Bluffmaster's Picks

Seems to be a new trend in the blogsphere. So here's a list of my favourite movies in no particular order:

1. Scent Of A Woman (1992): When I heard of it, I assumed it to be a droning romantic film, because of its title. But it turned out to be completely different. Never in the history of cinema has anyone portrayed a visually impaired character with utmost perfection as Al Pacino. Whoooooa!

2. A Few Good Men (1992): "You can't handle the truth!" An excellent movie about a navy lawyer's struggle to unveil the truth behind a court martial. The script is close to perfection and Jack Nicholson the "misunderstood hero" is top notch in this thumping performance. Tom Cruise glows with brilliance. It has a series of other good actors like Kevin Bacon, Kevin Polak, Demi Moore, and Keifer Sutherland.

3. Schindler's List (1993): A Steven Spielberg classic about the real-life hero Schindler. The highlight of the film was, in fact, it's black & white cinematography. The climax is very moving.

4. Devil's Advocate (1997): I remember watching its ads on Star Movies back in the late 90s, but never paid much attention. Devil's Advocate is a modern parable with elements of mystery and intrigue. Al Pacino excels once again in a role that he seems to be born to play. I can't imagine anyone else fitting into this character. The unforeseen climax takes you by a jolt. Keanu Reeves, Charlize Theron, and Connie Nielsen are impressive as well. One must play close attention to Milton's hidden jokes.

5. Back To The Future I & II (1985-89): I have combined the parts 1 & 2 because they are in an essence the same film. Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis churn out a classic. It's a very humorous complemented with good acting by Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. Their comical timing and face expressions are excellent. The part III was disappointing, but without any doubt Back To The Future I & II remain as one of the most memorable films ever made.

6. Forver Young (1992): An emotional, romantic tale with a twist that completely changes everything. Elijah Wood, ten years old at that time, is awesome.

7. Catch Me If You Can (2002): A real-life story of Frank Abagnale Jr. played aptly by Leonardo DiCaprio. It turns out to be another Spielberg classic. The good background music and skillful camera work add to the atmosphere.

8. American Beauty (1999): When I first saw it in 2000, I regarded it as an average film. But after watching it again I realized the essence and the beauty of this magnificent piece of art directed by Sam Mendes. It's not just a movie, it is life. The background score is haunting and Kevin Spacey shows a wide range of emotions at best. American Beauty captures the realities of the world on how we put false fronts to hide who we really are. A beautiful film indeed.

9. Road To Perditon (2002): Another masterpiece by Sam Mendes — completely different from American Beauty. It is a great revenge saga set in the era of depression. Cinematography is awe-inspiring. The mesmerizing background music reminds of American Beauty. Paul Newman, Tom Hanks, Jude Law are first rate.

10. The Living Daylights (1987): Now this is what you call Ian Fleming's Bond. The airplane action scene is brilliant. A good action film that veers from the customary artistry and gives more insight on Ian Fleming's 007, something that's missing from the contemporary films that seem to be dominated by visual effects and animations and they all have the same save-the-world theme. I also liked From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, For Your Eyes Only, Licence To Kill, and Goldeneye.

11. Shawshank Redemption (1994): A very touching film about hope and friendship, followed by splendid swerve before the climax!

12. Mackenna's Gold (1969): A remarkable adventure/western classic with good performances by Omar Sharif, Gregory Peck and others. A memorable journey to the good old days. One of the most captivating and entertaining films ever made.

13. Raging Bull (1980): Raging Bull is an example of flawless direction by the legendary Martin Scorsese. From the initial inspired shot of Jake La Motta shadow boxing in the ring, we know that we are experiencing a work of true cinematic art. It combines brilliant and innovative film technique with a deep and provocative character study. Robert DeNiro's dedication to the role is astounding. He first worked hard to build a boxer's physique and competed in three boxing matches. Later on he gained 50 lbs to play the bloated Jake LaMotta. Raging Bull is one of cinema’s masterworks.

14. The Godfather (1972): A class act that is universally hailed as a masterpiece by everyone. Marlon Brando gave a sublime example of acting.

15. Psycho (1960): There's a lot more to this film than the shower sequence. Psycho was purposely shot in black and white, because Hitchcock knew it wouldn't work in colour and he was, of course, right. It is a visual treat that leaves you spell bounded. Who can forget the Psycho house.

It is difficult to compress the list to 15. It comprises several other masterful pieces.