Smiling Dragon's Top Ten Movies (any genre)
Why do we watch movies? For everyone the answer to that is different. Our answer can vary based on our own mood or feelings at any given moment.
Sometimes, we want movies that simply entertain us (think box office blockbusters with lots of special effects), sometimes we want movies that make us laugh, or make us cry. Sometimes we want to be moved emotionally and consider the deep things of life. Other times, we want to forget the reality of life.
I too enjoy those movies that make us forget life for two hours and just enjoy big-budget blockbusters. But these ten movies are more than just entertainment. They have moved me in some way. They have caused me to think, to feel, to question, to contemplate things which most people are too afraid, too naive, too haughty, or just too wrapped up in daily life to consider.
Take this list or leave it. Love or hate it (if you must), but these are my favorite modern movies of all time. These movies may not appeal to you, nor would I expect them to appeal to everyone (or anyone for that matter).
Enjoy and always remember to smile!
Yours,
Smiling Dragon
Sometimes, we want movies that simply entertain us (think box office blockbusters with lots of special effects), sometimes we want movies that make us laugh, or make us cry. Sometimes we want to be moved emotionally and consider the deep things of life. Other times, we want to forget the reality of life.
I too enjoy those movies that make us forget life for two hours and just enjoy big-budget blockbusters. But these ten movies are more than just entertainment. They have moved me in some way. They have caused me to think, to feel, to question, to contemplate things which most people are too afraid, too naive, too haughty, or just too wrapped up in daily life to consider.
Take this list or leave it. Love or hate it (if you must), but these are my favorite modern movies of all time. These movies may not appeal to you, nor would I expect them to appeal to everyone (or anyone for that matter).
Enjoy and always remember to smile!
Yours,
Smiling Dragon
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- DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsHugh JackmanRachel WeiszSean Patrick ThomasAs a modern-day scientist, Tommy is struggling with mortality, desperately searching for the medical breakthrough that will save the life of his cancer-stricken wife, Izzi.Existence. Life. The innate desire to keep living. The origins of life.
This movie doesn't answer these questions. Instead, it reflects something deep inside of each of us. We don't want to die, ever! We want to be remembered, we want to keep living.
It's sobering to consider, but to truly live, to truly understand life, we must consider the questions and concepts raised in this movie.
Whatever you believe about life and death, whatever you believe is the reason for our being here, the truth is that our time is short. We are but a breath within time.
Ask yourself, do I believe what I want to believe, or do I honestly want to know the truth? - DirectorRidley ScottStarsRussell CroweJoaquin PhoenixConnie NielsenA former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery.What makes someone a hero?
A hero doesn't have special powers, he doesn't possess extraordinary skills. When a person is put into a situation in which he can choose to act for good, or he can choose to act for bad, he chooses to act for good regardless of his own safety.
Maximus did his duty. All he wanted to do was to see his family and live his life in peace. When that was taken from him, he could have given up, he could have walked away and started another life. But he choose to right the wrong that he witnessed, even though the knew it would cost him his life.
This, my friends, is a true hero. - DirectorPeter JacksonStarsElijah WoodViggo MortensenIan McKellenGandalf and Aragorn lead the World of Men against Sauron's army to draw his gaze from Frodo and Sam as they approach Mount Doom with the One Ring.Peter Jackson is a genius. His ability to turn this Lord of the Rings into three epic films is beyond amazing.
It's so easy to fall in the love with the characters. To grip your armrest during the battle scenes. To cry for the fallen, and cheer for the victories.
These movies moved us in ways that I am not sure any other movies will again. - DirectorTerry GilliamTerry JonesStarsGraham ChapmanJohn CleeseEric IdleKing Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table embark on a surreal, low-budget search for the Holy Grail, encountering many, very silly obstacles.A comedy? On a "serious" movie list?
Yes, for no other reason than to laugh is quintessential to humans. Laughing is required in life, and it's healthy, and we should do it more often (especially in the world we live in today).
While the humor presented in Monty Python may not appeal to everyone, this movie has influenced almost every modern day comedian. In turn those comedians have made countless movies and sitcoms. For this reason alone, this movie deserves a place on my list. - DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleHeath LedgerAaron EckhartWhen the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.This is the only "super hero" movie to appear on my top ten.
The antagonist makes this movie great. He represents evil in all its forms. He does not want power, he does not want money, he does not want anything other than "some men just want to watch the world burn."
This evil IS reflected in our daily lives, whether we choose to see it or not. Fortunately, there was a hero who stood up to the evil for the benefit of others. Today there are a few, sadly just a few, who would do the same for our fellow man today.
There will never be another super hero movie that equals The Dark Knight. This is Christopher Nolan's masterpiece! - DirectorRidley ScottStarsHarrison FordRutger HauerSean YoungA blade runner must pursue and terminate four replicants who stole a ship in space and have returned to Earth to find their creator.In the midst of the "Star Wars" years, Harrison Ford chose to do another Sci-Fi movie that had no real chance of being accepted by the mainstream.
Today, it stands as one of the best Science Fiction movies of all time. It's subtle, it's understated. Yet it's visionary and romantic.
It's film noir set in a bleak future where man has not solved any of the problems we face today.
A movie driven by one character and a movie that succeeds on all levels.
This will go down as one of Ridley Scott's best and most influential films. - DirectorMel GibsonStarsMel GibsonSophie MarceauPatrick McGoohanScottish warrior William Wallace leads his countrymen in a rebellion to free his homeland from the tyranny of King Edward I of England."Every man dies, not every man really lives."
I can say this to anyone, and I mean anyone, and they will completely agree with this statement. Yet very few reflect this in their lives.
What does it mean to "live"? To collect money? To collect "things"? To be good to one another? To "live and let die"?
To have a belief as strong as William Wallace is one thing. To give your life willingly for it is quite another. And no, Wallace was not out for money or power, but something much greater...freedom. - DirectorEdward ZwickStarsTom CruiseKen WatanabeBilly ConnollyNathan Algren, a US army veteran, is hired by the Japanese emperor to train his army in the modern warfare techniques. Nathan finds himself trapped in a struggle between two eras and two worlds.Yes, I know. Tom Cruise is in this movie. Yes, I know the story is predictable.
But there is a reason Ken Watanabe was nominated for an Oscar for his role in this movie. The movie is superbly acted, by all involved. The direction by Edward Zwick really captures the late 1800s in Japan.
Admittedly, I have always been intrigued by the culture of Japan. That is what struck me about this movie. I appreciate the discipline with which the Samurai lived their lives. I think I could have done wonders in my life if I had but a touch of their discipline and dedication. - DirectorRidley ScottStarsOrlando BloomEva GreenLiam NeesonBalian of Ibelin travels to Jerusalem during the Crusades of the 12th century, and there he finds himself as the defender of the city and its people.What most people don't realize about this movie is that it is, loosely, based on a real story. There really was a Kingdom of Jerusalem, there really was a king with Leprosy, there really was a king of Syria, and they really took control of Jerusalem around 1198 A.D.
People don't want to discuss religion anymore, but forgiveness, redemption, getting a second chance? We all hope for that. - DirectorBen StillerStarsBen StillerKristen WiigJon DalyWhen both he and a colleague are about to lose their job, Walter takes action by embarking on an adventure more extraordinary than anything he ever imagined.For some reason this movie reminded me of Office Space (which narrowly missed the cut of my top ten).
Go out and live life. Be good to one another (above all), but don't live in fear of experiencing all that life has to offer, despite the problems each of us face. Enjoy the good things we have in life because any day may be our last. - DirectorCameron CroweStarsMatt DamonScarlett JohanssonThomas Haden ChurchSet in Southern California, a father moves his young family to the countryside to renovate and re-open a struggling zoo.I cheated, my top ten is really a top eleven.
If you are reading this, you are probably saying "We Bought a Zoo"? Seriously, this list sucks. As I stated above, this is my list. If you don't like it then make your own.
But consider the story. A man starts over with his family after the death of his wife. He wanted to give his family a better life and get them out of the rat race that most of us live in. He took a risk to make his children better by teaching them that hard work can lead to true satisfaction and happiness.