Rescue Dawn

Rescue Dawn (2006) is directed by Werner Herzog, and stars Christian Bale as an American fighter pilot shot down & captured by villagers in Laos. The film is set during the Vietnam War, and is based on a real life story of a German American pilot Dieter Dengler. 'Rescue Dawn' is not an action war movie, but is a moving war drama focusing on internal emotional states of prisoners-of-war struggling to survive in captivity, with plans of escaping. 'Rescue Dawn' was filmed on location in the jungles of Thailand.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462504/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rescue_Dawn

Mood: War drama
Good Aspects: Werner Herzog film. Christian Bale is cast perfectly in the lead role.

Black Swan

"Black Swan" (2010) is directed by Darren Aronofsky - director of Requiem for a Dream, Pi, The Fountain, The Wrestler-and stars Natalie Portman who won an Oscar for her outstanding performance. The film is a psychological thriller focusing on a ballet dancer Nina who wins the lead in 'Swan Lake', but her life turns to a nightmare as her workaholism and perfectionism leads her down a self destructive path which descends deeper and deeper into darkness. Vincent Cassel stars as the ballet company's artistic director, and Mila Kunis as the understudy to Nina. The film is a masterpiece of filmmaking, showcasing Aronofsky's unique filmic creativity.

Interesting interview with Darren Aronofsky:
http://www.top10films.co.uk/archives/5594

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0947798/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Swan_(film)

Mood: Psychological thriller
Good Aspects: Darren Aronofsky film. A masterpiece of filmmaking.
Worth Noticing: Quite dark.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" (2007) is directed by Andrew Dominik-a New Zealand born Australian director, who also directed "Chopper" (2000). The film stars Brad Pitt as Jesse James the infamous outlaw, and Casey Affleck as Robert Ford. The film is a masterpiece, with beautiful cinematography, lyrical narrative, and though is long at 160 minutes, it doesn't lose its' story or impact. The story focuses on Jesse James, his gang, and Robert Ford-who has idolized Jesse James, but finally turns against him, tempted by the reward offered for Jesse's capture & life. Brad Pitt is cast perfectly in the role of Jesse James, together with a great ensemble cast. Nick Cave makes a cool musical appearance in the film-he also composed the soundtrack with Warren Ellis.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443680/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Assassination_of_Jesse_James_by_the_Coward_Robert_Ford

Mood: Western with a difference.
Good Aspects: Beautiful cinematography, powerful acting.
Worth Noticing: Violent scenes. Not recommended for children.

Boxcar Bertha

Boxcar Bertha (1972) is an early film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Barbara Hershey, David Carradine, and Barry Primus. The film is set during the Depression in America, and tells the story of lovers Bertha and union leader Billy as they turn to crime and start robbing trains, after major problems with anti-union forces. The film was produced by Roger Corman, and is very loosley based on a novel "Sister of the Road" written by Dr Ben L.Reitman. "Boxcar Bertha" is an interesting film which makes statements about race & gender issues in 1930's American south.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068309/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxcar_Bertha

Mood: Crime, gangsters, Depression era America. Similar to "Bonnie & Clyde" (1967).
Good Aspects: An early film by Martin Scorcese.
Worth Noticing: Some violent scenes

A History of Violence

"A History of Violence" (2005) is directed by David Cronenberg. The film stars Viggo Mortensen, with William Hurt in a supporting role. It is based on a graphic novel of the same name by John Wagner and Vince Locke. The story focuses on the owner of a small town diner-Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen)-who, after saving his employees & customers after a vicious attack from armed men-is sought by a gangster, who assumes that Tom is a gangster named Joey Cusack. The film is quite a tense thriller to watch.

"The film's title plays on multiple levels of meaning. Film critic Roger Ebert says that David Cronenberg suggests three possibilities: "(1) to a suspect with a long history of violence; (2) to the historical use of violence as a means of settling disputes, and (3) to the innate violence of Darwinian evolution, in which better-adapted organisms replace those less able to cope", with the last as the dominant focus of the film. "I am a complete Darwinian," says Cronenberg, A History of Violence is in many ways about the survival of the fittest—at all costs. Cronenberg did not come up with the title, however; that distinction belongs to John Wagner." [From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_History_of_Violence_(film)]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0399146/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_History_of_Violence_(film)

Mood: Dark tense thriller
Good Aspects: David Cronenberg film
Worth Noticing: Violent scenes

The Conversation

The Conversation (1974) is a thriller written & directed by Francis Ford Coppola, starring Gene Hackman in the lead role. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 1974 Cannes Film Festival. Gene Hackman plays the character of Harry Caul- a well respected surveillance expert, who discovers during one of his surveillance jobs after a cryptic tape recording-that a couple's life is in danger.

"On the DVD commentary, Coppola says he was shocked to learn that the film utilized the very same surveillance and wire-tapping equipment that members of the Nixon Administration used to spy on political opponents prior to the Watergate scandal. Coppola has said this is the reason the film gained part of the recognition it has received, but that this is entirely coincidental. Not only was the script for The Conversation completed in the mid-1960s (before the Nixon Administration came to power) but the spying equipment used in the film was discovered through research and the use of technical advisers and not, as many believed, by revelatory newspaper stories about the Watergate break-in."
(From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Conversation)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071360/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Conversation

Mood: Thriller
Good Aspects: Suspense, great cinematography, interesting story & soundtrack.

He Died with a Felafel in his Hand

"He Died with a Felafel in his Hand" (2001) is an Australian film directed by Richard Lowenstein. It is based on the cult book of the same name, by John Birmingham, and is an account of the author's years spent living in countless share accommodation houses in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. The film stars Noah Taylor as Danny-a philosophical struggling writer-on the constant move as he experiences many misadventures with the sometimes quite bizarre personalities of his many different housemates. The film is a comedy-maybe some of the humour can be understood better by viewers who are more familiar with Australian stereotypes, but is definitely recommended for anyone who wants an interesting insight into Australian city share accommodation culture taken to the extreme.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0172543/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He_Died_with_a_Felafel_in_His_Hand_(film)

Mood: Urban quirky offbeat comedy.
Good aspects: Based on an interesting cult book of the same name.

The Ghost Writer

"The Ghost Writer" (2010) is directed by Roman Polanski. The film stars Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Kim Catrall and Olivia Williams. A ghost writer (Ewan McGregor) has been given an assignment-to write the memoirs of a former British prime minister (Pierce Brosnan), and is sent to an isolated island to complete his assignment. The film is based on a novel "The Ghost" by Robert Harris. There is mystery surrounding suspicious circumstances of the death of the former ghost writer, and- as the current ghost writer finds out- there is a political scandal involving the former prime minister which puts the ghost writer's life in danger.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139328/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ghost_Writer_(film)

Mood: Political thriller, suspense.
Good Aspects: Interesting story, great cinematography.

Bagdad Cafe

"Bagdad Cafe" (1987) directed by Percy Adlon, is a comedy about an eccentric German tourist adrift in the middle of nowhere in America, who finds friendship and love with some similarly eccentric Americans in a run-down hotel in the desert. It is a touching and humorous film.

Mood: Lighthearted comedy. Eccentric characters.
Good aspects: Explores the aspects of human relationships. Great cinematography.

Buffalo 66

Buffalo 66" (1998) directed, written & starring Vincent Gallo (whose music also features in the soundtrack), and stars with Christina Ricci, is an interesting film which delves deeply into what it means to be accepted and loved. The film is about a guy who has just been released from prison and wants to visit his parents-who thinks he has been succeeding in life with a career and is married. Impulsively he decides to kidnap an girl who he needs to play the role of his partner. The film turns into a love story which is quite dark but also moving.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_'66
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118789/

Mood: Pretty dark.
Good aspects: Independent & interesting film. Has some experimental filmmaking techniques.

The Italian Job

"The Italian Job" (1969) directed by Peter Collinson, starring Michael Caine, Noel Coward & Benny Hill is a film in the genre of comic caper action. It is set in Italy and follows a group of ex cons as they try to steal a shipment of gold by creating a traffic jam. Great car chase scenes and atmosphere. Michael Caine fits the role perfectly and even is one of the singers in a song in the film's soundtrack called "Getta Bloomin' Move On" which is also sometimes referred to as "The Self Preservation Society."

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064505/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Italian_Job

Mood: 60's action film with touches of comic relief.
Good Aspects: Classic car chase scenes, interesting story.

Pee-wee's Big Adventure

"Pee-wee's Big Adventure" (1985) is directed by Tim Burton and starring Paul Reubens as Pee Wee Herman. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pee-wee_Herman) "Pee-wee Herman is a comic fictional character created and portrayed by American comedian Paul Reubens. He is best known for his two television series and film series during the 1980s." (from Wikipedia.) "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" is a visually colourful comedy with surreal sets, and follows the adventures of Pee-wee as he tries to find his unique and beloved bicycle. It is a film for kids, but is very entertaining for adults too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pee-wee's_Big_Adventure
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089791/

Mood: Adventure, kid's story, comedy
Good Aspects: Colourful, funny, surreal

The Bird People in China

"The Bird People in China" (1998) is directed by the Japanese director Takashi Miike. The film follows the story of a Japanese salaryman (businessman) who has been sent to a village in China to evaluate jade, and is accompanied by a yakuza (Japanese mafia). The film has moments of violence (characteristic of Takashi Miike's films), but also has moments of melancholia and beauty.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0142181/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bird_People_in_China

Mood: Magical realism, philosophical.
Good aspects: Interesting story with great cinematography.
Worth noticing: Not your typical Takashi Miike film-which are usually ultra violent.

Buffalo Soldiers

"Buffalo Soldiers" (2001) an American film, is directed by the Australian Gregor Jordan; stars Joaquin Phoenix, Anna Paquin and Ed Harris. The film is set in Germany in 1989, just before the fall of the Berlin Wall. The story focuses on a criminal subculture amongst the US soldiers living on the military base, who spend their time organising black market operations.
It is a black comedy.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0252299/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Soldiers_(film)

Mood: War-related. Black comedy.
Good Aspects: Not your usual war film.
Worth Noticing: Rated R. Some violence, drug scenes, strong language.

White Heat

"White Heat"(1949) is a film noir directed by Raoul Walsh, and stars James Cagney, Virginia May & Edmond O'Brien. James Gagney plays the lead role of Cody Barrett, a ruthless psychopath and leader of a gang, who-after escaping from prison- plans a daring heist with his old gang. He is befriended-in prison- by an undercover agent who infiltrates the gang after their escape.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042041/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Heat

Mood: Film noir, gangsters, crime
Good Aspects: Black & white classic 40's film noir
Worth Noticing: Some violence.

Marathon Man

"Marathon Man" (1976) is a thriller directed by John Schlesinger. The film stars Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Olivier and Roy Scheider. "A graduate history student is unwittingly caught in the middle of an international conspiracy involving stolen diamonds, an exiled Nazi war criminal, and a rogue government agent." (Synopsis quoted from: Wikipedia.) The film has an infamous scene with the well known quote: "Is it safe?" The film is based on the novel: "Marathon Man" written by William Goldman in 1974.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074860/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathon_Man_(film)

Mood: Thriller, suspense, conspiracy theories, Nazi criminals
Good aspects: Interesting story. From a technical point, "Marathon Man" was the first feature film using Steadicam with a theatrical release. (It wasn't though the first film to use Steadicam- "Bound for Glory" was the first.)
Worth noticing: Disturbing scenes.

Soylent Green

"Soylent Green" (1973) is directed by Richard Fleischer. It is a sci-fi film set in the year 2022 in an overpopulated New York City, where poverty is rampant. A detective-starring Charlton Heston- who is investigating the murder of the president of the mysterious Soylent corporation, uncovers some disturbing truths.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070723/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soylent_Green


Mood: 70's futuristic sci-fi set in a dystopian world.
Good aspects: Classic sci-fi, cool sets-particularly retro interiors, interesting story.
Worth Noticing: Some disturbing scenes.



"

Parallax View

"Parallax View" (1974) is a thriller directed by Alan J. Pakula, stars Warren Beatty as an ambitious reporter investigating the assassination of a senator. He discovers-following mysterious deaths of reporters who were present at the assassination- a conspiracy involving the mysterious Parallax Corporation. It is an interesting film, with an element of experimental filmmaking- one scene shows a haunting montage of iconographic imagery used as a recruitment test for the Parallax Corporation.
Alan J. Pakula also directed "Klute" (1971) and "All the President's Men" (1976).

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071970/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Parallax_View

Mood: Political themes and conspiracy theories.
Good aspects: Interesting cinematography. 70's political paranoia thriller.

Bonnie and Clyde

"Bonnie & Clyde" (1967) directed by Arthur Penn, starring Warren Beatty & Faye Dunaway is a great crime gangster thriller set in Depression-era America. It is based on the real life notorious bank robbing partners-in-crime Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. Warren Beatty also produced the film. The film is quite violent in some scenes-breaking many taboos at the time, and is considered a groundbreaking film. The film won two Oscars: Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Estelle Parsons, and Best Cinematography: Burnett Guffey.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnie_and_Clyde_(film)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061418/

Mood: Gangsters, crime, Depression-era America
Good Aspects: Based on the real life notorious criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.
Worth Noticing: Violent scenes.

Straight Time

"Straight Time" (1979) is directed by Ulu Grosbard and starring the always excellent Dustin Hoffman. It is an action crime drama film about a guy who has just been released on parole and attempts to lead a normal life which doesn't quite work out. Harry Dean Stanton also stars in the film. "Straight Time" has a great 70's atmosphere with great performances.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078326/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straight_Time

Mood: A bit dark.
Good aspects: An early performance of Dustin Hoffman. 70's era crime thriller.
Worth noticing: Some violent scenes.

Harold and Maude

"Harold & Maude" (1971) directed by Hal Ashby, starring Ruth Gordon and Bud Cort, is a cult film which has a strong impact. It is a black comedy about an eccentric teenager from a very wealthy family whose hobbies are attending funerals & simulating suicides. His mother tries to set him up with girls via a dating service, then tries to send him off to the army to no avail. His life views change when he meets an anarchist-a 79 year old woman who he meets at a funeral. The film is a quirky adventurous romantic black comedy with many unexpected twists.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067185/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_and_Maude

Mood: Dark-style humour.
Good aspects: It is an interesting cult film- a black comedy-with great performances from the leading actors.
Worth noticing: Not recommended if you're feeling a bit down, but it is a cult film with humour.

A Farewell to Arms

"A Farewell to Arms" (1957) directed by Charles Vidor, based on the Ernest Hemingway book "A Farewell to Arms" is a remake-the first was produced in 1932 with Gary Cooper in the lead role.
"A Farewell to Arms" is a romantic and tragic love story set during WW1, starring Rock Hudson (in the 1957 film version) as an American enlisted in the Italian army, and Jennifer Jones as a young nurse he falls in love with. It was produced by David O.Selznick and was shot in colour. The film is both a love story and anti-war film.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050379/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Farewell_to_Arms_(1957_film)

Mood: Romantic but sad.
Good aspects: Great cinematography and story.
Worth noticing: Quite disturbing war images.