The following are some of the films that left a permanent impression in my mind. They conjure countless feelings, emotions and ideas. I could watch them any number of time and would still be awed that there is something new in these films. They are layered, some complex some linear but nevertheless are masterpiece/s of the directors . The list is not best to worst but every film is a master in itself and deserve to be in the top. The list is not exhaustive and I hope to add more to it at some later point .
- Fanny and Alexander(Ingmer Bergman , Swedish) :- The movie charts the lives of the two siblings Fanny and Alexander . We see the life in Sweden through their eyes of early 19th century Swedish aristocracy . Though belonging itself to the genre of family drama , it evolves and gives the audience much more than it promises for . It has many subplots , all of them masterfully interwoven . Prima facie , the movie narrates a broad story of the Ekdahl family ,but actually it is the world where emotional intricacies of the characters of the Ekdahl family are perceived and felt by the observant eyes of teenaged protagonist , Alexander . Watching Bergman’s superb craftsmanship , and the colours given by his equally able cinematographer Sven Nykvist can be a reason of joy for any movie lover . Made especially as a TV series for Christmas in Sweden (TV version – almost 5 hour duration ) but simultaneously released as a movie , it charms the audience for over 3 hours and keeps them enthralled . Perhaps the most hopeful and most colourful of director’s repertoire , it feels the film fills with the warm fuzzy happy feeling of that of the family time around Christmas and that’s exactly what it was intended for when Bergman created this TV series to be aired during the Christmas season .
- Persona (Ingmer Bergman , Swedish) :- Its one of those movies of Bergman , which haunts you even in dreams . A serious movie from the beginning till end . Starring Bibi Andersson as the nurse Alma and Liv Ulmann as the actress Elisabeth Vogler . The movie is an epitome of a minimalist film . The character Elisabeth Vogler speaks only 14 words in the whole movie and manages to shake you from the roots because of the superb and lively expressions of Liv Ulmann . A minimalist film yet speaking volumes.
- . Throne of Blood (Akira Kurosaswa, Japanese) – The film is the Japanese version of Macbeth . However Akira Kurosawa’s direction gives a new edge to the sticky murder plot that brings down the entire family and friendship . Toshiro Mifune’s acting as near insane Samurai Wasizu Tokeiki and his wife by her deathly expressions and Noh like action , enthralls the audience . One is left with abated breathe as to watch what unfolds next. And the last scene when the arrow pierces the Samurai’s neck makes the heart stop and marvel at the last shot .
- Pather Panchali (Satyajit Ray, Bengali ) – The transliteration “Song of the Road” , is a film narrating the struggles and happiness of the lower middle class family in the quaint village of Nischindipur in Bengal . As the film unfolds , the audiences are drawn to their struggle for existence , their celebration of life and above all to the universal truth of love . The audience cry when they shed tears and are filled with joy when the characters smile . The film is all about Humanity and hence its context is as eternal as the sun or moon in the sky .
- Hirak Rajar Deshe (Satyajit Ray, Bengali): The film is a narration about the kingdom which is the producer of diamonds . The politics , greed and power all come into play . The beauty of the movie is that the dialogues are in rhyming . Though apparently it might seem to be a children movie but the message is aimed for the adult audience. The fanatic level of power politics and the harm it does to the subjects of a kingdom especially to the young developing minds , which is relevant even in today’s politics ,is addressed in this film beautifully and very creatively . The film is aimed to both the children as well as to the adults.
- Life is Beautiful (Roberto Benigni, Italian):- A poignant film by Roberto Benigni during the Holocaust , the first part of the movie moving as a romantic comedy gives a charming outlook towards the world . It is all about how Guido (Roberto Benigni) woos his “Princepessa” (Italian: Princess) Dora and marry. However, the second half of the movie takes an unnatural twist . It moves towards the darker side, as both the son and the father are transported to the concentration camp . The child, very young, fails to to understand and realize the grim situation of the world, for him being Jew means nothing .The father realizing that it is important to maintain the hopeful outlook of life for his young son crafts a game where he playfully teaches his son to develop the survival instincts of life and never lose a faith on the laughter , which may be even at the face of death .
- The garden of Finzi Continis (Vittorio De Sica, Italian) – A beautiful and poignant color film by Vittorio De Sica. The film captures the realm of titular rich Jewish family as fascism draws near and threatening them their very existence . The Jewish family have everything to their disposition and the garden inside the big town of Ferrara serves as a safe haven for many . The garden serves as a visual trope in the film , sometimes appearing to be a haven and sometimes of the upcoming destruction by its desolate condition as the film draws close. The love life of . Miguel played by the sensuous beauty Dominique Sanda forms the main story at the backdrop of the Fascist Italy and progrom of Jewish Hunt, the film meanders through the convoluted human minds and emotions
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