom: Really?
Norther Winslow: There's a lot of expectation. I don't wanna disappoint my fans.
Young Ed Bloom: May I?
Young Ed Bloom: [Edward reeds the poem on the notebook ] The grass so green Skies so blue. Spectre is really great!
Young Ed Bloom: It's only three lines long.
Norther Winslow: This is why you should never show a work in progress.
01. FORREST GUMP (1994)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright Penn
WHY?
A lot of people will probably complain that this is a bit too predictable to be my favourite drama film, but I don't care what they say... because I love this film too much for words. In my eyes, it is a perfect piece of filmmaking. Nearly every genre is used (bar animati0n!), and blended to perfection. Again, it is a film of moments, but one that will probably never be surpassed. I don't need to say any more, everyone probably will have (and should have) seen Forrest Gump, and come away with that warm feeling that it leaves you with.
BEST MOMENT
It's nearly impossible to choose the greatest moment in Forrest Gump. I think it's when Forrest finds out he has a son for the first time though.
BEST QUOTE
[Forrest has finished assembling his rifle]
Forrest Gump: DONE, DRILL SERGEANT!
Drill Sergeant: GUUUUUUMP! Why did you put that weapon together so quickly, Gump?
Forrest Gump: [confused] You told me to, Drill Sergeant?
Drill Sergeant: Jesus H. Christ!
[looks at stopwatch]
Drill Sergeant: This is a new company record! If it wouldn't be such a waste of a damn-fine enlisted man I'd recommend you for OCS! You are gonna be a general someday, Gump, now disassemble your weapon and continue!
Daniel darling... I think you've got some of The Fly in your Shawshank Redemption. It's not often I get to say that! Check out the Why? section.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm, good choices Daniel, I personally would have put "Finding neverland" up higher though, it is that amazing! And i think my quote would have been: "its's just a bit of silliness really" and its a rule that everyone should cry when he says "But why did she have to die?" if you don't you have no soul... well maybe thats a bit extream as some people just don't cry! Bye!
ReplyDeleteP.S Hello blog readers from around the world!
here is my fave quotes:
ReplyDeletePeter Llewelyn Davies: It's just, I thought she'd always be here.
J.M. Barrie: So did I. But in fact, she is, because she's on every page of your imagination. You'll always have her there. Always.
Peter Llewelyn Davies: But why did she have to die?
J.M. Barrie: I don't know, Peter. When I think of your mother, I will always remember how happy she looked, sitting there in the parlor watching a play about her family, about her boys that never grew up. She went to Neverland. And you can visit her any time you like if you just go there yourself.
Peter Llewelyn Davies: How?
J.M. Barrie: By believing, Peter. Just believe.
i LOVE Unbreakable. One of my favorite movies ever!
ReplyDelete