Must-See Movies: Le Samouraï (1967)

Le Samouraï (1967)

Jean-Pierre Melville‘s French-noir masterpiece is one of my personal favorite films and one I consider to be criminally underrated. Its influence on the modern-noir genre and, in particular, hit-man films is immense. Oft copied, no film since has been able to work brilliantly on so many levels. Every aspect of the film has been meticulously crafted by Melville; from the occasionally sparse use of dialogue, the engrossingly tense atmosphere, to the almost monochrome color scheme, all of which results in a truly unique cinematic experience.

Le Samouraï opens with a superbly filmed 10 minute, dialogue-free sequence which introduces professional hit-man Jef Costello (Alain Delon.) Residing in a barren apartment and never cracking a smile, Jef only lives for one thing, doing what he’s paid to do. Although Jef is an intrinsically unlikable character (murderer,) Delon’s performance exudes coolness, demanding your attention and reverence. His cold and calculating demeanor is in stark contrast to his eyes, brimming with intensity and sentiment.

Must-See Movies: Intro

New look & new series

I am finally beginning a new long-term series entitled “Must-See Movies.” My plan is to (hopefully) watch 100+ of my all time favorite films, plus some ‘classics’ I have yet to see, and write reviews/articles for each along the way. My goal is to complete at least 1-2 per week, possibly more, if I don’t get too lazy.

The list will proceed in no particular order, aside from which movie I feel like watching that day. The overall film choice will be relatively eclectic and cover all genres: titles ranging from popular classics (Taxi Driver, Rear Window), foreign masterpieces (Le Samouraï, La Dolce Vita), to cult-classics (The Big Lebowski, Evil Dead) and everything in between.

I will also keep a running link-list of the movies (below), updating as I go along.

Must-See Movie List:

#1  -  Le Samouraï (1967)

#2  -  tba

10 More Great Movie Twists

As a supplement to my previous article, Top 10 Movie Twists, here are 10 More Great Movie Twists that are guaranteed to shock, awe, and possibly irritate you.

Obviously contains SPOILERS

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Fight Club (1999) – “I know this, because Tyler knows this.”

The Narrator (Edward Norton) and Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) are the same person.

- One of the most spoiled twist endings. I knew about it well before I had seen the movie, removing any potential surprise or intrigue.

Top 10 Vampire Movies

Vampire films of late have been gathering a bad reputation and the genre appears to be waning; whether it be due to poor casting, cheesy effects, or awful storytelling. However, despite Stephenie Meyer’s best efforts, the genre is still alive and seems more popular than ever.

Vampire Criteria: Vampires must be the film’s main focus. No split monster genres (Underworld, Night Watch) and no shitty films (Twilight, Queen of the Damned, Van Helsing), regardless of popularity.

*Also missing from consideration are a few potential ‘classics’ I have (somehow) yet to see: Thirst (2009), Martin (1977), Fright Night (1985), Near Dark (1987).

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Close Call: Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995)

Mel Brooks’ take on Dracula. Although not on the same level as his earlier effort Young Frankenstein (1974), it is quite enjoyable and often hilarious.
* The trailer is awful

Top 10 Werewolf Movies

It was fairly difficult to create this list of 10 werewolf movies as there’s only a relatively small selection to choose from. Compared to vampire and zombie films, werewolves occupy only a tiny niche in the horror genre. 1981 was a vintage year, with 3 films making the list from that year.

Werewolf Criteria: Must be a horror film with werewolves as the main focus. No split monster genres (Underworld, Monster Squad), no non-horror films (Teen Wolf, Abbott & Costello), and no shitty films (Twilight), regardless of popularity.

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10. The Company of Wolves (1984)

A nighmarish-fantasy film on the list for only one reason: it contains the most disgusting werewolf transformations which begin with the cursed grotesquely peeling away their own skin. *Shown in trailer.

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Top 10 Zombie Movies

With Halloween right around the corner, I thought some horror related film lists would be appropriate. Beginning with my personal favorite, zombie movies. Clips/trailers included.

Zombie criteria: Must be actual living dead, reanimated corpses. No living viruses (28 Days Later…), demonic possessions (Evil Dead Trilogy), and no voodoo/spells (White Zombie, Weekend at Bernie’s 2). Just to be clear.

*Warning: Some clips/trailers are unedited; full of gore & all the good stuff.

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10. Planet Terror (2007)

The watchable half of the Grindhouse double-feature, complete with Robert Rodriguez’s trademark action scenes and an all-star cast.

Iconic Scene: Rose McGowen’s assault with a machine gun leg.

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20 Best Acting Performances of the 2000s

Narrowing down a decades worth of performances to a meager 20 was difficult and tedious. Many good performances had to be left off for sake of keeping the list short.

Here are my 20 favorite performances of the 2000s, in no particular order. Clips/trailers included.

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Daniel Day-Lewis – There Will Be Blood (2007)

Daniel Plainview: A (severely) misanthropic and greedy oil tycoon.

“There are times when I look at people and I see nothing worth liking.”

Why: Simply amazing; the best acting performance I have ever seen, full of earnestness and obsession. Regardless of what’s occurring on-screen, Day-Lewis demands your attention and commands your respect.

Movie Review: Memories of Murder (2003)

Memories of Murder [Salinui Chueok] (2003)

Based on the real-life series of murders which occurred in South Korea, Memories of Murder is a fictional account of the investigations proceedings. Although suspenseful and sometimes creepy, it is not a slasher or horror movie. The serial killer takes second-stage to the detectives and their many struggles; including a lack of proper training, incompetence, and infighting. Director Joon-ho Bong continually changes the films tone throughout by masterfully intertwining offbeat, dark comedy with the grisly murders. This unorthodox injection of humor within such a morose story is remarkably effective without ever appearing forced or inappropriate. He also does well in avoiding prevalent serial killer movie clichés; like creating convoluted explanations for the killer’s action and having the killer send messages to taunt the police.

10 Great Performances by children

Natalie Portman

Mathilda – The Professional (1994)

Age: 13

• Excellent portrayal of a troubled girl whose maturity is well beyond her years.

10 Best ‘Pure’ Action Movies

10 Best ‘Pure’ Action Movies

These are my ten favorite action movies of all-time. Not much more needs to be said, the trailers speak for themselves.

*Note: Regarding the title, the word ‘pure’ is interchangeable with ‘mindless,’ ‘dumb,’ ‘awesome,’ and ‘sexy.’

10) Fulltime Killer [Chuen jik sat sau] (2001)

Chinese hit man Lok Tok-Wah (Andy Lau) tries to over take Japan’s O (Takashi Sorimachi) as the #1 assassin in Asia.

• Johnnie To has taken over Hong Kong action since John Woo went Hollywood.