50

Breaking the Waves

1996 | 2h 39m | DENMARK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore83.869 / 100

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"I love you no matter what is in your head!"

DIRECTOR: Lars von Trier

WRITERS: Lars von Trier, Peter Asmussen

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robby Müller

STARRING: Emily Watson, Stellan Skarsgård, Katrin Cartlidge, Jean-Marc Barr

GENRE: Psychological Drama, Melodrama

In a small and conservative Scottish village, a woman’s paralytic husband convinces her to have extramarital intercourse so she can tell him about it and give him a reason for living.

Breaking the Waves captivates with its raw emotion and hauntingly beautiful portrayal of sacrifice and love. Von Trier’s daring direction and Watson’s stunning performance make it an unforgettable cinematic journey, leaving audiences deeply moved and contemplative.

49

Naked

1993 | 2h 11m | UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore83.931 / 100

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"I'm just tryin' to blend in with the surroundings."

DIRECTOR: Mike Leigh

WRITERS: Mike Leigh

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dick Pope

STARRING: David Thewlis, Lesley Sharp, Katrin Cartlidge, Greg Cruttwel

GENRE: Drama, Black Comedy

An unemployed Brit vents his rage on unsuspecting strangers as he embarks on a nocturnal London odyssey.

In Naked, Mike Leigh crafts a gritty, raw exploration of urban isolation. Thewlis’s performance is a revelation, weaving intellectual wit with visceral intensity. Leigh’s unflinching direction and profound script make it a haunting, unforgettable journey into the human condition.

48

The Double Life of Veronique

'La double vie de Véronique'

1991 | 1h 38m | FRANCE & POL | FRENCH

Top10nerScore84.178 / 100

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"They get damaged easily."

DIRECTOR: Krzysztof Kieślowski

WRITERS: Krzysztof Kieślowski, Krzysztof Piesiewicz

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Slawomir Idziak

STARRING: Irène Jacob, Halina Gryglaszewska, Philippe Volter, Kalina Jędrusik

GENRE: Psychological Drama, Romance, Mystery

Véronique is a beautiful young French woman who aspires to be a renowned singer; Weronika lives in Poland, has a similar career goal and looks identical to Véronique, though the two are not related. The film follows both women as they contend with the ups and downs of their individual lives, with Véronique embarking on an unusual romance with Alexandre Fabbri, a puppeteer who may be able to help her with her existential issues.

The Double Life of Véronique captivates with its exquisite cinematography, nuanced storytelling, and Jacob’s mesmerizing dual performance. The film weaves a mysterious tapestry of identity and fate, showcasing Kieślowski’s skillful exploration of the human experience.

47

Good Will Hunting

1997 | 2h 07m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore84.380 / 100

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"It's not your fault."

DIRECTOR: Gus Van Sant

WRITERS: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jean-Yves Escoffier

STARRING: Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård, Minnie Driver

GENRE: Drama

Will Hunting has a genius-level IQ but chooses to work as a janitor at MIT. When he solves a difficult graduate-level math problem, his talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau, who decides to help the misguided youth reach his potential. When Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, Professor Lambeau makes a deal to get leniency for him if he will get treatment from therapist Sean Maguire.

Good Will Hunting strikes a harmonious chord between intellect and emotion, weaving a poignant narrative with magnetic performances. It captivates with its raw authenticity and profound exploration of human connection, leaving an indelible mark on the soul.

46

Groundhog Day

1993 | 1h 41m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore84.437 / 100

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"What if there were no tomorrow?"

DIRECTOR: Harold Ramis

WRITERS: Harold Ramis, Danny Rubin

CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Bailey

STARRING: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky

GENRE: Low Fantasy, Romantic Comedy, Time Loop

A narcissistic T.V. weatherman, along with his attractive-but-distant producer and mawkish cameraman, is sent to report on Groundhog Day in the small town of Punxsutawney, where he finds himself repeating the same day over and over.

Groundhog Day is a whimsical time-loop comedy that transcends its genre, blending humor with profound introspection. Murray’s impeccable performance, Ramis’s astute direction, and the ingenious script offer a poignant exploration of self-discovery and redemption.

45

All About My Mother

'Todo sobre mi madre'

1999 | 1h 41m | SPAIN & FRA | SPANISH

Top10nerScore84.443 / 100

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"I've been fucked around a lot, but I'm not a whore."

DIRECTOR: Pedro Almodóvar

WRITERS: Pedro Almodóvar

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Affonso Beato

STARRING: Cecilia Roth, Marisa Paredes, Candela Peña, Penélope Cruz, Antonia San Juan

GENRE: Melodrama, LGBTQ+, Family Drama

A single mother in Madrid sees her only son die on his birthday as he runs to seek an actress’ autograph. Beside herself with grief, she returns to Barcelona to tell the boy’s father about the death of the son he never knew he had.

In Almodóvar’s All About My Mother, every frame is a canvas of raw emotion and vibrant storytelling. With a stellar ensemble cast and poignant narrative, it’s a cinematic symphony that celebrates the complexity of womanhood and the power of resilience.

44

Happy Together

'Chun gwong cha sit'

1997 | 1h 36m | HONG KONG | CANTONESE

Top10nerScore84.576 / 100

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"Turns out that lonely people are all the same."

DIRECTOR: Wong Kar-wai

WRITERS: Wong Kar-wai

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Christopher Doyle

STARRING: Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Leslie Cheung, Chang Chen, Gregory Dayton

GENRE: Romance, Drama, LGBTQ+

A couple take a trip to Argentina in search of a new beginning, but instead find themselves drifting ever further apart.

Happy Together mesmerizes with its poignant portrayal of love amidst chaos. Wong Kar-wai’s visual poetry, coupled with Tony Leung and Leslie Cheung’s electrifying chemistry, crafts an unforgettable tale of resilience and redemption. A triumph of emotion and artistry.

43

The Usual Suspects

1995 | 1h 46m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore84.785 / 100

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"And like that... he is gone."

DIRECTOR: Bryan Singer

WRITERS: Christopher McQuarrie

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Newton Thomas Sigel

STARRING: Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, Stephen Baldwin, Benicio del Toro, Kevin Pollak, Pete Postlethwaite

GENRE: Crime, Thriller, Mystery

Held in an L.A. interrogation room, Verbal Kint attempts to convince the feds that a mythic crime lord, Keyser Soze, not only exists, but was also responsible for drawing him and his four partners into a multi-million dollar heist that ended with an explosion in San Pedro harbor – leaving few survivors. Verbal lures his interrogators with an incredible story of the crime lord’s almost supernatural prowess.

With its labyrinthine plot and mesmerizing performances, The Usual Suspects keeps you guessing till the final frame. Singer and McQuarrie craft a cinematic puzzle that’s both intellectually stimulating and emotionally gripping. A classic in the pantheon of modern thrillers.

42

L.A. Confidential

1997 | 2h 18m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore84.962 / 100

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"You want to help me swing it?"

DIRECTOR: Curtis Hanson

WRITERS: Curtis Hanson, Brian Helgeland

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dante Spinotti

STARRING: Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kevin Spacey, Kim Basinger, James Cromwell, Danny DeVito

GENRE: Neo-Noir, Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Police Procedural

Three detectives in the corrupt and brutal L.A. police force of the 1950s use differing methods to uncover a conspiracy behind the shotgun slayings of the patrons at an all-night diner.

L.A. Confidential enthralls with its intricate narrative, impeccable period detail, and powerhouse performances, delivering a gripping neo-noir experience. The film’s skillful direction and rich character development cement its status as a quintessential entry in the genre.

41

Underground

1995 | 2h 50m | YUG, FRA & GER | SERBIAN

Top10nerScore85.051 / 100

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'ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS A COUNTRY'

DIRECTOR: Emir Kusturica

WRITERS: Emir Kusturica, Dušan Kovačević

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Vilko Filač

STARRING: Miki Manojlović, Lazar Ristovski, Mirjana Joković, Slavko Štimac, Ernst Stötzner

GENRE: Black Comedy, War, Satire, Drama, Magical Realism

Black marketeers Marko and Blacky manufacture and sell weapons to the Communist resistance in WWII Belgrade, living the good life along the way. Marko’s surreal duplicity propels him up the ranks of the Communist Party, and he eventually abandons Blacky and steals his girlfriend. After a lengthy stay in a below-ground shelter, the couple reemerges during the Yugoslavian Civil War of the 1990s as Marko realizes that the situation is ripe for exploitation.

Underground captivates with its intricate storytelling and historical accuracy, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of wartime Europe. The film skillfully weaves together complex narratives, delivering a compelling cinematic experience that both informs and entertains.

40

Casino

1995 | 2h 59m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore85.286 / 100

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"This guy could fuck up a cup of coffee."

DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese

WRITERS: Martin Scorsese, Nicholas Pileggi

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Richardson

STARRING: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods, Don Rickles, Frank Vincent

GENRE: Gangster Film, Drama, Period Drama

In early-1970s Las Vegas, low-level mobster Sam “Ace” Rothstein gets tapped by his bosses to head the Tangiers Casino. At first, he’s a great success in the job, but over the years, problems with his loose-cannon enforcer Nicky Santoro, his ex-hustler wife Ginger, her con-artist ex Lester Diamond and a handful of corrupt politicians put Sam in ever-increasing danger.

Scorsese’s Casino is a high-stakes thrill ride through Sin City’s underbelly. De Niro and Pesci deliver electrifying performances, while Stone sizzles on screen. With its gripping narrative and lavish visuals, it’s a cinematic jackpot that keeps you glued till the last roll of the dice.

39

American Beauty

1999 | 2h 02m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore85.491 / 100

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"But don't worry... you will someday."

DIRECTOR: Sam Mendes

WRITERS: Alan Ball

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Conrad L. Hall

STARRING: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari, Wes Bentley, Chris Cooper

GENRE: Drama, Black Comedy, Family Drama

Lester Burnham, a depressed suburban father in a mid-life crisis, decides to turn his hectic life around after developing an infatuation with his daughter’s attractive friend.

American Beauty captivates with its incisive exploration of suburban malaise, skillfully blending dark humor with poignant drama. Mendes and Ball meticulously dissect societal norms, delivering a thought-provoking and visually striking commentary on the American Dream.

38

Boogie Nights

1997 | 2h 36m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore85.799 / 100

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"It's my big dick and I say when we roll."

DIRECTOR: Paul Thomas Anderson

WRITERS: Paul Thomas Anderson

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Elswit

STARRING: Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Heather Graham, Don Cheadle, William H. Macy, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Luis Guzmán, Thomas Jane, Melora Walters, Nicole Ari Parker, Ricky Jay, Philip Baker Hall, Robert Ridgely

GENRE: Drama, Black Comedy

Spanning two decades, this chronicle of the California pornographic film industry shows the rise and fall of a wide-eyed, well-endowed young man who becomes an industry superstar by the name of Dirk Diggler.

Boogie Nights is a revelatory exploration of the adult film industry’s rise in the ’70s and ’80s, skillfully blending gritty realism with dark humor. PTA’s careful direction and Wahlberg’s standout performance elevate this cinematic odyssey into a riveting cultural commentary.

37

Perfect Blue

'Pâfekuto burû'

1997 | 1h 21m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore85.861 / 100

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"No, I'm the real thing."

DIRECTOR: Satoshi Kon

WRITERS: Sadayuki Murai

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hisao Shirai

STARRING: Junko Iwao, Rica Matsumoto, Shinpachi Tsuji, Masaaki Okura, Yosuke Akimoto

GENRE: Anime, Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Horror

A retired pop singer turned actress’ sense of reality is shaken when she is stalked by an obsessed fan and seemingly a ghost of her past.

Perfect Blue is a riveting psychological thriller praised for its innovative animation techniques and Kon’s visionary direction. Blending reality and fantasy seamlessly, it captivates audiences with its mind-bending narrative and insightful exploration of identity in the digital age.

36

Raise the
Red Lantern

'Da hong denglong gaogao gua'

1991 | 2h 05m | CHINA, HKG & TPE | MANDARIN

Top10nerScore85.896 / 100

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"She has the face of Buddha and the heart of a scorpion."

DIRECTOR: Zhang Yimou

WRITERS: Ni Zhen

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Zhao Fei, Lun Yang

STARRING: Gong Li, Ma Jingwu, He Saifei, Cao Cuifen, Kong Lin

GENRE: Drama, Fifth Generation

China in the 1920s. After her father’s death, 19 year old Songlian is forced to marry the much older lord of a powerful family. With three wives already, each living in a separate house within the great castle, there is fierce competition for his attention and the privileges that are gained. This competition gets out of hand…

Raise the Red Lantern is a captivating exploration of power dynamics within a wealthy Chinese household, blending exquisite visuals and meticulous storytelling. Yimou’s attention to cultural nuance elevates this film into a poignant commentary on tradition and human nature.

35

Jurassic Park

1993 | 2h 07m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore85.913 / 100

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"Life finds a way."

DIRECTOR: Steven Spielberg

WRITERS: David Koepp, Michael Crichton

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dean Cundey

STARRING: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Joseph Mazzello, Ariana Richards

GENRE: Science Fiction, Adventure, Action, Giant Monster

A wealthy entrepreneur secretly creates a theme park featuring living dinosaurs drawn from prehistoric DNA. Before opening day, he invites a team of experts and his two eager grandchildren to experience the park and help calm anxious investors. However, the park is anything but amusing as the security systems go off-line and the dinosaurs escape.

Jurassic Park remains a timeless marvel, seamlessly blending groundbreaking visual effects with Spielberg’s trademark storytelling prowess. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to captivate audiences of all ages, solidifying its status as an iconic blockbuster.

34

Magnolia

1999 | 3h 09m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore86.105 / 100

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"This happens. This is something that happens."

DIRECTOR: Paul Thomas Anderson

WRITERS: Paul Thomas Anderson

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Elswit

STARRING: Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, John C. Reilly, Jason Robards, William H. Macy, Melora Walters, Philip Baker Hall, Jeremy Blackman, Ricky Jay

GENRE: Melodrama, Hyperlink Cinema, Drama

An epic mosaic of many interrelated characters in search of happiness, forgiveness, and meaning in the San Fernando Valley.

Magnolia is a cinematic tour de force, seamlessly interweaving disparate narratives with profound emotional resonance. PTA’s expertise and the stellar ensemble cast deliver a tapestry of human experience, exploring interconnected lives with unflinching honesty and cinematic finesse.

33

Life Is Beautiful

'La vita è bella'

1997 | 1h 56m | ITALY | ITALIAN

Top10nerScore86.226 / 100

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"Buon giorno, Principessa!"

DIRECTOR: Roberto Benigni

WRITERS: Roberto Benigni, Vincenzo Cerami

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tonino Delli Colli

STARRING: Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Horst Buchholz, Marisa Paredes

GENRE: Comedy, Period Drama, Melodrama

A touching story of an Italian book seller of Jewish ancestry who lives in his own little fairy tale. His creative and happy life would come to an abrupt halt when his entire family is deported to a concentration camp during World War II. While locked up he tries to convince his son that the whole thing is just a game.

Life Is Beautiful captivates with its poignant blend of humor and tragedy, skillfully navigating the Holocaust’s grim backdrop. Benigni’s nuanced performance and the film’s seamless tonal shifts showcase a profound exploration of resilience and love amid unthinkable adversity.

32

Léon

The Professional

1994 | 1h 51m | FRANCE | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore86.233 / 100

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"It's my best friend. Always happy. No questions."

DIRECTOR: Luc Besson

WRITERS: Luc Besson

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Thierry Arbogast

STARRING: Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman, Danny Aiello, Peter Appel

GENRE: Crime, Drama, Action

Léon, the top hit man in New York, has earned a rep as an effective “cleaner”. But when his next-door neighbors are wiped out by a loose-cannon DEA agent, he becomes the unwilling custodian of 12-year-old Mathilda. Before long, Mathilda’s thoughts turn to revenge, and she considers following in Léon’s footsteps.

Leon: The Professional gracefully balances intense action with tender humanity, crafting a riveting narrative enriched by Reno’s stoic performance and Portman’s breakout portrayal. Besson’s direction immerses us in a world where redemption blooms amidst chaos.

31

The Celebration

'Festen'

1998 | 1h 45m | DENMARK | DANISH

Top10nerScore86.444 / 100

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"This family is kaput!"

DIRECTOR: Thomas Vinterberg

WRITERS: Thomas Vinterberg, Mogens Rukov

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Anthony Dod Mantle

STARRING: Ulrich Thomsen, Henning Moritzen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Birthe Neumann, Paprika Steen

GENRE: Dogme 95, Family Drama, Drama

A grandiose party to celebrate a sixtieth birthday unleashes a family drama with all the lies that conceal horrendous secrets. The eldest son, Christian, stages a showdown with the popular pater familias; his provocative, moving after-dinner speech dislodges all the masks, which finally fall completely as the father-son conflict intensifies and the bewildered guests look on.

The Celebration is an audacious exploration of family dynamics, skillfully crafted by Vinterberg. With its raw emotional intensity and Dogme 95 approach, the film captivates audiences through its unflinching portrayal of dark secrets and the complexities of human relationships.

30

Neon Genesis Evangelion:

The End of Evangelion

'Air/Magokoro wo, kimi ni'

1997 | 1h 27m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore86.583 / 100

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"I'm so fucked up."

DIRECTORS: Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki

WRITERS: Hideaki Anno

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hisao Shirai

STARRING: Megumi Ogata, Megumi Hayashibara, Yuko Miyamura, Kotono Mitsuishi, Yuriko Yamaguchi, Fumihiko Tachiki

GENRE: Psychological Drama, Anime, Mecha, Post-Apocalyptic, Surrealism, Disaster

The second of two theatrically released follow-ups to the Neon Genesis Evangelion series. Comprising of two alternate episodes which were first intended to take the place of episodes 25 and 26, this finale answers many of the questions surrounding the series, while also opening up some new possibilities.

The End of Evangelion stands as a daring and complex conclusion to the iconic series, skillfully blending psychological exploration with visually arresting animation. Its nuanced character development and intricate narrative provoke thoughtful discourse on existential themes.

29

The Truman Show

1998 | 1h 43m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore86.841 / 100

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"Somebody help me, I'm being spontaneous!"

DIRECTOR: Peter Weir

WRITERS: Andrew Niccol

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Biziou

STARRING: Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich, Natascha McElhone

GENRE: Satire, Drama, Psychological Drama, Comedy, Postmodernism

Truman Burbank is the star of The Truman Show, a 24-hour-a-day reality TV show that broadcasts every aspect of his life without his knowledge. His entire life has been an unending soap opera for consumption by the rest of the world. And everyone he knows, including his wife and his best friend is really an actor, paid to be part of his life.

The Truman Show is a visionary gem that transcends its time, blending poignant satire with heartfelt emotion. Carrey’s tour de force performance and Weir’s direction create a mesmerizing journey into the nature of reality. A cinematic revelation that lingers in the mind.

28

Before Sunrise

1995 | 1h 41m | USA & AUT | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore87.153 / 100

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"I like to feel his eyes on me when I look away."

DIRECTOR: Richard Linklater

WRITERS: Richard Linklater, Kim Krizan

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lee Daniel

STARRING: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy

GENRE: Romance, Slice of Life

A young man and woman meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together.

Before Sunrise gracefully weaves dialogue into an intimate tapestry of fleeting romance, exploring the transient beauty of human connection. Linklater’s direction, coupled with Hawke and Delpy’s chemistry, crafts a cinematic poetry that resonates long after the credits roll.

27

Three Colours:

Blue

'Trois couleurs: Bleu'

1993 | 1h 38m | FRANCE, POL & SUI | FRENCH

Top10nerScore87.460 / 100

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"Because you're not."

DIRECTOR: Krzysztof Kieślowski

WRITERS: Krzysztof Kieślowski

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Slawomir Idziak

STARRING: Juliette Binoche, Benoît Régent, Florence Pernel

GENRE: Psychological Drama

Julie is haunted by her grief after living through a tragic auto wreck that claimed the life of her composer husband and young daughter. Her initial reaction is to withdraw from her relationships, lock herself in her apartment and suppress her pain. But avoiding human interactions on the bustling streets of Paris proves impossible, and she eventually meets up with Olivier, an old friend who harbors a secret love for her, and who could draw her back to reality.

Three Colours: Blue envelops viewers in a symphony of emotions, guided by Juliette Binoche’s poignant performance. Kieslowski’s visual poetry and the haunting score resonate long after the credits roll. A luminous exploration of grief and liberation.

26

Forrest Gump

1994 | 2h 22m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore87.601 / 100

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"I'm pretty tired... I think I'll go home now."

DIRECTOR: Robert Zemeckis

WRITERS: Eric Roth

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Don Burgess

STARRING: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field, Mykelti Williamson

GENRE: Drama, Comedy, Romance, Alternate History

A man with a low IQ has accomplished great things in his life and been present during significant historic events—in each case, far exceeding what anyone imagined he could do. But despite all he has achieved, his one true love eludes him.

Forrest Gump ingeniously intertwines history with a heartwarming narrative, showcasing Hanks’ exceptional performance. Its poignant storytelling and iconic quotes make it a timeless classic, earning unanimous praise for its emotional depth and cinematic brilliance.

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