Criterion: Throne of Blood (*****) is a tragic beauty
It’s hard to list Kurosawa’s films in terms of greatness. Ranking is almost impossible.
Criterion: Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple – is giant
Musashi’s presence is undeniable as the burgeoning samurai. His is one of the giant characters in episodic history, every bit worth the value of the legend he represents.
Criterion: I Live In Fear (*****) has reason on all sides
Kurosawa, Shimura and Mifune by this point are in full swing. There is nothing in the world that matches their ability to relay a story.
Criterion: Seven Samurai (*****) stands the test of time
Seven Samurai should be Movies 101 for any serious lover of film. If you haven’t seen it, you should.
Forgotten Gem: Superbad (*****) became a classic and we all moved on…
There are so few comedies that are rewatchable. Ethical or not, this is a funny film about people we all knew in high school. None of them possess any sort of genius. Most of them are decent. Each of them were have a series of delightful failures with little victories along the way.
Criterion: Rashomon (*****) weak by nature
Rashomon stands as a gateway to our existence. It is one of the greatest films ever made, and should be viewed by anyone seeking insight through true artistic achievement. It should be used as a template for those wishing to begin to understand the ever contrasting nature of humanity.
Criterion: The Out-of-Towners (***1/2) wears out its welcome
The combination of Hiller, Lemmon, Miller and Jones no doubt is what makes this a Criterion selection. I can’t argue with this. As a film, it may not be a classic, but it is worth exploring.
Criterion: 8 1/2 is a critic’s dream / director’s nightmare
As if a critic knows what’s worth creating. “To learn silence,” indeed.
Forgotten Gem – Queen of Katwe (*****) Mira Nair elevates Disney with some help
This pawn knows its own potential, but also realizes it takes the sacrifice and support of other pieces to help her reach her goal.
Little Women (*****) paddle their own canoe
There are so many moments that inspire tears in Little Women. These tears are happy as well as sad. They are a reminder that life is short and it’s the quality of life that matters. In controlling their reactions to challenges, Jo and their sisters begin to own their stories. It’s our luck that they allowed us to share in the glory of their lives. This is one of the year’s best.
Written and Directed by Quentin Tarantino: The Chronology
I am pretty sure most of those reading will not agree with my number 1, or even my number 9. That’s okay though. Let me know your own list or thoughts in the comments.
Knives Out (*****) is a donut inside of a donut hole
“This is one of the best films of the year. It’s also one of the best mystery films I remember seeing. My daughter solved it about midway through. She just wasn’t sure how she’d solved it until Johnson let us all see. “
Forgotten Gem: Jackie Brown (*****) – Robert Forster lives on
The ending sends chills through me every time. Especially today, knowing that the end of El Camino is the last time I will ever see the deep story told within the eyes of Robert Forster.
Forgotten Gem: The Limey (*****)
“This is one of Soderbergh’s best. Coming directly from Out of Sight and just before Ocean’s 11, it’s easy for The Limey to get lost in the shuffle. Don’t let too this one pass you by. “
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (*****) The work of a master
“Brad Pitt has simply never been better. If he doesn’t exactly expand his range to 12 Monkeys range, his portrayal is spot on. He’s carries the load, quite literally. “
I Am Mother (*****) the future is then
Keeping the characters to a minimum in no way diminishes the effectiveness of the story. This is dystopian future story telling at its best. It makes us think about more than the story. It makes us think about who we are and what we could be.
