50

Mishima:

A Life in Four Chapters

1985 | 2h 01m | USA & JAP | ENG/JAP

Top10nerScore81.645 / 100

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"He must compel himself to live."

DIRECTOR: Paul Schrader

WRITERS: Paul Schrader, Leonard Schrader, Chieko Schrader, Jun Shiragi

CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Bailey

STARRING: Ken Ogata, Masayuki Shionoya, Junkichi Orimoto, Hiroshi Mikami, Junya Fukuda

GENRE: Biopic, Political Drama, Psychological Drama

A fictional account of the life of Japanese author Yukio Mishima told in four parts. The first three parts relate events in three of his novels: The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, Kyoko’s House, and Runaway Horses. The last part depicts the events of 25th November 1970.

Mishima skillfully weaves biography and fiction, showcasing Schrader’s meticulous research. The film’s innovative narrative structure and Philip Glass’s haunting score elevate it, offering a unique exploration of Yukio Mishima’s complex life that captivates both intellectually and visually.

49

A Short Film
About Love

'Krótki film o milosci'

1988 | 1h 27m | POLAND | POLISH

Top10nerScore81.808 / 100

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"Why are you peeping at me?"

DIRECTOR: Krzysztof Kieślowski

WRITERS: Krzysztof Kieślowski, Krzysztof Piesiewicz

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Witold Adamek

STARRING: Grażyna Szapołowska, Olaf Lubaszenko, Stefania Iwińska, Piotr Machalica, Artur Barciś

GENRE: Drama, Romance

A naive inexperienced young man spies on a woman who lives across the courtyard, and falls in love with her. He starts using tricks which he hopes will lead to them meeting.

A Short Film About Love delicately intertwines innocence and desire, crafting an intimate exploration of human longing. Its poignant storytelling and mesmerizing performances capture the complexities of affection, leaving audiences spellbound by its emotional resonance.

48

Evil Dead II

'Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn'

1987 | 1h 24m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore81.814 / 100

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"Groovy."

DIRECTOR: Sam Raimi

WRITERS: Sam Raimi, Scott Spiegel

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Deming

STARRING: Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks, Kassie Wesley DePaiva

GENRE: Black Comedy, Splatter, Haunted House, Supernatural Horror, Horror Comedy

Ash Williams and his girlfriend Linda find a log cabin in the woods with a voice recording from an archeologist who had recorded himself reciting ancient chants from “The Book of the Dead.” As they play the recording an evil power is unleashed taking over Linda’s body.

Evil Dead II seamlessly blends horror and humor, showcasing Raimi’s innovative approach to storytelling. Campbell’s iconic performance, combined with inventive practical effects, establishes the film as a cult classic. Its influence on the horror-comedy genre remains evident.

47

Vagabond

'Sans toit ni loi'

1985 | 1h 45m | FRANCE & UK | FRENCH

Top10nerScore81.907 / 100

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"It's not wandering, it's withering."

DIRECTOR: Agnès Varda

WRITERS: Agnès Varda

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Patrick Blossier

STARRING: Sandrine Bonnaire, Macha Méril, Yolande Moreau

GENRE: Drama, Road Movie

Mona Bergeron is dead, her frozen body found in a ditch in the French countryside. From this, the film flashes back to the weeks leading up to her death. Through these flashbacks, Mona gradually declines as she travels from place to place, taking odd jobs and staying with whomever will offer her a place to sleep. Mona is fiercely independent, craving freedom over comfort, but it is this desire to be free that will eventually lead to her demise.

With gritty authenticity, Vagabond paints a raw portrait of societal fringes. Sandrine Bonnaire’s captivating performance and Agnès Varda’s unflinching direction make it an essential exploration of human resilience and vulnerability. A stark, haunting gem of 1980s cinema.

46

Kagemusha

'Shadow Warrior'

1980 | 3h 00m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore82.025 / 100

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"This... is my final wish."

DIRECTOR: Akira Kurosawa

WRITERS: Akira Kurosawa, Masato Ide

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Takao Saitō, Shôji Ueda

STARRING: Tatsuya Nakadai, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Kenichi Hagiwara, Jinpachi Nezu

GENRE: Jidaigeki, War, Epic

Akira Kurosawa’s lauded feudal epic presents the tale of a petty thief who is recruited to impersonate Shingen, an aging warlord, in order to avoid attacks by competing clans. When Shingen dies, his generals reluctantly agree to have the impostor take over as the powerful ruler. He soon begins to appreciate life as Shingen, but his commitment to the role is tested when he must lead his troops into battle against the forces of a rival warlord.

Kagemusha showcases Kurosawa’s unparalleled command of visuals and storytelling, seamlessly blending historical accuracy with mesmerizing visuals. Its profound exploration of identity and power resonates with timeless relevance, making it a cinematic tour de force.

45

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

'Kaze no tani no Naushika'

1984 | 1h 57m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore82.129 / 100

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"There's nothing to fear…"

DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki

WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki

STARRING: Sumi Shimamoto, Goro Naya, Yōji Matsuda, Yoshiko Sakakibara, Iemasa Kayumi

STARRING (ENGLISH): Alison Lohman, Patrick Stewart, Shia LaBeouf, Uma Thurman, Chris Sarandon

GENRE: Anime, Post-Apocalyptic, Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction

After a global war, the seaside kingdom known as the Valley of the Wind remains one of the last strongholds on Earth untouched by a poisonous jungle and the powerful insects that guard it. Led by the courageous Princess Nausicaä, the people of the Valley engage in an epic struggle to restore the bond between humanity and Earth.

A visionary triumph, Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind captivates with its stunning animation, deep ecological themes, and a compelling heroine. This enchanting film weaves a timeless tale of courage and harmony, leaving audiences spellbound and inspired.

44

Down by Law

1986 | 1h 46m | USA & FRG | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.328 / 100

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"If looks can kill, I am a-dead now."

DIRECTOR: Jim Jarmusch

WRITERS: Jim Jarmusch

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robby Müller

STARRING: Tom Waits, Roberto Benigni, John Lurie, Ellen Barkin

GENRE: Prison Film, Buddy, Comedy, Road Movie

A disc jockey, a pimp and an Italian tourist escape from jail in New Orleans.

Down by Law showcases Jarmusch’s unique narrative, fusing deadpan humor with existential depth. The film’s monochromatic cinematography, paired with Waits and Benigni’s compelling performances, encapsulates marginalization and camaraderie in a distinctive, memorable manner.

43

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

1989 | 2h 07m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.625 / 100

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"Nazis. I hate these guys."

DIRECTOR: Steven Spielberg

WRITERS: George Lucas, Tom Stoppard, Menno Meyjes, Jeffrey Boam

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Douglas Slocombe

STARRING: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm Elliott, Alison Doody, Julian Glover

GENRE: Adventure, Action

When Dr. Henry Jones Sr. suddenly goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, eminent archaeologist Indiana must team up with Marcus Brody, Sallah and Elsa Schneider to follow in his father’s footsteps and stop the Nazis from recovering the power of eternal life.

The Last Crusade stands as a triumphant return to form for the beloved franchise, seamlessly blending action, adventure, and humor. With Ford’s charisma and Connery’s stellar addition, it’s a thrilling treasure hunt, expertly crafted for maximum nostalgia and excitement.

42

Crimes and Misdemeanors

1989 | 1h 44m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.766 / 100

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"Comedy is tragedy plus time!"

DIRECTOR: Woody Allen

WRITERS: Woody Allen

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sven Nykvist

STARRING: Martin Landau, Woody Allen, Anjelica Huston, Mia Farrow, Alan Alda, Claire Bloom, Jerry Orbach, Sam Waterston, Joanna Gleason, Caroline Aaron

GENRE: Drama

An ophthalmologist’s mistress threatens to reveal their affair to his wife, while a married documentary filmmaker is infatuated by another woman.

In Woody Allen’s thought-provoking Crimes and Misdemeanors, moral dilemmas are skillfully woven into a narrative tapestry, challenging viewers to ponder the intricacies of human nature and the consequences of our actions. A gripping exploration of ethics and existentialism.

41

Hannah and
Her Sisters

1986 | 1h 47m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.896 / 100

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"You gonna start knockin' my hobbies?"

DIRECTOR: Woody Allen

WRITERS: Woody Allen

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Carlo Di Palma

STARRING: Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, Dianne Wiest, Michael Caine, Woody Allen, Carrie Fisher, Lloyd Nolan, Maureen O’Sullivan, Daniel Stern, Max von Sydow

GENRE: Drama, Romantic Comedy

Between two Thanksgivings, Hannah’s husband falls in love with her sister Lee, while her hypochondriac ex-husband rekindles his relationship with her sister Holly.

Hannah and Her Sisters is a nuanced exploration of family dynamics, blending Woody Allen’s signature wit with poignant introspection. Its ensemble cast delivers performances that resonate, making it a timeless reflection on love, longing, and the complexities of human relationships.

40

Possession

1981 | 2h 04m | FRANCE & FRG | FRA/GER

Top10nerScore83.196 / 100

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"For the first time, you look vulgar to me."

DIRECTOR: Andrzej Żuławski

WRITERS: Andrzej Żuławski, Frederic Tuten

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bruno Nuytten

STARRING: Isabelle Adjani, Sam Neill, Heinz Bennent, Margit Carstensen

GENRE: Psychological Horror, Psychological Drama, Surrealism

A young woman left her family for an unspecified reason. The husband determines to find out the truth and starts following his wife. At first, he suspects that a man is involved. But gradually, he finds out more and more strange behaviors and bizarre incidents that indicate something more than a possessed love affair.

Possession masterfully intertwines psychological horror and political allegory, delivering a unique cinematic experience. Adjani’s mesmerizing performance and Zulawski’s visionary elevate this film into a haunting exploration of human relationships amidst societal turmoil.

39

Au Revoir
les Enfants

'Goodbye, Children'

1987 | 1h 45m | FRANCE, GER & ITA | FRENCH

Top10nerScore83.314 / 100

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"Goodbye, children. I'll see you soon."

DIRECTOR: Louis Malle

WRITERS: Louis Malle

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Renato Berta

STARRING: Gaspard Manesse, Raphael Fejtö, Francine Racette, Stanislas Carré de Malberg, Philippe Morier-Genoud, François Négret, François Berléand

GENRE: War, Drama, Coming-of-Age

Au revoir les enfants tells a heartbreaking story of friendship and devastating loss concerning two boys living in Nazi-occupied France. At a provincial Catholic boarding school, the precocious youths enjoy true camaraderie—until a secret is revealed. Based on events from writer-director Malle’s own childhood, the film is a subtle, precisely observed tale of courage, cowardice, and tragic awakening.

Au Revoir les Enfants delicately weaves poignant storytelling with historical depth, capturing the innocence and friendship amidst wartime adversity. Malle’s direction exudes sensitivity, while the performances, particularly from young actors, resonate profoundly. 

38

Star Wars: Episode VI

Return of the Jedi

1983 | 2h 15m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore83.335 / 100

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"It's a trap!"

DIRECTOR: Richard Marquand

WRITERS: George Lucas, Lawrence Kasdan

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Alan Hume, Alec Mills

STARRING: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Ian McDiarmid, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, James Earl Jones, Frank Oz

GENRE: Space Opera, Epic

Luke Skywalker leads a mission to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt, while the Emperor seeks to destroy the Rebellion once and for all with a second dreaded Death Star.

Return of the Jedi impeccably concludes the original Star Wars trilogy, seamlessly blending thrilling action with character development. Its groundbreaking special effects, compelling narrative arcs, and iconic musical score contribute to its enduring impact on the sci-fi genre.

37

This Is Spinal Tap

1984 | 1h 22m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore83.733 / 100

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"These go to eleven."

DIRECTOR: Rob Reiner

WRITERS: Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Smokler

STARRING: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner

GENRE: Mockumentary, Music, Satire, Parody

“This Is Spinal Tap” shines a light on the self-contained universe of a metal band struggling to get back on the charts, including everything from its complicated history of ups and downs, gold albums, name changes and undersold concert dates, along with the full host of requisite groupies, promoters, hangers-on and historians, sessions, release events and those special behind-the-scenes moments that keep it all real.

This Is Spinal Tap hilariously parodies the rock-and-roll lifestyle with sharp wit and clever satire. Its mockumentary style, combined with unforgettable characters and quotable lines, delivers a comedic brilliance that resonates with both music fans and general audiences.

36

The Princess Bride

1987 | 1h 39m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore83.824 / 100

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"Inconceivable!"

DIRECTOR: Rob Reiner

WRITERS: William Goldman

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Adrian Biddle

STARRING: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Andre the Giant, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Carole Kane

GENRE: Fairy Tale, Comedy, Romance, Swashbuckler, Adventure

In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes, Sicilians and rodents of unusual size. But even death can’t stop these true lovebirds from triumphing.

The Princess Bride is an inconceivable blend of adventure, romance, and humor, enchanting audiences with its memorable characters and witty dialogue. Reiner creates a timeless tale that charms both young and old, leaving an enduring mark on the world of fantasy films.

35

Fitzcarraldo

1982 | 2h 37m | WEST GERMANY & PER | GERMAN

Top10nerScore84.036 / 100

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"I specialise in opera myself."

DIRECTOR: Werner Herzog

WRITERS: Werner Herzog

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Thomas Mauch

STARRING: Klaus Kinski, Claudia Cardinale, José Lewgoy

GENRE: Adventure, New German Cinema, Period Drama

Fitzcarraldo is a dreamer who plans to build an opera house in Iquitos, in the Peruvian Amazon, so, in order to finance his project, he embarks on an epic adventure to collect rubber, a very profitable product, in a remote and unexplored region of the rainforest.

Fitzcarraldo is a mesmerizing epic of ambition and obsession, marked by Herzog’s visionary direction and Kinski’s magnetic performance. The film’s exploration of human determination against the backdrop of the Amazon rainforest captivates with its grandeur and existential depth.

34

Stand by Me

1986 | 1h 29m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore84.079 / 100

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"Yeah, but so what? Everybody's weird."

DIRECTOR: Rob Reiner

WRITERS: Bruce A. Evans, Raynold Gideon

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Thomas Del Ruth

STARRING: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, Kiefer Sutherland

GENRE: Coming-of-Age, Drama, Adventure, Buddy

After learning that a stranger has been accidentally killed near their rural homes, four Oregon boys decide to go see the body. On the way, Gordie Lachance, Vern Tessio, Chris Chambers and Teddy Duchamp encounter a mean junk man and a marsh full of leeches, as they also learn more about one another and their very different home lives. Just a lark at first, the boys’ adventure evolves into a defining event in their lives.

Stand by Me resonates as a timeless coming-of-age gem, seamlessly blending nostalgia and heartfelt storytelling. Reiner’s direction, coupled with outstanding performances from the young cast, crafts an enduring exploration of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery.

33

The Terminator

1984 | 1h 48m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore84.235 / 100

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"I'll be back."

DIRECTOR: James Cameron

WRITERS: Gale Anne Hurd, James Cameron, William Wisher

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Adam Greenberg

STARRING: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Paul Winfield, Lance Henriksen

GENRE: Action, Thriller, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Cyberpunk

In the post-apocalyptic future, reigning tyrannical supercomputers teleport a cyborg assassin known as the “Terminator” back to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead insurgents against 21st century mechanical hegemony. Meanwhile, the human-resistance movement dispatches a lone warrior to safeguard Sarah. Can he stop the virtually indestructible killing machine?

The Terminator is a pioneering sci-fi thriller lauded for its innovative storytelling, groundbreaking special effects, and Schwarzenegger’s iconic performance. Its blend of action and suspense continues to captivate audiences, cementing its status as a genre-defining classic.

32

Tampopo

'Dandelion'

1985 | 1h 55m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore84.402 / 100

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"The broth is the soul of ramen."

DIRECTOR: Jūzō Itami

WRITERS: Jūzō Itami

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Masaki Tamura

STARRING: Tsutomu Yamazaki, Nobuko Miyamoto, Ken Watanabe, Koji Yakusho, Rikiya Yasuoka

GENRE: Comedy, Food

A pair of truck drivers happen onto a decrepit roadside fast food stop selling ramen noodles. The widowed owner, Tampopo, begs them to help her turn her establishment into a paragon of the “art of noodle soup making”.

Tampopo is a delightful culinary adventure that blends humor and heart with mouthwatering visuals. Itami’s playful direction and vibrant characters create a unique and satisfying homage to the art of food, inviting audiences to indulge in both laughter and gastronomic delights.

31

Nostalgia

'Nostalghia'

1983 | 2h 06m | USSR & ITA | RUSSIAN

Top10nerScore84.943 / 100

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"Feelings unspoken are unforgettable."

DIRECTOR: Andrei Tarkovsky

WRITERS: Andrei Tarkovsky, Tonino Guerra

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Giuseppe Lanci

STARRING: Oleg Yankovsky, Erland Josephson, Domiziana Giordano

GENRE: Slow Cinema, Psychological Drama

The Russian poet Andrei Gorchakov, accompanied by guide and translator Eugenia, is traveling through Italy researching the life of an 18th-century Russian composer. In an ancient spa town, he meets the lunatic Domenico, who years earlier had imprisoned his own family in his house for seven years to save them from the evils of the world. Seeing some deep truth in Domenico’s act, Andrei becomes drawn to him. 

Nostalgia impressively navigates the intricacies of memory and human connection, skillfully interweaving diverse narratives to explore the universal theme of longing. Its storytelling, coupled with sublime visuals, reflects Tarkovsky’s profound understanding of the human experience.

30

Scarface

1983 | 2h 50m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore85.506 / 100

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"I always tell the truth. Even when I lie."

DIRECTOR: Brian De Palma

WRITERS: Oliver Stone

CINEMATOGRAPHY: John A. Alonzo

STARRING: Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Robert Loggia, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio

GENRE: Gangster Film, Drama

After getting a green card in exchange for assassinating a Cuban government official, Tony Montana stakes a claim on the drug trade in Miami. Viciously murdering anyone who stands in his way, Tony eventually becomes the biggest drug lord in the state, controlling nearly all the cocaine that comes through Miami. But increased pressure from the police, wars with Colombian drug cartels and his own drug-fueled paranoia serve to fuel the flames of his eventual downfall.

Scarface is a visceral exploration of the American Dream, elevated by Pacino’s iconic performance as Tony Montana. De Palma’s vision and Stone’s screenplay skillfully examine the dark underbelly of ambition, power, and the consequences of excess in the pursuit of success.

29

The King of Comedy

1982 | 1h 49m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore85.667 / 100

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"Better to be king for a night than schmuck for a lifetime."

DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese

WRITERS: Paul D. Zimmerman

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Fred Schuler

STARRING: Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis, Sandra Bernhard, Diahnne Abbott

GENRE: Black Comedy, Satire, Drama

A thirty-four-year-old aspiring comic still living at home, Rupert Pupkin studies obsessively to be a talk show guest, but has no discernible talent other than a ferocious need for recognition. When he meets his talk show host idol, he sees it as an opportunity for him to reach his dream of stardom.

The King of Comedy is a darkly humorous and unsettling exploration of fame and obsession. Scorsese’s masterful direction, paired with De Niro’s compelling performance, crafts a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the lengths one might go for notoriety.

28

The Sacrifice

'Offret'

1986 | 2h 29m | SWEDEN | SWEDISH

Top10nerScore86.135 / 100

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"We hope. We lose hope. We move closer to death."

DIRECTOR: Andrei Tarkovsky

WRITERS: Andrei Tarkovsky

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sven Nykvist

STARRING: Erland Josephson, Susan Fleetwood, Allan Edwall, Guðrún Gísladóttir, Sven Wollter

GENRE: Drama, Slow Cinema

Alexander, a journalist, philosopher and retired actor, celebrates a birthday with friends and family when it is announced that nuclear war has begun.

The Sacrifice is an intellectual tour de force, seamlessly blending philosophical depth with stunning cinematography. The film’s intricate narrative, coupled with its mesmerizing long takes, solidifies its place as a thought-provoking and visually captivating cinematic achievement.

27

Die Hard

1988 | 2h 11m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore86.178 / 100

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"Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker."

DIRECTOR: John McTiernan

WRITERS: Steven E. de Souza, Jeb Stuart

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jan de Bont

STARRING: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, Alexander Godunov, Paul Gleason, William Atherton

GENRE: Action

NYPD cop John McClane’s plan to reconcile with his estranged wife is thrown for a serious loop when, minutes after he arrives at her office, the entire building is overtaken by a group of terrorists. With little help from the LAPD, wisecracking McClane sets out to single-handedly rescue the hostages and bring the bad guys down.

Die Hard revolutionized the action genre with its groundbreaking use of practical effects and intricate storytelling. Willis’s iconic performance as John McClane, coupled with Rickman’s memorable villain, cements it as a seminal experience, redefining the template for modern action films.

26

Where Is the
Friend's House?

'Khane-ye doust kodjast?'

1987 | 1h 23m | IRAN | PERSIAN

Top10nerScore86.623 / 100

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"So he wouldn't forget."

DIRECTOR: Abbas Kiarostami

WRITERS: Abbas Kiarostami

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Farhad Saba

STARRING: Babek Ahmed Poor, Ahmed Ahmed Poor, Kheda Barech Defai

GENRE: Drama, New Iranian Cinema

8-year-old Ahmed has mistakenly taken his friend Mohammad’s notebook. He wants to return it, or else his friend will be expelled from school. Determinedly, the conscientious boy sets out to find Mohammad’s home in the neighbouring village.

Where Is the Friend’s House? captivates with its understated brilliance, seamlessly blending realism and poetic storytelling. As part of the ‘Koker Trilogy’, it showcases Kiarostami’s profound exploration of innocence, morality, and the transformative power of compassion in Iranian rural life.

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