Favorite Movies of My Lifetime
These are the best of the best movies I have seen, but not in particular order because I can't get the reorder feature to work. The first few are correctly ordered, but not all of them on the rest of the list. I have an eclectic assortment spanning many decades, yet am having a hard time finding any in the last 5 years that I would consider my favorites. A few have been made but will they stand the test of time for me remains to be seen, except for "The King's Speech".
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- DirectorDavid LeanStarsOmar SharifJulie ChristieGeraldine ChaplinThe life of a Russian physician and poet who, although married to another, falls in love with a political activist's wife and experiences hardship during World War I and then the October Revolution.Epic tearjerker set against the Russian Revolution. Julie Christie and Omar Shariff play lovers set against many odds to be together. It has and still is my favorite all time movie. The score, the cinematography and the acting were phenomenal. It was groundbreaking at the time it was fimed.
- DirectorMike NewellStarsHugh GrantAndie MacDowellJames FleetOver the course of five social occasions, a committed bachelor must consider the notion that he may have discovered love.The best of witty comedy and drama make for an unusual love story. Hugh Grant was like a young Cary Grant in it and all the other actors just complemented each other so well. The story was unique and not told before. Andie Mcdowell did a great job of representing a southern beauty and had loads of chemistry with Grant. I haven't seen anything as unique since...a real orginal with well written dialogue...I love great wit, not slapstick humor.
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsHumphrey BogartIngrid BergmanPaul HenreidA cynical expatriate American cafe owner struggles to decide whether or not to help his former lover and her fugitive husband escape the Nazis in French Morocco.Romance set against the intrigue and despair of WWII. A real classic!
- DirectorTom HooperStarsColin FirthGeoffrey RushHelena Bonham CarterThe story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer.Although new, this movie moved me in such a way that I will never forget it and will watch it multiple times, a sign of a favorite for me since I rarely rewatch any movies.
- DirectorJames L. BrooksStarsWilliam HurtAlbert BrooksHolly HunterTake two rival television reporters: one handsome, one talented, both male. Add one producer, female. Mix well, and watch the sparks fly.A perfect blend of great talents to describe a world of what journalism was and still should be, but sadly isn't, done in a comedic way. The direction and editing were superb to make this a multi award winner in it's time..another classic!
- DirectorRoger DonaldsonStarsKevin CostnerBruce GreenwoodShawn DriscollIn October 1962, the Kennedy administration struggles to contain the Cuban Missile Crisis.This movie unexpectedly left an indelible mark on me, not only for great performances and pitch perfect direction, but for the story it told that is still fairly unkown. It shows how a great president acts in times of world crisis..not to be missed, a first rate edge of your seat real life thriller.
- DirectorStuart RosenbergStarsPaul NewmanGeorge KennedyStrother MartinA laid-back Southern man is sentenced to two years in a rural prison, but refuses to conform.The best prison movie I have ever seen and starring the wonderful Paul Newman in a movie few who have seen it will ever forget. It blended some comedy in with the tragedy that befell men in an unfair situation that was supposed to be "justice". The egg scene is memorable.
- DirectorStanley DonenStarsCary GrantAudrey HepburnWalter MatthauRomance and suspense ensue in Paris as a woman is pursued by several men who want a fortune her murdered husband had stolen. Whom can she trust?A fun romp starring my two favorite actors, Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, who no one can compete with now or ever. It had many stars of the time in a fun crime caper set in Paris. another one that almost made the list was "To Catch a Thief". Cary was good in everything he did, as was Audrey..very versatile talents.
- DirectorGeorge CukorStarsAudrey HepburnRex HarrisonStanley HollowayIn 1910s London, snobbish phonetics professor Henry Higgins agrees to a wager that he can make crude flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, presentable in high society.A wonderful production of the stage play, albeit without Audrey's lovely voice, but her irresistble charm made up for the singing and her chemistry with Rex Harrison was undeniable.
- DirectorGeorge Roy HillStarsPaul NewmanRobert RedfordKatharine RossIn 1890s Wyoming, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid lead a band of outlaws. When a train robbery goes wrong, they find themselves on the run with a posse hard on their heels. After considering their options, they escape to South America.Some fun from two men that had more charisma together than any two make friendship movies I have every seen..another classic not to be missed...part western, part comedy.
- DirectorRichard AttenboroughStarsBen KingsleyJohn GielgudRohini HattangadiThe life of the lawyer who became the famed leader of the Indian revolts against the British rule through his philosophy of nonviolent protest.What can be said about this classic...a true story brought perfectly to film and a real history lesson in the telling. Ben Kingsley can do no wrong in his parts and he is at his best here.
- DirectorRoman PolanskiStarsJack NicholsonFaye DunawayJohn HustonA private detective hired to expose an adulterer in 1930s Los Angeles finds himself caught up in a web of deceit, corruption, and murder.A tale of some illegal doings that were going on in Los Angeles in the 40's that were uncovered during a murder investigation. Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunnaway do a fabulous job with their characters and the movie moves at a perfect pitch through the different story lines. Don't miss out on John Huston. Roman Polanski is at his best with this movie.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsLeonardo DiCaprioCameron DiazDaniel Day-LewisIn 1862, Amsterdam Vallon returns to the Five Points area of New York City seeking revenge against Bill the Butcher; his father's killer.Although it is very violent for my tastes, I was mesmerized by the story of the Irish immigrants who came to the US to avoid the famine spreading through Ireland only to be treated like animals when they got there. Daniel day Lewis is always good and is at his best with this part.
- DirectorGeorge LucasStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherLuke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader.Only the first trilogy and not the many prequels and sequels made since. This was an innovative movie when it came out and with a low budget it proved that something unforgettable can be made without all the cgi needed today. I don't like all the others that came later trying to copy the original magic...which, imo, couldn't be done. Just don't compare it to the OTT stuff they put out now where less is spent on the story and characters and more on the "spectacular" special effects.
- DirectorHenry KingStarsJennifer JonesCharles BickfordWilliam Eythe14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous, living in a small town in the south of 1850s France, claims to have seen a divine vision, prompting extreme skepticism, concern from her family, and religious and political turmoil.This movie is not very well known now, but when it came out it was well loved. It tells the story of a young girl who believes she has been contacted by the Holy Mother. A young Jennifer Jones played her splendidly and you get a warm feeling all over while watching it. I saw it more than 20 years after it was released and it was still very well known back then. A timeless piece of humanity and humility is told here..just don't compare it to things today, or nit pick it apart. Watch it with an open mind and heart and just feel good.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsTom CruiseJack NicholsonDemi MooreMilitary lawyer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee defends Marines accused of murder. They contend they were acting under orders.Best performances for Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise..they are a pleasure to watch in action..real class actors (Cruise has changed since, unfortunately).
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsTom HanksRobin WrightGary SiniseThe history of the United States from the 1950s to the '70s unfolds from the perspective of an Alabama man with an IQ of 75, who yearns to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart.Wonderful feel good movie about a lovable character who will stay with you all your life. Tom Hanks was at his best.
- DirectorFrank DarabontStarsTom HanksMichael Clarke DuncanDavid MorseA tale set on death row, where gentle giant John Coffey possesses the mysterious power to heal people's ailments. When the lead guard, Paul Edgecombe, recognizes John's gift, he tries to help stave off the condemned man's execution.An unusual tale about a gentle giant of a man that touches your heart and leaves it's mark. All performances were spot on..but the 90's were more about character driven movies and not action packed cgi filled or ridiculous comedies that use words I don't really care to hear.
- DirectorWarren BeattyStarsWarren BeattyDiane KeatonEdward HerrmannA radical American journalist becomes involved with the Communist revolution in Russia, and hopes to bring its spirit and idealism to the United States.This is an epic movie about the cold war in it's beginnings revolving around several characters and how it touches their lives. Warren Beatty and Diane Keaton are fabulous in it. Such talent we rarely see these days.
- DirectorLeo McCareyStarsCary GrantDeborah KerrRichard DenningA couple falls in love and agrees to meet in six months at the Empire State Building - but will it happen?Again, my fav Cary Grant in an immortal love story that although it has been retold using different titles, none lives up to the original. A real tear jerker that are hard to find these days.
- DirectorMike NicholsStarsNatalie PortmanJude LawClive OwenThe relationships of two couples become complicated and deceitful when the man from one couple meets the woman of the other.Mike Nichols at his best with witty dialogue galore. Wonderful actors keeping the twists and turns of this bed hopping movie moving along at a nice clip..a hard thing to do for many actors. This is definitely a character driven movie with the best writing I have seen in years.
- DirectorBernard RoseStarsGary OldmanJeroen KrabbéIsabella RosselliniThe life and death of the legendary Ludwig van Beethoven. Besides all the work he is known for, the composer once wrote a famous love letter to a nameless beloved, and the movie tries to find out who this beloved was--not easy, as Beethoven has had many women in his life.I loved this for the music alone...Beethoven at his best. this story tries to answer the still unanswered question of who Beethoven's famous love was. "Amadeus" was also a candidate but I didn't want a huge burdensome list, just he best of the best.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsLiam NeesonRalph FiennesBen KingsleyIn German-occupied Poland during World War II, industrialist Oskar Schindler gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis.This is storytelling at it's finest. Spielberg hasn't made anything since this to compare. It is his finest hour with this movie and tells a story that might have never made the history books...and in a touching, emotion packed way that tears your heart out at the cruelty of what men can do to others..and the few that give hope to the rest of us.
- DirectorLawrence KasdanStarsTom BerengerGlenn CloseJeff GoldblumA group of seven former college friends gather for a weekend reunion at a South Carolina vacation home after the funeral of another of their college friends.I love this movie for the wonderful music in it, blending so well with the story. All the great 60's to early 70's classics. I have the sound track and it is well worn. It is a character driven movie with the best of the best actors around back then who play friends who come together for a funeral and relive their past in one weekend..a very memorable one.
- DirectorPhillip NoyceStarsMichael CaineBrendan FraserDo Thi Hai YenAn old British reporter vies with a young U.S. doctor for the affections of a beautiful Vietnamese woman.A steamy love story set in early 1950's Viet Nam as the French are leaving Viet Nam. The underlying story of the CiA coming in and undermining the exisitng government of So Viet Nam for their own purposes is cynicism at it's best. It shows the untold story of what happened in those early years. Don't miss the special features that include the timeline of Nam's history and our huge part in it towards the end. Not a pretty picture of US involvement there.