Following swiftly on from my initial 10, and still in no kind of order save vaguely alphabetty -
Shadowlands: A beautiful (true) story with one of those familiar Hopkins performances at the heart, ably complemented by both Debra Winger and Edward Hardwicke. I'm a sucker for Hardwicke from his 'Holmes' days, let alone who his forebears are. And besides everything I think Lewis's tales were the first I really fell in love with. So add all that together and you'll find it hard to dislike this poignant, beautiful, and painful film. It's a complete tear-jerker to boot!
Shawshank Redemption: Well, I almost left this out, as it's now become one of those films that everyone rates highly, and by that familiarity it's power is somewhat lessened. However it's a beautiful moral tale, excellently acted and directed, with a great plot and the performances of Robbins and Freeman at the heart. Let alone Clancy Brown in one of his many fearsome roles.
[Maybe there should be a list of favourite TV series ... I've already mentioned ITV's definitive working of Sherlock Holmes; we'd have to include Carnivale as well; Buffy - well Angel at least; Farscape; West Wing; Hill Street Blues - well, at least one British production in that initial list]
Slaughterhouse 5: One of those bizarre sci-fi confusions from the early 70s, directed by George Roy Hill, covering many concepts and jumping about as unevenly as the central characters time-line does. A film that was made to tell a story, not to make money. It's a confusing and not always satisfactory adaptation, but still one of those films everyone one should see. Ambition is good.
Some kind of Wonderful: Uh-huh, yeah. Chris Columbus/John Hughes territory. I think I first watched this on a video rental, than taped it from a BBC showing, which I probably still have. The continuity announcer says something like, "...and now for a tale where in terms of beautiful women, Keith can't see the wood for the trees" (yes, I've watched it too many times ... I even have the closing song on CD somewhere). What can I say? The script *is* funny. The characters are slight and the situation is silly (and the same as 'Pretty in Pink', etc.) but it does have Mary Stuart Masterson. I don't think I need any more justification. Yup. That'll do.
Spartacus: Well, it's Spartacus. What more needs to be said? Amazing cast, cinematography, direction, story, ... everything is epic and incredible. You'll go a long way to find a better film. Something you can watch again and again and still enjoy. A proper 'film' in every sense. Brilliant.
Terminator: From the opening credits to the final scene this is a superb. I recall watching it in the cinema not knowing whether Arnie was the goodie or the baddie to start with. It handles the tricky time travel subject in a more coherent manner than any other film I can think of, and is tightly directed with outstanding action. The franchise is still going 20 years later, but the original has yet to be eclipsed. Some might argue that T2 is better - but it merely has higher production values, and is practically a remake. This, though, eschews the glib one-liners and tongue-in-cheek patter to deliver a seminal sci-fi thriller. It put both Cameron and Schwarzenegger on map, and whatever either have done since they owe to this film.
The Cat People: The RKO/Val Lewton classic, not the Paul Schrader remake (which is very good for completely different reasons). Like a number of the black and white classics, the film deliberately leaves much vague and ill-defined, leaving it to the much better imagination of the viewer to determine what exact form the menace takes. Only towards the very end is a somewhat lazy adjunct added, but this does not lessen the overall dread pervading the film. Just because this is the 40s doesn't mean that the plot lacks bite ... the central theme of a woman afraid to consummate her marriage for fear of what it might release in her is pretty bold and handled frankly. This is 'horror' as it should be - frightening, not merely horrific and distasteful. A lovely example of proper film-making with characters fleshed out as real people. Watch this.
The Haunting: Well, see above. I obviously mean the Robert Wise original, not the dreadful rehash. A black and white movie with no hideous monsters, no gore, no blood, no massacre. How can that be scary? Okay. Get this. Watch it. Alone. At night. When it's dark. Then come back and tell me it's not scary. Genuine terror and suspense. One of those great scary films that just aren't made these days. Something that will have you pulling the duvet up tight around you at every creak and shadow. "I'm not holding your hand."
The Lady Vanishes: An early Hitchcock classic and possibly my favourite of all his works. This is just an enjoyable romp. Wonderfully eccentric characters litter the piece, with such delight and wit that you want to board that train, even if you might never get off it alive. Simply enjoyable and entertaining, without being malicious or unpleasant. Wonderful wonderful fun. If you've never seen this, then don't miss out. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
The life and death of colonel blimp: Powell and Pressburger. Is anything more needed? Okay - since you're being picky. The honey-voiced Roger Livesey making an incredible 40 year transformation as the main character; Deborah Kerr playing three roles; a sympathetic and realistic German soldier (this film was made in 1943); a backdrop of a world in turmoil; the strength of friendship; the beauty of love; the compassion of man; ... there are few films, if any, that can match this utter gem. An amazing achievement.
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Okay - that's 20 down and 30 still to go. I know ... there can't be any better films than these. Some of these are truly classics. Don't deny yourself a good ole watch of them. Please.
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