Movies that left me breathless (first list)

Leon is a movie that made me laugh, cry, think and by the end left me an emotional wreckage. Its a very powerful film and it owes it to a brilliant cast (Portman, Reno, Oldman) and a great director (Luc Besson).
What makes the movie so interesting is also the relationship that developes between Leon and Mathilda. There are scenes of nearly uncomfortable sexual tension but mostly its a father-daughter relationship.
Gary Oldman gives an Oscar deserving perfomance as psychotic Stansfield and Natalie Portman manages to pull off a very adult role that even older actresses would have trouble acting out. All in all its one of my favourite movies and one which gave me at least 2 sleepless nights because of its greatness.

American Beauty was the first movie of Sam Mendes I ever saw and it also was the first time I witnessed Kevin Spacey on screen. Needless to say, my mind was blown and Im an avid fan of both ever since.
It hit me hard as a film because it is all a big allegory about society, its rules and restrictions that can turn a man practicaly insane. I kept thinking about it for days. The dialogues were smart and there are plenty memorable quotes and scenes with my personal favourite being of course the plastic bag tape scene and the beauty behind it.

I feel bad saying this but I really prefere Lyne's version of Lolita rather than Kubrick's. To be fair, his hands were pretty much tied up due to the censorship he had to go through to get the film into production.
Still, Lolita ,to me, is a tragic love story and Lyne focused on that while Kubrick turned it into a clever satire, a comedy really. Also, the casting in the 1997 version was much better. Jeremy Irons fits perfectly the Humbert I had in mind while reading the novel whereas Mason doesnt even come close to it. Plus a beautiful soundtrack by Ennio Morricone.

The first time I watched Jacob's Ladder I was on a boat, in a claustophobic cabin, at night. When it was over I felt as if I had just been through an acid trip.
Everything in this film is so dreamlike. You are never quite sure if whats happening is real or a product of your mind. When the final twist comes and everything is revealed your mind is ready to slip away. You cant talk about this movie without giving away major spoilers so I simply suggest it to everybody!

I didnt need a movie of Shawshank to leave me awestruck. The story in "Different Seasons" took care of that. Even so, I was still crying with happiness when Andy raised his hands in the rain. What is so brilliant about this movie is that the viewer feels what Andy feels. The pain, the dispair, the anguish. And when finaly he is freed there is "catharsis" as we call it in greek. Redemption, purification not only for Andy but for the viewer as well.

What can I say about Pulp Fiction that hasnt already been said? The amazing dialogues? The realistic yet a bit surreal characters? The ingenious way in which the story unfolds? Everything has already been said but the only sure thing is that this is Tarantino's masterpiece. One of the few movies I can watch a trillion times and still not be bored.

Children of Paradise is proof that life is indeed a stage. The dialogues are melodious, rich and poetic. The characters are real and tragic with flaws and lust. And its in French, the most beautiful language in the world. It is a must see for everyone who loves quality european cinema.

One of the best war movies of the all time, probably because its not really about war in the end, is it? The film has Kubrick's name written all over it, from the dark and clever humor to the complexity of the characters and the hidden subtext. And of course a bathroom scene. Kubrick fans will know. Its a cleverly crafted satire with deeper meaning and an instant classic.

No one has potrayed Mozart better than Tom Hulce who really deserved an Oscar for his marvelous perfomance. The film its self is very well written and while many have pointed out some innacurrancies no one can deny the genious of W.A Mozart. Beautiful costumes, music and amazing perfomances by both Hulce and Abraham.

Pan's Labyrinth is my favourite Spanish movie. A dark fairytale with religious-political undertones and with one of the most amazing soundtracks I have ever heard. Beautiful setting, costumes and a bitter-sweet ending. It is one of my top favourites.

It was nice seeing Roman Polanski as an actor for a change and in such a marvelous, compeling movie. A dark setting, a mysterious murder and an even more mysterious writer set the plot of a Pure Formality. The film is carefully directed, steadily building up the tension for the final revelation that will blow your mind.

As a huge horror lover I strongly believe that Halloween is on the top of the genre. There really isnt that much blood involved and most of the fright is psychological. Carpenter is playing with your mind. There are scenes were the killer is visible in the background, lurking in the shadows, but the camera never quite zooms in on him leaving us with the uncomfortable realization that the killer is always someplace near, watching poor Laurie. Honestly, this is the best directed horror movie Ive ever seen and it still gives me chills after so many years.

Few movies make me cry. This one made me shed rivers. Its all about love and the hope of a better tommorow, not the War, the camps and the holocaust. Its about love that in the end overcomes everything. As with Shawshank Redemption you'll be suprised with how emotional you can get about a fictional character.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show has rightfully gained cult status and a place in everyone's hearts with its set of mad characters, catchy songs and fantastic performances especially by Tim Curry whose portrayal of insane, transvestite scientist Frank-N'-Furter is positively delightful to watch. I don't trust anyone who watched Rocky and didn't feel ever so slightly attracted to Curry in drag. Or the need to re-watch the film again and again until the songs are practically glued to your head.

Unlike most media which tend to romanticize the chaotic lives of drug users, Trainspotting slaps the viewer with the harsh reality of drug abuse and addiction. The story centers around Rents and his group of junkie friends in Edinburgh as he struggles to escape from his heroin addiction and the life he's leading. Realistic and powerful performance by Ewan McGregor as the lead and a very good and faithful adaptation of the book by Irvine Welsh which fully captures its meaning and essence.