My Favorite Movies: #75-66

Almost halfway through the list!



75. The Godfather (Francis Ford Coppola, 1972)

I love films that make me feel as if I've been on a journey with a wide range of characters (there are several more movies in the same vein to come). The acting is flawless. Some of the technical aspects may indeed appear outdated, but the film still holds strong as a masterwork.

74. The Purple Rose Of Cairo (Woody Allen, 1985)

This film is devastating in its approach to reverse the romantic comedy genre on its head. It shows how one poor decision can have game-changing consequences and how one needs to follow one's heart and not one's rationale. Allen's best film and, consequently, Farrow's best as well. How Mia Farrow has never won an Oscar or even been nominated for one is astounding, especially considering her work here.

73. Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? (Mike Nichols, 1966)

I've always been more of a Marilyn fan and was firmly against Elizabeth Taylor as a result (Hey, I was young and impressionable). So, when two years ago, I finally decided to watch my first Taylor film, I found myself in awe of the woman's talent. I'm still more of a Marilyn fan, but I'm now Taylor's as well. She is amazing in this film, as are the other actors. A film like this could never be made nowadays. One of the best acting ensemble of all time.

72. Maria Full Of Grace (Joshua Marston, 2004)

A harrowing look into drug trafficking through the eyes of a young woman. I first saw this film in a high school class (can't even remember which now or why). That same week, I went and bought it on DVD to rewatch it again. I've rewatched it several times since and it still holds. Why isn't Catalina Moreno working more? 

71. Meshes Of The Afternoon (Maya Deren, Alexander Hammid, 1943)

The shortest film on my list by far (it's only 18 minutes). It's also the film I've rewatched the most, both due to its length and its magic. I love films based on dream logic (read: mindfuck) and this one is no exception. Also, the character in the above photograph is undoubtedly one of my favorites and one of the most fascinating I've encountered in the film medium.

70. Marty (Delbert Mann, 1955)

One of the sincerest films out there about the true meaning of love and the outside factors that attempt to stifle its progression. I love all of the characters, but Betsy Blair's Clara left me in tears by the end of the film when she was going through the same emotional reaction. As I've mentioned before, I rarely cry during films (though this list would have you think otherwise), but this one is one of those heart-wrenching tearjerkers.

69. Singin' In The Rain (Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly, 1952)

One of the happiest films ever. I'm not a big fan of musicals, but I can't help but smile at and cheer for the characters in this film, including a very comical villain. I'm surprised that this film is much-beloved in the blogging world; I did not expect for anybody else to love it as much as I do, despite its classic status.

68. It's A Wonderful Life (Frank Capra, 1946)

This film no longer gets the praise that it deserves, I feel. Some say it is overplayed or overrated, or both. I say shut up and replay it. One of the best movies ever. Anytime I finish watching it, I usually end up replaying it. Everything about it is so beautiful and I'm just mad that I did not discover it sooner.

67. M (Fritz Lang, 1931)

A rare film where I find myself rooting for both the criminals and the cops. The cinematography is out of this world. The plot is stupefying. And Lorre, one of my favorite actors, delivers a performance so chilling and convincing that it should be written about for ages to come. My favorite Lang to date.

66. Spirited Away (Hayao Miyazaki, 2001)

This is my favorite animated film of all times. It takes me back to the curious and open mindset of a child. It makes me feel alive and happy. The supernatural elements are intriguing and the characters are all fleshed out. I absolutely love No Face. This movie is all you wanted your childhood to be: adventurous, rewarding and magical.