The MoFo Top 100 of the Fifties: The Countdown

[Chypmunk]

Two films that definitely deserve to be on this list. I like The Hidden Fortress but I don't love it like I do some Kurosawa and it didn't make my list. A Man Escaped however did and was my #10.

Seen: a few/32
My list: 2 (#10 : #70 ; #13 : #98)

[Mr Minio]

Both are bloody good. Both 4.5. Both didn't make it into my list.

[Citizen Rules]

That's the first time I haven't heard of either film. But I guess somebody has because they made the list:p

No I understood that, but you have it as your number 1 in your profile favorites.Oh, OK I see. Yes I do have Pickup on South Street at #1 position in my Top Ten. But I never arranged them by order, to me it's just 10 of my favorites. I wish I could make that 25 of my favorites.

[Pussy Galore]

I don't consider The Hidden Fortress to be one of the best Kurosawa, actually I'd say it's one of his weakest 50's film, but I still enjoyed it.

As for A Man Escaped it's my second favorite Bresson and it probably would have made my list if it was a top 40

[Gatsby]

I'm the guy who had Nights of Cabiria at #7. Did Fellini fanboying effect the spot it took? Definitely, and it helped it get into the Top 100 so mission accomplished. The film's search for love and a grasp on life, in a cinematic and humanistic way, is beautiful.

[edarsenal]

haven't seen either

[The Gunslinger45]

About damn time! One from my list! Most people here know me as a huge Kurosawa fan, so naturally this film was going to be on my list. I am away from my list at the moment, but the film was in the mid teens. I guess that means I Live in Fear will likely not be in the Top 100.

I will post my updated list and seen stats when I get home.

[gbgoodies]

I haven't seen either of these movies.

[Camo]

I liked A Man Escaped but not as much as the other two Bresson films i've watched. Haven't watched Hidden Fortress yet.

Watched - 9/32
My List - 2/25

[The Gunslinger45]

Okay so The Hidden Fortress was my 14.

14. Hidden Fortress (1958)

My List: 1
Seen: 5/32

[Thursday Next]

I've seen both of these. Hidden Fortress had bits I liked, but I didn't love it overall.

A Man Escaped was on my list at #23.

[NedStark09]

Have Seen 5/32

Countdown List 2/32

Today Predictions

68 Day The Earth Stood Still
67 Lady and The Tramp

[Chypmunk]

I know I said I wouldn't and it might historically be a woman's prerogative but it's also the age of equality nowadays and as a man I shall not be oppressed...

68. Plan 9 From Outer Space
67. Carry on Nursing The Titfield Thunderbolt

:p

[donniedarko]

This is by far the least I've seen from the opening of a list

[Camo]

Same here. I'm watching Roman Holiday later so there'll be another one at least.

[Daniel M]

Not seen either. A Man Escaped looks like something I could potentially love, I wasn't sure about Pickpocket the first time, but Au Hasard Balthazar is great, and I heard A Man Escaped is the perfect mixture of style and story. The Kurosawa film will probably be good like most of his work, I've heard of it because of the Star Wars influence.

[Camo]

Those are the other two Bresson films i've seen Daniel and i really loved those ones, while i liked A Man Escaped it was a lot lesser than those two for me. Who knows though i may not have been in the right mood, i wasn't the first time i watched Au Hasard Balthazar and that is now one of my favourite films.

[rauldc14]

Just saw Floating Weeds. Another really solid film from Ozu who has become one of my favorites. It's also a stunning color film.

I'll have two more tonight for you guys when I'm at home.

[Harry Lime]

Both great films, neither made my list. They could have made a top 50.

[donniedarko]

I will probabaly check out The Seven Year Itch sometime this week, was trying to get to it before submitting a list but didnt have a chance. There was another Wilder that I did catch thankfully

[donniedarko]

I will give you two reps if you post some movies Raul

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/94d027af-67fd-4516-8408-15a708d82309.jpg

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/tumblr_nsgpfqy0WS1qzquyeo1_500.gif

1953, Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi
74 Points
6 Lists (4th,9th,11th, 16th,19th,23rd)

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/c5da3bc4-fe30-4a60-b163-e7b1aa8ae4dc.jpg

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/giphy.gif

1958, Directed by Jacques Tati
75 Points
7 Lists (8th,8th,14th,17th,17th,19th,24th)

[cricket]

I liked Ugetsu a lot but I didn't vote for it.

I didn't care much for Mon Oncle.

[Daniel M]

Great to see Mon Oncle on the list here. I watched it very recently, along with M. Hulot's Holiday, and I thought both were great films. Didn't include this one on my list, but glad it made it and pretty sure that means the other will appear too. I don't think its quite as likeable/charming as its predecessor, I think its a bit more cynical in some ways, but the use of colour and sets is fantastic and allows Tati to showcase some more of his talent in what feels like a bigger film. I think the three films (with PlayTime) go really well together in the way they progress and in how they are so similar yet different each time.

[Mr Minio]

Ugetsu is one of Mizoguchi's masterpieces (he has so many of them, tho). It was 19th on my list. At least a 4.5 movie.
Mon Oncle was super-impressive mise-en-scene-wise, but I still couldn't get it just as I couldn't get Playtime. I really appreciate it, but didn't find it funny nor amazing. 3

[Pussy Galore]

I liked Ugetsu a lot but I didn't vote for it.

I didn't care much for Mon Oncle.

Same here.

[Derek Vinyard]

Same here.

are you agree ?

[Pussy Galore]

Yup, crick and I completely agree on this dude, you rock btw.

[Mr Minio]

are you agree ? I love your Quebecian English. <3

[Nope1172]

Mon Oncle was my #24!http://s3.amazonaws.com/auteurs_production/images/film/mon-oncle/w1280/mon-oncle.jpgI had never seen a Jaques Tati film prior to this, and unfortunately, I wasn't able to squeeze any more in for my 50s viewings. I really enjoyed this film, and it's quirky humor was right down my alley. All of my favorite scenes took place inside of the overly elegant house owned by Tati's sister. I thought that the use of sets in order to deliver jokes was great, and he really does have a very unique style. I would have loved to watch a few more of his films, but I just didn't have the time, and from what I heard this was probably his best from the decade.

This film almost missed my list, but I decided to include it over another film that wouldn't have made the countdown anyways. So after 33 films, here is my list so far.

1.?
2.?
3.?
4.?
5.?
...
23.?
24. Mon Oncle (67)
25.?

[Miss Vicky]

I haven't seen Ugetsu. Actually I'm not sure if I've seen anything from Mizoguchi.

I watched Mon Oncle for one of the HOFs and really didn't care for it at all.

[seanc]

Mon Oncle was my #17. Tati is great. If I had to choose between Chaplin, Lloyd, and Keaton, I would choose Tati. First from my list to show. Pretty sure they all will make it. I'm mainstream.

[rauldc14]

I haven't seen Ugetsu. Actually I'm not sure if I've seen anything from Mizoguchi.

I watched Mon Oncle for one of the HOFs and really didn't care for it at all.

Do yourself a favor and watch a Mizoguchi film. In fact I need to see more.

I really loved Ugetsu the second time around.

[Miss Vicky]

Do yourself a favor and watch a Mizoguchi film. In fact I need to see more.

Just looked up Ugetsu and according to IMDb, it's only 96 minutes long. Maybe I'll give it a try soon.

[Kaplan]

Mon Oncle is great, as M. Hulot bumbles his way through the strange world of suburban modernity. I had it on my list at #8.

My List:

6. Pickup on South Street (#72)
8. Mon Oncle (#67)
13. From Here to Eternity (#76)
21. Room at the Top (#73)

[Citizen Rules]

Seen both of these, yeah!

I really liked Ugetsu, I think because it was an ancient Japanese fable and morality tale. Very cool film. But not on my list.

I also really like Mon Oncle and even reviewed it and gave it rating_4_5...But not on my list...So many great films and only 25 spots on my list.

[Swan]

If I had to choose between Chaplin, Lloyd, and Keaton, I would choose Tati.

I would choose seanc.

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

pickup on south street was my #9. great movie.

nights of cabiria is good but i expected to love it and i think i hyped it up too much in my mind and it couldn't possibly live up to my expectations.

don't think i've seen any of the others but they all look good. don't think i've heard of room at the top.

[Mäx]

I've seen Mon Oncle. It's a very funny movie. Didn't put it on my list.

[donniedarko]

Another i havent seen either of. Mon Oncle i had on my watch list. I did enjoy M Hulots Vacation more than Playtime, and definitely want to check out more of his comedy

[Camo]

Only seen Playtime from Tati and i voted for it in the 60s list so i should really watch more. Most of Ugetsu i really loved but i found it difficult to get into the ghost story, want to watch it again becuase i think it has the potential to become a favourite. I also found out that Mizoguchi's planned ending was never filmed because the studio insisted on a happy one. Think i would've preferred his one whatever it was. My writeup from the 10th HOF:

Ugetsu Monogatari (1953)

https://s31.postimg.org/f5t1qz0uj/ugetsu.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/uradaxcsn/)adult photo sharing (https://postimage.org/)

Been really looking forward to checking some Mizoguchi out as i've had great success with the golden age of Japanese Cinema directors. Kurosawa is a top five director for me, still only seen Tokyo Story from Ozu but i loved it, saw and loved both Harakiri and Kwaidan from Kobayashi. Overall i really liked this but didn't quite love it. The film was extremely well shot, especially the scenes on the water, i feel the foggy look made them seem almost dreamlike.

The best thing i think it did was how it portrayed a peasants life. And i think this can be compared to how poor people are living throughout the world today. Same with Seven Samurai, how hard these people work just to be able to eat living with the constant fear of thieves, bandits, rapists, murderers, etc. Their desperation was shown very well throughout a number of their actions like them running back to keep the fire going/get the pots knowing full well this action could lead to their death. An element of greed certainly comes into it for the men, and delusions of grandeur for Tobei. I wouldn't even call his need to be a samurai ambition; just a foolish attempt at getting some respect and prestige. As stupid and ridiculous he is at trying for this it is still a very human thing the want to be respected and revered. I liked how when he finally achieves this he fully regrets his actions and the consequences this lead to.

I hated Tobei from the start. And his selfish and ridiculous ego trip mission. The rape scene was somehow very brutal without showing a thing. Just the way she's lying there completely defeated and one of her rapists tosses money at her as if he was buying her services. Pretty powerful statement and it sadly is how women are and have been treated throughout history, as if sex was something that a man could just take. I'm not 100% on board with blaming Tobei. He was a fool and his actions did lead to these circumnstances, but there's no way he could have foreseen what would happen. I didn't like him throughout and i partially blame him for his selfishness and foolishness not completely though.

One thing i didn't like was Genjuro's love at first sight moment when Lady Wakasa was buying the pots. I've just seen it in too many movies and without fail it annoys me every time. The reason i didn't completely love this was because i found myself a bit lost at times when the ghost story started. I think there were some great and powerful scenes in this part of the film but i'd like to watch this again at a later date because i wasn't fully on board with everything here. So i don't think there's much i can say about that part of the film because i found myself all over the place. I'm about to read the other reviews on this to see what everyone else thought about this.

So very good nom Mushroom :up:. It just misses out on becoming a new favourite of mine for reasons that are probably my own, with a rewatch these might sort themselves out. I'm gong to make sure to get to Sansho The Bailiff at least before sending in my 50's list. Anyway East of Eden then Amour then My Man Godfrey to finish for me i think.

[mark f]

None of the last four made my list, but I'm happy to see the diversity in the 100. I saw The Hidden Fortress for the first time in the mid-'80s in San Jose, CA. I only found out when I saw it again years later that most all the first 20 minutes had been chopped out. I liked it the first time but even more the subsequent ones. A Man Escaped is able to build up a bit of suspense even if that really isn't really director Bresson's raison d'etre - he was held during WWII by the Nazis as a member of the French Resistance. It's often considered his masterpiece.

Ugetsu is a film I've enjoyed in the past, but it did seem simpler the last time I watched it in 2013 than I remembered. It is timeless, almost a fairy tale in theme and presentation, so I don't really have anything major to complain about. It gains power as it builds to its conclusion, and once again shows Mizoguchi's strong pro-feminist cinematic nature.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JPgHiuKuBQ8/TP1dPaawycI/AAAAAAAAAAM/HQ3WSpmrPyA/s1600/Mon%2BOncle%2BTati%2B%2Bhouse%2Beyes_edited-1.jpg
Why such a low rating for Mon Oncle, Mark?
My main problem with Tati in general and Mon Oncle in particular is that a little of Tati goes a long way. I enjoy his persona, but he's often off-screen for long stretches of time, and the other characters aren't very memorable. He comes up with a unique world and obviously spends a lot of time on his art direction and production design, but the actual payoff in viewer engagement and enjoyment seems minimal. It takes a lot of time for his gags about a cold, mechanized, modern society to be set up and build and by then my interest has often waned.

Also, this film is two hours long and it could have made a cute short, but I just don't see why his brand of low-key humor is so critically praised. I would have enjoyed more scenes similar to the bit with the "rubberized" plastic pitcher and the glass. Now that I laughed out loud at. I don't need anyone to tell me what Tati does, doesn't do or means to do. I understand all that. I would be glad if his cinematic sensibilities made me feel more happiness while watching since I believe he would want me to laugh. His fans can explain his greatness better than I can, and I hope they can do it without referring too much to philosophy or something too intellectual because I believe he's a comic entertainer at heart.

[Chypmunk]

Not seen either - still yet to get round to Ugetsu but like all the Mizoguchi I've seen thus far. I've only ever seen Holiday from Tati and wasn't mad keen so never watched Mon Oncle.

[The Gunslinger45]

Ugetsu is excellent. But it was another Mizoguchi movie was on my list.

My List: 1
Seen: 6/34

[Horroist]

Voted:
7. Jalsaghar [The Music Room]
11. Ugestu (1953)
24. Roman Holiday (1953)

Seen but not voted:
House of Wax
The Blob
Creature From The Black Lagoon
To Catch a Thief
Horror of Dracula

[Chypmunk]

Nailed-on guesses today....
66. Kiss Me Deadly
65. The War Of The Worlds

(nailed on to what I really don't know but nailed on to something that's for sure)

[MovieMeditation]

Yep, still nothing.

[Camo]

66.A Star Is Born
65.Pickpocket

[Daniel M]

Mon Oncle was my #17. Tati is great. If I had to choose between Chaplin, Lloyd, and Keaton, I would choose Tati. First from my list to show. Pretty sure they all will make it. I'm mainstream.

I didn't realise you were a Tati fan for some reason, although I must have seen posts from you before about it, good to see that you are though, and nice to see so many others too. Hope this confirms that M. Hulot's Holiday appears too :)

[the samoan lawyer]

Glad to see Pickup on South Street and Nights of Cabiria, although hoped for higher, especially the latter. Had Pickup no. 20 and Cabiria was my no. 10.


Mon Oncle is the first film on this list that I've seen and not liked.

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/0d23eeb2-25d8-45c0-a71e-c1f9d6589b28.jpg

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/tumblr_mpn94wdjXG1qbm5l6o1_500.gif

1958, Directed by William Wyler
78 Points
7 Lists (5th,5th,12th,14th,19th,24th,25th)

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/bc027a80-f230-4092-8957-0d6aa3c79513.jpg

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/2-tumblr_mpwtq8plho1rmwez8o1_r1_400_zpsa276be22.gif~c200

1955, Directed by Alexander Mackendrick
78 Points
7 Lists (2nd,2nd,13th,20th,21st,23rd,23rd)

[Miss Vicky]

Yet another pair that I haven't seen.

[Mäx]

Same with me.

[Daniel M]

The Big Country looks really good, did someone post about it on here recently? I've definitely seen something to do with it recently.

Seen The Ladykillers, good little film, enjoyable comedy, wasn't close to making my list though.

[MovieMeditation]

Well, it's not Coen's best film, but I guess I'm okay with it showing up on the list...


:p

[rauldc14]

The Big Country was a part of the 50s Hall of Fame, part 2.

It was ok for me, but nothing too extravagant. A solid western, but I've seen better. There's a lot of love for it here though.

[Chypmunk]

Neither were on my list, been far too many years since The Big Country to really remember much about it at all and whilst The Ladykillers is quaint and somewhat amusing it was never in contention for me.

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

haven't seen either. i'm sure i would like both but neither were close to my shortlist of what i wanted to watch in preparation for the list. surprised they're both up this high.

[Tacitus]

I'd be hard pressed to say whether The Ladykillers or Whisky Galore (same director, too) were my favourite Ealing film but since only one of those was made in the 50s, I've got no qualms at all in putting The Ladykillers at #2 on my list.

It has at its core a phenomenal, off-kilter performance from Alec Guinness, a clever screenplay by William Rose and a trio of great little turns by a young Peter Sellers and a not-so-young Herbert Lom and the genius that was Frankie Howard.

Then, of course, there is Katie Johnson, quite the cutest old dear ever captured on celluloid. ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuIvga5t_Hc

Do yourself a favour.

[Camo]

Hate the remake of The Ladykillers, easily my least favourite of the Coens i've seen. I saw that first so wasn't expecting much from the original but i ended up really liking it largely thanks to Katie Johnson, she was so sweet and hilarious. To my surprise it wasn't far from making my list, in the next 10 probably. Glad to see it here.

Haven't seen the other one. Think that is 13 or 14 i've seen now.

[edarsenal]

ladykillers didn't make my list but a damn fine film
Never seen big country but after reading Citizen's review on it, it is now my watchlist

I think that puts me around 16/36 and Goose egg for my list

[Citizen Rules]

Wholly crud! I just realized I forgot to include The Big Country on my list, errrgh. It's in my Top 10 Favorites, but it slipped my mind. Anway glad to see it make it without my help:p

[cricket]

Wholly crud! I just realized I forgot to include The Big Country on my list, errrgh. It's in my Top 10 Favorites, but it slipped my mind. Anway glad to see it make it without my help:p

I figured you were the other 5th place vote you SOB!

The Big Country is the 6th movie to show from my list out of what will be about 20, and a big thanks to Mark for recommending it to me:cool:

I did not think I'd like The Ladykillers, but it's an entertaining movie that's easy to enjoy.

My list-

5. The Big Country (1958) #66
8. Written on the Wind (1956) #82
12. From Here to Eternity (1953) #76
17. The Hidden Fortress (1958) #69
20. Room at the Top (1959) #73
24. The Cranes are Flying (1957) #98

[Holden Pike]

Hey, a couple from my list showed up! I had Sam Fuller's Noir Pickup on South Street as my eighteenth overall choice*, and Billy Wyler's The Big Country held the last spot on my ballot. Glad my only giving it a single point didn't stop it from making the top hundred.

*I hope that the nineteen you have listed in the tally is my eighteen.


18. Pickup on South Street (#72)
25. The Big Country (#66)

[The Gunslinger45]

Two more I have not seen

[seanc]

The Big Country was #19 on my list. Cricket nominated it for a HOF and I really enjoyed it. 4/5 for me. It is the type of film that there is a strong possibility I would never have seen if not for mofo and the halls. Wyler is an excellent director and this is the type of film I will go back to a couple more times in my life.

[Thursday Next]

I like The Lady Killers but did not vote for it. I believe the gif you posted is Peter Capaldi in the 2011 stage play, rather than a clip from the 1950s film :)

[mark f]

The Big Country was my #24. I love it more each time I watch it. From the mafo MoFo Top 100:
The Big Country (William Wyler, 1958)

https://usercontent1.hubstatic.com/5177576_f520.jpg

Glorious Movie-Movie is one of the best westerns ever made, with a ton of memorable characters, albeit centered around a rather strange central character for a western. That character is former ship captain Jim McKay (Gregory Peck) who has gotten affianced into a Texas ranching family by way of Pat Terrell (Carroll Baker), who eventually shows herself to misunderstand him and be extremely superficial. Pat's father, The Major (Charles Bickford), tries to rule his neck of the prairie with the help of his practically-adopted son Steve Leach (Charlton Heston) who has a yearning for Pat himself. What McKay doesn't know is that he's walked into the middle of a feud between The Major and rival Rufus Hannassey (Burl Ives) who has his own cross to bear in the person of his oldest son Buck (Chuck Connors). The person who seems to hold the key to this war is schoolteacher Julie (Jean Simmons) who owns the Big Muddy, the river where both families need to water their cattle.

Aside from just being tremendous cinematic storytelling on every level, The Big Country shows a love of the land even when the humans roaming over that land are incredibly corrupt and violent. Nobody seems to respect McKay, except for perhaps the Major's Mexican jack-of-all-trades Ramón (the awesome Alfonso Bedoya). They constantly think that he's a coward, a dude, or just plain stupid, but they have no concept of what it takes to navigate a ship through two oceans and command the men onboard at the same time. All the acting is beautiful, almost all of them playing iconic characters. William Wyler likes to emphasize how "big" the "country" is, and he's aided by DP Franz Planer and especially composer Jerome Moross, whose score seems to have later been interpolated into both Elmer Bernstein's The Magnificent Seven and the Marlboro commercials. I suppose if The Big Country were to remind me of another movie it would be George Stevens' Giant which I also need to add to my mafo 100.
I never miss a chance to herald Jerome Moross' music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQTH3a0mjR8
I've seen The Ladykillers several times, and Alec Guinness is hilarious (as usual) as the brains of a gang of bank robbers who are outmatched by a "sweet little old lady". It was directed by Alexander Mackendrick, who'll show up again later in Sweet Smell of Success.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwTBKuRzYd4
My List
4. Room at the Top (#73)
8. The Caine Mutiny (#80)
14. People Will Talk (#88)
21. Oklahoma! (#97)
24. The Big Country (#66)

[NedStark09]

Well I have seen every 50s western so have Seen The Big Country but it was not on my list.

7/36
2/36

Tomorrows Predictions
64 Day The Earth Stood Still
63 Godzilla.

[The Rodent]

Boom!


25. Probably Not
24. Probably Not
23. The Ladykillers - 65th
22. Probably Not
21. Probably Not
20. Probably Not
19. Possibly
18. Possibly
17. Pretty Sure It Will
16. Probably Not
15. Probably Not
14. Definitely
13. Definitely
12. Hopefully
11. Definitely
10. Definitely
09. Definitely
08. Definitely
07. Probably Not
06. Definitely
05. Definitely
04. Definitely
03. Definitely
02. Definitely
01. The Blob - 96th

[Pussy Galore]

1. Will make it
2. Will make it
3. Will make it
4. Will make it
5. Will make it
6. Will make it
7. Will make it
8. Hiroshima mon amour (1959) #75
9. Will make it
10. Will make it
11. Will make it
12. I hope it will make it, but not sure
13. I hope it will make it, but not sure
14. Won't make it
15. Will make it
16. The Human Condition I: No Greater Love (1959) #93
17. Will make it
18. Will make it
19. Will make it
20. Will make it
21. Probably won't make it
22. Will make it
23. Nights of Cabiria (1957) #71
24. Will make it
25. Probably won't make it

[Harry Lime]

Mon Oncle was #17 on my list. Tati is great. This list is great.

[gbgoodies]

I saw both The Big Country and The Ladykillers. I liked both movies, but didn't love either, so neither movie made my list.

[dadgumblah]

Ah, at last one of mine made the list! The Big Country was my #12. Of course I wish it had been in the Top #25 but I'm just jazzed to be at the party! :)

[Cobpyth]

I'll have a lot of fun watching films from this list. The Big Country looks great!

[Chypmunk]

Guesses:

64. Ben Hur
63. The Night Of The Hunter

[Yoda]

Very little so far from my list (I think maybe literally zero, actually), but then, I think I ended up choosing a lot of the films you'd expect, so most of them should be in the top 50 somewhere.

I have a few favorites whose position I'm pretty curious about. I'd say one of them is going to be a lot lower than I'd like, but the other two I'm thinking of could end up awfully high.

I think there's a really good chance the #1 film is one of the few 1950s classics not on my list, though, based on what we've learned from past lists...

[NedStark09]

In my opinion Shane was a better western especially the ending then Big Country while High Noon Was Better Then Shane and The Searchers and Rio Bravo was better then High Noon. Thats more or less how id rank the 50s westerns.

[Daniel M]

Rio Bravo, The Searchers and High Noon will all definitely show up. Don't know about Shane, I'd say it probably will. There's a good chance the list is going to be consistent with your ranking of those Westerns, so no need to panic yet.

[Camo]

I really didn't like Shane, mostly because of the kid. I'm sure it will show up though.

[Citizen Rules]

The kid in Shane was annoying. Otherwise it's a good movie. But not one of my favs.

[NedStark09]

I cant think of any other then Big Country, Shane, High Noon, Rio Bravo and The Searchers that would be really good in the 50s. Above those. I may be wrong and one pops up and Ill say oh I forgot that one.

[Camo]

Has The Bravados got a shot? That just missed my list after the Westerns HOF.

[Citizen Rules]

Has The Bravados got a shot? That just missed my list after the Westerns HOF. I would guess it won't make the countdown. I don't think it's that well known, but of course I would be :) to see it make it.

[The Gunslinger45]

The kid in Shane was annoying. Otherwise it's a good movie. But not one of my favs.

Oh dear Lord was he annoying

[rauldc14]

Speaking of Shane....

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/57907fc7-f83f-4b7f-8356-341fd1caec9d.jpg

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/tumblr_o83qf5vY2k1v904g0o1_400.gif

1953, Directed by George Stevens
83 Points
6 Lists (6th,6th,11th,12th,15th,23rd)

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/d163791e-4322-49f7-a366-58ac03096a01.jpg

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/giphy.gif

1955, Directed by Robert Aldrich
87 Points
6 Lists (4th,8th,8th,12th,12th,25th)

[rauldc14]

I'll let you know what I think of Kiss Me Deadly tonight or tomorrow. I'm going to be watching it for the Noir HOF.

[The Gunslinger45]

I have seen Shane, and was not a fan. But I LOVE me some Kiss Me Deadly! My favorite Noir! I had it at number 4.

4. Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
14. Hidden Fortress (1958)

My List: 2
Seen: 8/38

[Citizen Rules]

And Shane appears next on the countdown, spooky! Like I said, a good movie, but not on my list.

Kiss Me Deadly is one of my favorite Film Noirs. I didn't expect it to show up, but I'm glad it did. I didn't have room on my list for it.

My mini-review from the Noir Hof: Kiss Me Deadly (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1567015#post1567015)

[Camo]

Wow. Weird that it shows up when we are talking about it. As i said i really don't like Shane mostly because of the kid. He ruined so many scenes. It's a shame because i've loved every other George Stevens films i've seen. Not seen Kiss Me Deadly but i've had it ready to watch for a while, will get to it soon.

Seen 13/38
My List - 2/25
09.A Place In The Sun
19.From Here To Eternity

[Camo]

Great Shane GIF choice. It would've been even better if you picked what happens like a second later when he punches him and he goes flying back a ridiculous distance through a door :rotfl:

About 1:20 in

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2fQkgL_GjI

[Tacitus]

Shane was my #15.

I love all the little things about it, especially Alan Ladd.

That's a 60 year old joke right there, for free! :D

[Daniel M]

I think Shane is just an okay film, I don't hate it but I don't particularly like it that much either, decent, I think I gave it three stars when I saw it.

I'll watch Kiss Me Deadly soon, looks like something I'd really like.

[mark f]

I didn't vote for either but I like both for different reasons.
Shane (George Stevens, 1953) 3.5
I think that Shane still has it. Although it's been longer than I've been married since I've actually watched the film in its entirety, I've now indoctrinated Brenda and Sarah. Even so, I was able to quote many lines verbatim, but what do you want? I've seen it at least a dozen times. :) I feel like giving Shane a higher rating because it covers so much more ground than the average western ever even attempts. Shane is mostly seen from the viewpoint of the youngest person in the film, Joey (a terrific Brandon de Wilde; go ahead now and stick him in the Bakers Dozen Thread as an annoying kid :rolleyes: ). However, there are other perspectives, and one of my favorites is the perspective of the Grand Teton Mountains. I've been to the Tetons three times, and it's a massively impressive sight to behold, both in real life and in Shane.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/images/4248b.jpg
Shane is one of those films which seems to exist in some alternative universe. It seems to be a fairy tale, complete with Good Vs. Evil, so it's almost as if Joey is experiencing his bedtime stories, but the other characters in his family, his mom (Jean Arthur) and his dad (Van Heflin), are also experiencing either a fairy tale or a prayer answered. Shane (Alan Ladd) seems to be the only person who can deal with the dark, evil curse covering the Snake River Valley. Many of the visuals are wonderful, but it is also the fact that some scenes are obviously shot on sets with fake Tetons in the background and the dark filters seem to go overboard. Even so, for any visual flaws which the film occasionally exhibits, the sound design is spotless. Shane is one film where you really hear the loud parts, whether they are fist fights or gunshots. Director George Stevens utilizes his sound as masterfully as Hitchcock.
http://neveryetmelted.com/wp-images/JackPalance.jpg
The supporting cast of Shane is truly exemplary, whether it be Jack Palance's "Angel of Death", Wilson, or Elisha Cook's little man with a big ego, Stonewall. Add in such great character actors as Edgar Buchanan, Ben Johnson, Ellen Corby, and Emile Meyer (the priest in Paths of Glory), and what is going on with the characters is just as interesting as the visual backdrop and the fairy tale aspect of the film. Everyone should experience Shane. Yes, it's a western, but even for those who don't like westerns, it's a coming of age story and perhaps one of the earliest "revisionist" westerns ever. After all, when Shane rides off at the end (by the way, he's NOT slumping), it's difficult not to believe that the end of an era has arrived.
Kiss Me Deadly is one of the main inspirations for the French New Wave and the development of the auteur theory.
Kiss Me Deadly (Robert Aldrich, 1955) 3- Cult Rating: 4+
http://laternamagika.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/kiss-me-deadly.jpg
I don't know what it is about this movie. I'm not really that big a fan of Mike Hammer, but he's entertaining up to a point. Robert Aldrich had already become a director of note before this flick with Apache and Vera Cruz, but here he apparently decided to dive off the deep end and make a truly personal movie. Maybe that's why I keep watching this film over and over, hoping that I "get it" the next time. It's certainly watchable, but besides being one of the most-personal films you'll ever see, it's also one of the most-preposterous. However, this flick is responsible for many things which have since been passed down to us through a form of attrition. This film has a box, "The Great Whatsit", which glows when you open it (a la Pulp Fiction) and can apparently cause death and destruction similarly to Pandora's Box by using nuclear material. In fact, the conclusion of this film is probably the main reason to watch it, although you will certainly be scratching your head long before that, but discussing what the ending means to all the characters is probably the most-fun-and-entertaining thing to do after watching this Looney Tune of a flick. Hell, this is even older than me!

[Miss Vicky]

Yet another pair I haven't seen.

Of those that have appeared so far, I've only seen Duck Amuck, Room at the Top, Written on the Wind, and Mon Oncle. Hopefully my percentage will improve a lot once we hit the top half.

[cricket]

Shane makes 7 movies from my list already. I loved it as a kid, but then I didn't watch it again for almost 35 years until I was preparing for this countdown. I almost didn't watch it again, thinking I wouldn't like it anymore. It turned out that I loved it more than ever.

Kiss Me Deadly was very good, but probably not in my top 5 favorite noirs of the decade.

My list-

5. The Big Country (1958) #66
6. Shane (1953) #64
8. Written on the Wind (1956) #82
12. From Here to Eternity (1953) #76
17. The Hidden Fortress (1958) #69
20. Room at the Top (1959) #73
24. The Cranes are Flying (1957) #98

[The Gunslinger45]

Looks like we are getting to the part of the list where I will have seen more movies and more of my list will probably show up.

[Omnizoa]

Of those that have appeared so far, I've only seen Duck Amuck,
My only.

[Chypmunk]

Neither on my list. Shane is ok but not a favourite and been a while since I last watched it, Kiss Me Deadly is generally a solid noir but there are better in that genre from the 50's imo.

Seen: 1/36
My list: 2 (#10 = #70, #13 = #98)

[NedStark09]

Shane Was one of my list but I am having trouble remembering which one it is at present.

[Daniel M]

Shane Was one of my list but I am having trouble remembering which one it is at present.

15th

[Thursday Next]

I've seen some of Shane but not the whole thing.

So far I've seen 14 of the listed films, and 4 are from my list.

[NedStark09]

Well i knew it was in the teens because I happen to know what number 8 is and it wasnt Shane.

[NedStark09]

Seen 8 /38

List 3/38

Tomorrows predictions

62 Peter Pan
61 Treasure Island.

[Daniel M]

I'm only joking, that was a guess, don't you have it wrote down somewhere, or saved in your PMs? Maybe Raul can send you another copy if you lost your list.

[NedStark09]

Well for certain In know it was on my list somewhere in the middle and thats the best I can recall. Here is the thing i remember whats on my list better then where its on my list.

[Pussy Galore]

2 good films, but among their genres I'd say that there are far better westerns and film noirs.

[Friendly Mushroom!]

So far, I have seen 11.

9. Ugetsu
19. Roman Holiday

[dadgumblah]

The kid in Shane was annoying. Otherwise it's a good movie. But not one of my favs.

CR, I used to think the same thing, in fact I used to absolutely hate that kid going around going "bang! bang! bang!" all the time. But now, in my middle-ages, he doesn't bother me at all. I watched again recently a couple of times and was just reminded what a classic this movie is. In fact, it was #6 on my list. That makes two films that have made it. At this rate, most of mine might get in before we even reach 50! :(

Tacitus, you said something about a "60 year old joke." I totally got it, and started thinking about the rumors of trenches and crates, if you know what I mean. :)

Anyhow, my #12 The Big Country is #66 and my #6 Shane is #64. Oy!

EDIT: I loved Kiss Me Deadly but it didn't make my list. Great movie.

[edarsenal]

Shane is one of those I NEED to and haven't
Seen Kiss Me Deadly but it didn't make my list

18/38
List: 0

[gbgoodies]

Two more movies that I've seen, but neither made my list.

I'm not a big fan of westerns, and as others have said, the kid was very annoying, but overall Shane is a pretty good movie. Has anyone seen the Adam West "Batman" TV show parody "Shame" with Cliff Robertson?

Kiss Me Deadly is a very good movie, but I think there are better film noir movies.

[Horroist]

https://66.media.tumblr.com/195a96c134300ba4db947295011695d1/tumblr_o83qf5vY2k1v904g0o1_400.gif


lmao! Haven's seen this movie but this is going to be my favorite gif for a while for sure!:D:laugh:

[Chypmunk]

Today's completely incorrect predictions:
62. The World Of Apu
61. The King And I

[Camo]

62.Pickpocket
61.Bob Le Flambeur

One of these have got to finally show up.

[Mäx]

I have seen Shane. Wasn't a fan of it.

Seen: 10/38
List: 1/25

[NedStark09]

The Funnier thing too me in the action gif of ladd and johnson is that johnson was a great rider and actual cowboy. and likely in a real fight johnson would have won.

Anyways thanks too the man who runs this place i got my list back. My Shane spot was number 11

I have no change in my today predictions

I forgot about Hondo as a 50s western that was pretty good. Only problem was they made the film with 3d in mind and it shows in the tricks of the films close ups and things.

[Nope1172]

62. Ace in the Hole
61. Alice in Wonderland

[rauldc14]

It will be a couple hours. I have a massive migraine right now and I'm also not home at the moment. Sorry for the late one today.

[Mr Minio]

It's not a migraine, rauldc14. It's a roofie!

[rauldc14]

The survivor thread has caused much pain and angst, but we won't have to wait too much longer here.

[NedStark09]

Gets some Excedrin and some juice ignore the pain and navigate forward this is what we endure in life that makes us stronger in a event such as the countdown

[jiraffejustin]

Gets some Excedrin and some juice ignore the pain and navigate forward this is what we endure in life that makes us stronger in a event such as the countdown

Put this sh*t on a poster. I'd never miss a day at the gym with this around.

[NedStark09]

I stole that its something David Letterman once said when he had a cold one night and it was time for the top ten list.Or rather its a conversation him and Paul had i just made it one speech.

[Camo]

Good to know that David Letterman is following the countdown.

[NedStark09]

No Its reguards too Lettermans top ten list. Which was the biggest countdown comparison I could come up with.

[jiraffejustin]

Good to know that David Letterman is following the countdown.

He doesn't have anything else to do these days.

[NedStark09]

Last i saw him he had a beard and looked like some cave man or back water hillbilly

[Fabulous]

Last i saw him he had a beard and looked like some cave man or back water hillbilly

https://thenypost.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/david_letterman.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=664

[rauldc14]

So of course my iPad is giving me fits and won't connect to the internet :facepalm:

If it keeps acting up I may have to post 4 tomorrow.

[The Gunslinger45]

So of course my iPad is giving me fits and won't connect to the internet :facepalm:

If it keeps acting up I may have to post 4 tomorrow.

Do what ya gotta do

[Chypmunk]

Today's completely incorrect predictions:
62. The World Of Apu
61. The King And I
60. Casque d'Or
59. Lady And The Tramp

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

ban raul immediately, it's the only way we can make this right.

[NedStark09]

My 4 predictions

62 Peter Pan
61 Day The Earth Stood Still.
60 Treasure Island
59 Old Yeller

[Camo]

60.A Star Is Born
59.Alice In Wonderland

[rauldc14]

4 will come today! So it will be like a bonus!

[Swan]

Yeah but yesterday felt like a minus.

[rauldc14]

Would you like six today then?

[Camo]

Post two now two later instead of six :kiss:

[seanc]

I want 6, lets do it.

[Chypmunk]

6 is too many - some of us may have heart conditions!

[rauldc14]

2 are on their way. 2 later.

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/1c0c93d9-894a-4adf-bec1-bb4bc4d1924e.jpg

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/paul-liz-cat-ona-hot-tin-roof-gif-501.gif

1958, Directed by Richard Brooks
95 Points
7 Lists (3rd,8th,8th,12th,15th,19th,22nd)

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/f86851b5-a2cc-4aa9-9172-1ddae6a76edd.jpg

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/tumblr_mri9jnTH7U1rzd6w3o1_250.gif

1952, Directed by Vittorio De Sica
95 Points
9 Lists (3rd,8th,12th,12th,17th,18th,22nd,23rd,24th

[rauldc14]

And I hate to give clues out, but I think the next two will shock certain people.

[Daniel M]

Not seen either :(

[Pussy Galore]

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is very good (mostly because of the acting), it really felt like a play and a well written one at that. It didn't make my list, but might have been on a top 40.

Umberto D is my #24, I rewatched it and it touched me less then the first time I watched it. Still a great film about the loneliness of an old man who just tries to live his life simply with his dog.

[Citizen Rules]

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is very good (mostly because of the acting), it really felt like a play and a well written one at that. It was a successful stage play written by Tennessee Williams, before coming to the silver screen.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was on my list at #22. Like PG said, great acting and well written dialogue. Oh and Elizabeth Taylor paired with Paul Newman doesn't hurt the film either;)

[Miss Vicky]

Two more I haven't seen.

[Camo]

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof was a film i had in my predictions at the start of the countdown to show up and i don't know why. Don't think i've ever heard anyone on the site talk about it before. Haven't seen it. Not seen Umberto D either, i have it and Bicycle Thieves ready to watch so soon hopefully.

[rauldc14]

Umberto D would have been higher if Godoggo had a list.

[Mäx]

Haven't seen both.

[mark f]

Two more I didn't vote for but recommend.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Richard Brooks, 1958) 3.5+

Richard Brooks does a sterling job presenting Tennessee Williams' play. The dynamics of the film are incendiary, and the actors are superb. Elizabeth Taylor has rarely flashed such passion as Maggie the Cat, Paul Newman is able to subtly imply the homosexual overtones of Brick which the 1950s wouldn't allow, and Burl Ives is terrific as Big Daddy. This is one of the top three Williams adaptations to film which I highly recommend, along with A Streetcar Named Desire and The Night of the Iguana.
Umberto D. is another of De Sica's early neorealist classics which tells a simple story which elicits tears. That scene at the end with the train always kills me, but here's another good one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8PR5zRU7d8

[cricket]

I liked both of those movies, but neither as much as I had hoped.

[jiraffejustin]

I voted for Umberto D., I think I was either the 8th or one of the 12th place voters.

[rauldc14]

You had it at 8 Jiraffe

[Chypmunk]

Seen Cat On A Hot Tin Roof a few times and it's decent but didn't revisit it for this, not yet seen Umberto D.

And I hate to give clues out, but I think the next two will shock certain people.
In light of this I shall change my predictions if I may....

60. The Bridge On The River Kwai
59. Rashomon

[Nope1172]

Lets get another 2!

[The Gunslinger45]

I have seen Umberto D, but I did not vote for it.

4. Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
14. Hidden Fortress (1958)

My List: 2
Seen: 9/40

[Camo]

60. The Bridge On The River Kwai
59. Rashomon

You don't know how mad that would make me. Well happy that i had seen both at least.

[Citizen Rules]

60. The Bridge On The River Kwai
59. Rashomon

Those almost have to be in the top 25, maybe top 10.

[Chypmunk]

You don't know how mad that would make me. Well happy that i had seen both at least.
In light of this I shall change my predictions again if I may (I'm nothing if not an attempted keeper of the peace)....

60. Rashomon
59. The Bridge On The River Kwai

[Citizen Rules]

Oh much better;):)

[Chypmunk]

Those almost have to be in the top 25, maybe top 10.
OK, Ok, ok ..... one last time changing the bloody predictions just so as to not upset anybody....

60. The Maltese Falcon
59. Bullitt

(sheesh - the things I do for people on here)

[Camo]

Damn you Chypmunk :p.

Citizen, i think both will be top 20 but not top 10. Seven Samurai will probably be top five though which would be the highest non english live action placement. Spirited Away was #3 in the Animation Countdown. City of God is the highest non english live action film i think which was #6 in the Millennium Countdown.

[Camo]

OK, Ok, ok ..... one last time changing the bloody predictions just so as to not upset anybody....

60. The Maltese Falcon
59. Bullitt

(sheesh - the things I do for people on here)

The Maltese Falcon better be higher than 60 even if it isn't eligible :p

[Nemanja]

I have Umberto D. on my list at 12

My list:
#5 Marty 100
#12 Umberto D. 61
#17 From Here To Eternity 76
#23 People Will Talk 88
#24 Horror of Dracula 79

[Nope1172]

Damn you Chypmunk :p.

Citizen, i think both will be top 20 but not top 10. Seven Samurai will probably be top five though which would be the highest non english live action placement.
I honestly wouldn't be that surprised if Seven Samurai takes the top spot on the list. Unlike many other decades, there are no clear films that will come out on top, and I think Seven Samurai could pull it off.

[Camo]

I honestly wouldn't be that surprised if Seven Samurai takes the top spot on the list. Unlike many other decades, there are no clear films that will come out on top, and I think Seven Samurai could pull it off.

I think it is certainly a strong possibility. Personally i think it will be Rear Window and Vertigo as 1 and 2 not sure which will be first, 12 Angry Men as #3, Seven Samurai as #4 and probably North By Northwest, Sunset Boulevard, All About Eve or maybe Some Like It Hot as #5. Not seen massive love for Some Like It Hot on the site though outside of a few members, i suppose a lot of voters don't regularly post though.

[rauldc14]

Any predictions for 60 and 59?

[Pussy Galore]

Twenty-Four Eyes
Strangers on a Train

[Daniel M]

Stalag 17
Dial M for Murder

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/a60ddb7e-a733-490d-8aef-3e190bf3c4eb.jpg

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/giphy.gif

1950, Produced by Walt Disney
95 Points
10 Lists (4th,12th,13th,15th,16th,17th,18th,20th,25th ,25th)

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/8efd338b-b209-4b20-83c2-e3fb1177414e.jpg

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/tumblr_n1f7z8jFy01snzlfbo1_500.gif

1953, Produced by Walt Disney
96 Points
7 Lists (8th,9th,10th,14th,14th,15th,16th)

[Daniel M]

Boring :p At least I've seen them both. Watched them both a lot when I was a child, was never a big fan of Cinderella but I enjoyed Peter Pan a bit.

[Miss Vicky]

Two lesser Disney films. Seen both, voted for neither.

[cricket]

Loved them both as a kid, haven't seen them in forever.

[Chypmunk]

Don't mind both and not really surprised they are on the list but that's about as much enthusiasm as I can manage for the pair tbh.

58. Kansas City Confidential
57. Bob Le Flambeur

[MovieMeditation]

What a coincidence on more than one occassion. Two Disney flicks next to each other and two Disney picks from your insignificant other, MM The Masterful. :randy:

But seriously, two really good films. Watched them recently on last years Disney Classic Binge. Cinderella was always solid but Peter Pan surprised the childhood out of me. It was pretty amazing to be honest. Don't know if it will be again on yet another rewatch... Anyways, finally I can post pre-post reviews instead of posting post-post reviews, if uh, you know what I mean. Reviews that are already written prior to the post of movies that show up. (D)uhhhhh

But here they are (I had them on too-lazy-to-look-it-up, respectively):

MovieMeditation presents...
HIS FILM DIARY 2015
total movie count ........... current day count
146 .......................... 136
__________________________


May 12th

—— 1950 ——
Cinderella
—— animation ——
DISNEY CLASSIC no.12
http://i57.tinypic.com/2v1q1rb.jpg
REWATCH
Dear old Disney returns to form, in what can only be dubbed
as the most magical and majestic movie since their first feature length film!

‘Snow White’ completely changed the style and status of animation back when it was released, and if it hadn’t been for the sudden outbreak of world war two, we had never seen Disney fall so far down the ladder of success, which they unfortunately did, and eventually had to compromise to keep the business going. This resulted in some very mediocre and muddled short compilations, which varied in both style and quality. You were perhaps starting to wonder, even despite of all that happened, was Disney loosing their flair for creating beautiful and magical animation? It didn’t take very long before that question was crushed by one hell of a comeback from the studio, with the magnificent ‘Cinderella’…

The comparison of Disney’s first ever feature length picture wasn’t at all a bad idea, because it is quite surprising how similar they are. Just by judging from the very opening of the film, we see Cinderella waking up in the company of several different animals. Of course, animals have always been a prominent part of Disney’s signature style, but the way these are presented, in an almost surreal and sugar-sweet kind of way, definitely brings back the dear memories from ‘Snow White’ and her love for nature and all its beings. But it is this exact element, which I love so very much about this film, how everything is just so mesmerizing and magical – yet all this beauty seem to spring right out of the every-day life of an ordinary women. Even the settings are very minimal, and the way Disney brings enough emotions forward – which will both excite and enlighten the audience – is by visually and physiologically construct them. What I mean by that is, the audience is never in doubt what the film is trying to present them with; even just by glancing over the appearance and behavior of each character, you already know them before they have even opened their mouths. You can so easily relate to the character of Cinderella, especially because her situation is so expertly presented to us. You know how she feels when she is stressed out preparing the morning’s breakfast or cleaning the entire house, and you most certainly know how she feels when she has her hopes crushed by her evil stepmother and daughters.

You could say that this is all typical Disney and ultimately some very basic knowledge in the world of cinema, but the way ‘Cinderella’ feels throughout you just cannot beat. It is full of great scenes, fun characters and a wide arrange of musical numbers and beautiful visual backdrops. The story in the film has a way; of taking the smaller elements and make them seem like a lot more than they really are. Sometimes, it even feels as if Disney creates excitement and magic out of thin air… This is basically a small story, and yet it feels grand in scale, while never actually being over-bloated or too fast-paced for its own good. It has that perfect balance of a classic and magical story, spiced up with Disney signature animation, which seems to shine better than ever in this film – even more than 65 years later! This is definitely one of Disney’s finest hours and a certainly also great accomplishment in animation cinema overall.

4-

__________________________


MovieMeditation presents...
HIS FILM DIARY 2015
total movie count ........... current day count
187 .......................... 198
__________________________


May 28th

—— 1953 ——
PETER PAN
—— animation ——
DISNEY CLASSIC no.14
http://muwio.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/poster_l/images/movies/m12499-2543.jpg
REWATCH
When I was a kid, I treasured the incomparable feeling of flying straight to fantasyland,
and all I needed was a little help from the heart and soul of cinema magic!

Absolutely nothing could compare, when disappearing into the visual and wonderful worlds of animated features; especially those coming from the Golden Age of Disney. Back in the day, one of my favorite trips to take was definitely that of ‘Peter Pan’ and the journey to Neverland, where no kid would ever grow up and where no rules even existed. But of course, the unforeseen times came upon me, and I grew older with every watch of this film, until eventually, I was too old for Neverland. But then I realized something...

When looking in the mirror, maybe I wasn’t that five-year-old kid, who was couch jumping and floor diving through the living room, while stabbing the thin air with a wooden dagger. But my mentality and eternal ability to disappear into the world of movies have never faded, which I should have known, because I still disappear into the world of film to this day. So thankfully it just so happens to be mind and movies, which have that magical connection that every person, whether a child or an adult, love so much! And when those cheerful memories of being a child are rekindled, the magic is more alive than ever. And if you believe it, you have the ability to fly straight into your childhood, and all the way to Neverland!

First off I have to say, those at Disney are not not shy of returning to the past either, when it comes to recycling their themes or repacking their films in familiar packaging. But somehow they eventually manage to show off something that feels entirely fresh and fitting for the story they want to tell. With ‘Peter Pan’, the story of innocence and the wonders of being a child have never been illustrated better, neither have the depiction of the significance of not rushing into adulthood. I must admit that the visualization of some of these themes can appear rather dark and at times even frightening, but when you are an adult it doesn’t matter to me. It only makes everything even better.

http://i61.tinypic.com/13ztv9g.png

At first everything is so magical, where you are sprinkled with pixie dust and concentrate on happy thoughts until you lift off the ground and fly above the skies straight to Neverland – the world of dreams. But once there, the children are challenged in many ways that goes beyond their capabilities, which makes them realize just how lucky they are to have a family at home who cares about them and protects them from the dangers of the world; makes them realize that not everyone is as fortunate as they are and not everything is as it appears to be. When I come to think of it, Neverland is way more dark and sinister than I remember it to be from childhood.

But of course, many of those unsettling scenes are presented in humorous situations, which generally makes it a little easier to digest. While the fact that a crocodile bit off the hand of a Captain seems moderately graphic, the actual scenario is far from it, containing a goofy-looking croc who is constantly out of luck, in terms of getting the other end of that hand. Because that is, on the other hand, truly amusing to watch, especially when the approaching terror is illustrated as a tick-tocking clock once swallowed by the beast. Mr. Smee is a great and clumsy sidekick too, often taking every situation with him in his many falls from grace. Apart from the pirates, there are plenty of mermaids, Indians and wildlings to up the ante of this adventure and eventually create a fantastic world to witness.

Generally speaking, the actual adventurous atmosphere of this film is hard to beat in my opinion, which truly does try to make the viewer buy into a land like Neverland – a place where your imagination has no boundaries and time has no existence. You know just how important that is for a child, because you have been there yourself, which is something the father finally realizes in the end, when reminded of his own childhood; “You know, I have the strangest feeling that I've seen that ship before. A long time ago, when I was very young…” And honestly, I can’t help but feel the exact same way about this film. That my friends, is movie magic in its finest hour.

http://i58.tinypic.com/x2s03n.jpg

4.5

__________________________

[Gatsby]

Boy, chaperoning a summer camp made me miss out a lotta good stuff I see, time to catch up!

http://i.imgur.com/7GsF8wB.jpg

Umberto D was my #17.

You're tearing me apart, De Sica! This film, filled with such great sadness and void of fortune, can only be made by one who has the mastered the art of neo-realism, and just filmmaking in general. Unlike the films made by, for example, Jaques Tati (who's work I also appreciate), Umberto D doesn't have tolerance for elaborate nonsense. It's realistic, straight to the point, and thus gets it's job done quick.

Mon Oncle was my #19

Now here's a film with an entirely different approach and style. Mon Oncle has a lot more nonsense (seemingly), elaborate sets, and attention to even the slightest detail. My favorite aspect is of course the set built for the film, meant to serve as M. Hulot's intricate house. But I enjoy it not because it is well-built, but because it is a summary of what Tati is trying to say in one structure. It is a great satire of French consumerism during that period, and even if you aren't crazy for satire and social commentary there's still more than enough to amaze you.

Cinderella was my #25

I... kinda regret putting this film on my list. Wondering why I made it the tail end, I remembered that I wanted to give credit to some of the animated films made in the 50s by having at least one. Should have chosen Alice in Wonderland instead, but like an idiot I forget that it existed. Sorry guys. But Cinderella isn't a bad film at all, and the Korean version of the classic story used to be a bedtime favorite for me. It has the warm feeling harnessed by a lot of classic Disney films, and is worth someone's time.

[mark f]

I think they're both very good but the least of the Disney classics of the '50s, so maybe there will be three more Disney animated coming. Looking at how many people voted for them, I'd say (rightly or wrongly) that many people didn't have enough other movies to vote for. Also, I'd consider them both musicals! :D

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

watched cat on a hot tin roof before submitting my list. really liked it, probably would've made my top 40. super melodramatic and fun and the performances are great. haven't seen umberto d but it looks great.

watched the two disney films multiple times as a kid but haven't seen them years and remember very little of them.

[Citizen Rules]

Believe it or not, I've never seen either Pinocchio or Cinderella. Though I did see Julie Andrews in a live tele play of Cinderella (1957) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129672/) Which I highly recommend.

[NedStark09]

I have never had 2 movies on my list go off before

Cinderella is 18
Peter Pan is 15

Which means i am

List Wise
5/25

Movies Seen

11/42

Tomorrows Predictions
58 High Noon
57 Old Yeller

[rauldc14]

Cinderella and Peter Pan are your typical run of the mill animated Disney films. I haven't seen either in forever, but I don't remember them as favorites. Did they deserve to be on a list like this? Their accessibility sure helped. I think they belong but I was surprised they made it this far down.

[Nope1172]

Two films I've seen, but neither on my list.

[edarsenal]

Seen Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, a great flick but didn't make my list.

Saw both Cinderella and Peter Pan COUNTLESS times growing up and Peter Pan is the first off my list at #14

List:
#14 Peter Pan

Watched: 21/42

[rauldc14]

17/42 for me. Yikes. But lots of good films to look forward to watching.

[The Rodent]

Cinderella and Peter Pan... are like my 50s version of Mary Poppins and Willy Wonka. Can't stand them. Sorry to those who voted them.

[rauldc14]

How dare you trash talk Wonka!

http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Good-Day-Sir-Willy-Wonka-The-Chocolate-Factory-MRW.gif

[Mäx]

I've only seen Cinderella and i almost hated it. Definitely the worst 50s movie i've seen, so far.

[dadgumblah]

I love all the Disney films yet I didn't include any of them on my list. I don't know why. I was so focused on the live-action films. Anyway, it's nice to see the Disney movies included. I've had the fortune to see several of them re-released on the big screen. I've noticed that Disney has stopped doing that seemingly. I wonder why?

[NedStark09]

Willy Wonka is one of the best classic films made mostly do too the brilliance that is Gene Wilder God Rest His soul.

[NedStark09]

I personally Expected Pan or Cinderella but I'll be devastated if a certain live action film from my list dont make this countdown.

[gbgoodies]

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is one of those movies that I like more and more each time I watch it. I strongly considered it for my list, but I just couldn't find room for it. I'm glad to see it made the list even without my help. :)

I haven't seen Umberto D.

I had a tough time figuring out what to do with the Disney movies. These are the types of movies I love to watch over and over again, but I wasn't sure if they really belonged on my top movies list. They kept bouncing on and off my list. They're great movies, but they feel like kids movies, so it's hard to compare them to movies like Hitchcock movies and classic musicals. Ultimately Cinderella and Peter Pan didn't make my list, but I'm glad to see they made the list anyway.

I think they're both very good but the least of the Disney classics of the '50s, so maybe there will be three more Disney animated coming. Looking at how many people voted for them, I'd say (rightly or wrongly) that many people didn't have enough other movies to vote for. Also, I'd consider them both musicals! :D

And I agree with Mark F. I consider both of these movies musicals. :)


Believe it or not, I've never seen either Pinocchio or Cinderella. Though I did see Julie Andrews in a live tele play of Cinderella (1957) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129672/) Which I highly recommend.

The Julie Andrews version of Cinderella is wonderful, and I highly recommend it too. :up:

[The Gunslinger45]

Seen both, voted for neither.

My List: 2
Seen: 11/42

[Omnizoa]

https://s3.amazonaws.com/image.photovisi.com/a60ddb7e-a733-490d-8aef-3e190bf3c4eb.jpg

They don't all work, but I think I finally I see what you're going with these splash images, Raul.

[Thursday Next]

I was never a big fan of Cinderella but it's a decently made animated movie. I loved Peter Pan when I was a child, but I watched it again quite recently and it didn't hold up. I thought it was very dated and my kids weren't impressed either.

[Camo]

Cinderella? :sick:. Worst film that will make the countdown IMO. Not a big fan of Peter Pan either but it is alright. Has pretty bad animation though IMO.

Glad i've seen both for once.

[rauldc14]

Cinderella is the lowest rated film for me to appear so far, just nudging The African Queen, which obviously you guys know I wasnt a huge fan of.

[NedStark09]

Cinderella? :sick:. Worst film that will make the countdown IMO. Not a big fan of Peter Pan either but it is alright. Has pretty bad animation though IMO.

Glad i've seen both for once.
Whats with the Disney Cartoon hate dude I know Cinderella was no Snow White, Dumbo, Bambi or Pincchio which was disneys first great Films but It is a classic fairytale and fairytales in a way inspired movies and people who act in them.

[Camo]

I like a lot of Disney cartoons. Including fairy tales. I just think Cinderella is terrible. Peter Pan is fine though.

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/5b93a4b2-24cc-4675-88db-1674c63fee59.jpg

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/tumblr_m8nznmHYRA1ruz9j7.gif

1959, Produced by Walt Disney
97 Points
8 Lists (6th,7th,11th,13th,14th,15th,21st,24th)

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/9abdb9bc-d21e-4604-b67d-a3d1b98e9761.jpg

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/tumblr_lz3skypw3x1qcay1ao1_500.gif

1955, Directed by Henri-George's Clouzot
101 Points
8 Lists (4th,5th,5th,15th,17th,18th,20th,23rd)

[rauldc14]

3 in a row for Mr. Walt Disney!

[Daniel M]

Seen Sleeping Beauty, it's okay, I'd put in in the middle of Cinderella and Peter Pan in terms of enjoyment when I was younger. Les Diaboliques looks very good, I have it on Blu-ray, just haven't got round to it.

[Camo]

Sleeping Beauty wasn't close to making my list but it is one of the best Disney films IMO, great animation. Have Les Diaboliques ready to watch.

[Chypmunk]

Like the previous Disneys Sleeping Beauty is ok but was never in contention for a spot on my list. Les Diaboliques is another I've yet to get round to - one day hopefully that will change as it should be right up my rue.

56. The Killing
55. Rebel Without A Cause

[Harry Lime]

Three Disney films in a row? I call collusion!

[Camo]

We've still got Alice In Wonderland and maybe Lady And The Tramp to come.

[Swan]

I've had a bad problem with Disney classic animation since watching Lady and the Tramp last year. The others I've watched since then just don't compare for me. I started Sleeping Beauty the other day and while I appreciated it visually, I had a hard time getting into it. Oh well, I'll always have those dogs and the spaghetti.

[Camo]

Which ones did you try?

[Swan]

Which ones did you try?

Well, okay, yeah, not many at all. I watched Alice in Wonderland and a bit of Sleeping Beauty. :laugh:

I am not dissing Disney, and am still totally open to finding another one I absolutely love.

[Camo]

:laugh: I wasn't even posting that as if you were dissing Disney, i was just curious. I can still personally enjoy them especially when i watch them with my nephews/nieces but most of them are for kids so i can understand adults not being able to enjoy them anymore.

[MovieMeditation]

Sleeping Beauty is another one obviously also with an appearence on my trashy list... Have I seen the other? You bet I haven't! But heard of it I have and watch it I will... Someday.

But for now, more Disney reviewing!

MovieMeditation presents...
HIS FILM DIARY 2015
total movie count ........... current day count
202 .......................... 214
__________________________


June 11th

—— 1959 ——
Sleeping
Beauty
—— animation ——
DISNEY CLASSIC no.16
http://i59.tinypic.com/efnr43.jpg
REWATCH
Once upon a time, there were people saying Walt Disney himself had been sleeping in class during some of his past productions, putting him in a situation where his fairy tales grew fairly tame after a while, causing those pretty princess dresses to slowly wear out. So with that in his mind, dear Mr. Disney set out to make a picture, which was both different and daring from his past successes, though mostly in terms of visual amazements. By using a clever combination of classic and coming technologies, he tried his best to illustrate the magnificence of the almost majestic-looking medieval times. With the authentic artistry of hand-inked cells, combined with a photorealistic presentation in Super Technirama 70 widescreen, Walt Disney was riding against the wind with this film, hoping to heroically win over his audience. It was even circulated around selected cinemas using a 6-channel stereophonic soundtrack, which would elegantly amplify the soundscape to atmospherically adapt to the wider screen presentation. But when the film was finally released, it unfortunately underperformed at the box office, while also receiving very mixed reviews from critics, leaving one to wonder – was all this hard work even worth it by the end?

Fortunately, it later turns out that this beautifully animated film from Walt Disney was just seriously slept on. Back when it was released, nobody seemed to care, which caused Disney to throw the fairy tales overboard and avoid the genre for an entire 25 years, until they went under the sea and dug up a lovely treasure, being no other than ‘The Little Mermaid’. I can’t believe nobody saw the beauty within this picture until several years later, because when it comes to my own opinion, I’m still stunned by the film to this day. I personally believe, that ‘Sleeping Beauty’ might be the most beautifully looking feature film ever produced by Disney Animation Studios. Presenting what seems to be an endless amount of rich detail within the colorful backdrops, there is no denying that Disney understood every bit of the bigger picture – and quite literally so. Making use of every inch in these incredible illustrations, which was painted by talented artists who knew how to dream bigger and better. In contrast, a typical background painting for animated films usually took around a single workday, while the wide and elaborately painted pictures in ‘Sleeping Beauty’ took seven to ten days.

http://i60.tinypic.com/2v1kuox.jpg

I must say that the hard work paid off in grand style... All these gorgeous pictures are rich enough in detail to support themselves entirely, which is something Disney knew all about. Therefore, the impressive imagery is elegantly escorted by a much simpler story, which moves carefully but controlled, leaving the audience to disappear all the way into this marvelous world. But even if I wasn’t bored to the point of falling fast asleep, I can definitely understand why the film won’t win over everyone who watches it. But honestly, I wouldn’t want to see this film much more fast-paced than it is, since it would take away from the magical atmosphere and further lessen the action-packed climatic ending – a closing chapter, which still excites to this day.

But the story doesn’t just spawn a dragon out of nowhere to excite the audience. Well, it kind of does actually, but before being a dragon this figure was practically a devil walking the earth – in Prada. Okay, perhaps that was a tad too silly, but it does illustrate my point of how elegantly terrifying this villainous woman is. Maleficent may be one of Disney’s greatest creations of evil ever made; both in terms of looks and frightening appearance. The way she is introduced in the beginning is perfect, where we see the three good fairies honorably handing out the “rule of three”, by wishing the newborn princess great fortune in her future, only for the rule to be broken by a sudden unwanted guest appearing out of nowhere. Would you just look at that entrance! A perfect pictorial symmetry and well-crafted color balance. I love it!

http://i61.tinypic.com/2qmp8d1.jpg

Obviously, Maleficent is also the one to casts the evil spell upon Aurora, which sets the entire plot in motion. After that she stays behind closed curtains, but even so there is a shadow illuminating from behind those curtains, making her infinitely intimidating throughout the movie. You never have a shadow of a doubt that she is around somewhere, even in between those singing birds, humming bees and dreamy pirouettes in the forest. This reminds me, that I really love the passage in that forest, which really brings forward to magic in this film. Sometimes the story almost feels poetically paced, if you could say that, all the way down to the point where you feel like you are present in this beautiful world yourself – experiencing something you may have seen once upon a dream, but never in reality.

But seriously though, the way we move fluently and steadily through the painted landscapes of endless personality, it does really feel like a dream. The artistic design gets to shine to the fullest, with the edgy stylistic choices living out its full potential, utilizing every millimeter of the 2.55:1 aspect ratio. The part with the three fairy godmothers is a lot of fun, but it isn’t the greatest part in the film in my opinion. Their appearance is great though and once again the color choices of the characters is spot on. Overall I think this is one of Disney’s best efforts, though I don’t think it is a perfect film. Maybe it will be some day, I’m not sure. Just let me sleep on it for a while and I will be back with the answer…

http://i59.tinypic.com/eg2xz5.png

4

__________________________

[Mäx]

I've only seen Les diaboliques. It's a solid movie and i'm glad it showed up, although it didn't make my list.

[cricket]

Les Diaboliques was one of the 50's movies I was most looking forward to seeing. It was very good but not a favorite.

Like the other Disney movies, Sleeping Beauty is a childhood favorite that I haven't seen for many years.

[NedStark09]

I have seen all Disney films cartoon of live action but Sleeping Beauty is not on my list.

[NedStark09]

Sleeping Beauty wasn't close to making my list but it is one of the best Disney films IMO, great animation. Have Les Diaboliques ready to watch.
Dont like Cinderella a poor girl who has too scrub the floor for evil inlaws but like Sleeping Beauty whos sings one song about a prince and pricks her finger and sleeps most of the movie. While I agree Maleficent was a great Villain . Evil Step Mother was bad too. While she was no litural Dragon. The Evil Step Mother was a She Dragon that needed slaying.

[Camo]

Cinderella is just bad IMO. I hate the songs, the characters and the story infuriates me. I mostly like Sleeping Beauty because of Maleficent and i think it looks amazing while Cinderella just looks ok.

[donniedarko]

Kiss me Deadly was able to sneak onto my list at#25 after I watched it for the film noir HoF.

Kiss Me Deadly (Robert Aldrich, 1955)
nominated by GunSlinger45
https://nonamemovieblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/kiss-me-deadly-torture.jpg
This is a really fun film noir with a Cold War overtone. Aldrich's style is very unique, with a Godard French-wave kind of feel, with the hoppiness between scenes. While this was charming it did at times make it hard to follow exactly what is going on and what's the purpose of Hammer. Scene by scene this is great, but intertwined as one picture it does feel like something is lacking as far as narrative. Because of this, the mystery aspect of the film did near nothing for me. I was more intrigued as to what would happen in the moment. I loved the suspense, the action, and the comedy- but the mystery intrigue felt random. However as far as a non parallel story the film is gripping from the opening hitch hiking scene to the terrifying finale. Aldrich shows a very artistic, almost free floating side of film noir. This can really be seen in the opening credits and final scene.
3

http://annyas.com/screenshots/updates/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/kiss-me-deadly-1955-movie-title-small.jpg

Les Diaboliques is absolutely superb horror, and made my list at #5. A film Hithchcock struggled to make anything that compares to it- I think he has made better, but not scarier.Diabolique isn't just scares there, it's wonderfully crafted with grade A acting. I honestly thought this film would be lower so happy to see it here.

I've seen the three Disney's through my childhood

My List:
5.Les Diaboliques
8. People Will Talk
11. Duck Amuck
23. The Cranes are Flying
25. Kiss me Deadly

[mark f]

I saw Sleeping Beauty in 70MM and Stereophonic sound at the LACMA Epic Marathon in the early '80s, and that battle between Maleficent as the Dragon and the Prince was really spectacular and tense. Sure, I've seen it several other times but that was the best. The medieval art style is also something which separates it from later Disney cartoons which were drawn in a simpler style.

Diabolique was probably the best Hitchcockian thriller made in the '50s but not by Hitch. Plus it has some possible supernatural elements which turn it into horror. The bathtub scene is really scary, but there are plenty of other twists and chills. Hundreds and probably thousands of films have been made because of it but probably none as well. Still, they didn't make my list, even though I rate them highly (both 3.5).

[The Gunslinger45]

Another from my list, and my sole Disney entry. Sleeping Beauty was a childhood favorite and I still enjoy it to this day. It was my #15.

4. Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
14. Hidden Fortress (1958)
15. Sleeping Beauty (1959)


My List: 3
Seen: 12/44

[Kaplan]

I had Les Diaboliques at #23. And enough with the Disney movies already.

My List:

6. Pickup on South Street (#72)
8. Mon Oncle (#67)
13. From Here to Eternity (#76)
21. Room at the Top (#73)
23. Les Diaboliques (#57)

[Miss Vicky]

Sleeping Beauty is okay, but it's never been among my favorites and I didn't vote for it.

Haven't seen the other.

[NedStark09]

Well Disney movies animated or live action were films of the 40s, 50, 60s and even 30s with Snow White. So Disney should be in the count down. Now there may be no more but am hoping for more cause whats wrong with kid film classics. We were all children once.

[Camo]

Alice In Wonderland is definitely still to come and i wouldn't be surprised if Lady and the Tramp made it as well.

[Chypmunk]

If Lady And The Tramp doesn't make it I'm not gonna bother voting for it in the 40's countdown!

[Camo]

You had me thinking it was actually a 40s film there. I checked and everything :laugh:

[Cobpyth]

Sleeping Beauty was my #24. It's a rare child favorite that is still able to completely amaze me. This is my passionate post about the film from my Top 101 thread:

100. Sleeping Beauty (1959)

http://www.louisvillehalloween.com/wp-content/gallery/grim2014-1-09-14/maleficent-sleeping-beauty-dragon.jpg

Some people may be frowning right now, but yes, you're seeing it right. This Disney animation film made my list. Again, this is of course one of those very personal entries, as this film is my absolute childhood favorite.
After watching it again a few months ago, I couldn't help falling in love with it all over again, though. I dare saying it out loud: this is one of the most magical films ever made.

The main reason why I love this film so much is probably its incredible atmosphere. Just look at the scene where the three fairies are granting their wishes in one of the opening scenes and you'll know what I mean. The film hypnotizes its small (and adult) viewers with its rich palette of colors and with its very inventive use of the famous Tchaikovsky ballet.
As a child I could watch this film over and over again and honestly, I still can. The mood of this film has such a strangely intoxicating effect on me that I can't possibly walk away from it once I start watching.

Apart from that engaging mood, this film also has the most memorable Disney villain of all time and simply THE best classic fairytale climax of the complete Disney gamma. Also, notice how little this film depends on dialogue. It's all about visual extravaganza.

This is one of Disney's finest animated films and possibly my personal favorite of them all. Sleeping Beauty is one of the most captivating and perfectly executed reproductions of a classic fairytale ever adapted to screen.

-------------------------------

List so far:

4. Floating Weeds (1959)
10. Some Came Running (1958)
12. Nights of Cabiria (1959)
24. Sleeping Beauty (1959)

[honeykid]

Two more from my list have shown up since I was last here. I had Les Diaboliques at #4 and Dracula at #13. With the exception of Room At The Top, I think they're the films I've seen and liked since my last visit. God, I hate the 50's. That said, I'd expect another 10 from my list to appear, which would put my total appearing on the list around the usual mark for these lists.

You're doing a good job, raul. :up:

[Omnizoa]

I gotta watch Sleeping Beauty again...

[77topaz]

The first three Disney films to be featured are all in a row? That's a weird statistical coincidence. :shrug: I also didn't expect that Disney films, especially less popular Disney films, would be this high on the countdown. Sure, there's an element of childhood nostalgia to them, but considered how many acclaimed/significant films have already been featured lower on the list...
I can't even remember which ones of these I have or haven't watched, since I certainly haven't watched any of them since I was, say, ten.

[NedStark09]

Maybe I gave the computer thats spilling out the countdown movie rankings a disney virus.

[Omnizoa]

I imagine those of us who included Disney movies in our list included more than one and ranked them about the same.

[Miss Vicky]

The first three Disney films to be featured are all in a row? That's a weird statistical coincidence. :shrug: I also didn't expect that Disney films, especially less popular Disney films, would be this high on the countdown. Sure, there's an element of childhood nostalgia to them, but considered how many acclaimed/significant films have already been featured lower on the list...

Nostalgia is a powerful thing. I'd also say most of the voters have at least seen the Disney films of the era whereas the same can't be said for many of those acclaimed/"significant" other films. It should also be considered that many of our members here are ardent fans of animation so it shouldn't be a surprise for very well known animated films such as these to feature pretty high on the list.

I personally have watched or rewatched all five of the big 50s Disney animated films within the last year so they're pretty fresh in my mind.

[mark f]

I imagine those of us who included Disney movies in our list included more than one and ranked them about the same.
Not me.

[rauldc14]

Sleeping Beauty is definitely a colorful spectacle and I can't fault anyone who enjoys the story. It's certainly a movie that surprised me the last time I saw it. I wouldn't put it on a list of my favorite fifties films or even a list of favorite Disney films, but for it to show up on this list is ok with me. What I found surprising is I don't believe any of these three even made the animation countdown, though Sleeping Beauty may have and I'm just not recalling it correctly.

I'll have the next two shortly here.

***edit*****'Sleeping Beauty made animation list

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/b4356732-98ef-4cf1-b703-4157068ae3ab.jpg

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/smiles-of-a-summer-night.jpg

1955, Directed by Ingmar Bergman
101 Points
9 Lists (6th,9th,10th,11th,14th,17th,18th,24th,24th)

[rauldc14]

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/f7c2d744-524e-468b-8db9-7a111aa3bae3.jpg

https://www.movieforums.com/images/lists/50s/tumblr_lz7ozysIJl1qlo1lto1_500.gif

1956, Directed by Fred M. Wilcox
103 Points
11 Lists (4th,9th,13th,14th,16th,16th,19th,22nd,23rd,23rd,24th)

[Cobpyth]

Really like Foribidden Planet, but it ultimately didn't make my list. Here's my review of it:

Forbidden Planet (1956)

This is a really engaging and brilliantly smart classic sci-fi film that inventively exposes what could possibly be human's greatest ultimate intrinsic tragedy.

Our animalistic, irrational subconscious side. "Id".

The film's Freudian theme is very cleverly metaphorized through thoughtful, seemingly unimportant details (the cook's lust for drinking, the men's lust for the daughter, etc.) and more obvious representations (the tiger jumping at the commander and the daughter, the robot being the most likable and flawless character in the whole movie, the invisible monster, etc.) during the whole film. It's really amazing how well thought out this film is. Every single aspect of it can be given meaning in the context of the film's main theme.

Even though the story very much (almost exclusively) focuses on the specific observation that's being made about human nature, the film still feels very rich, because of the high ambition that was obviously at the basis of the film's sci-fi context.
- First of all, the technical aspect of the film perfectly works, the locations look really good (especially by the standards of that time) and it's just a joy to watch it.
- Secondly, the ideas in this story are BIG and the film cleverly takes its time to explicate the film's story and environment. We really get to know and explore this film's sci-fi universe. I love that!

http://i.imgur.com/mJiG0.jpg

The film kind of made me think of Stalker in a certain (far-fetched) way. Stylistically, the films couldn't be further apart, but both movies touch on very similar topical issues, in my opinion. So, don't expect this picture to be a high level philosophical film or anything like that. It just tells an exciting sci-fi adventure that happens to have very interesting substantial aspects to it when studied more intensively. It's said to be loosely inspired by Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'.

Back to the small comparison I wanted to make between both films.
In Forbidden Planet, we witness why extremely developed technology in the hands of mankind can be dangerous (it's told in a very symbolic manner, but the argument the film's making is very clear) and in Stalker, we basically get a meditation on why the existence of the "supernatural" (a sort of "wishing room" in this case) could be more dangerous than positive, when it can be manipulated by men.
In other words, two of mankind's biggest wishes are fulfilled, but ultimately seem to have unforeseen negative side effects, because there seems to be something wrong with us!

Both films basically talk about the tragic unreliability of humanity. We can't trust other people and we can't even trust ourselves, because we never fully have control over neither of the two. There's a potential monster in all of us, even if there aren't any bad intentions... The point is not to be scared, but to be aware of the 'Id'-aspect of your nature. Don't deny its existence and don't be blind for its possible consequences.

"It will remind us that we are, after all, not God."

4+

---------------------------------------

[Omnizoa]

1.
2.
3.
4. Duck Amuck
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. Forbidden Planet
10.
11. Sleeping Beauty
12. Cinderella
13.
14. Peter Pan
15.

[cricket]

Smiles of a Summer Night makes 8 from my list. I wasn't sure it would show. It's now one of my favorite romantic comedies, and it was one of my biggest surprises while watching for this countdown.

I liked Forbidden Planet a good amount.

My list-

5. The Big Country (1958) #66
6. Shane (1953) #64
8. Written on the Wind (1956) #82
10. Smiles of a Summer Night (1955) #56
12. From Here to Eternity (1953) #76
17. The Hidden Fortress (1958) #69
20. Room at the Top (1959) #73
24. The Cranes are Flying (1957) #98

[seanc]

I think Cricket deserves some cred for getting Smiles Of A Summer Night so high. It wasn't even on my radar till he started talking about it and I would bet I'm not the only one. I think it is excellent Bergman. Funny with great dialogue and, as with all Bergman, has a ton to say about human nature. I have three Bergmam films on my list, but this one finished highest at #14.

[MovieMeditation]

My pathetic list so far...

10. Peter Pan #59
14. Sleeping Beauty #58
16. Cinderella #60
21. Duck Amuck (short) #89

Do you think it's a coincidence that all the movies are animated? Nope. My dedication to this list was just plain awful, simple as that. As I mentioned before I watched the impressive amount of ZERO 50s movies leading up to the countdown. So yeah...

But uh, I did watch a few AFTER the countdown started and I intend to watch many more. The movies were Marty and The Cranes Are Flying - both of which would've made my list if I had seen them in time. Oh, and then there was House of Wax, which I forgot to put on my list somehow. The remainder of my list will probably be top 30 or 20 material, with a large amount in the top 10 as well I'm sure.

[Camo]

Seen neither. Was planning on watching Smiles of a Summer Night after Cricket recd it to me but i never got around to it, hopefully soon.

[Harry Lime]

I had Smiles of a Summer Night at #18. Love this film and I'm amazed/happy to see that it was on 9 lists.