The MoFo Top 100 of the 2000s Countdown

[KeyserCorleone]

28 Days Later made zombies feel like a real threat. Instead of just a virus collecting a bunch of slow-moving people wanting brains, we got real monsters hunting you down like the prey you are. This type of zombie is only topped by Train to Busan. But it's another case where Danny Boyle values cinematography and atmosphere above character development. The third act was a little generic.

[Pussy Galore]

I absolutely HATE Synecdoche New York, watching it was one of the most difficult movie watching experience in my life. It's been a while so I don't remember specific things about the film so my argument isn't very strong haha. I remember finding Philip Seymour Hoffman's character so unbearable to watch it made me physically cringe. Maybe it's not only the movie's fault, Seymour Hoffman is by far the actor I hate the most in general (I'm not saying he's bad, it's just my personal sensibility).

28 days later is fun, but nothing that incredible to me.

I haven't seen Moon.

Sin City is an excellent movie, I considered it for my list. Had I made this list 5 years ago it would be in my top 10. It's a movie a like less as a grow older, but it's still a very beautiful movie, super entertaining with a great style that makes it enjoyable to watch. One of the best action movies of the 2000's for sure!

[Thursday Next]

28 Days Later... was my #2. I really love it. I don't always enjoy horror movies, but I do like zombie movies. I like the characters in this, the way they form relationships and that they don't only exist to be killed off. I like that, similar to The Stand, the real horror is as much in how human beings behave as in any kind of monster or plague. I like Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris. The music is awesome.

Synecdoche New York is probably the most depressing film I have ever watched. I didn't enjoy the experience of watching it but I think there was a lot in there that was cleverly put together and thought provoking.

[cricket]

There was a time when I preferred 28 Weeks Later until I watched 28 Days Later again for a HoF thanks to Thursday and my feelings completely flipped.

I've only seen the other movie 1 time several years ago. I don't remember it well, but I do remember thinking it was very odd, and I don't generally care for odd movies. I'd be happy to try it again just for that amazing cast.

1. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) (#59)
6. The Devil's Rejects (2005) (#94)
8. 28 Days Later (2002) (#45)
10. The Wrestler (2008) (#54)
11. Mystic River (2003) (#65)
15. Amores Perros (2000) (#81)
17. Y tu mamá también (2001) (#95)

[crumbsroom]

The Wrestler: I like thinking of this movie most as a companion piece to Black Swan. The two seemed obviously intended to compliment eachother as they are both about the toll that is taken physically and psychically when one is subsumed by their occupation/art/obsession. How ones sense of identity blurs and the real body begins to decay. Where Black Swan seems to take its influences from horror film (making it naturally appeal to me more), The Wrestler's more clasical, realistically depicted charcter study is just as affecting an allegory. But since Aronofsky tones down his technical flourishes here, the power of this movie mostly centres around Rourke's performance, which is equal parts grotesque, charming and sad. I liked the directors choice in realizing no accoutrements were needed to add to this film, and he allows its story to unfold naturally and obviously. However predictable the whole affair is, it always feels honest. I've only seen it once, when it was released in the theater, and the images of this man in the ring, or wandering the streets, still haunt me. Not on my list, but would rightfully appear on anyone elses.


Crouching Tiger- I think I've talked recently about this film, so not so keen on doing so again at any length. While some images in the film are spectacular, the movie that surrounds it has always been a little damp for my tastes. And, when compared to the classic martial arts films by the Shaw Brothers, even the show stopping fight sequences come up short. There is an elegance to the camera work and editing in something like Eight Diagram Pole Fighter, that allows its sweat and grit and blood to float dream like into the frame. Crouching Tiger, on the other hand, feels much too deliberate in its poetry. It is clearly trying to make its violence dream like and untouched by gravity. What I prefer about the Shaw Brothers appproach is that its beauty is a result of a collage of images and camera movements swirling around the actors athleticism. Its poetry is built out of almost pure cinematic techniques, where Crouching Tiger's balletic images seem pulled from a spectacle. Trained performers you might pay to see doing incredible feats in real life. Ang Lee's direction isn't irrelevant in this, but I like the unexpected beauty that comes out from what the SB do.



Brokeback Mountain - I sometimes think I don't really like Ang Lee very much. This is probably his best movie, but I'm not completely in love with it. I think it is very good, but when I think of it, most of my affection comes from Ledger's performance, which is even better than what he would eventually do with the Joker. There is so much going inside of his character, hidden yet warping every element of his physicality, that you can't take your eyes off of him. Over all, it's a worthwhile movie, and I think there is a lot of value that comes with its inversion of rugged male stereotypes (and making a cultural hit out of it). But as a whole, it doesn't all come together, like I feel towards most of Lee's movies.


Assassination of Jesse James - I don't remember this very well, but I know I liked it alot. People already talk enough about how great it looks, so I won't go over that again. But I'm not sure if people give Pitt enough credit here. As an actor, Pitt is generally pretty piss-poor a lot of the time, but occassionally he nails a part. He did so in Kalifornia, and in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, but also here. I can't remember much of what made what he did stick out so much to me, but I just get an eerie sense of him whenever I think of him in the movie. Like I watched a ghost. Still alive but moving helplessly towards his fate.



YiYi - Another one I don't remember very well, but I know I gave a 10/10 when I saw it years ago. I remember it being very human. I remember it making me feel like I've seen life on the screen. Real life. Not something that had just been put together for my amusement. Like others have stated, I think I prefer other Wang's, but this is obviously a great film on its own. Even if I remember almost nothing.


Dancer in the Dark - this may be the movie that cemented the hatred some people have for Von Trier (I'm sure there are lots of candidates for this moment, but this film is certainly one). It is where his intent as a director begins to really take shape, that what he is to do here most of all is troll his audience. Manipulate them into feeling whatever negative feelings he wants to slap them in the face with. And he does it by acting with such hostility to his character we should be rolling our eyes at what a pointlessly sadistic bastard he is. But for me, every minute of it worked. Even as I realized he was just going to keep twisting the screw tighter and tighter in to my heart, I was so dumbfounded with the emotions he pulls out of me with this one that I was more than willing to let him. This movie destroyed me. Would be in my top five most profoundly visceral moments I've ever had with a movie. And because of this, it is where the legend of Von Trier grew only greater in my mind. And how I will always keep the door open for him to toy with me like some mouse he is slowly torturing to death. Also....Bjork is a genius and one of the greatest things to happen to music in fifty years.


Moon - A really well executed Sci-fi film with the kind of premise that I like. Which with a handful of narrative details, make us recalibrate how we think of existence. I liked this a lot, but did not include it on my list. I did briefly consider it though.


Sin City - A movie I think I liked a good chunk of when I first saw it, at least visually, but when I think back on it, feels like the exact kind of thing I would avoid like the plague now. The kind of movie I dread being stuck in a conversation about. I've never been impressed with Rodriguez. Maybe this is the best thing he's done, but that isn't very impressive.



Synecdoche, New York - This was probably pretty high on my list. I really disliked it the first time I saw it. It felt overstuffed, but with a so many seems that seemed interchangeably similar in function, that it also felt kind of empty. Then I watched it a couple of years later, and immediately watched it again as soon as it ended. And then again the next morning. Sure, the film is overstuffed with both the bizarre and the mundane. But almost in the exact proportions of the life I was living, which started to seem more and more similar to that of Hoffman's character with each viewing. Very few movies I've ever seem seemed to capture what the horror and wonder of life is to me as clearly as this one. Very few movies have ever been as illuminated about the creative process to so perfectly capture it as the existential nightmare that it is. And few films this unbearably sad and almost impossibly depressing, also glean just how funny this hopeless thing called life is.



I could never blame anyone for not liking this movie. It's a brutal and uncompromising thing. It is deliberately pretentious (whatever that means). It has big questions to ask and none of its answers are good. But for those who want their art to break open the way they think of their own lives, as well as make us question the value of coming to places like the theater to sit and watch such a thing, this is the perfect balm for your broken brain. As surely a masterpiece of Fellini's 8 1/2.


28 Days Later - This movie did not create fast zombies. This also would not be much of a legacy if that's all it did. What 28 Days Later does is offers a zombie film filled with humanity, when only a handful of humanity can still be found. These characters make the film. Yes, the zombie attacks are brilliantly done. But don't forget about the moments between these survivors. And the ending, while in many ways kind of obvious and on the nose, works really well on rewatched. A very good movie. A rare Boyle success.

[Kaplan]

I love Charlie Kaufman's Synecdoche, New York, and as much as I love several other of his penned movies, this is the one where he has total control and makes the most of it, and thus creates his magnum opus. The film looks amazing for its $20 million budget, and I thought prior to his death that Philip Seymour Hoffman was one of the best American actors still in his prime and this might be his best performance as far as plumbing the depths of the human experience. I didn't figure it had a chance of making it at this point but I'm so glad it did. I had it at #3.

My List:
3. Synecdoche, New York (#46)
8. Sin City (#47)
13. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (#53)
18. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (#86)
22. The Man Who Wasn’t There (#84)
24. Moon (#48)

[ApexPredator]

28 Days Later was not in my top 25. But it's probably in my top 100. I agree that there's some impressive shots here as well as being grounded by the characters. If I remember correctly, Naomie Harris is kind of a badass here? Solid zombie film with enough bite to make it worth a second/third view.

I've tried with Synecdoche, New York. I did give it a second go years ago (and a couple of years after the first try). It just isn't the sort of thing that appeals to me at all.

Now I can like films that are depressing (see Biutiful, for example).

But Biutiful had a protagonist who was doing things to make the lives of others better such as trying to find a replacement parent for them when he dies and trying to take care of the workers he was supervising. In contrast, Synecdoche is about a director who runs off his family and employs hundreds, if not thousands, of people in a vain attempt to create a play that would seemingly take decades and justify the MacArthur scholarship he received. I get that he lost his family and is dying of something terminal. But it's very hard to sit through a dark, depressing journey of someone who's pretty much selfish and is worried more about himself than his cast of thousands or his family of two. I mean PSH is fine and I didn't mind Dianne Wiest in this one, but the film took its own sweet time telling a tale I didn't care about.

I mean, if SNY is your type of jam, that's fine. But I just don't think it's something I'm going to ever get into.

[Hey Fredrick]

Have seen 10 of the films from 58-47 with two making my ballot - Moon at number 12 and a big one - Sin City at number 2.

I love sci-fi and Moon was the second best sci-fi of the decade (the best is sure to appear later). I admit to being suckered in by great performances and Sam Rockwell always gives a solid performance but being asked to carry an entire movie? That's a tall order and Rockwell pulls it off as Sam the Moon Miner, nearing the end of his three year stint when all of a sudden another Sam the Moon Miner shows up creating all kinds of wtf is going on here moments. Really good stuff.

Sin City...Marv, as he's patiently trying to get answers from a tight lipped baddie by dragging him face down outside his car, sums it up best for me:

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.skyrock.net%2F0464%2F61710464%2Fpics%2F2490458953_1_2_vvDwEQpe.gif&f=1&nofb=1
"I don't know about you but I'm having a ball."


And that's how I feel about Sin City. It's so nasty and wrong yet it's so much fun. It's bad people doing bad things to even worse people for all the right reasons. In Sin City we have hitman doing his thing, a brute killing everybody in his way "to the top" over a dead hooker, a guy, looking to protect his new girlfriend, killing her ex-boyfriend cop and his crew with the help of some badass hookers and a detective, with a bad ticker, doing whatever he can to protect a young girl from that yellow bastard - and these are the good guys. Mickey Rourke was born to play Marv and Marv is the f'n best. Creatively killing his way to the top ("That's a damn fine coat you're wearing"), he's one of my favorite characters ever. The level of violence in this movie is insane but it doesn't seem that bad because of the style it was filmed. That and it's so over the top that the violence becomes comical. Like Bugs Bunny cartoons. This is another movie I can watch anytime to pass the time and have a good time.

Had a couple from my ballot hit in the 101-110. The Aviator (24) and Little Miss Sunshine (25). Neither would have made my top 25 had I paid a little more attention when filling out my ballot as I found two more movies that should have been included.

[MovieMeditation]

I love Kaufman. A very fascinating and exciting filmmaker. I have yet to see this one by him though. I’ve actually seen some of it and liked it okay but never got back to it for some reason…

28 Days Later I don’t really care for. It’s fine.

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #46, Synecdoche, New York...

https://i.imgur.com/ADrIhoR.png

It currently has a 69% Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 7.6/10 score on IMDb (with 88,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★★ and said:

"This is a film with the richness of great fiction. Like Suttree, the Cormac McCarthy novel I'm always mentioning, it's not that you have to return to understand it. It's that you have to return to realize how fine it really is. The surface may daunt you. The depths enfold you. The whole reveals itself, and then you may return to it like a talisman."

While Jonathan Romney, of The Independent, said:

"Synecdoche, New York finally feels bitter, hollow and adolescent: like a gargantuan music video conceived for an emo band with a penchant for Pirandello."

As for our MoFo reviewers, Holden Pike said:

"This is an exceedingly clever and often hysterical hodgepodge of Existentialism, Theatre of the Absurd, homonyms, doubles, constructs, facades, pustules, desire, regret, memory, chaos and order...life and death... I'm sure I'll have to watch it many multiple times for the rest of my life to get everything that is crammed into this movie, but on first pass...wow. Intricate, funny, touching, indescribable and unforgettable."

On the other hand, mark f said:

"I'll admit that this film may actually be profound, but it also makes you feel like a side of meat being punched by Rocky Balboa. One thing I want to take exception with is that the film is actually that funny. I enjoyed the wicked, but subtle, satire of both how the characters see themselves and how amenable they are to play and be played by others, but to me, it's just more intellectually clever than anything to laugh at. I admit I laughed out loud a couple of times, but that was it."

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #45, 28 Days Later...

https://i.imgur.com/Fi54055.png

It currently has a 87% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 7.6/10 score on IMDb (with 398,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★ and said:

"28 Days Later is a tough, smart, ingenious movie that leads its characters into situations where everything depends on their (and our) understanding of human nature."

While Nathan Rabin, of AV Club, said:

"While [28 Days Later] maintains the same sort of restraint for much of its duration, it casts that restraint aside during a bloody, over-the-top final act that diminishes the film's scary poignancy. Like his makeshift societies, Garland's tantalizing set-ups tend to unravel in unsatisfying ways."

As for our MoFo reviewers, PeterVincent said:

"Overall 28 Days Later is a brilliant film that does amazing things with it's teeny little budget. Every member of the cast is strong and the directing is fantastic even though it looks like it was filmed on a camcorder. I recommend 28 Days Later to anyone that's remotely interested, even if you don't like horror."

On the other hand, Lance McCool said:

"I hate this movie because it's such a waste of Danny Boyle's time. Filmmakers of his caliber shouldn't be allowed to make generic horror flicks. And the actors don't do anything special to set this apart from the recent slew of zombie movies released in the past five years, either. Stupid characters, a cobbled together script, long stretches of tedium, bad acting and a handful of "boo moments" add up to make an average movie I really didn't need to see."

[Thief]

Trailers

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIizh6nYnTU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7ynwAgQlDQ

[rauldc14]

Hint? :)

[Thief]

Hint? :)

https://c.tenor.com/PX68ehfBs-YAAAAC/patience-singer.gif

[John Dumbear]

”28 Days Later” is a brilliant little piece of terror. Granted horror is one my least favorite genres, but yet this one made my list. Haven’t seen the other, but not a fan of Kaufman.

[Thief]

Awards

-

Now to the awards received by Synecdoche, New York...



Austin Film Critics Association Award for Best Screenplay (Charlie Kaufman)
Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature and Robert Altman Award
Gotham Award for Best Ensemble Performance
Indiewire Critics Poll Award for Best Screenplay (Kaufman)


Among many others.

As for 28 Days Later, it won...



Saturn Award for Best Horror Film
Black Reel Award for Best Breakthrough Performance (Naomie Harris)
Empire Award for Best British Film
Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Wide-Release Film and Best Screenplay (Alex Garland)

[kgaard]

28 Days Later was great in the theater. I haven't seen it since then, so I left it off my list. Same goes for Synecdoche, New York, although I'm in the "Charlie Kaufman is great" camp, and it might have gotten my vote had I gotten around to seeing it again. Sadly, it was not to be.

[PHOENIX74]

46. Synecdoche, New York : A rewatch might have done enough for this to make my list - I remember quite liking it, but not to the level of some of Charlie Kaufman's penned and not directed films. Lord, I have to catch up on his latest input. Synecdoche, New York kind of stopped the Charlie Kaufman train dead on it's tracks for me - and that makes it sound like I hated it. Not at all. I've seen it a few times and it's great - I loved the strange circular pattern of ever-repeating autobiographical play-writing and preparation. One line in particular, about everyone secretly believing that they won't die, was very memorable for me. Just thinking about the film makes me want to put it on right now and watch it again. But after Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Adaptation and Being John Malkovich this was a slight step down in my eyes (perhaps due to being the first Kaufman film that the man himself helmed? I know not.) So, it didn't come into consideration. I love Philip Seymour Hoffman - and probably count him among my top 5 favourite actors. I loved seeing that replica of New York that Hoffman's character was building for his play. I'm more than happy to see this make the top 50 of the countdown. This film was just a victim of the awe-inspiring quality of Kaufman's writing before this film came along.

45. 28 Days Later : I watched this film in preparation for this countdown, so it's still fresh in my mind. I won't start reading reddit threads about it's ending and alternate endings or I'll never finish this post. But the one I saw originally did seem disjointed and out of whack. Overall it's a fine apocalyptic zombie film, but I've never held it in the esteem a lot of other people do. Some of that comes from me not completely gelling with zombie films overall (except maybe Shaun of the Dead and George Romero's initial trilogy - but especially his first one, Night of the Living Dead.) The section of this film I liked the most were the deserted London scenes, with Cillian Murphy wandering around, dazed and confused. It goes up a notch when he comes to an abandoned church and we get our first good look at the zombies in this. Genuinely scary and frightful. Then, the more people that start to gather around him, and the further they get from London, the more my interest dropped off - until they get to the military base and realize what a horrible mistake they've made. But it really was the ending that totally confused me and made me think that someone had interfered. When it comes to Danny Boyle, I prefer Shallow Grave, Trainspotting and Sunshine.

Seen 45/56

[Thief]

Trivia

-

Synecdoche, New York

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/director-spike-jonze-and-screenwriter-charlie-kaufman-picture-id115359249

Did you know that...


the film was supposed to be directed by Spike Jonze? He chose to direct Where the Wild Things Are instead.
Charlie Kaufman cast Michelle Williams because of her performance in Dick?
Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Tom Noonan all appeared in Red Dragon back in 2002?


https://static01.nyt.com/images/2008/10/24/movies/24syn.xlarge1.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale

[Thief]

Trivia

-

28 Days Later

https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article6069850.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Danny-Boyle-with-Ewan-McGregor.jpg

Did you know that...


Ewan McGregor was the original choice for the role of Jim? However, he and Danny Boyle had a falling-out over the casting of The Beach. Ryan Gosling was then considered, but he had a scheduling conflict.
screenwriter Alex Garland was inspired in classic zombie films and modern games like Resident Evil?
athletes were cast as the "infected" because of how important physicality was?


https://i.imgur.com/sFhiGWU.jpeg

[Rockatansky]

28 Days Later is great. A nice homage to Romero's first three Dead films, great early use of digital cinematography, and just a relentless horror movie to boot. It was on my list.

[Thief]

Hint, hint...


Oh he will return
but now with his friend
To find what is lost
From mind to the end

Is it inspiration?
a dearly loved one?
a precious flower?
or the memories you've won?

It doesn't matter
Just pair up, you two
Sit down or set out
Beyond the big blue

[KeyserCorleone]

Eternal Sunshine and City of God?

[dadgumblah]

I've seen a few Charlie Kaufman films that I've enjoyed but I haven't seen Synecdoche, New York, so, not on my list.

Loved 28 Days Later and its sequel but didn't put it on my list. I'm saving room for hopefully some other flesh-eating action to appear.


#5. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl 63
#8. Unbreakable 62
#10. Million Dollar Baby 57
#22. Fantastic Mr. Fox 70
#20. Iron Man 83
#23. The Descent 80
#25. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 76

[SpelingError]

Hint, hint...


Oh he will return
but now with his friend
To find what is lost
From mind to the end

Is it inspiration?
a dearly loved one?
a precious flower?
or the memories you've won?

It doesn't matter
Just pair up, you two
Sit down or set out
Beyond the big blue


Eternal Sunshine is all I got.

[gbgoodies]

I watched Synecdoche, New York for this countdown, but I didn't like it. I thought it was a very depressing movie that felt much longer than its runtime.

I haven't seen 28 Days Later....

[ScarletLion]

46. Synecdoche, New York (133 points)
45. 28 Days Later (139 points)

Both good films. SNY is quite challenging, and I'm a bit surprised to see it so far up this list. 28 Days Later is loads of fun. Neither were close to my list though.

[Thief]

https://c.tenor.com/iNJ3cA3wV18AAAAC/the-simpsons-mr-burns.gif

[rauldc14]

Hint, hint...


Oh he will return
but now with his friend
To find what is lost
From mind to the end

Is it inspiration?
a dearly loved one?
a precious flower?
or the memories you've won?

It doesn't matter
Just pair up, you two
Sit down or set out
Beyond the big blue


Finding Nemo

[Thief]

Forgot to mention yesterday that with 28 Days Later, Danny Boyle joins the group of directors with multiple entries in the countdown. Cillian Murphy and Philip Seymour Hoffman also add a third notch to their belts with their third film in the countdown.

[Holden Pike]

84032

Two more of mine have been named in the last four reveals. Charlie Kaufman has proven to be one of the most singular and, for my taste, amusing screenwriters. For someone who entered the business through television comedies (Chris Elliott's sitcom "Get a Life" and the short-lived "The Dana Carvey Show") his ascendance to screenwriting god is almost as surreal as one of his stories. He should have two more of his screenplays make the countdown but I am happy to see his directorial debut made it as well. Synecdoche, New York was my fourteenth pick. My fifteenth pick was Duncan Jones' Moon. I was already a slobbering fan of Sam Rockwell, since Box of Moonlight and Lawn Dogs, and along with the Charlie Kaufman-adapted Confessions of a Dangerous Mind this was the best example of Sam in full leading man mode. This was Duncan's directorial debut as well, and while Source Code was a promising follow up the big budget video game flick Warcraft was a head-scratcher. We'll see if the rest of his career starts to match the brilliance of this shining writer-director debut.

That makes eight of my choices, thus far.

HOLDEN’S BALLOT
1. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (#86)
2. Dancer in the Dark (#49)
14. Synecdoche, New York (#46)
15. Moon (#48)
16. Fantastic Mr. Fox (#70)
17. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (#92)
18. A Serious Man (#66)
20. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (#51)

84033

[Thief]

84032



Since you posted that picture, here's a nice trivia from IMDb:

For her role as Caden's adult daughter, Robin Weigert had to undergo 20 hours of tattoo artistry for her character.

[Thief]

Reveals in a few...

[Iroquois]

This was Duncan's directorial debut as well, and while Source Code was a promising follow up the big budget video game flick Warcraft was a head-scratcher. We'll see if the rest of his career starts to match the brilliance of this shining writer-director debut.

It is kind of telling that your summary skipped over Mute, which had been hyped up over the years due to being set in the same universe as Moon but which finally came out and ended up as an aggressively lacklustre exercise in cyberpunk that was his worst film yet. Maybe he can pull it together but so far he has a similar track record to someone like Neill Blomkamp.

[Thief]

142 points, 10 listsFinding Nemo (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/12-finding-nemo.html)Director
Andrew Stanton, 2003

Starring
Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe

[Thief]

146 points, 11 listsAdaptation. (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/2757-adaptation..html)Director
Spike Jonze, 2002

Starring
Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, Tilda Swinton

[Thief]

Finding Nemo

You win half a pig!

https://media.istockphoto.com/illustrations/pig-split-in-half-illustration-id97227954

[Iroquois]

No votes. Finding Nemo is another Pixar that's fine enough but I've had to watch it so many times that it doesn't really register for me anymore. Adaptation is probably my favourite Kaufman-based work and I think a good chunk of that is down to Cage pulling double duty and turning out one (two?) of his best performances, though Streep and Cooper also do excellent work.

[Thief]

Hint breakdown!

Hint, hint...


Oh he will return (Charlie Kaufman returns...)
but now with his friend (but with Spike Jonze. It can also work as a reference to Marlin and Dory)
To find what is lost (self-explanatory)
From mind to the end (things lost in the mind, which is a vague reference to "Charlie Kaufman"'s struggles in Adaptation... while end is a reference to the sea or the ends of the sea)

Is it inspiration? (what "Charlie Kaufman" is looking for)
a dearly loved one? (what Marlin is looking for)
a precious flower? (what the characters in The Orchid Thief are looking for)
or the memories you've won? (what Dory is looking for)

It doesn't matter
Just pair up, you two ("Charlie and Donald", Marlin and Dory)
Sit down or set out (sit down to write, or set out...)
Beyond the big blue (...to sea)

[Chypmunk]

Finding Nemo is always a fun watch, actually expected it to be a little higher than this. I remember quite enjoying Adaptation. some years ago but have never really felt much of a call to revisit it.

Seen: 36/58 (Own: 26/58)

3. Madeo [Mother] (2009) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216496/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_9) [#96]
6. Moon (2009) [#48]
16. The Descent (2005) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435625/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) [#80]
25. The Pool (2007) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0911024/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_6) [1-ptr]


Faildictions (millennial edition v1.01):
42. Serenity (2005)
41. Zombieland (2009)

[MovieFan1988]

Have seen so far: 20 - Finding Nemo - An alright animation movie
Have not seen so far: 42

[Thief]

Seen both, voted for none...

Finding Nemo is a film that I saw bits and pieces for a loooong time cause it came out when my nephew was a little kid, so he was very much into it. Most of the time, he started pumped up with it, then slept halfway through and woke up in the last act, which meant that whenever I took care of him, I took advantage of the moment he slept to do my own things. Because of that, it took me a while to see it whole, and when I did, it didn't really resonate that much; probably cause I already knew all the beats. Still like it quite a bit, and I've seen it several times since, but that's it.

Adaptation is one that really stuck with me, and I really considered it. I think it's a really clever film with some great performances. But it's been so long that I've seen it that I didn't think it would be fair to vote for it. I've been meaning to rewatch it for a long time. I should probably get to it.


Where I'm at?...

Seen: 42/58


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. Synecdoche, New York (#46)
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17. Once (#103)
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23. Mother (#96)
24.
25.

[Miss Vicky]

I watched Adaptation a long time ago and don't really remember much. I need to give it a rewatch.

I think Finding Nemo is very good, but it has never been a favorite. I had nine animated movies on my ballot but this wasn't one of them.

Seen: 34/58

My Ballot:
1. Quills (#67)
6. Hedwig and the Angry Inch (#91)
21. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (#63)
25. Surf's Up (One-Pointer)

[Holden Pike]

So funny these two got paired in reveals. "Then one day I say, 'Fu*K fish.'"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdYIqSZblv0

[Torgo]

I love Adaptation, which is #18 on my list. As good as Cage, Streep, Cooper, etc. are in it, my favorite performance may be Brian Cox's as script doctor Robert McKee. Here's a highlight from his seminar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr037owyBqM

[kgaard]

I like both of these, but they are not the Pixar or Charlie Kaufman films I was looking for. Move along.

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #44, Finding Nemo...

https://i.imgur.com/N9WDkt5.png

It currently has a 99% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 8.1/10 score on IMDb (with 997,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★★ and said:

"I can say that Finding Nemo is a pleasure for grown-ups. There are jokes we get that the kids don't, and the complexity of Albert Brooks' neuroses, and that enormous canvas filled with creatures that have some of the same hypnotic beauty as--well, fish in an aquarium."

While Stephanie Zacharek, of Salon.com, said:

"Finding Nemo works terribly hard for every scrap of charm or humor it imparts."

As for our MoFo reviewers, rauldc14 said:

"Animation that is done to perfection. Will always be a favorite film that does everything right for me. The most beautiful animation film to date with great sound and voice performances as well as a story for the ages."

And also, MovieMeditation said:

"All this might be fun, but the tone of the movie is quite confused. I mean, the opening scene is extremely intense, dark and very heartbreaking, yet the movie that follows is Disney at their most lightweight, except for a few small areas."

[rauldc14]

Finding Nemo was 10 for me. My second favorite animation film.

[seanc]

My Kaufman love is going to shine through on this list. Adaptation is my 18. I mean, it’s always going to be about the script and the angst. This might be my vote for funniest Kaufman script, he’s always funny though. Cage has never been better. Streep needs no accolades from me. I think this is the movie that started me down the road of Cooper being closed be if my favorite character actors.

Finding Nemo is very good, I expected it higher. No complaints from me, but I didn’t vote for it.

Watched 28 Days Later last night and it mostly went the way I expected unfortunately. I was relatively happy when Gleeson was showing everyone else how to be a screen presence. Had a couple of decent sequences, the tunnel suspense being my favorite, and the only part that kicked in the fear reflex. Wasn’t expecting to dislike the cinematography and score so much. I thought the atmosphere would at least be good, but those two aspects made it more of a chore. Hey, knocked another one off the list at least.

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #43, Adaptation...

https://i.imgur.com/FQOb9Rx.png

It currently has a 91% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 7.7/10 score on IMDb (with 188,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★★ and said:

"It is wickedly playful in its construction, it gets the story told, and it doubles back and kids itself."

While Mick LaSalle, of the San Francisco Chronicle, said:

"Gradually the movie's one joke plays out, and Charlie's doubts about inserting himself into his own screenplay prove to be well-founded."

As for our MoFo reviewers, Lance McCool said:

"Kaufman's writing carries the film, but it helps that Chris Cooper turns in his best performance to date. Cage didn't fare too poorly either as the twin brothers and Streep is always good. Overall, this was a solid movie and a definite improvement over the last Jonze-Kaufman effort (Being John Malkovich)"

And also, Citizen Rules said:

"This brilliant film is trounced on by Spike Jonze in the third act."

[rauldc14]

You win half a pig!

https://media.istockphoto.com/illustrations/pig-split-in-half-illustration-id97227954

I've been killing the clues pretty well. While at one point I hated them, it's been quite fun to decipher I must admit.

[rauldc14]

1. No
2. Mystic River (2003)
3. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
4. Yes, probably soon
5. Yes, top 20
6. No
7. No
8. Iron Man (2008)
9. No
10. Finding Nemo (2003)
11. Gran Torino (2008)
12. No
13. Yes, top 30
14. No
15. I'm still saying yes
16. Yes, probably top 10
17. No chance
18. Yes, top 30
19. No chance
20. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
21. Yes, top 20
22. Not anymore
23. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
24. I thought it would but I don't think so anymore
25. Nope

So 5 from my list and 2 from 102-110.

[MovieFan1988]

Thought to post my ballot chances that might or not make it to the list

1.100%
2. 75%
3. 0%
4. 85%
5. 0%
6. 0%
7. 30%
8. 50%
9. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
10. 50%
11. 80%
12. 80%
13. 100%
14. 0%
15. 100%
16. 20%
17. 0%
18. 0%
19. 0%
20. 50%
21. 100%
22. 0%
23. 0%
24. 0%
25. Anger Management (2003)

[John Dumbear]

Starting to sound like the local "Get off my lawn" guy here. Another Kaufman, oof. ESOTSM must be next. A film I reviewed in the "Movies you couldn't even finish"" thread. Being John Malkovic" is his only film of his I enjoyed.

"Finding Nemo" is in the genre of "I'm a cold hearted SOB" audience, whose grown too old to enjoy retold Disney stories with different characters and/or scenarios. Now I do love watching these with my precious granddaughter and love the look in her eyes while watching these tales. Also saddened that that look is gone from my eyes. No animation on my list.

:(

[mark f]

Finding Nemo was always one of my fave Pixars although it's been going a bit down on my list over the years through attrition so I didn't vote for it. Here's a clip which highlights what I love about it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWuPGKLJXe8
Adaptation. has some bravura acting by Cage but I never really bought the conceit of the premise, which is kinda weird since I like so many individual things within it. Maybe I need to stop calling myself a Kaufman/Jonze fan but then I think about Being John Malkovich..

Neither made my list.

[rauldc14]

Starting to sound like the local "Get off my lawn" guy here.
:(

Don't steal my thunder.

[John Dumbear]

Thought to post my ballot chances that might or not make it to the list.


I'm confident that the rest are all my selections. I'm also a fan of the Detroit Lions.

[MovieFan1988]

I'm confident that the rest are all my selections. I'm also a fan of the Detroit Lions.

They aren't looking to good this year aye lol, not a big football fan myself but like to watch some games here and there when I'm bored.

[Sedai]

No points!

I do have a Pixar on my list, but Finding Nemo is not it. I have always had it somewhere in the middle of their catalog as far as quality.

It's been years since I saw Adaption. I recall liking it, thinking it was clever, but even with a re-watch, probably wouldn't have made my list.

[cricket]

Finding Nemo is cute.

1. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) (#59)
5. Adaptation (2002) (#43)
6. The Devil's Rejects (2005) (#94)
8. 28 Days Later (2002) (#45)
10. The Wrestler (2008) (#54)
11. Mystic River (2003) (#65)
15. Amores Perros (2000) (#81)
17. Y tu mamá también (2001) (#95)

[Holden Pike]

84036

Both of these titles made the MoFo Top 100 of the Millennium List. Finding Nemo was #44 and Adaptation. #55. Finding Nemo was also up at #6 on the MoFo Top 100 Animated Films List.

[Thief]

Trailers

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oQ628Seb9w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6woPWN7X5U

[SpelingError]

Finding Nemo is really good, but I've watched it too many times that I don't know if I'll ever go back to it. I get that this is more an issue with myself rather than the film though, so I don't have any issues with it appearing on this list. Overall, it's a really good animated film that avoids sentimentality, contains a lot of fun, and has several memorable scenes and character arcs.

Need to watch Adaptation someday.

[rauldc14]

Adaptation does nothing for me

[mrblond]

• I saw Adaptation. in the theater when it came out and later I've obtained the DVD during some mall sale. It is a good movie. Chris Cooper was superb there. I would definitely consider it for my top 50 of the decade.

• Never consider to watch Finding Nemo. #44 is a very high position for these type of movies, I'm very confused.

_____________
my stats
▽
Top 100 seen 29/58.
--
My list:
4. Snatch [#71.]
9. Amores perros [#81.]
10. The Wrestler [#54.]
14. The Man Who Wasn't There [#84.]
https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/56mOJth6DJ6JhgoE2jtpilVqJO.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/vV4vlD4ool5JSsS1rB82qjCF6z8.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/6OTR8dSoNGjWohJNo3UhIGd3Tj.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/lrCgt8NNMyFsfmXyXiSSCRXNH4u.jpg
--
(seen one pointers 3/38)


The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou [#98]
Werckmeister Harmonies [#97]
Pride & Prejudice [#93]
Caché [#85]
American Psycho [#79]
Battle Royale [#77]
Catch Me If You Can [#72]
Fantastic Mr. Fox [#70]
A Serious Man [#66]

Yi Yi [#50]
Dancer in the Dark [#49]
Adaptation. [#43]


https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/qZoFLNBC78jzboWeDH6Ha0qavF2.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/nxWEG9JzmJx3eLE8y7CUHmaj3CE.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/sGjIvtVvTlWnia2zfJfHz81pZ9Q.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/IC2BPYDSsNPP1Q1VuXUiKrRwbU.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/3ddHhfMlZHZCefHDeaP8FzSoH4Y.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/uRhc1IfwYKwVqIp2OTZGFzTVsdF.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/vG3YcgXuZABv7C8nd5bEyuMfyTQ.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2//1eRgCKzvbL73LiBFqPR6FJGwuJQ.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/8Zjk3cvjkDa643NHXtdPu30gnyY.jpg
https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/hTPkCpK9SLGDMXRbUwzoep0MxOx.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/tjWa4JBdxomtoojZr7dPIgJZgiX.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/qP4LbKYVRWw5j1n55sSjvvgmedM.jpg

[Deschain]

Finding Nemo is a sweet little movie.

Adaptation made my list.

[Miss Vicky]

• Never consider to watch Finding Nemo. #44 is a very high position for these type of movies, I'm very confused.

There will no doubt be several more animated films to show up. Finding Nemo isn't even the most popular Pixar on this forum.

[KeyserCorleone]

• Never consider to watch Finding Nemo. #44 is a very high position for these type of movies, I'm very confused.


Why? There's a huge market for CGI movies, and Finding Nemo is part of the reason for it. Pixar didn't start losing its luster until Cars. I must have seen Finding Nemo a million times as a kid. But it's been ages since I watched it.


By the way, you wanna hear the weirdest irrational fear on Earth? It's related to Finding Nemo. When I was five, VeggieTales VHS's were a big deal, and one of them had this trailer for the Jonah movie:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wz7FxrOAbE


Well, the teaser was so dark and epic when I was five that I started getting dreams about sinking in a neverending abyss of water, and there was usually a movie logo involved... WUT? So during my childhood, I usually avoided movies and trailers with logos in watery backgrounds. But I must have seen Finding Nemo a hundred times despite this.


By the way, one of the "hints" I came up with for the top 100 was a Finding Nemo one. There was no way Finding Nemo wouldn't make the list, and top 50 is no surprise to me.

[Yoda]

That fear has a name, BTW: thalassophobia.

[CosmicRunaway]

I don't really have much to say about yesterday's reveals. I've watched 28 Days Later a few times, but just think it's okay overall so it wasn't on my list. I haven't seen Synecdoche, New York.

Finding Nemo is a film I never thought I'd watch. I'd long since lost interest in family/all ages animation, but it was one of the VHS tapes we had at work (at a summer camp) to help entertain kids on rainy days. To my surprise, I found it quite engaging. Even the rowdier kids sat still and watched the entire thing. While it didn't make my list, at the time it did serve as a reminder to teenage me not to dismiss films just because their target audience is younger children.

I've also seen Adaptation, but I remember little to nothing about it. There's a number of Nic Cage films that I can't keep straight in my head, and this is one of them.

Seen: 31/58

My List:
06. Millennium Actress (2001) - DNP
08. Mother (2009) - #96
10. Iron Man (2008) - #83
11. Paprika (2006) - #64
16. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) - #76
20. Moon (2009) - #48
25. Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006) - 1-pointer

From what's left, I think maybe 9 more of my films will place. There are a couple I'm hopeful for, but I'm not holding my breath. 21-24 have no chance at all at this point.

[John Dumbear]

That fear has a name, BTW: thalassophobia.

They need to move here, to the Great Lake state. No sharks or nasty critters here. Plus you don't have to shower after going for a dip. Sunsets and sunrises are just as spectacular as on the oceans.

[MovieFan1988]

Things that I noticed so far from the Millennium list and Top 100 of the 2000s list

Finding Nemo is the only movie so far from both lists that stays the same - #44 on one list and #44 on the other

31 new movies on the 2000's list that were not on the Millennium list. obviously were getting more new ones because there's some more 2010 movies that we haven't passed yet and also the new ones could replace some of the movies from the 2000's that were on the millennium list.

Iron Man is the lowest ranked movie so far with being #99 on the Millennium list and flies right up to #83 on this list.

The highest ranked movie so far which is #19 - The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (from the Millennium list) and makes it's way at #51 on the Top 100 2000's list.

Hopefully we get a shocker like what happened to star wars in the all time top 100 countdown, it went to #3 in the other list to #78 on the all time one. I got my omg memes ready to go :laugh:

The movie that surprised me the most so far while it made the list was The Devil's Rejects (what in the holy fk lol). There's a few movies from my list that I'll be shocked if it makes the 2000's list. it will put a better taste in my mouth :laugh:

In overall not a bad list so far, looking forward to see what's to come.

[Chypmunk]

From what's left, I think maybe 9 more of my films will place. There are a couple I'm hopeful for, but I'm not holding my breath. 21-24 have no chance at all at this point.
Hold on a cotton-picking minute, just how big was your ballot .... you've already got a 1-pointer, 1 no show and 5 that placed yet you're saying you've another 9 that ought to make it, a couple that are on the fence and 21-24 that aren't gonna show - I make that at least 39-42 movies when I was only allowed a mere 25 :eek: ;)

[John Dumbear]

Fuzzy math...

[Citizen Rules]

Finding Nemo & Adaptation...I watched both of these in past HoFs:

Finding Nemo (2003)
I enjoyed it, especially Ellen DeGeneres' Dory. Her character, a Blue Tang with short term memory lost made the film fun for me. I loved the underwater setting, it reminded me of fun times snorkeling and free diving in the tropics. I can't say that I've seen a clown fish in the wild before but I have seen a sea turtle up-close and personal...also seen an Eagle Ray about 10 meters below me at Molokini Crater, Hawaii. So, I really dug all the fish and the underwater world they lived in.

Adaptation (2002)
As soon as I got the DVD from my library I looked at the unique DVD cover art and realized I had seen it before. So I watched it again. I remembered nothing of the film! Not one scene, not one character, not even the big final rang a bell. How could a movie be erased out of my memory? With not even a vague inkling of having ever seen it. Perhaps the plot of Being John Malkovich is more plausible than commonly believed;) I sometimes think about Being John Malkovich, so it's strange that Adaption starts off on the set of Being John Malkovich. Spooky!

[Holden Pike]

84048

And oh, yes, of course I had this Charlie Kaufman - via Spike Jonze - as well. It was nineteenth on my ballot, good for seven points. Such a clever, demented ride, already a self-reflective examination of his own tropes. Cage and Cage and Streep and Cooper and all are excellent. "The only idea more overused than serial killers is multiple personality. On top of that, you explore the notion that cop and criminal are really two aspects of the same person. See Every Cop Movie Ever Made for other examples of this."

So now my top two have shown plus numbers fourteen through twenty!

HOLDEN’S BALLOT
1. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (#86)
2. Dancer in the Dark (#49)
14. Synecdoche, New York (#46)
15. Moon (#48)
16. Fantastic Mr. Fox (#70)
17. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (#92)
18. A Serious Man (#66)
19. Adaptation. (#43)
20. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (#51)

[Rockatansky]

Finding Nemo is one of Pixar's better efforts, but to be honest, I've fallen out of love with the studio. I feel like they developed an aesthetic with the first Toy Story and did little to push it forward since. I know people dunk on Dreamworks for their overly childish animation style (i.e. the Dreamworks face), but I've found it increasingly difficult to see how Pixar is much better in that regard. There's little of the beauty that's abundant in Disney's classics or Studio Ghibli's output.


Good storytellers though (at least for the ones I watched, I stopped watching after Toy Story 3).

[Thief]

Awards

-

Now to the awards received by Finding Nemo...



Academy Award for Best Animated Feature
Saturn Award for Best Animated Film and Best Supporting Actress (Ellen DeGeneres)
AFI Award for Movie of the Year
Genesis Award for Best Animated Feature
Golden Schmoes Award for Best Comedy of the Year and Best Animated Movie of the Year


Among many, many others.

As for Adaptation, it won...



Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Chris Cooper)
Chlotrudis Award for Best Supporting Actor (Cooper) and Best Screenplay (Charlie and Donald Kaufman)
Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor (Cooper) and Supporting Actress (Meryl Streep)
Satellite Award for Best Screenplay (Kaufman brothers)

[Kaplan]

Hold on a cotton-picking minute, just how big was your ballot .... you've already got a 1-pointer, 1 no show and 5 that placed yet you're saying you've another 9 that ought to make it, a couple that are on the fence and 21-24 that aren't gonna show - I make that at least 39-42 movies when I was only allowed a mere 25 :eek: ;)


I assume the person means their 21st through 24th ranked movies have no chance of making it. :shrug:


I love Adaptation. When I made a list of my favorite films of the decade all the way back in 2010, I had Adaptation at #6, but I left off this list, but definitely not because my love for it has waned, but just to make room for other films I love as well. Finding Nemo maybe ranks in the top 5 Pixar films but definitely didn't make this list.

[MovieMeditation]

I’ve seen Finding Nemo many times and a lot of them was when I was younger. It has a lot of the great Disney/Pixar moments that only they know how to do. It’s generally a super well made film but not one of my absolute favorites from the studio. My opinion on the film has switched around a bit too. I’m not sure how I stand now. Should probably revisit it soon…

Adaption. I almost voted for, but ultimately didn’t because I generally don’t want to vote for something I have only seen once. I have a few exceptions on my list though but all of them are quite recent watches, while it’s been forever since I saw this one. So I couldn’t really include it. But I’m glad to see it on the list for sure. :up:

[Sedai]

Dang, adding Adaptation into my re-watch queue.

All the chatter in this thread gets me wanting to revisit some of these gems.

[Chypmunk]

I assume the person means their 21st through 24th ranked movies have no chance of making it. :shrug:
For sure but I try not to let these opportunities for a little light-hearted silliness pass when they arise ;)

[KeyserCorleone]

That fear has a name, BTW: thalassophobia.


The thing is, I'm not actually afraid of deep water in real life. I adore water. It's just that in dreams, there's almost never a bottom, and there's never anyone to pull you out at the surface. It only had to do with dreams. So considering the specifics, it was more like oneirothalassologophobia.

[ynwtf]

The thing is, I'm not actually afraid of deep water in real life. I adore water. It's just that in dreams, there's almost never a bottom, and there's never anyone to pull you out at the surface. It only had to do with dreams. So considering the specifics, it was more like oneirothalassologophobia.

fear of the one iro. i can relate.
:D

[CosmicRunaway]

Hold on a cotton-picking minute, just how big was your ballot .... you've already got a 1-pointer, 1 no show and 5 that placed yet you're saying you've another 9 that ought to make it, a couple that are on the fence and 21-24 that aren't gonna show - I make that at least 39-42 movies when I was only allowed a mere 25 :eek: ;)
When looking at my ballot, I must have counted some of the ones that already made it. :lol:

This would've been the perfect opportunity for you to reuse this gif from earlier in the thread:

https://i.gifer.com/TB8n.gif


Edit: Wait a minute, my math was right! I meant #21-24 on my ballot were definitely not going to have enough points to make the countdown haha. I didn't even check the numbers when I read your comment, I just assumed I couldn't count lol.

[CosmicRunaway]

Me triple checking that I did in fact correctly count single digits:

https://c.tenor.com/XpXsPDTXhYQAAAAC/math-numbers.gif

[Chypmunk]

My work here is done :goof:

[Harry Lime]

Both are excellent! Neither made my list but Adaptation was very close, excellent direction, writing, acting, and so on, and Finding Nemo is top tier Pixar for me and it would have been in a top 100.

That Nicolas Cage can be tough to pin down. I mean did you guys see Pig? He was great in it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuyH89V_HV8

[Thief]

Trivia

-

Finding Nemo

https://c.tenor.com/dE9XJg0amJgAAAAM/finding-nemo-darla.gif

Did you know that...


part of Andrew Stanton's inspiration for the story comes from his childhood visits to the dentist? He used to look at the fish tank and wonder if the fish wanted to return to the sea.
in reality, clownfish rarely stray far from their anemone? This adds a bit more weight to Marlin and Nemo's journey.
Dory was initially supposed to be a male? However, when Stanton saw a clip of Ellen's show where she changed "the subject five times before finishing one sentence", he decided to cast her.


https://www.thewrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ellen-degeneres-show-2-618x400.jpg

[Thief]

Trivia

-

Adaptation.

https://variety.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/jonathan-demme.png

Did you know that...


Jonathan Demme was originally intended to direct the adaptation of The Orchid Thief? When Charlie Kaufman found himself suffering from writer's block, the project was stalled until Jonze came on board.
Nicolas Cage has said that during the filming of this movie, he ignored all of his acting instincts and played the part of Charlie Kaufman exactly as director Spike Jonze asked him to?
Nicolas Cage's real brother, Marc Coppola, often stood in for one of the twins during filming?


https://static0.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/marc-coppola-dj.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=740&h=370&dpr=1.5

[dadgumblah]

Oh good! Finding Nemo is one of my favorite Pixar films and I have it at #21 on my list. The animation is beautiful and except for a bit of sadness at the beginning, it is consistently funny throughout. A real winner.

Adaptation I've seen a while back and really enjoyed. It is one of about five films that he wrote in row that I've seen and liked, that I mentioned seeing earlier in a thread.

#5. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl 63
#8. Unbreakable 62
#10. Million Dollar Baby 57
#22. Fantastic Mr. Fox 70
#20. Iron Man 83
#21 Finding Nemo 44
#23. The Descent 80
#25. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 76

[Takoma11]

Finding Nemo is charming enough, though not one I'm inclined to revisit. Though I often think of that one fish ("I'M OBNOXIOUS!") during encounters with certain students.

I really owe Adaptation a rewatch. At the time it came out there was such a weird culture around it. People who liked it were so nasty to people who didn't. I felt such a strange pressure to like it and "get it" that it was hard to just watch the dang thing. Because of its title, it sat on a top shelf in the video store where I worked and I looked at it with anxiety a lot, LOL. I definitely would like to revisit it as an adult who doesn't care what other people think about my film opinions.

[CosmicRunaway]

That Nicolas Cage can be tough to pin down. I mean did you guys see Pig? He was great in it.
I was talking to someone about this just the other day! It's hard to convince people who have seen films like Vampire's Kiss to give Pig a shot because Cage's performances can vary so drastically from film to film.

[John Dumbear]

I really need to rewatch “Pig”. Started watching it, lost interest while texting friends and never finished. Need to give it a fair shot.

[ueno_station54]

two okay films. would never intentionally watch either.

[ScarletLion]

44. Finding Nemo (142 points) - Not a film I would consider for this list.
43. Adaptation. (146 points) - #6 in my ballot. Brilliant film, one of Cage's finest performances.

[ScarletLion]

I really need to rewatch “Pig”. Started watching it, lost interest while texting friends and never finished. Need to give it a fair shot.

Rewatch is probably the wrong word then.

[StuSmallz]

Hurray for Nemo!

[Miss Vicky]

two okay films. would never intentionally watch either.

How does someone unintentionally watch a movie? :confused:

[Takoma11]

How does someone unintentionally watch a movie? :confused:

LOL.

I do think that the word can sort of apply when a group decides on a film you are not interested in. For example, I'd hardly say that I wanted to watch Along Came Polly, but it was that or rudely demand a change of plans to the family who took me to their one-screen theater because they knew I liked movies.

[Citizen Rules]

I'll venture a guess and say ueno_station54 was referring to someone nominating today's two movies in a future HoF. It could happen too!:D (nah, don't worry I'm not interested in nominating them)

[ueno_station54]

I'll venture a guess and say @ueno_station54 (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=111569) was referring to someone nominating today's two movies in a future HoF. It could happen too!:D (nah, don't worry I'm not interested in nominating them)
I hadn't even considered that. That would be so cursed.

[Citizen Rules]

I hadn't even considered that. That would be so cursed.Ha! No worries, though, I promise!

[Thief]

Early hint? Why not?


Hello, you're back
After all these years
You're on the other side
You are our biggest fears

I'm left in stasis
Looking at you
I'm all wound up
Listening to you

This process is hard
but we will get through it
Maybe you'll write a book
Getting back home? Screw it.

[rauldc14]

Oh no. Not that film. I'll say what it is in the AM.

[ApexPredator]

Haven't seen Adaption.

Finding Nemo is my #14. It's definitely one of those cases where Pixar succeeded by coming up with a relatable story which hits the funny bone and the heart. Having a father being worried about his son and have his worst dreams come true when he disappears. Now that's a gripper of an opener. Throw in comedic effect from a kindhearted, but absent-minded fish that joins him on the search and Finding Nemo becomes a winner. Add in such elements as the chill turtle, the sharks having a "Fish Are Our Friends" meeting and what's happening to Nemo in Sydney and it flirts with being among Pixar's finest hours.

My List:
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
9. Million Dollar Baby
11. Spider-Man 2
13. Brokeback Mountain
14. Finding Nemo
(21. Chicago)
22. The Wrestler

Honorable Mentions
Remember the Titans
Unbreakable

[PHOENIX74]

44. Finding Nemo : Another one I watched in preparation for the countdown - I knew it'd be here, and Pixar films are always enjoyable enough to watch for it not to be a complete waste of time. Loved the sharks of course (I think they got their own spin-off film) and the horror introduced by a kid whose fish always end up dead was pretty funny. I'm not a big fan of Ellen DeGeneres, but Dory was cute. I think if I were voting for the best Pixar film I've seen so far, my vote would go to another, but Finding Nemo is a whole lot of animated fun that's a kid's classic and good for a laugh or two. I don't think any animated films made my list though.

43. Adaptation : Where do I even start with Adaptation? A film based on a novel, which is in all actuality about the adaptation of the novel, which is itself - so, a film about the making of itself. A kind of Ouroboros. The concept I love, but the way it's carried off, with the inestimably eccentric talents of Nicolas Cage playing screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, and his fictional brother Donald... Okay, so now I love the concept and the main character - and supporting them with great performances are Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper. Kaufman lets all of his fears and problems with the Hollywood filmmaking process out to free roam, letting Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief just get vacuumed up and processed in a matter of course when it inevitably becomes part of the story of it's own adaptation, which allows it to both live on screen as a piece of fiction and be malleable enough to not be a strict story in itself. When I first saw all of this I just fell in love with it and thought it was a brilliant piece of screenwriting which gave birth to a wonderful film that I adore. It's Kaufman's funniest film, very well directed by Spike Jonze who successfully completes the process and delivers one of my most favourite of films - up there with the best of all time. Adaptation was #2 on my list, and it took a very good film to knock it off the #1 perch. Great stuff - glad it's in the top 50.

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

Films I've seen : 47
Films that have been on my radar : 6
Films I've never even heard of : 5

Films from my list : 10

#43 - My #2 - Adaptation (2002)
#49 - My #8 - Dancer in the Dark (2000)
#51 - My #6 - The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
#56 - My #20 - In Bruges (2008)
#59 - My #16 - The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
#66 - My #9 - A Serious Man (2009)
#71 - My #23 - Snatch (2000)
#78 - My #13 - The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (2005)
#84 - My #21 - The Man Who Wasn't There (2001)
One pointer - World's Greatest Dad (2009)

[Thief]

For what it's worth, both of tomorrow's entries are the last to be in single-digit ballots (#42 was in 9, and #41 was in 8). From there forward, every film is in 11 or more ballots.

[gbgoodies]

Finding Nemo is one of my favorite animated movies, and I thought that it would have been on my list, but I just couldn't find room for it. It was one of the last movies that was cut from my list. I'm glad that it made the countdown without my help.

I watched Adaptation. a while back for a HoF or movie tournament here, but I didn't remember much about it except that I thought that it was just an okay movie. I rewatched it for this countdown, but my opinion hasn't changed. I'm sure that my dislike for Nicolas Cage didn't help.

[rauldc14]

Early hint? Why not?


Hello, you're back
After all these years
You're on the other side
You are our biggest fears

I'm left in stasis
Looking at you
I'm all wound up
Listening to you

This process is hard
but we will get through it
Maybe you'll write a book
Getting back home? Screw it.


The Lives of Others and Spring Summer Fall Winter yadda yadda yadda

[Sedai]

The Lives of Others and The Fountain

[The Rodent]

Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2

[rauldc14]

Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2

I don't think they would show yet. Too early.

[Thief]

Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2

To be fair, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 is from 2015. I know its greatness transcends decades, but I'm sure it'll get its due on the 2010s countdown.

[honeykid]

I've not missed anything since I last commented. There's just little to say about them really. I've not seen three of them (S,NY, FN or A) and the other one I didn't really care for. Only saw it the once and, as I remember it, I liked the first 40 minutes or so (basically most of the in London stuff) then it went downhill faster than the infected and, by the end, I was happy to see it end. I was kind of intested in Synecdoche, New York but it was too late by then. 10 years earlier and I've have seen it. Adapted was right on the borderline in my exhaustion with modern cinema and Nic was enough for me to not really seek it out. Finding Nemo I recorded for my niece and nephew in case they wanted to watch it. They didn't so I've still not. I've no idea if they've seen it now.

[rauldc14]

If you pretend Drew Barrymore voices on the the characters you'll love it!

[rauldc14]

https://c.tenor.com/1gH6-MjLRZ0AAAAC/were-waiting-angry.gif

[Thief]

The world doesn't revolve around you, DC.

[Thief]

147 points, 9 listsBefore Sunset (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/80-before-sunset.html)Director
Richard Linklater, 2004

Starring
Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Vernon Dobtcheff, Louise Lemoine Torrès

[Thief]

151 points, 8 listsThe Lives of Others (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/582-the-lives-of-others.html)Director
Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, 2006

Starring
Martina Gedeck, Ulrich Mühe, Sebastian Koch, Ulrich Tukur

[Thief]

The Lives of Others and Spring Summer Fall Winter yadda yadda yadda

Guess it does revolve around you. Damn you! *lifts fist in air*

[Thief]

Hint breakdown...

Early hint? Why not?


Hello, you're back (Jesse meeting again with Celine in BS)
After all these years (after 9 years is it? 10?)
You're on the other side (Gerd Wiesler, the spy, on the other side of the wall in TLOO)
You are our biggest fears (being a spy, he is the couple's biggest fear?)

I'm left in stasis (reference to love, but also a play on the word Stasi, which are the German spies)
Looking at you (again, reference to love and looks in BS)
I'm all wound up (or how the spy ends up all messed up...)
Listening to you (...by listening/spying to this couple in TLOO)

This process is hard (process of spying, or waiting for a loved one?)
but we will get through it
Maybe you'll write a book (BS starts with Jesse having written a book, TLOO ends with the guy writing a book)
Getting back home? Screw it. (I thought this would be the dead giveaway. Reference to the iconic final line of BS... "you're gonna miss that plane")

[ScarletLion]

42. Before Sunset (147 points) - Excellent, possibly my favourite Linklater. Just missed out on my ballot. The whole trilogy is fantastic. screenwriting at it's finest.

41. The Lives of Others (151 points) - #2 on my ballot. One of the greatest films ever made. Nothing else to say.

[Iroquois]

One vote. Before Sunset was my #7. I've definitely established myself as a Linklater fan (despite not voting for Waking Life) and, while I still personally consider Slacker my favourite, I think it's only fair to consider the Before trilogy to be the main contender for his masterpiece (or three of them) - among them, Sunset might actually be the best as it proves a more than worthy continuation of the straightforward tale of fleeting romance he told in Sunrise, examining how time and distance (key elements throughout his career) have or have not affected the effortlessly charming rapport Jesse and Celine had established years before. It's not quite at the top of my Linklater ranking, but it may well get there someday.

As for The Lives of Others, I've seen it once and liked it.

[Chypmunk]

Never seen Before Sunset, tbh I've never really felt any interest in any of the 'Before' trilogy. Have seen The Lives Of Others though and it was most certainly in with a shot of making my ballot for a while but just didn't quite manage to stay in contention.

Seen: 37/60 (Own: 27/60)

3. Madeo [Mother] (2009) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216496/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_9) [#96]
6. Moon (2009) [#48]
16. The Descent (2005) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435625/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) [#80]
25. The Pool (2007) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0911024/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_6) [1-ptr]


Faildictions (millennial edition v1.01):
40. Taken (2008)
39. 21 Grams (2003)

[KeyserCorleone]

I watched Before Sunset just a couple weeks ago. I thought it did everything a sequel to Before Sunrise should do, even if this follow-up wasn't very unique in comparison to such a unique first movie.

[kgaard]

Ah, these are both excellent. The Lives of Others didn't make my list, but I'm not at all surprised to see it here. Before Sunset was my #4. In general, I find Linklater to be a pretty mixed bag--some of his films I like a lot (Dazed and Confused, Waking Life) and some not so much (Slacker; Where'd You Go, Bernadette), but for me the Before... trilogy is both Linklater at his best and up there for me among my favorite series of films. As a marking of the passage of time, these films (which also more or less match my own life cycle moments) capture both their significance and their fleeting nature. And of the three (so far) this is the best of the lot, more mature than Sunrise, less morose than Midnight.

[rauldc14]

Stasis was the key word for me. I'm a little disappointed I didn't get them both this time though.

[Thief]

Stasis was the key word for me. I'm a little disappointed I didn't get them both this time though.

I really thought that word would go above most people, so...

https://c.tenor.com/BiUqcZV6lwAAAAAM/cheers-raise-your-glass.gif

[John Dumbear]

I just must be in the wrong demographic here. Placed the percentage of what films will show up from my ballot. Yes, I'm optimistic.



1. 100%
2. 100%
3. 100%
4. 100%
5. 100%
6. 95%
7. 95%
8. In Bruges
9. 90%
10. 100%
11. 40%
12. 40%
13. Quills
14. 60%
15. 100%
16. The Wrestler
17. "28 Days Later"
18. 70%
19. 80%
20. 30%
21. 20%
22. 1%
23. 50%
24. American Psycho
25. The OH in Ohio 1-ptr



Have seen so far: 31/ 61
Put on list for future viewing: 10
My list that ended up on the cutting room floor (dammit!): 6
Put on "meh" list : 15
Zero chance of ever watching: 9
1 Ptrs: seen 8

[MovieMeditation]

I did not vote for The Lives of Others but I easily could have. An amazing film as I remember it. Been a very long time though so it wasn’t fresh enough in my mind to justify a vote, but I remember really enjoying it - even back when I had a harder time with foreign cinema than I do now.

I love the Before-trilogy and I’ve seen it multiple times, but Before Sunset is not my favorite of the bunch. It might actually be my least favorite, but that’s almost unfair to say since all of them are extremely high quality cinema and all cover different times and periods for our characters. So it’s almost unfair to compare them. Last time I checked I really had a soft spot for Midnight though.

So no votes, but two more than worthy entries on the list. :up:

[Thief]

I just must be in the wrong demometric here. Placed the percentage of what films will show up from my ballot. Yes, I'm optomistic.



1. 100%
2. 100%
3. 100%
4. 100%
5. 100%
6. 95%
7. 95%
8. In Bruges
9. 90%
10. 100%
11. 40%
12. 40%
13. Quills
14. 60%
15. 100%
16. The Wrestler
17. "28 Days Later"
18. 70%
19. 80%
20. 30%
21. 20%
22. 1%
23. 50%
24. American Psycho
25. The OH in Ohio 1-ptr



Have seen so far: 31/ 61
Put on list for future viewing: 10
My list that ended up on the cutting room floor (dammit!): 6
Put on "meh" list : 15
Zero chance of ever watching: 9
1 Ptrs: seen 8

https://c.tenor.com/4eqmdVpLTagAAAAC/dr-evil-evil-laugh.gif

[SpelingError]

Haven't seen either film.

[rauldc14]

The only "Before" film I saw was whatever one was nominated in a Hall of Fame awhile back. Pretty sure it was just the first one


Lives of Others I could never see again and be perfectly content with that. Seemed a chore to get through.

[Thief]

Seen both, voted for ONE...

Before Sunset was my #21. One of the best romantic films I've seen anchored in two great performances from Hawke and Delpy. Obviously built upon the foundation of the first part, this one got to me more. Not sure if that's because I am (was?) closer to Hawke's age and mindset than I was when I saw Before Sunrise, but I still found myself more drawn to it. As much as I loved the first one, I thought the script, dialogue, and overall craft here were slightly better.

As for The Lives of Others, it's a great film and I almost voted for it. But I really haven't seen it in a very long time, so I decided to skip it.



So what now?...

Seen: 44/60


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. Synecdoche, New York (#46)
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17. Once (#103)
18.
19.
20.
21. Before Sunset (#42)
22.
23. Mother (#96)
24.
25.

[Miss Vicky]

I don't think I've seen Before Sunset. I didn't like Before Sunrise or any other Linklater film I've seen so I have no desire to watch it.

I definitely haven't seen The Lives of Others.

[rauldc14]

I definitely haven't seen The Lives of Others.

No rush for that.

[John W Constantine]

There's my favorite talkative screen couple. I'll probably check out The Lives of Others this weekend.

[ynwtf]

Guess it does revolve around you. Damn you! *lifts fist in air*


Leggo my fist, plz n thx.

[Harry Lime]

I don't love the Before films like some others but do think they are good movies, preference to the original. The Lives of Others got a good rating from me initially but haven't seen it since its release. I expected both to place on this list.

I like looking at the batches of ten on the main page's full list. It's interesting.

[mark f]

Before Sunset may be one of the most romantic films ever made and the best of the trilogy, but i'm not a big fan of the trilogy. I found it to be more entertaining, profound and romantic than the first part. Sunset's ending is definitely the best part. I can still understand if someone is a bit underwhelmed, but I also believe that anyone in the right frame of mind could swoon over this flick.

The Lives of Others is about someone who undergoes a crisis of conscience in 1980s East Germany. What he does is suspenseful and shattering in many ways. Ulrich Mühe's face is often really affecting. Excellent film that still didn't make my list.

[Citizen Rules]

The Lives of Others
I found the first act totally fascinating: the Stasi secret police headquarters and the interrogation of a suspect who's being grilled because his friend had escaped to the west. Even better was the scene of the interrogator teaching a class of Stasi candidates the finer points on how to break a person over hours of sleep deprivation and how the innocent person acts under duress vs how differently the guilty act....Powerfully stuff! I had this film pegged at a 5/5.

But then the film shifts gears and becomes an introspective look at a lonely Stasi police officer and how the lives of a writer and his actresses girlfriend changes his outlook on life. That part was well done, but it was so not want I wanted to see. I wanted to see a film more like the first act. Overall rating 3.5/5

Before Sunset
I've not seen it, but I did see Before Sunrise and thought it so poorly acted and directed that I didn't bother watching anymore in the series, though if Linklater improved as he made more of these then I just might love Before Sunset.

[donniedarko]

My streak of barely seeing any of these films continues

Didn't care for Synecdoche, New York when I watched, funnily seems like something right up my ally

Finding Nemo is great but Ratatouille is the GOAT pixar film

[ScarletLion]

[I]

But then the film shifts gears and becomes an introspective look at a lonely Stasi police officer and how the lives of a writer and his actresses girlfriend changes his outlook on life. That part was well done, but it was [B]so not want I wanted to see. I wanted to see a film more like the first act. Overall rating 3.5/5





That's the whole point of the film though. Humanity. The ending is one of THE great endings to a film I've ever seen. Just thinking about it makes me want to watch it right now.

[mrblond]

• Before Sunset is a film which I like and it was in my list of consideration. Normally, I'd place it between #20 and #30. I didn't include it this time because I knew it will be well supported. Ethan Hawke is magnificent.

84073

---
• I know that The Lives of Others is usually ranked high in lists like this but I still haven't seen it.

_____________
my stats
▽
Top 100 seen 30/60.
--
My list:
4. Snatch [#71.]
9. Amores perros [#81.]
10. The Wrestler [#54.]
14. The Man Who Wasn't There [#84.]
https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/56mOJth6DJ6JhgoE2jtpilVqJO.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/vV4vlD4ool5JSsS1rB82qjCF6z8.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/6OTR8dSoNGjWohJNo3UhIGd3Tj.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/lrCgt8NNMyFsfmXyXiSSCRXNH4u.jpg
--
(other seen: one pointers 3/38 • 101-110: 5/10)


The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou [#98]
Werckmeister Harmonies [#97]
Pride & Prejudice [#93]
Caché [#85]
American Psycho [#79]
Battle Royale [#77]
Catch Me If You Can [#72]
Fantastic Mr. Fox [#70]
A Serious Man [#66]
https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/qZoFLNBC78jzboWeDH6Ha0qavF2.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/nxWEG9JzmJx3eLE8y7CUHmaj3CE.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/sGjIvtVvTlWnia2zfJfHz81pZ9Q.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/IC2BPYDSsNPP1Q1VuXUiKrRwbU.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/3ddHhfMlZHZCefHDeaP8FzSoH4Y.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/uRhc1IfwYKwVqIp2OTZGFzTVsdF.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/vG3YcgXuZABv7C8nd5bEyuMfyTQ.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2//1eRgCKzvbL73LiBFqPR6FJGwuJQ.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/8Zjk3cvjkDa643NHXtdPu30gnyY.jpg

Yi Yi [#50]
Dancer in the Dark [#49]
Adaptation. [#43]
Before Sunset [#42]
https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/hTPkCpK9SLGDMXRbUwzoep0MxOx.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/tjWa4JBdxomtoojZr7dPIgJZgiX.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/qP4LbKYVRWw5j1n55sSjvvgmedM.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/gycdE1ARByGQcK4fYR2mgpU6OO.jpg

[donniedarko]

101. Still Walking (65 points)
102. Little Miss Sunshine (64 points)
103. Once (64 points)
104. Chicago (63 points)
105. A Beautiful Mind (63 points)

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/FWJbhAPdwiwKhUaAyz841jpYa1.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/tFnTds88mCuLcLPBseK1kF2E3qv.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/7nW363kSYRCkr4VGOMvuSGwtzKs.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/v1Sg3GuHDz9uhrKqYozOeCMLSpj.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/mV4k9qlrdvECe4COBTN256FROR3.jpg

106. The Aviator (63 points)
107. Millennium Actress (62 points)
108. Gran Torino (61 points)
109. Michael Clayton (59 points)
110. Everything Will Be OK (59 points)

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/jOKRLQ3GWpMobI9BwOVaNZA8fpv.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/p44UXOFBCY5xbpCKEsWpi4filCD.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/w3zz8djZKknVpkpHi0I7kqibzbC.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/pteOsXsjy4JpPY5jXMYDIo1yZlk.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/yAYKV1UGyzkOGsRbD0oJGgr0bTQ.jpg



Gran Torino is my #9 , and while it may feel a bit aged already, I think for the time it was a truly great and relevant piece, Eastwood is a legend.

Everything Will Be Ok 3.5
Michael Clayton 4-
A Beautiful Mind 3


My List
8. Gran Torino (2008). (#108)
11. Caché (2005)
16. Dancer in the Dark (2000)
17. A Serious Man (2009)
21. Battle Royale (2000)
25. Bellamy (2009. (1 pointer)

[CosmicRunaway]

The Lives of Others was #5 on my list. The first act of the film is phenomenal, and there's just something strangely compelling about Ulrich Mühe's performance, even when he's just silently listening. It's a shame he died not long after the film's release.

But then the film shifts gears and becomes an introspective look at a lonely Stasi police officer and how the lives of a writer and his actresses girlfriend changes his outlook on life. That part was well done, but it was so not want I wanted to see. I wanted to see a film more like the first act.
While the later parts of the film did grow on me over time, this is definitely how I felt when I first saw it. I've always liked the ending though.

Seen: 32/60

My List:
05. The Lives of Others (2006) - #41
06. Millennium Actress (2001) - DNP
08. Mother (2009) - #96
10. Iron Man (2008) - #83
11. Paprika (2006) - #64
16. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) - #76
20. Moon (2009) - #48
25. Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006) - 1-pointer

[Holden Pike]

84074

Before Sunset, the second film in what would become the Linklater/Delpy/Hawke trilogy, did not make the MoFo Top 100 of the Millennium List. However Before Sunrise was #70 on the MoFo Top 100 of the 1990s List and Before Midnight will be eligible for the 2010s List. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's Das Leben der Anderen was on the Millennium List at #34. It also made the MoFo Top 100 Foreign Films List at #38.

[rauldc14]

So I was wrong when I said 28 Days Later may be the last film that didn't make the millennium list to appear here.

[ApexPredator]

I've somehow saw The Life of Others and I didn't care for it? It's been a long while so it's possible that maybe another watch might clarify it.

Hadn't gotten around to the Before trilogy even though I did like Before Sunrise.

[rauldc14]

Gran Torino is my #9 , and while it may feel a bit aged already, I think for the time it was a truly great and relevant piece, Eastwood is a legend.

Everything Will Be Ok 3.5
Michael Clayton 4-
A Beautiful Mind 3


My List
8. Gran Torino (2008). (#108)
11. Caché (2005)
16. Dancer in the Dark (2000)
17. A Serious Man (2009)
21. Battle Royale (2000)
25. Bellamy (2009. (1 pointer)

I feel pretty awful that it missed by just that little bit of points, I should have had it higher on my own list to have gotten it on.

[Holden Pike]

84075
The Lives of Others was ninth on my list, seventeen of its 151 points. Is saw it at the Portland International Film Festival a few weeks before it won the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. I was blown away. Writer/director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck Jingleheimer Schmidt Romijn-Stamos-O'Connell Esquire was in attendance at the screening and afterwards I got to briefly shake his hand and tell him how much I enjoyed it. At that time neither one of us knew he would take a Hollywood job and make a steaming turd with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp or I might have cautioned him against it/tried to slap some sense into him. Nevertheless, The Lives of Others is near perfection.

That makes ten from my ballot.

HOLDEN’S BALLOT
1. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (#86)
2. Dancer in the Dark (#49)
9. The Lives of Others (#41)
14. Synecdoche, New York (#46)
15. Moon (#48)
16. Fantastic Mr. Fox (#70)
17. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (#92)
18. A Serious Man (#66)
19. Adaptation. (#43)
20. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (#51)

[mattiasflgrtll6]

I would've made a guess, but people would call BS on it.

[seanc]

I watched Live Of Others, gave it a 4/5. Remember absolutely nothing about it. I will rewatch at some point.

Before Sunset is the only one of the trilogy I don’t like. I am obviously in the minority.

[Thursday Next]

All four of the most recent entries fall under the banner of good but not a favourite for me.

Before Sunset is probably the best of them. I think it's a charming, romantic, smart sequel that is better than the first film. I didn't care so much for Before Midnight, too argumentative.

The Lives of Others was decent but didn't wow me as I'd hoped it would based on others' reactions, although I should probably give it another watch sometime.

Adaptation was smartly written and I enjoyed it but it wasn't really a good looking film that is for sure.

Finding Nemo I have seen a lot of times. It's cute and well done but I don't love it. The trouble with Pixar movies is that after a while you do start to recognise a lot of the same tropes. Odd couple buddies, grumpy old character bonds with a young kid, father-son issues, mentor turns out to be the baddie, excessive sequels...

[Citizen Rules]

..Before Sunrise is the only one of the trilogy I don’t like. I am obviously in the minority.It sounds like people here are saying Before Sunrise is the weakest of the three. I know I didn't care for it, despite being the type of movie I should've loved. Now I suppose I have to watch the other two sometime.

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

two more from my list have shown up, although it should've been three. i have no idea how i missed before sunset, but it's one of my favorite films of all time and would've been #6 on my list.

my list so far:
6. Synecdoche, New York (2008)
10. Finding Nemo (2003)
14. Ocean's Eleven (2001)
17. Monsters, Inc. (2001)

[Kaplan]

I had the quietly powerful film The Lives of Others at #14. It's not one I've returned to in quite a while and it's due for a rewatch, which is why it's a bit lower than I had it ranked at the time, but it's just too perfect a movie to have left off this list.

My List:
3. Synecdoche, New York (#46)
8. Sin City (#47)
13. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (#53)
14. The Lives of Others (#41)
18. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (#86)
22. The Man Who Wasn’t There (#84)
24. Moon (#48)

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #42, Before Sunset...

https://i.imgur.com/60NHkci.png

It currently has a 94% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 8.1/10 score on IMDb (with 252,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★½ and said:

"Before Sunset is a remarkable achievement in several ways, most obviously in its technical skill. It is not easy to shoot a take that is six or seven minutes long, not easy for actors to walk through a real city while dealing with dialogue that has been scripted but must sound natural and spontaneous. Yet we accept, almost at once, that this conversation is really happening. There's no sense of contrivance or technical difficulty."

Meanwhile Michael O'Sullivan, of the Washington Post, said:

"The incessant jawboning of Before Sunset is all foreplay and no climax."

As for our MoFo reviewers, Golgot said:

"Despite the evidently cerebral and procedural nature of a film based on one long conversation, this self assured, yet self-doubting, creation glides along so well that you just don't want to analyse it."

And seanc said:

"Spending an hour and a half with no one but these two people was not the pleasure it was the first time around, and at times was insufferable."

[Thief]

It sounds like people here are saying Before Sunrise is the weakest of the three. I know I didn't care for it, despite being the type of movie I should've loved. Now I suppose I have to watch the other two sometime.

Judging from his review (https://www.movieforums.com/reviews/898317-before-sunset.html), which I'm referencing on my previous post, I'm pretty sure seanc meant to say Before Sunset was the one he didn't like.

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #41, The Lives of Others...

https://i.imgur.com/rrLu5DR.png

It currently has a 92% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 8.4/10 score on IMDb (with 377,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★★ and said:

"The Lives of Others is a powerful but quiet film, constructed of hidden thoughts and secret desires."

Meanwhile Noel Murray, of AV Club, said:

"Writer-director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck gives his debut feature, The Lives Of Others, no particular style, and the absence of visual risk-taking renders an exciting premise ponderous and stolid."

As for our MoFo reviewers, JayDee said:

"A stunning accomplishment, especially from a first time director. With a sharp and layered script, strong direction and a series of impressive performances it is an elegant piece of film-making which is a beautiful and resonant piece of work."

And adidasss said:

"I honestly don't see what all the fuss is about. A potentially very powerful subject was destroyed (or rather watered down) by the back story played by two of actors that never should have left TV... The director completely failed to portray the culture of fear that the German Intelligence Service (known as Stasi) was enforcing in the German Democratic Republic. The couples story seemed meandering, cheesy and ultimately very unpersuasive."

[Thief]

Trailers

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI3UuneLcyU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3_iLOp6IhM

[rauldc14]

Hopefully I can get another hint right, keep my streak going. That last one was certainly a close call though.

[seanc]

Judging from his review (https://www.movieforums.com/reviews/898317-before-sunset.html), which I'm referencing on my previous post, I'm pretty sure seanc meant to say Before Sunset was the one he didn't like.

True. Sorry. At some point in the earth’s rotation there was a movie I loved, and one I didn’t like.

[Thief]

Stats: Pit Stop #6
https://i.imgur.com/2OaM3mK.png

-

This is the sixth pit stop (60), so here are our stats so far:

Decade Breakdown


2000 = 12
2001 = 7
2002 = 4
2003 = 4
2004 = 5
2005 = 12
2006 = 2
2007 = 4
2008 = 4
2009 = 6


2000 and 2005 locked in a fierce battle for the top spot!


Director Breakdown


Wes Anderson = 2 (Life Aquatic of Steve Zissou, Fantastic Mr. Fox)
Joel & Ethan Coen = 2 (The Man Who Wasn't There, A Serious Man)
Clint Eastwood = 2 (Mystic River, Million Dollar Baby)
Ang Lee = 2 (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain)
Danny Boyle = 2 (28 Days Later, Sunshine)
Richard Linklater = 2 (Before Sunset, Waking Life)


Two more join the list, but more to come!


Genre Breakdown


Musical = 2
Biopic drama = 4
Romantic drama = 5
Horror = 4
Coming of age = 2
Thriller = 7
Drama/mystery = 4
Comedy drama = 6
Action comedy = 2
Epic, war drama = 1
Psychological drama = 4
Animated drama = 2
Animated comedy = 3
Superhero action = 4
Crime = 5
Western/Neo-western = 2
Science fiction = 2
Martial arts = 1


60 films in and thrillers continue to rule, but comedy dramas and crime films are close.


And finally, 16 of the 60 films are foreign, while we have 5 animated films in total.

[Citizen Rules]

Originally Posted by seanc (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2268914#post2268914)
..Before Sunrise is the only one of the trilogy I don’t like. I am obviously in the minority.


It sounds like people here are saying Before Sunrise is the weakest of the three. I know I didn't care for it, despite being the type of movie I should've loved. Now I suppose I have to watch the other two sometime.Whoops, I was typing to fast, I blame work, which I have to get back to in like 3 minutes! I guess you were right, you are in the minority🙂

[Thief]

And to continue with mrblond's stats on notable actor recurrences...

4 FILMS

Willem Dafoe (#44, #70, #79, #98)


3 FILMS

Brad Pitt (#51*, #68, #71)
Christian Bale (#60*, #79*, #99)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (#46*, #73, #90)
Cillian Murphy (#45*, #60, #88*)


2 FILMS

Frances McDormand (#84, #90)
Robert Downey Jr. (#76*, #83*)
George Clooney (#70*, #68*)
Tom Hanks (#69*, #72*)
Paul Bettany (#83, #100)
Colin Farrell (#56*, #99*)
Gael García Bernal (#69, #81*)
Casey Affleck (#51*, #68)
Geoffrey Rush (#63, #67*)
Samuel L. Jackson (#62, #83)
Keira Knightley (#63, #93*)
Bill Murray (#70, #98*)
Owen Wilson (#70, #98)
Michael Gambon (#70, #98)
Brendan Gleeson (#45, #56*)
Michelle Williams (#46, #52)
Mickey Rourke (#47*, #54*)
Ethan Hawke (#42*, #82)
Julie Delpy (#42*, #82)
Benicio del Toro (#47, #71)
Bruce Willis (#47, #62*)
Sam Rockwell (#49*, #51)
Meryl Streep (#43*, #70*)


*means leading part

I'm sure I might be missing something.

[seanc]

Whoops, I was typing to fast, I blame work, which I have to get back to in like 3 minutes! I guess you were right, you are in the minority🙂

For the record I do think Before Sunrise is really well regarded. I watched it when I first came to mofo because I heard so much good about it. Maybe the love has dwindled.

[ueno_station54]

Never seen any of the Before trilogy. Lives of Others is fine/forgettable

[rauldc14]

Time to decide the next hint!

[Thief]

Time to decide the next hint!

...

The world doesn't revolve around you, DC.

[Thief]

Awards

-

Now to the awards received by Before Sunset...



Empire Award for Best Actress (Julie Delpy)
International Cinephile Society Award for Best Picture
National Board of Review Special Recognition for excellence in filmmaking
New York Film Critics Online Award for Top Films of the Year
Online Film & Television Association Award for Best Cinematic Moment (Final Scene)



As for The Lives of Others, it won...



Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (Germany)
BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Language Film
ACCEC Award for Best Foreign Film
Adelaide Film Festival Audience Award for Best Feature
Bambi Award for Best Actor (Sebastian Koch)
Chlotrudis Award for Best Original Screenplay (Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck)

[Thief]

Trivia

-

Before Sunset

https://images.mubicdn.net/images/film/195/cache-8020-1546477213/image-w1280.jpg

Did you know that...


Linklater's original idea for the film had a bigger budget and would be filmed in four locations? When they didn't secure the funding, they scaled back the concept.
the longest take lasts about 11 minutes?
the movie was filmed in 15 days, shooting mostly on afternoons?
Julie Delpy wrote three of the songs she performs on the film?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbxSJ3XLwqk

[Thief]

Trivia

-

The Lives of Others

https://img2.bdbphotos.com/images/orig/e/k/ekanabk28i3x2kin.jpg?skj2io4l

Did you know that...


actor Ulrich Mühe found out after German reunification that he himself had been spied on by fellow actors, colleagues, and allegedly his then wife? When they asked how he prepared for his role, he replied "I remembered".
all the equipment that Wiesler uses to spy is actual Stasi equipment loaned from museums and collectors?
actor Sebastian Koch practiced piano for 4 hours a day for 6 weeks so his character could play "Sonata for a Good Man"?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhTQn2dbMaY

[cricket]

Seen The Lives of Others once. Good movie and lead performance for sure, but it never really grabbed me. Definitely a movie I'd be willing to try again.

I've seen Before Sunrise unfortunately. I thought maybe I've seen Before Sunset but then I'm sure I'd remember the 12 hours it took for me to clean up my vomit. If a movie comes which has those characters meeting a violent end, someone please let me know and I will quit my job to watch it as fast as I can.

[rauldc14]

...

Seems a bit early for The Dark Knight, but based off that clue.....

[Thief]

Hint, hint...


You know his name
Who he was, who he is
Raise a glass for him
As he finds his peace

Are you having fun?
Bottles, cups, a crown
Maybe some murder
Is that a thumbs down?

Maybe we can do this
Teach it or write
So others remember
That you can fight

[Miss Vicky]

Gonna guess Gladiator but I hope I’m wrong cause I want it higher than this.

[ynwtf]

Yeah, thinkin' Gladiator too. Not the sequel tho. As to the other, all I can hear now is Chris Cornell belting out, "YOU KNOW MY NAME!!!" in the title track to Casino Royale. Thanks for that random association.

[PHOENIX74]

42. Before Sunset : This looks great, and has one of my favourite actors - Ethan Hawke - in it. Somehow, I've never heard of it before. I'll be getting onto it (and the others in this trilogy) in haste.

41. The Lives of Others : I watched this only a week ago as part of my ongoing quest to see all the films that were on the Foreign Language Countdown. I was completely blown away by it, and gave it a 10/10 rating. Haven't seen many films that delve into the life of Germans stuck in the East after the Second World War, under the thumb of the Stasi and living in fear. Yet, despite the potentially depressing setting, this is one of the more life-affirming films I've seen, giving me a renewed sense of hope in the potential for individuals to change when they come into the sphere of other good people. Ulrich Mühe I'd never heard of or seen before, but he gives a tremendous performance as a cruel true believer dedicated to a dark cause. It's a film that never takes a wrong step, right up to a perfect ending that had me feeling just about every positive and negative emotion there is to feel. I watched it too late for it to make my list - and it would definitely have been a candidate, in exchange for a film on a lower rung that I'd have to admit isn't as good as The Lives of Others.

Seen 48/60

[Siddon]

I wonder if Kingdom of Heaven beat Gladiator?

[jiraffejustin]

To finish up that list of the ones that *almost* made it to our Top 100, here are the next 5...


106. The Aviator (63 points)
107. Millennium Actress (62 points)
108. Gran Torino (61 points)
109. Michael Clayton (59 points)
110. Everything Will Be OK (59 points)

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/jOKRLQ3GWpMobI9BwOVaNZA8fpv.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/p44UXOFBCY5xbpCKEsWpi4filCD.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/w3zz8djZKknVpkpHi0I7kqibzbC.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/pteOsXsjy4JpPY5jXMYDIo1yZlk.jpg https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/yAYKV1UGyzkOGsRbD0oJGgr0bTQ.jpg


There you go!

Can we get these also-rans on the first page somewhere? It'd be nice to easily find them if I wanted to see what could have been.

[jiraffejustin]

I voted for both Adaptation. and Everything Will Be OK. My list is looking like this so far:

3. Everything Will Be OK
5. Synecdoche, New York
9. American Psycho
14. Adaptation.
15. Punch-Drunk Love
25. Jason X

[Miss Vicky]

I wonder if Kingdom of Heaven beat Gladiator?

I think if Kingdom of Heaven had made the countdown it would've shown by now. I don't think it's all that popular on the forum, though of course I could be wrong about that.

[donniedarko]

Lives of Others is the highest on my watch list for films that have made it, looks spectacular

[dadgumblah]

I've seen Before Sunset and the first one also but it's been awhile. I remember the last scene in BS and it has always stuck with me, that happy, uplifting scene. I'm kind of afraid to watch the final film in the trilogy for fear that things will not be as happy. I've also got a bad habit of not finishing films in a series lately. So maybe I can get this trilogy finished soon. Not on my list.

The Lives of Others is one I've barely heard of. The most I've heard is here on this countdown but it doesn't sound like one that I'd like. But who knows? Not on my list.




#5. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl 63
#8. Unbreakable 62
#10. Million Dollar Baby 57
#22. Fantastic Mr. Fox 70
#20. Iron Man 83
#21 Finding Nemo 44
#23. The Descent 80
#25. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 76

[CosmicRunaway]

Haven't seen many films that delve into the life of Germans stuck in the East after the Second World War, under the thumb of the Stasi and living in fear.
If you want to see more films along that line, I recommend Petzold's Barbara (2012).

[rauldc14]

Gotta be Gladiator about as obvious as it gets. But it irritates me I can't figure out the other one.

[rauldc14]

I'll go Sideways

[John Dumbear]

I'll go Sideways

Exactly what I was going to post.

[rauldc14]

Gonna guess Gladiator but I hope I’m wrong cause I want it higher than this.

The thumbs down is the giveaway I'd say.

[rauldc14]

I hope it's Sideways. A 2000s countdown without Sideways doesn't feel legit.

[rauldc14]

There's a chance it's Spring Summer too again and Thief tried to throw me for a curveball! I can see him being sneaky like that.

[MovieMeditation]

I'll go Sideways
Said the same thing to myself before devouring Christmas dinner.

[Thief]

Reveals in a few...

[Thief]

155 points, 11 listsGladiator (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/98-gladiator.html)Director
Ridley Scott, 2000

Starring
Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed

[Thief]

156 points, 12 listsSideways (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/9675-sideways.html)Director
Alexander Payne, 2004

Starring
Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh

[rauldc14]

Just call me the hint pro

[Thief]

Just call me the hint pro

Step off that cloud. Vicky beat you to half of it.

Gonna guess Gladiator but I hope I’m wrong cause I want it higher than this.

You get your share for Sideways, though.

[ueno_station54]

Turned Gladiator off 10 minutes in and never seen Sideways.

[Sedai]

I was just about to post Sideways and Gladiator, which Vicky and Raul already called out, but I am too late! Great work on the hints once again, Vicky and Raul!

No points, although I like both films.

[rauldc14]

https://c.tenor.com/TtlBrAavc1YAAAAC/cloud-never-coming-down.gifStep off that cloud. Vicky beat you to half of it.



You get your share for Sideways, though.

[Thief]

Hint breakdown...

Hint, hint...


You know his name (my name is Maximus Decimus Primus Bumbirus...)
Who he was, who he is (Commander of the yada yada... now a slave)
Raise a glass for him (reference to drinks, Sideways)
As he finds his peace (characters in both films are looking for "peace")

Are you having fun? (are you not entertained?!)
Bottles, cups, a crown (bottles, cups = drinks, crown = Emperor)
Maybe some murder (reference to Commodus murdering the Emperor)
Is that a thumbs down? (obvious reference to Gladiator)

Maybe we can do this
Teach it or write (characters in Sideways are a teacher and a writer)
So others remember (but also the story of Maximus is to be written)
That you can fight (he fought... etc.)

[Chypmunk]

Seen both (seems like forever since I was able to say that). Gladiator was closest to being in contention for my ballot but both that and Sideways are enjoyable enough watches in their own different ways imo.

Seen: 39/62 (Own: 29/62)

3. Madeo [Mother] (2009) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216496/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_9) [#96]
6. Moon (2009) [#48]
16. The Descent (2005) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435625/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) [#80]
25. The Pool (2007) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0911024/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_6) [1-ptr]


Faildictions (millennial edition v1.01):
38. The Hurt Locker (2008)
37. The Bourne Identity (2002)

[rauldc14]

This hint streak I'm on could be even more impressive than SCs guesswork in that millennium countdown

[John Dumbear]

I've seen bits and pieces of "Gladiator" while blowing through the channels. Someday going to have to sit and watch it in one viewing. That may be soon. " Sideways" is a blast, even after numerous viewings. Giamatti's best role IMHO.

[seanc]

Turned Gladiator off 10 minutes in and never seen Sideways.

You mean the part where there was a big battle. Hard to see that one coming.

[seanc]

Sideways was my 10. Love Payne’s writing, and this is his best. Love Giamatti, I will have to settle for his second best because there is a good chance I am the only one who had his best performance on their list. Anyway, Sideways is hilarious, life affirming, and melancholy. That’s a good recipe for me.

Love Gladiator but I have seen it too many times. I still give it a 4/5, but it isn’t holding up well visually.

[rauldc14]

1.
2. Mystic River (2003)
3. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
4. Gladiator (2000)
5.
6.
7.
8. Iron Man (2008)
9.
10. Finding Nemo (2003)
11. Gran Torino (2008)
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
21.
22.
23. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
24. Sideways (2004)
25.


That makes 7 for me and 2 near misses!

Gladiator is one of my favorite epics of all time. Never gets old watching it.

Sideways is just great film writing with some really good performances from Haden Church and Giamatti.

[Thief]

Gladiator is a film I didn't care much on first viewing. I think I saw it in theaters. Rewatched it a couple of months after on DVD, and it improved a lot. Probably a 4/5 for me. Crowe is pretty good, and the scene when he finds his family is heart-wrenching, but Pheonix is the one who steals the show. Anyway, had it on my mind as I was filling my ballot, but I don't think it ever had a chance of being on my Top 25.

I've never seen Sideways.


This is it...

Seen: 45/62


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. Synecdoche, New York (#46)
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17. Once (#103)
18.
19.
20.
21. Before Sunset (#42)
22.
23. Mother (#96)
24.
25.

[ueno_station54]

You mean the part where there was a big battle. Hard to see that one coming.
lmao this was a long time ago and I can't even remember if I was actually the one that turned it off. just a funny thing that technically happened. not the only time I turned a Ridley Scott movie off 10 minutes in though.

[rauldc14]

lmao this was a long time ago and I can't even remember if I was actually the one that turned it off. just a funny thing that technically happened. not the only time I turned a Ridley Scott movie off 10 minutes in though.

Why bother putting a movie in if you shut it off ten minutes later? :shrug:

[matt72582]

If you liked "The Lives of Others", I think you'd LOVE "The Ear" (Ucho)
Full video is available below.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnxybrZ6ynw&t=762s

[ueno_station54]

Why bother putting a movie in if you shut it off ten minutes later? :shrug:
I'm indecisive and a movie is usually what I go for first when I don't know what I want to do. Sometimes it don't work out.

[Holden Pike]

84100

Both of these made the MoFo Top 100 of the Millennium List, and both move upward this time. Sideways was #60 on the previous survey while Gladiator was #69*.


*make your own "glad he ate her"/69 jokes, if you must

[Miss Vicky]

If you can't tell from my avatar, I LOVE Gladiator. At one point, it was my all-time favorite movie. I watched it 5 times in the theater and bought it on VHS, DVD, Extended Edition DVD, and Blu-ray. I bought and read the novel that was adapted from it. I have Gladiator posters. I have Gladiator Pop Vinyls. I love this movie. It's not my all-time favorite anymore, but it is my second favorite and, of course, was #2 on my ballot.

Here's what I wrote about it in my movie log in 2016:

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/gladiator.gif

Gladiator (Ridley Scott, 2000)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0172495/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 02/23/16
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: It's Gladiator.
Rewatch: I've seen it more times than I can count.


When I first saw this movie, I didn't know the names Russell Crowe or Joaquin Phoenix. I knew only that I had a fondness for the old swords-and-sandals epics (particularly The Robe and Demetrius and the Gladiators). I was excited to see a modern version that would feature more nuanced acting, effects that were more sophisticated than a guy rolling around in the sand with a stuffed tiger, and a story that would do away with the religious overtones of those old classics.

What I got was all that and more. This movie is the epitome of many of the things that make me love movies. The costumes, sets, and effects are breathtaking. The score hits just the right emotional notes. The battle scenes are thrilling. There's a hero that you can really get behind. He's handsome. He's noble. He's loyal. He's charismatic. He's strong. He refuses to be broken no matter what is taken from him and yet there's just a little vulnerability to him. Just enough to make him seem human.

And as that hero, Russell Crowe is quite impressive. His imposing physique makes for a believable warrior, yet his eyes and face masterfully convey the inner battle of emotions as Maximus struggles to keep himself together, navigate the devastating realities of his existence, and find a way to avenge those he has lost.

He's matched by a villain who is ruthless, brutal, and unsettling to watch. Joaquin Phoenix brings a frightening level of intensity to Commodus, the sniveling, incestuous and dangerous creep who will stop at nothing to realize his grand visions for himself. Phoenix embodies this character so completely and so convincingly that my initial impression was that he'd never make it as a leading man because he was too damn creepy (which was a shame because he was so damn good).

Ultimately, the two are pitted in a one on one battle that is at once thrilling, heartbreaking and satisfying.

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/gladcommodus.gif

Since this film's release, I've read and heard many complaints. The film plays pretty loosely with history. The dialogue is exaggerated and theatrical. Some of the CGI is obvious. There are some discrepancies between things that are said and things that happen in the film. Rubber prop swords can be seen to bend during battle. A compressed air canister used to flip a chariot is visible. I'll allow that Gladiator is not a flawless movie. However none of these flaws matter to me and it remains a flawless movie watching experience. After sixteen years and countless viewings, I remain just as enthralled by the movie today as I was the first time.

5

As for Sideways:

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/JoaqGifs/joaqdisapproves.gif


Seen: 36/62

My Ballot:
1. Quills (#67)
2. Gladiator (#40)
6. Hedwig and the Angry Inch (#91)
21. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (#63)
25. Surf's Up (One-Pointer)

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #40, Gladiator...

https://i.imgur.com/6z6rsfr.png

It currently has a 77% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 8.5/10 score on IMDb (with 1,400,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★ and said:

"This is more like Spartacus Lite. Or dark. It's only necessary to think back a few months, to Julie Taymor's Titus, for a film set in ancient Rome that's immeasurably better to look at. The visual accomplishment of Titus shames Gladiator, and its story is a whole heck of a lot better than the Gladiator screenplay, even if Shakespeare didn't make his Titus the only undefeated champion in Roman history."

Meanwhile David Stratton, of SBS, said:

"The journey of Maximus, from triumph on the battlefield through despair and degradation in slavery and then to a final epiphany in the Colosseum is an exciting one - and Russell Crowe plays the character with considerable toughness and authority."

As for our MoFo reviewers, The Rodent said:

"the best Roman Epic to be put to screen. Though seriously inaccurate, it's still very well written and exciting and the choreography is brilliant... and quite rightly, won 48 of the 119 Awards it was nominated for."

And Iroquois said:

"It's too inconsistent a film to truly be considered a classic, Best Picture win be damned (did the Academy want another Braveheart or what?). Definitely fun in parts, to be sure, but when its ambition outstretches its reach then there's a problem."

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #39, Sideways...

https://i.imgur.com/W4IijaU.png

It currently has a 97% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 7.5/10 score on IMDb (with 187,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★★ and said:

"[Alexander Payne] finds plots that service his characters, instead of limiting them. The characters are played not by the first actors you would think of casting, but by actors who will prevent you from ever being able to imagine anyone else in their roles."

Meanwhile Charles Taylor, of Salon.com, said:

"Makes you feel like you're trapped at dinner with a wiseass who's trying to convince you what a sensitive guy he is."

As for our MoFo reviewers, rauldc14 said:

"Payne has a way of having his actors say the right things at the right time, especially in this film... The funny thing about the film is as a non-wine drinker it actually still makes it appealing to you. The sense of atmosphere that Payne creates in the film gives it a very adventurous touch."

And MovieMad16 said:

"Good film to see if you like Road Trips with character driven stories. Wonderful acting, score, writing, direction and above all, an interesting find. See it if you can."

[Thief]

Trailers

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvbavW31adA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGP8PwCpxLk

[Rockatansky]

I like Gladiator, but it's not a favourite. I find the story and characterizations a bit shallow, but it's hard to fault Ridley's craft or the lead performances. I did not vote for it.

[Citizen Rules]

Seen both, both are worthy of the countdown...but didn't make my list.

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w780/aZtwH3RQ0L8jbInxr7OSc9tlGMJ.jpg
Gladiator (2000)


I'd only seen this once and that was first run in the theater years ago. At that time I loved it and I've been wanting to rewatch it for the longest time. And so I finally did in an HoF...
...and I was surprised that I didn't love it the second time around. I don't have any real problems with the movie and it was fine for what it did. It's just that in all those years my movie taste has changed considerably and what I once liked in movies, I no longer do.

Gladiator delivers on visual spectacle and fight sequences, as one would expect from a Ridley Scott film. But I've never been into action movies or martial art films so the fighting sequences were meh for me, especially the opening fight scene. I hate that filming style of reduced frame rate, fast edits and close ups, it makes me dizzy. That technique is used to shoot a lot of fights in movies and it just feels unsatisfying to me.

This time around I actually rooted for Joaquin Phoenix to win! Sure he was insecure, manipulative and incestuous...and that made him very interesting. Joaquin rocks his role and was the most intriguing character in the movie.


Sideways...I've been meaning to rewatch this as I've only seen it once. I thought it was pretty solid back when I seen it. Glad to see it hasn't been forgotten.

[The Rodent]

Marks another for me...

1. Moon (2009) - 48th
.
8. Sin City (2005) - 47th
.
11. Million Dollar Baby (2004) - 57th
.
13. Cast Away (2000) - 69th
.
20. Unbreakable (2000) - 62nd
21. Gladiator (2000) - 40th
.
22. Watchmen (2009) - 87th
23. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) - 63rd
.

[Iroquois]

No votes. As the review quoted by Thief should indicate, I have mixed feelings about Gladiator. I think it's two thirds of a good movie - it kind of loses me after the "my name is Maximus" scene and I feel like I'm marking time until it ends, but up until that point it's a pretty fun sword-and-sandals kind of ride. Sideways is fine - definitely hit around the time I was looking to get into Serious Films and works well enough, but I remember feeling fairly ambivalent about it the last time I watched it so yeah.

If you liked "The Lives of Others", I think you'd LOVE "The Ear" (Ucho)
Full video is available below.

Appreciate the link, but it doesn't appear to have English subtitles.

[MovieMeditation]

I used to really love Gladiator with all the big action epic spectacle and stuff. But somehow I’ve started the movie like three times in these past years and never finished it. Don’t know what it is. I’m sure one of my coming rewatches will be more successful. It’s got plenty of great stuff about it.

As for Sideways I’ve seen it and really liked it. I don’t remember much about it though and generally Alexander Payne is not one I really love. Non of his films has really wowed me. Sideways is the one I’ve liked the most though.

[MovieFan1988]

Have seen so far: 21 - Gladiator - Decent movie but not a fan favorite of mines
Have not seen so far: 45

[honeykid]

If you pretend Drew Barrymore voices on the the characters you'll love it!

C'mon! Surely you know me better than that? Voice work don't count. Still can't believe these people get movie star money for just voice work. Mental.

As for the last four, I've seen Sideways and Before Sunset once each. Enjoyed Sideways a lot, but I really wanted to love Before Sunset and didn't. I remember liking it but being disappointed. I adore Before Sunrise and was a big fan of Linklater all through the 90's, but Sunset just didn't hit me right. Maybe I wanted too much? Maybe I was in the wrong place? Maybe those days are just gone? I remember virtually nothing about it (and the few moments I think I do I'm not sure about) but I think Sunrise will always be the one for me. It's the most romantic film I've ever seen.

I saw The Lives of Others a couple of times when it came out and thought it was magnificent. I'm confident that it'd have been on my list but I've not seen it since (as will be the case with virtually everything I've seen on this list unless you're all cool enough to have Black Dynamite on the list... Which we all know you're not :p) so I'm only judging on distant memories.

Gladiator. Well, I'm glad it's here for MV. Wish it were higher for her, too. But my feelings on the film are fairly well known (TL DR - It's average but technically good). Though, who knows? 20 years later? Maybe things will have changed? Yeah, I doubt it, too.

[mark f]

I think that Gladiator is a solid film. I enjoyed it and recommend it as a viewing experience. I know others here (and Roger Ebert) think it's junk. My problems with it are that some of the battle scenes (especially near the beginning) are filmed way too darkly, the computer f/x are obvious and unlike others, I had no emotional investment in the story or characters, no matter how hard the film tried to pull me in. Even so, I think it's a very entertaining film with a good cast.

Sideways has plenty of laughs and heart with a quartet of wonderful central performances. Didn't vote for either.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEMqddRGVBY

[kgaard]

I didn't love either Gladiator or Sideways when I saw them in the theaters but I admit that in the case of Sideways at least I may not have been in the right mood to receive it. Will I watch them again? Maybe, but life is short, and movies are apparently getting longer.

[KeyserCorleone]

I actually didn't think Gladiator would make it, especially not placing above Before Sunrise or any Pixar movie that had a chance. I've seen a lot of criticism for Gladiator from places like this. Typical movie criticisms: too long, not enough plot, yadda yadda. I disagree. I never once felt that it was drawn out, and the drama of the movie is nearly perfect. Not enough to make my ballot, but a good reason why I love Ridley Scott.

[ueno_station54]

Typical movie criticisms: not enough plot.
this can only be a good thing. maybe i do need to watch gladiator.

[John W Constantine]

Guess I'll have to check out Titus.

Is Sideways the only time we saw MC Gainey from the front?

[John-Connor]

Seen: 40/62

Watch-list:
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My name is Johnus Maximus Decimus Connorus.. And I will have Gladiator on my ballot, in this life or the next... my #2.

Ballot: 6/25
https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/dvKsQB84W2Sv6s7jpGmzQBVyQe3.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/iOpi3ut5DhQIbrVVjlnmfy2U7dI.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/5y8B0YSsIP1q9WpxKPuCJ9E6dzf.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/ebdFRfLMPLejRQXTREuxW4Cotfs.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/8qGW691AOyqbKsEhpe7nHwMEbRe.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/r2lDjWiuKuqDyLUcsjt8JugwNrQ.jpg

[Thief]

Guess I'll have to check out Titus.


I haven't seen it, but I've heard good things about it.

[Miss Vicky]

4. Gladiator (2000)



21. Gladiator (2000) - 40th



My name is Johnus Maximus Decimus Connorus.. And I will have Gladiator on my ballot, in this life or the next... my #2.

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/JoaqGifs/joaqapproves.gif

[Miss Vicky]

Guess I'll have to check out Titus.

I thought Titus was beautiful but boring. I haven't watched it in about 20 years though.

[Deschain]

I’ve seen Gladiator several times and it doesn’t do much for me.

Sideways I only saw once back in the theater and loved it. Should really give it a rewatch.

[ScarletLion]

40. Gladiator (155 points) - Not my thing at all. Predictable, swashbuckling blockbuster. Nowhere near my list

39. Sideways (156 points) - funny, charming but not near my list.

[John W Constantine]

I haven't seen it, but I've heard good things about it.

I thought Titus was beautiful but boring. I haven't watched it in about 20 years though.


Honestly never heard of it.

[SpelingError]

Haven't seen Sideways yet.

I watched Gladiator several years ago and didn't enjoy it. I revisited it last year though as I had a feeling I would enjoy it more, but to my surprise, my opinion stayed pretty much the same. The craft of the film is excellent, but the story and the characters were too thin to resonate with me and I was left somewhat cold by the film in the end. Maybe I could give it a third chance sometime in the future though. Idk.

[Torgo]

I watched Gladiator several years ago and didn't enjoy it. I revisited it last year though as I had a feeling I would enjoy it more, but to my surprise, my opinion stayed pretty much the same. The craft of the film is excellent, but the story and the characters were too thin to resonate with me and I was left somewhat cold by the film in the end. Maybe I could give it a third chance sometime in the future though. Idk.So, were you not entertained?

[Thief]

Awards

-

Now to the awards received by Gladiator...



Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Actor (Russell Crowe), Best Sound, Best Visual Effects
BAFTA Award for Best Film, Best Cinematography (John Mathieson), Best Production Design (Arthur Max), and Best Editing (Pietro Scalia)
Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actor (Crowe) and Favorite Villain (Joaquin Phoenix)
Empire Award for Best Film, Best Actor (Crowe), and Best Actress (Connie Nielsen)
Golden Globe for Best Picture and Best Score (Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard)


Among many, many others.

As for Sideways, it won...



Academy Award for Best Screenplay (Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor)
BAFTA Award for Best Screenplay (Payne and Taylor)
SAG Award for Best Performance by a Cast
AFI Award for Movie of the Year
Chlotrudis Award for Best Supporting Actress (Virginia Madsen)
Gold Derby Award for Best Screenplay (Payne and Taylor) and Best Actor (Paul Giamatti)
Golden Globe for Best Screenplay (Payne and Taylor) and Best Picture

[Thief]

So, were you not entertained?

https://c.tenor.com/pgDYymTrrtAAAAAd/monkey-badum-tss.gif

[SpelingError]

So, were you not entertained?

I had to look up his name on Wikipedia, but I found Hagen kind of memorable. I think.

[Kaplan]

This pair of movies might be my two least favorite movies on the countdown. I just think Gladiator is awful, and I sense Sideways depends on the viewer identifying with or liking the two main characters and I just didn't like them at all, so I've never returned to it for a second viewing. To each their own, of course.

[Rockatansky]

So, were you not entertained?

He gave it a thumbs down.

[Wyldesyde19]

I’ve always enjoyed Gladiator since I first saw it on dvd shortly after it had been released. There was so much hype around, and it mostly delivers. It overextends its grasp at times by trying to be more than it should be, such as arguing over a free Rome and such. A straight revenge film would have made it better, but I get it was trying to separate itself from Spartacus. *
I’m in the opinion that Phoenix over acts at times here, although he’s mostly good. Nielsen is decent but her role is underwritten, and the ending scene fell just a little flat.
Overall, it’s a decent film however, mostly due to Crowe’s swagger and some decent fight scenes. Just don’t look too closely when the tiger takes a swipe at Crowe.
Almost made my ballot, but in the end, it fell to the wayside.

[SpelingError]

He gave it a thumbs down.

84121

[CosmicRunaway]

Gladiator is a film that I liked a lot when it was new. While I have watched it through a couple times, over the last decade whenever I turned it on, I never managed to sit through the whole thing. There are certainly parts I'm more than happy to watch, but some others tend to drag, and the runtime is not exactly lean.

While I've gotten more and more lukewarm on Russell Crowe over the years, I still think Joaquin Phoenix was the perfect choice for his role. You sort of love to hate him. Now as I'm reflecting on the film, I think I probably should have rewatched it (all the way through again!) before submitting my ballot. I have a feeling it could've found its way into one of the lower slots.

Sideways however is not something that was in contention for my list. My old room mate convinced me to watch it after she bought it on DVD, but I didn't particularly like it. I don't remember why anymore though, as I seem to have purged it from my memory at some point.

Seen: 34/62

My List:
05. The Lives of Others (2006) - #41
06. Millennium Actress (2001) - DNP
08. Mother (2009) - #96
10. Iron Man (2008) - #83
11. Paprika (2006) - #64
16. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) - #76
20. Moon (2009) - #48
25. Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006) - 1-pointer

Still Salty About Forgetting: The Descent (2005)
Probably Would've Included: Gladiator (2000)

[cricket]

Big fan of Sideways as I really love all 4 main characters. Still if I were to rank them, it'd be Jack first and Miles last with the girls in between. One of my most quoted movie lines is "I'm not drinking any f**king merlot!" Of course every time I scream it, people look at me like there's something wrong with me. Which there probably is.

Saw Gladiator at the cinema when it came out with my wife and neither of us liked it. We weren't married yet so I'm sure we had other things on our minds :randy: And I most definitely would've been drunk.

1. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) (#59)
5. Adaptation (2002) (#43)
6. The Devil's Rejects (2005) (#94)
8. 28 Days Later (2002) (#45)
10. The Wrestler (2008) (#54)
11. Mystic River (2003) (#65)
14. Sideways (2002) (#39)
15. Amores Perros (2000) (#81)
17. Y tu mamá también (2001) (#95)

[rauldc14]

Hopefully I can dominate the clue yet again!