The MoFo Top 100 of the 2000s Countdown

[Gideon58]

100 Quills
99 Squid and the Whale

Director- Eastwood

Animated- I'll go with 8

Year- 2004

LOVED The Squid and the Whale

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #34, Kill Bill Vol. 2...

https://i.imgur.com/QFI7Ebr.png

It currently has an 84% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 8.0/10 score on IMDb (with 725,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★★ and said:

"Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill, Volume 2 is an exuberant celebration of moviemaking, coasting with heedless joy from one audacious chapter to another, working as irony, working as satire, working as drama, working as pure action. I liked it even more than Kill Bill, Volume 1."

While Christopher Orr, of The New Republic, said:

"Where KB1 had the pace of an ADHD six-year-old on a sugar high, KB2 has been Ritalinized, its tempo slowed to a crawl in self-conscious, and self-defeating, imitation of Sergio Leone. It's two hours that feel like five."

As for our MoFo reviewers, MovieMeditation said:

"The whole bloody affair of Kill Bill is a picture-perfect "portrayal of betrayal", which as a whole is an amazing experience; but the second volume beats out the first by several miles in my opinion. On the other hand, if you want full-blown entertainment volume one will deliver that and more to you, while the second is just masterful filmmaking at its finest!"

Meanwhile, Sedai said:

"I liked Kill Bill Volume 2. At this point I think I may like Volume 1 a bit more, but I have a feeling after additional viewings of both, that may change, as Volume 2 is a more character driven, personal film. So if you don’t mind some drawn out conversation and additional character development, I recommend Kill Bill Volume 2. If you’re looking for another high energy action film, You may want to stick with Volume 1."

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #33, Up...

https://i.imgur.com/jNJ1hB0.png

It currently has a 98% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 8.2/10 score on IMDb (with 992,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★★ and said:

"The adventures on the jungle plateau are satisfying in a Mummy/Tomb Raider/Indiana Jones sort of way. But they aren't the whole point of the film. This isn't a movie like Monsters vs. Aliens, which is mostly just frenetic action. There are stakes here, and personalities involved, and two old men battling for meaning in their lives. And a kid who, for once, isn't smarter than all the adults."

While Stephanie Zacharek, of Salon.com, said:

"Its charms appear to have been applied with surgical precision; by the end, I felt expertly sutured, but not much else."

As for our MoFo reviewers, Yoda said:

"This is an odd film: the hero is a geriatric, his sidekicks are unusually eclectic, and even the villain and his 'henchmen' are atypical. It carries with it an unusually advanced message for a family film. The obligatory 'it's never too late to do so-and-so' meme is present, to be sure, but it's not what Up is really about. It praises something much more ordinary and powerful, and suggests that the kinds of choices we think life has forced us into are really exactly what we wanted. Life, itself, is the adventure."

Meanwhile, gbgoodies said:

"It has some very good scenes, but just not enough for me to love this movie as much as the rest of you seem to love it. But it is a good movie, and I would definitely recommend it more now than I would have before the re-watch."

[Thief]

Trailers

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTt8cCIvGYI

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

[Thief]

Awards

-

Now to the awards received by Kill Bill Vol. 2...



Saturn Award for Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film
Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor (David Carradine) and Supporting Actress (Daryl Hannah)
American Choreography Award for Outstanding Fight Choreography
Golden Schmoes Award for Best Director (Quentin Tarantino)
Golden Schmoes Award for Best Actress (Uma Thurman) and Supporting Actor (Carradine)
Hollywood Film Award for Editor of the Year (Sally Menke)



As for Up, it won...



Academy Award for Best Score (Michael Giacchino)
Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film
BAFTA Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music (Giacchino)
BAFTA Film Award for Best Animated Film
AFI Award for Movie of the Year
Annie Award for Best Animated Feature and Best Director (Pete Docter)
Cannes Film Festival Palm Dog (Dug)

[Thief]

Trivia

-

Kill Bill Vol. 2

https://espanol.news24viral.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/El-sorprendente-rumor-sobre-Warren-Beatty-que-quizas-no-conocias.jpg

Did you know that...


Tarantino originally wrote the character of Bill for Warren Beatty? However, as he developed the role and turned him into a martial arts expert, he rewrote it for David Carradine.
Harvey Weinstein was the one who suggested that Tarantino split the film?
Uma Thurman was injured in a car crash while filming the scene in which she drives to Bill? Even though she expressed she was uncomfortable driving the car and asked for a stunt driver, Tarantino insisted. This resulted in a rift between them that lasted until recent years.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgmLTv9gdAM

[PHOENIX74]

34. Kill Bill Vol. 2 : I've decided that I watch Quentin Tarantino movies too many times, except for Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs of which no amount of viewings could be deemed as "too much" - but as for the Kill Bill films and Basterds, Django and Hateful Eight - I've seen them an almost endless amount of times. Is it quality that has boosted the appeal of rewatching to this extent? To some degree, probably. He doesn't really tell great stories, but the composition of the scenes in these films are as hypnotic as cinema can get, and a mere conversation in a Tarantino film can transfix me over and over again. Kill Bill Vol. 2 was for me a satisfying conclusion to what was once going to be one long 4-hour film. It was no-nonsense compared to Vol. 1 with interesting choices throughout. Uma's bride never just fought each one of her foes in an epic battle to the death - events and surprises intrude and make things interesting. I hang out for that complete version, but it seems the man is determined not to give it to us. I didn't vote for Kill Bill Vol. 2, but admit that all of Tarantino's films bar Death Proof (which I still thought was good) are up there with the best of the decade.

33. Up : To prepare for this countdown I watched a lot of Pixar films, and Up was amongst them. The first 5 minutes almost had me weeping - sensitive soul I am. I'd love to watch an audience watching that opening. Then off we go on the usual funny and entertaining film that they ordinarily deliver. I thought the cute kid was great, he still gives me a grin just thinking back. I also wonder what the world would really be like if we could have a device that externalizes our dog's thoughts? They'd probably start getting on our nerves. Anyway, happy to tick this off the list in time for the countdown - I only have Monsters Inc to go I think. No votes for me here either.

Seen 56/68

[Thief]

Trivia

-

Up

https://photos.auctionanything.com/x/9186/4ofphotos1.jpeg

Did you know that...


director and co-writer Pete Docter has noted the film reflects his friendship with Disney veterans Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, and Joe Grant? All three died before the film's release and the film is dedicated to them.
early concepts for the film featured a floating city on an alien planet populated with muppet-like creatures?
there was a real estate incident in 2006 in Seattle, where a woman called Edith Macefield refused to sell her house for $1 million to make way for a commercial development? Any similarities were coincidental, since the film had started development in 2004 and Macefield ultimately passed away in 2008. In 2009, Disney publicists attached balloons to the roof of the Macefield house as a promotional tie-in.


https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/571e9ca79f7266c5847c85bf/1515972356663-J4KJXAHPGTU6U2T54C5O/22e.jpg

[ynwtf]

Yes.

[Thief]

You and me both. Guessing is hard enough but I liked the clues before they became poems.

Serious question, what kind of hints do you prefer?

[John W Constantine]

poems

[ynwtf]

Luuuuuuuuv poems, to be specific. Tell us we have pretty ears. That our avatars are the bestest avatars. Our replies should be angelic whispers through your ear buds when using text-to-speech apps. Tell us it's going to be OK when Gigli and Pearl Harbor tie for #19. Lie to us.

[John Dumbear]

Serious question, what kind of hints do you prefer?

Haiku

[KeyserCorleone]

Poems are cool, but I prefer weird little sentences that sound like riddles.

[Thief]

Poems are cool, but I prefer weird little sentences that sound like riddles.

Hmmm, let's see then. This applies to the lead characters from both films...


They are not where they're used to be
They are entertainers
They are helped by a most unlikely person

[dadgumblah]

Kill Bill Vol. 2 is one that I, like many here at MoFo, think is better than the first. I don't know if it was because we got more story or characterization, or if the dots were connected all the way. But it just amused me a lot, particularly in the scene where someone emerges from a premature burial and we see them crossing a road with dust billowing off of them, entering a diner and asking for a glass of water. One of my favorite scenes of any movie, ever. :p


Up is a movie that I, animation lover that I am, have yet to see. I know, I know. I just keep missing it. I'm going to just break down and buy the DVD. I know I'll love it. Neither of these made my list.


#5. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl 63
#8. Unbreakable 62
#10. Million Dollar Baby 57
#18. The Royal Tenenbaums 35
#22. Fantastic Mr. Fox 70
#20. Iron Man 83
#21 Finding Nemo 44
#23. The Descent 80
#25. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 76

[ynwtf]

omg. Gigli is much too early =\ so is Catwoman.

[gbgoodies]

Many years ago, I bought the DVDs of both Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Kill Bill: Vol. 2, (at a garage sale), because I had heard so much about how good they were, and it piqued my curiosity. I didn't know anything about the movies, except that everyone was praising them. I watched Kill Bill: Vol. 1, but I hated it so much that I gave away the DVDs without watching the second movie.

The first time I watched Up, I was blown away by the scenes with Carl and Ellie at beginning of the movie, but I didn't care much for the rest of the movie. Then I watched it again for the Animated Movie Countdown, and I liked it more, but I still didn't love it. I have watched it several times since then, and it seems to get a little better each time, but it's still far from my favorite Pixar movie. But I still think the first few minutes is one of the best animated shorts that I've ever seen.

It also makes an amazing music video for several great country music love songs:

"I Cross My Heart" sung by George Strait:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqXF7zlKIQw

"Remember When" sung by Alan Jackson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTtAq6owBdg

[Takoma11]

Serious question, what kind of hints do you prefer?

Interpretive. Dance.

And I will not say it again!!

[ynwtf]

Interpretive. Dance.

And I will not say it again!!

Excellent idea. I might even volunteer to post videos to YouTube for the next countdown. Depending on the theme, of course.

[Takoma11]

Excellent idea. I might even volunteer to post videos to YouTube for the next countdown. Depending on the theme, of course.

New rule for countdowns: You must submit your ballot AND a 10-15 second interpretive dance representing your #1 film. If the person running the countdown is moved to tears by your performance, your film gets an extra 2 points.

[mark f]

Or minus 2.

[Citizen Rules]

Serious question, what kind of hints do you prefer?Oh, I was just being Raul for a moment:p You're doing one helluva impressive job as host, no complaints here.

[Citizen Rules]

Poems are cool, but I prefer weird little sentences that sound like riddles.Ditto that. I can't wrap my head around the poems, I couldn't get them when Yoda did that either. Not a complaint, just saying, I liked the first hints that were gave at the start of this.

[pahaK]

Seen Kill Bill 2 once. At least then it felt disappointing after the first one, and I haven't yet rewatched it. I haven't seen Up, a common trend among the Pixars.

Seen: 32/68

[donniedarko]

I put Volume I pretty high on my ballot, as it's the one I slighly prefer, Coma awakening and opening fight scene are my favorites of the two. Give both 4 , but only voted for the first

Other ratings, that are so old they're pretty irrelevant but it's worth for the time of watching
The Prestige - 1.5
The Incredibles- 4
The Royal Tanenbaums- 3

[John-Connor]

Hmmm, let's see then. This applies to the lead characters from both films...


They are not where they're used to be
They are entertainers
They are helped by a most unlikely person

O Brother, Where Art Thou?
The Two Towers

Faildictions;
You Don’t Mess with the Zohan
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

[Thursday Next]

The Royal Tenenbaums is possibly my favourite Wes Anderson but it didn't make my list. I agree with some other comments that Anderson's style has refined or distilled and become more Anderson-y over the years. I also think his films have become glossier which isn't always a good thing. I guess how much you like them depends on how much you enjoy his brand of quirk. Tenenbaums has just about the right amount for me.

Up and The Incredibles are both fine Pixar movies with some clever and/or moving parts. I don't love them though. I just think the human Pixar characters aren't as visually appealing as the fish of Finding Nemo or the Monsters of Monsters Inc.

I hated Kill Bill Vol. 1 so I've never seen Vol. 2.

As for the hint, I'm going to say:

Lost in Translation
One of the Lord of the Rings movies probably Two Towers

[rauldc14]

Two Towers and Spirited Away

[honeykid]

Sometimes I wonder why I like you.
You have 7 likes for this comment (1 of which is mine) I wonder how many of those people also wonder the same thing for themselves and how many just wonder the same? :D

Because he admitted he's only seen it once, thereby absolving those of us who love the film and insist it has depth of arguing with him! :) What am I gonna say...the thing he already said?
Exactly. And exactly why I included it in my reply. I'm not telling anyone it isn't the things they love and feel about it. Just that I didn't see or feel it the one time I saw it.

Hang on a minute.

Haiku
https://media1.tenor.com/images/3ea03e2ba19c1dcd5d5cff888501f442/tenor.gif?itemid=10268918

Now, bring on the next 2 films from a terrible decade I can besmirch and/or ridicule... Or, more likely, just say I haven't seen.

[KeyserCorleone]

Hmmm, let's see then. This applies to the lead characters from both films...


They are not where they're used to be
They are entertainers
They are helped by a most unlikely person



Pretty good. Lemme show you my Finding Nemo one to get a better idea.


"When in the shadow of death, keep punching and boxing, among other physical traits."


Since I don't want people guessing on this instead, I'll just tell you. The shadow of death is the abyss where Dory sings "Just Keep Swimming," which the second half references. But the kicking and boxing refers to a kangaroo, exclusively native to Australia.

[Captain Terror]

New rule for countdowns: You must submit your ballot AND a 10-15 second interpretive dance representing your #1 film.
I'm not supposed to reveal my #1 pick, but let's just say we should all be thankful that I won't be subjecting any of you to this. That would really be ... something.

[KeyserCorleone]

New rule for countdowns: You must submit your ballot AND a 10-15 second interpretive dance representing your #1 film. If the person running the countdown is moved to tears by your performance, your film gets an extra 2 points.



I'm not doing this until I get a sequin unitard.

[Yoda]

Oh, also, forgot to say I rewatched all of Kill Bill very very recently, by coincidence. Not for this or anything, but just because there was a little gap between when we started staying at the new house and when the Internet was up and running, so we bridged the gap with some DVDs and that was one of them.

Still tremendously watchable (which is why we picked it, of course), and picked up one some foreshadowing I hadn't noticed the first X times.

[Takoma11]

I'm not doing this until I get a sequin unitard.

One should have been mailed to you when you registered here. Please contact an admin if you have not received your sequin unitard.

[Thief]

Reveals in a few. Got caught up in the Christmas ornaments disassembly and I gotta keep the wife happy.

[KeyserCorleone]

One should have been mailed to you when you registered here. Please contact an admin if you have not received your sequin unitard.


I hope so. They sent me a stupid tux and rolex instead, as if I didn't already have a closet full of em.

[Thief]

Oh, I was just being Raul for a moment:p You're doing one helluva impressive job as host, no complaints here.

Oh, good heavens, NO! :sick::sick:

[Thief]

195 points, 15 listsLost in Translation (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/153-lost-in-translation.html)Director
Sofia Coppola, 2003

Starring
Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris

[Thief]

199 points, 16 listsThe Pianist (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/423-the-pianist.html)Director
Roman Polanski, 2002

Starring
Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay, Maureen Lipman

[Thief]

As for the hint, I'm going to say:

Lost in Translation
One of the Lord of the Rings movies probably Two Towers

You win half a prize!

https://cdn.drawception.com/images/panels/2017/5-6/HMxEdALBwL-12.png

[Thief]

Hint breakdown...

Hmmm, let's see then. This applies to the lead characters from both films...


They are not where they're used to be (reference to the "Lost" in the title, but also to the lead characters being "lost" in another country, or in the midst of war)
They are entertainers (Bob is an actor, and Szpilman is, well, a pianist)
They are helped by a most unlikely person (Bob, an older man, is "helped" by a much younger woman, and Szpilman is helped by a Nazi German)


Ta-ta!

[Chypmunk]

Tried watching Lost In Translation once but wasn't feeling it and have never returned to retry it (having a very low opinion of The Bling Ring from Ms. Coppola certainly didn't help in garnering any enthusiasm to do so). Probably haven't ever seen The Pianist, I'd imagine if I had it would have left some impression.

Seen: 43/70 (Own: 31/70)

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):
30. Whale Rider (2002)
29. The Others (2001)

[seanc]

Lost In Translation was my 23. It may have fell off if I hadn’t recently rewatched it. It’s tremendous. Such a melancholy film, and I adore spending time in it.

I held off on The Pianist way too long. I don’t really enjoy Brody outside of Anderson. The movie is fantastic though. Just outside being a favorite but certainly would be top 50 of the decade for me.

[SpelingError]

Haven't seen Lost in Translation.

The Pianist, on the other hand, was #18 on my ballot. The film successfully captures the mundanity of living in isolation, a lot of the violence feels like it's being shown from Szpilman's point of view, and the story is compelling in terms of who helps Szpilman out and who doesn't. In fact, I rewatched it last week with my roommate and he enjoyed it quite a bit as well.

1. The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (#78)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. A Serious Man (#66)
8.
9. 28 Days Later (#45)
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18. The Pianist (#31)
19.
20. Moon (#48)
21.
22.
23. Sunshine (#88)
24.
25. The New World (#99)

[Miss Vicky]

I watched Lost in Translation once many years ago and was pretty thoroughly unimpressed with it, though don't ask me to recall the specifics of why.

I haven't seen The Pianist and have no desire to change that.

[pahaK]

I've watched Lost in Translation from telly once and wasn't too impressed. I don't think I've seen the other.

[Deschain]

Wow those are both very high. I didn’t know The Pianist was so beloved.

[Iroquois]

No votes. What are the odds, I ended up rewatching Lost in Translation today. Parts of it haven't aged well in one way or another, but it still holds up where it counts. I've seen The Pianist once and liked it, but have felt little reason to revisit it.

[Yoda]

You win half a prize!

https://cdn.drawception.com/images/panels/2017/5-6/HMxEdALBwL-12.png
I like this, but the 10,000% effort version would be having a 0.5 on there.

[Allaby]

The Pianist is excellent. I found Lost in Translation to be boring and dull.

[mark f]

Not a big fan of Lost In Translation. I think more of it now than I once did, and I always love Murray.

The Pianist is my #19. The performances and Polanski's direction are mindblowing with kudos to the art direction.

My List

1. The Incredibles
8. Up
10. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
11. Everything Will Be OK
19. The Pianist
21. Pride & Prejudice

[Citizen Rules]

Lost in Translation The Pianist
Two really solid films, that I need to rewatch one of these days. Glad they made the list!

[Thief]

I like this, but the 10,000% effort version would be having a 0.5 on there.

I don't know, man. I only work here.

[Thief]

I have a podcast interview in a few minutes, but I'll come back and post my usual stuff.

[MovieMeditation]

No votes from me. But both are really good films.

[KeyserCorleone]

Two movies that are very high on my todo list. I started both before. I quit Lost in Translation because at the time it bored me, and I have trouble dealing with movies centering around Nazi oppression.

[donniedarko]

The Pianist is my #1 and in my mind the most touching film ever created, by the greatest director. Masterpiece in every sense of the word, thrilled to see it so high. There's many great holocaust films, but this one captures the horror greater than the rest.

Liked Lost in Translation enough, hard to find a Bill Murray film I don't



https://imgtoolkit.culturebase.org/?color=FFFFFF&quality=8&ar_ratio=1.3&format=jpg&file=http%3A%2F%2Fdata.heimat.de%2Fpics%2F3%2F6%2F9%2F3%2Fe%2Fpic_1505222298_3693e325e06cd1a4669d09c a2beba6a7.jpeg&do=cropOut&width=1200&height=780
My List
1. The Pianist
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)

[ynwtf]

You win half a prize!

https://cdn.drawception.com/images/panels/2017/5-6/HMxEdALBwL-12.png


Looks like a guy from The Electric Company peaking around a corner of a low budget scene.

[Kaplan]

I had Lost in Translation at #20. I find it's simple, straightforward, quiet storytelling very effective, and Bill Murray is able to make it work. The inner lives of the characters is more felt than dramatized, but I can feel the loneliness, the isolation, the need for meaning in their lives these characters are struggling with, and I think it's a quietly beautiful movie.

My List:
3. Synecdoche, New York (#46)
8. Sin City (#47)
13. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (#53)
14. The Lives of Others (#41)
16. The Royal Tenenbaums (#35)
18. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (#86)
19. The Incredibles (#36)
20. Lost in Translation (#32)
22. The Man Who Wasn’t There (#84)
24. Moon (#48)

[ueno_station54]

I really loved Lost in Translation when I saw it, probably should have been on my list but just kind of forgot about it lol. also remember enjoying The Pianist well enough.

[Holden Pike]

84240

Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation was all the way up at #7 on the MoFo Top 100 of the Millennium List while Polanski's The Pianist moves up five spots from its #36 position.

[Wyldesyde19]

Lost in Translation was my #5.

Such a melancholy film about two lonely souls who connect in a foreign city. And that last scene where he whispers to her something private that we may never know the contents of.

The Pianist was a late cut from my list, although it probably should have been included somewhere.

Both worthy films.

[Holden Pike]

84241

I flat out adore Bill Murray and Lost in Translation was in the mix before I cut it, but I am a big fan (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=16227) Polanski’s films, and The Pianist is certainly one of his top tier masterpieces. I had it at number ten on my ballot. No matter what one thinks of Roman Polanski post-1977, the story of his childhood and rather miraculous escape from the Nazis in a very similar fashion to Władysław Szpilman’s is harrowing, and he powerfully used his own tragic autobiography to flesh out the details of Warsaw on screen. Adrien Brody was one of the biggest surprise Oscar winners ever when he took Best Actor over Daniel Day-Lewis, Jack Nicholson, Michael Caine, and Nic Cage, but he also richly deserved it. I happened to catch most of it flipping around cable a couple days ago, as stunning as ever, and it could have been even higher on my list.

That's eleven of mine, so far.

HOLDEN’S BALLOT
1. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (#86)
2. Dancer in the Dark (#49)
9. The Lives of Others (#41)
10. The Pianist (#31)
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)

[cricket]

I slightly prefer Lost in Translation but both are terrific movies. No votes from me.

[mrblond]

• I saw The Pianist in the theatre when it came out and couple more times in the later years. I have the DVD in my collection. No matter of the banal theme, this is a very good storyline masterly created by a top level director such as Polanski. In my view, Adrien Brody is superb here and deserved the Oscar he got for the role.
This film is #12 on my Ballot. 4.5

• I was in the theatre for Lost in Translation too as well as I got the DVD and have seen it couple more times. Good movie, kind of a new approach. I briefly considered it for my ballot, would probably be my #33. 4.0
84244

_____________
my stats
▽
Top 100 seen 38/70.
(seen one pointers 3/38 • seen 101-110: 5/10)
--
My list:
...
4. Snatch [#71.]
5. The Royal Tenenbaums [#35.]
...
8. Sideways [#39.]
9. Amores perros [#81.]
10. The Wrestler [#54.]
...
12. The Pianist [#31.]
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/z3r4kQQBoIAEIZMeW2diVRE8DIV.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/5p3tGb5a5426BeC0Ch92T3IWNK9.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/vV4vlD4ool5JSsS1rB82qjCF6z8.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/6OTR8dSoNGjWohJNo3UhIGd3Tj.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/3DzePKMbLMIM636S6syCy3cLPqj.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/lrCgt8NNMyFsfmXyXiSSCRXNH4u.jpg
--


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]
Casino Royale [#37]
Lost in Translation [#32]
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.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/ta2BX3THwYXytWuVVozaT0NsMM8.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/yDY1LLuMdWA0xO09ciVeDHHJWFr.jpg

[GulfportDoc]

In my view The Pianist was a great film, with excellent acting by Brody, direction by Polanski, and cinematography by Pawel Edelman (one of Europe's finest). It's impossible to watch it and not get involved in the suspense and the emotion of it all.

Lost in Translation was a cute film.

[Thief]

Seen both, voted for none...

I love The Pianist. It's one of my wife's favorite films, so I've seen it a couple of times. I think it's a film that has so many great little moments in there that convey that chaotic desperation of living this hell... like the family sharing a piece of chocolate for the last time, or Szpilman finding himself in the middle of a firefight, or the quietness of that first moment he plays the piano for the Nazi guy... It's great, but I didn't vote for it.

Lost in Translation I haven't seen in a good while, which is probably the reason why I never considered it. I remember bits and pieces, but it's overdue for a rewatch. As of now, it remains known to me mostly as the source of a quote one of my older brothers told me when we were about to get our kids :laugh: "Your life... as you know it... is gone. Never to return". I remember liking it a lot, but again, I should rewatch it.


How far am I?...

Seen: 53/70


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. Synecdoche, New York (#46)
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13. The Prestige (#38)
14.
15.
16.
17. Once (#103)
18.
19.
20.
21. Before Sunset (#42)
22.
23. Mother (#96)
24.
25.

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #32, Lost in Translation...

https://i.imgur.com/WBL6rMn.png

It currently has a 95% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 7.7/10 score on IMDb (with 439,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★★ and said:

"Well, I loved this movie. I loved the way Coppola and her actors negotiated the hazards of romance and comedy, taking what little they needed and depending for the rest on the truth of the characters. I loved the way Bob and Charlotte didn't solve their problems, but felt a little better anyway. I loved the moment near the end when Bob runs after Charlotte and says something in her ear, and we're not allowed to hear it."

Meanwhile Donald J. Levit, of ReelTalk Movie Reviews, said:

"Because it lacks focus, as well as confidence in its story and stars, Lost in Translation squanders a good opportunity."

As for our MoFo reviewers, Skepsis93 said:

"Simply put, an incredibly heartfelt, impeccably acted and directed, bittersweet yet uplifting film that blows me away every time I see it."

And Gideon58 said:

"Coppola is to be applauded for setting the story on foreign soil, but the story is often fuzzy and devoid of focus, never really clarifying what the movie is supposed to be about. The fish out of water elements of the story are the strongest... watching Bob Lewis deal with the Japanese and their sensibilities was a joy to watch, but the relationship with Charlotte is kind of sketchy and never really makes clear how Bob and Charlotte feel about each other."

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #31, The Pianist...

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

It currently has a 95% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 8.5/10 score on IMDb (with 786,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★½ and said:

"This is not a thriller, and avoids any temptation to crank up suspense or sentiment; it is the pianist's witness to what he saw and what happened to him. That he survived was not a victory when all whom he loved died; Polanski, in talking about his own experiences, has said that the death of his mother in the gas chambers remains so hurtful that only his own death will bring closure."

Meanwhile John Anderson, of Newsday, gave it ★½ and said:

"Cartoonish in some parts, ham-handed in others and very un-Polanski."

As for our MoFo reviewers, TheUsualSuspect said:

"The Pianist is no Schindler's List, but it never tries to. It's no second rate Schindler either, it's telling it's own story and the two are powerful on their own merits. Polanski even adds in his own personal experiences, thus making it more personal."

[Thief]

Trailers

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6iVPCRflQM

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

[rauldc14]

Need to get a hint right. It's been too damn long.

[Thief]

Stats: Pit Stop #7
https://i.imgur.com/E9j51LN.jpg?1

-

This is the seventh pit stop (70), so here are our stats so far:

Decade Breakdown


2000 = 13
2001 = 8
2002 = 5
2003 = 5
2004 = 8
2005 = 12
2006 = 4
2007 = 4
2008 = 4
2009 = 7


2000 eeks past 2005 for the top spot, but 2001 and 2004 get closer!


Director Breakdown


Wes Anderson = 3 (The Royal Tenenbaums, 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)
Pete Docter = 2 (Up, Monsters Inc.) = 100%
Christopher Nolan = 2 (The Prestige, Batman Begins)


Two more join the list, while Wes Anderson takes the lead with 3 films in the countdown! Out of the 4 he made in the decade, will he get a 100%? Docter already got his 100% getting both his films in.


Genre Breakdown


Musical = 2
Biopic drama = 5
Romantic drama = 5
Horror = 4
Coming of age = 2
Thriller = 8
Drama/mystery = 4
Comedy drama = 9
Action comedy = 2
Epic, war drama = 2
Psychological drama = 4
Animated drama = 2
Animated comedy = 5
Superhero action = 4
Crime = 5
Western/Neo-western = 2
Science fiction = 2
Martial arts = 2
Action = 1


70 films in and comedy dramas took over! Thrillers are close behind still, though.


And finally, no changes as far as foreign films so we remain at 16 of the 70, while we add 2 more animated films to the list for a total of 7.

[SpelingError]

2000 = 13
2001 = 8
2002 = 5
2003 = 5
2004 = 8
2005 = 12
2006 = 4
2007 = 4
2008 = 4
2009 = 7


I expected that films from 2007 would appear in this countdown the most. I'm surprised.

[KeyserCorleone]

And in an era of gritty reboots and nightshift vigilantes, the dominant genre is the dramedy. Aristotle would love this.

[Thief]

And adding up to our list of notable actor occurrences...

4 FILMS

Christian Bale (#38*, #60*, #79*, #99)
Bill Murray (#32*, #35, #70, #98*)
Willem Dafoe (#44, #70, #79, #98)


3 FILMS

Brad Pitt (#51*, #68, #71)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (#46*, #73, #90)
Cillian Murphy (#45*, #60, #88*)
Samuel L. Jackson (#36, #62, #83)


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*)
Keira Knightley (#63, #93*)
Owen Wilson (#35*, #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*)
Scarlett Johansson (#38, #32*)
Russell Crowe (#40*, #100*)
Joaquin Phoenix (#40, #67)


*means leading part

Again, I'm sure I might be missing something.

[ApexPredator]

Haven't seen: Lost in Translation, The Pianist. Both have been on my watchlist for a while, but can never seem to commit to watching it.

Good film, Not on the List: Kill Bill Volume 2. The margin between this one and the first is pretty thin. Maybe the second one kind of felt inevitable about what was going to happen, even though there's some plot elements that do come as surprises?

Made the List: Up is my number 8. It does a great job of balancing humor (the talking dog) with emotion (that sequence chronicling the life of Ellie and Carl is a grabber). The reluctant friendship of Carl with scrappy boy scout Russell helps the film take off once the house does. Throw in some good visuals and some storyline happenings and it deserves to be among the best Pixars outside of maybe the Toy Stories.

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

Honorable Mentions:
Remember the Titans
Unbreakable

[dadgumblah]

Lost in Translation is a very nice, smooth film that simply follows two characters as they gravitate towards each other, being lonely in one of the busiest, noisiest cities in the world. Whether it's love they feel is besides the point, it's just the fellowship they share that matters. And whatever Bill's character whispers to Scarlett's character at the end is, I feel, none of our business. I felt it was more fun to imagine what it was. Either way, the experience they shared was not in vain. Very good film. But...didn't vote for it. :(

The Pianist is a devastating movie that is powered by Adrian Brody's phenomenal performance. I also cannot watch movies dealing with the Holocaust more than once, no matter how well-made they are. Again, didn't vote for it.


#5. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl 63
#8. Unbreakable 62
#10. Million Dollar Baby 57
#18. The Royal Tenenbaums 35
#22. Fantastic Mr. Fox 70
#20. Iron Man 83
#21 Finding Nemo 44
#23. The Descent 80
#25. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 76

[PHOENIX74]

32. Lost in Translation : I have to put a lot of my love for this film down to Bill Murray - and the script, although it was a very loose screenplay which allowed the actors to improvise a lot - something Murray is ideally suited to. It also really captures the feeling of being in Tokyo without any friends and family - lost in a sea of crazy cultural happenings, movement and alienation. An instant and strong bond will form with anyone that is also a foreigner in this place. The Bond that forms between Scarlett Johansson's character and Murray's faded star is one of the most heartfelt and touching I've ever seen in a film, and provides the perfect foreground and contrast to our characters inability to even communicate with the others around them in any sense. It's Bill Murray's favourite film of his own, and I think it is certainly his best as well. He lost in the Oscar race to Sean Penn for his role in Mystic River. There are many wonderful moments and scenes that are set up perfectly, with ambiance, intelligence and warmth. Lost in Translation was my #7.

31. The Pianist : I have fond memories of watching this with my sister who was visiting from far away - she hadn't seen it before, and liked the film very much - as do I. Was very surprised to see Chicago beat it for the Best Picture Oscar at the time. Great opening, with Wladyslaw Szpilman (Adrien Brody) playing piano for a radio show, doggedly refusing to stop despite bombing and destruction going on around him - the start of a 6 year ordeal that many millions wouldn't survive. The events have become very familiar to us, but there's a clarity in The Pianist that makes viewing it worth your while, and Brody carries the film well. The fact that director Roman Polanski himself survived the Holocaust helps to add additional authenticity to proceedings. It didn't make my list however.

My list so far :

1 -
2 - Adaptation (2002) - #43
3 -
4 -
5 -
6 - The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) - #51
7 - Lost in Translation (2003) - #32
8 - Dancer in the Dark (2000) - #49
9 - A Serious Man (2009) - #66
10 - Little Miss Sunshine (2006) - #102
11 -
12 -
13 - The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (2005) - #78
14 -
15 -
16 - The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) - #59
17 - Sideways (2004) - #39
18 -
19 - Michael Clayton (2007) - #109
20 - In Bruges (2008) - #56
21 - The Man Who Wasn't There (2001) - #84
22 -
23 - Snatch (2000) - #71
24 -
25 - World's Greatest Dad (2009) - 1 pointer

[Thief]

Awards

-

Now to the awards received by Lost in Translation...



Academy Award for Best Screenplay (Sofia Coppola)
BAFTA Award for Best Actor (Bill Murray) and Best Actress (Scarlett Johansson)
BAFTA Award for Best Editing (Sarah Flack)
Chlotrudis Award for Best Movie, Best Director (Coppola) and Best Screenplay
Golden Globe Award for Best Picture
Golden Globe Award for Best Lead Actor (Murray) and Screenplay (Coppola)
Satellite Award for Best Actor (Murray), Best Picture, and Best Screenplay (Coppola)


Among many, many others.

As for The Pianist, it won...



Academy Award for Best Actor (Adrien Brody)
Academy Award for Best Director (Roman Polanski) and Best Screenplay (Ronald Harwood)
BAFTA Award for Best Film
BAFTA David Lean Award for Direction (Polanski)
Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or
Goya Award for Best European Film

[Thief]

Trivia

-

Lost in Translation

https://www.denofgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/bill_murray_sofia_coppola_a24_apple_movie-1.jpg?fit=1000%2C632

Did you know that...


Sofia Coppola envisioned Bill Murray for the role of Bob from the beginning?
this is Murray's favorite film of his?
Francis Ford Coppola, Sofia's father, urged her to shoot the movie in HD because "it's the future", but she chose film because it "feels more romantic"?
Coppola was the first woman to be Oscar nominated for writing, directing, and producing in the same year?
Murray whispering to Scarlett Johansson's ear in the end of the film was an improvisation from him? Coppola had written some lines, but was unhappy with them and Murray came up with the whisper. Although some videos claim to reveal what he said, none of the actors involved have revealed it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHlhqTuBIn0

[Thief]

Trivia

-

The Pianist

https://static0.thethingsimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Joseph-Fiennes.jpg

Did you know that...


Joseph Fiennes was Polanski's first choice for the role of Szpilman? He turned it down because of a previous theatrical commitment.
Adrien Brody learned to play the piano for the role?
Brody lost 31 lbs. for the role?
in order to connect with the feeling of loss required for the role, Brody got rid of his apartment, sold his car, and didn't watch television?


https://mindlifetv.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/What-became-of-Adrien-Brody-from-moving-the-world-with.jpg

[Swan]

I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE LOST IN TRANSLATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Thief]

Hint, hint...


Blood, blood everywhere
Guns, stabs, bites
You can lay low
or knock my door at nights

Outside is cold
Inside is not
I'll keep you safe
Just don't get caught

Whether by pool
or up the steeple
It's full of blood
From many people

[Rockatansky]

Let the Right One In is one of them.

[KeyserCorleone]

Let the Right One In is one of them.


This and Kill Bill 1?

[gbgoodies]

I watched Lost in Translation for the Films Directed By Women Countdown, (where it was #1 on the countdown (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=1953604#post1953604)). I liked it, but not enough for it to make my list for that countdown. I rewatched it for this countdown, and I liked it more the second time, but it still didn't make my list.

The Pianist is another movie that I watched for this countdown because I found the DVD at a garage sale. This is another movie that falls in the category of great movies that I have no desire to ever rewatch.

[Thursday Next]

Lost in Translation was my #1. I have loved this film since I first saw it and have seen it many times since. Every time I start wondering whether it is really that good after reading people's less positive reactions but then I see it and nope, it's still there. Of course it could absolutely do without that scene with the escort where it basically seems like it's making fun of her English, but beyond that I think it deals very smartly with feelings of things being lost in translation, not being able to connect, things meaning different things to different people, feeling adrift. There's a wonderful atmosphere of melancholy and wistfulness with moments of joy. The music in this film is excellent. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson are perfect for their roles. Most of all, it looks absolutely beautiful.

The Pianist I watched years ago and thought it was brilliant, but I've never felt like revisiting it. I probably should not have held that against it and voted for it. Adrien Brody was very good.

[pahaK]

Let the Right One In is one of them.

Unfortunately, I agree. I wished it had been higher :(

[rauldc14]

This and Kill Bill 1?

You win sir.

[Sedai]

Yea, I must agree on Let the Right One In and Kill Bill Vol. 1. I am late to the guess party, as usual!

[honeykid]

Now, bring on the next 2 films from a terrible decade I can besmirch and/or ridicule... Or, more likely, just say I haven't seen.

It's like I'm psychic or something? :D I haven't seen them.

84240

Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation was all the way up at #7 on the MoFo Top 100 of the Millennium List while Polanski's The Pianist moves up five spots from its #36 position.
And look how happy he is about that? Moved to tears.

[John Dumbear]

New and improved percentage totals! Not getting better...



1. 100%
2. 100%
3. 80%
4. 100%
5. 90%
6. 70%
7. Sideways
8. In Bruges
9. 70%
10. 80%
11. 0%
12. 40%
13. Quills
14. 20%
15. 70%
16. The Wrestler
17. 28 Days Later
18. 40%
19. 50%
20. 0%
21. 20%
22. 1%
23. 30%
24. American Psycho
25. The OH in Ohio 1-ptr



Have seen so far: 37/ 71
Put on list for future viewing: 11
My list that ended up on the cutting room floor (dammit!): 6
Put on "meh" list : 18
Zero chance of ever watching: 11
1 Ptrs: seen 8

[Thief]

Reveals in a few...

[Chypmunk]

*practises shocked face
https://c.tenor.com/aPQxDdpoYLgAAAAM/shock-anime.gif

[pahaK]

*practises shocked face
https://c.tenor.com/aPQxDdpoYLgAAAAM/shock-anime.gif

https://i.gifer.com/2Kk.gif

[Chypmunk]

https://i.gifer.com/2Kk.gif
Clearly I'm just a mere beginner :D

[Thief]

202 points, 15 listsHot Fuzz (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/4638-hot-fuzz.html)Director
Edgar Wright, 2007

Starring
Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent, Paddy Considine

[Thief]

208 points, 17 listsLet the Right One In (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/13310-let-the-right-one-in.html)Director
Tomas Alfredson, 2008

Starring
Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar, Henrik Dahl

[rauldc14]

Hot Fuzz? Strange entry although never seen it

[Allaby]

Hot Fuzz and Let the Right One In are both fantastic films and deserving entries on the list. Although neither made my ballot, both are 4.5 for me.

[John Dumbear]

pahaK turned me on to "Let the Right One In". And for that, thank you. Not really a fan of horror, but this one grabbed me. " Hot Fuzz" was okay, nowhere near my top 50 of the decade.

[Tugg]

Hot Fuzz was #7 on my ballot.

[MovieMeditation]

Hot Fuzz? Strange entry although never seen it
It’s freaking amazing!

One of the best comedies ever made and peak Edgar Wright. The script is so tightly packed with jokes and subtle little details that I still discover new things even on my fifth watch or whatever I’m on…

It’s hilarious, but most importantly, it’s clever. The humor demands your attention. It demands your presence. It’s not like American comedies filled with dick jokes. This is actually well written, well structured jokes, delivered like only the British can. Beautiful.

Hot Fuzz was my #4

[mark f]

Hot Fuzz is really funny but I eliminated it pretty quickly.

Even though Let the Right One In is semi-blood-soaked, the heart and soul of it is the tentative, but tender relationship between two outsider loners who are allowed to feel comfortable with themselves while spending time with each other. The snowbound Swedish landscape is also an important "character" in the film. Allegedly, the title of this film comes from a Morrissey song about letting the right one into your heart, but I prefer to extend that to let the right vampire into your home so that being can get in and stay in your heart. it remains the most-original, evocative horror flick of the 2000s. Cut it from my list near the end.

[Sedai]

Color me surprised. I never even considered Hot Fuzz as something that would make this list.

Meanwhile, Let the Right One In was my #12. Something must have happened as I was putting my final list together, as I like The Descent more than this film, but somehow managed to place it 2 spots lower. If I redid my list today, I would swap those two flicks. That said, Let the Right One In is fantastic, and one of the best modern horror films ever made.

[Miss Vicky]

Hot Fuzz? WTF? I haven't seen it and have no desire to see it but I had no idea it was this loved on the forum.

I've seen Let the Right One In twice and twice I didn't care for it.

[Citizen Rules]

Hot Fuzz, what in the heck is that? Never even heard of it, it sounds like an Adam Sandler movie.

Let the Right One In was one of PahaK better HoF noms, I respected it and see why it's loved.

[pahaK]

It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who knows me even a little that Let the Right One In was my #1. It was at the top of my Foreign ballot and #3 on my All-Time ballot. On this decade list, no other movie threatened its position. The best vampire film ever made, and an excellent bleak coming-of-age story. A perfect blend of horror, drama, and romance.

I haven't seen Hot Fuzz.

Seen: 34/72

My Ballot:
1. Let the Right One In (2008) [#29]
5. Watchmen (2009) [#87]
8. The Descent (2005) [#80]
18. Battle Royale (2000) [#77]
25. Harry Brown (2009) [1-pointer]

[Thief]

Hint breakdown...

Hint, hint...


Blood, blood everywhere (both films deal with blood and violence)
Guns, stabs, bites (HF with guns, LTROI with bites)
You can lay low (reference to characters hiding, taking cover in both)
or knock my door at nights (very direct reference to LTROI)

Outside is cold (reference to the climate in LTROI)
Inside is not (not cold = Hot, get it?)
I'll keep you safe (both films deal with protection, but specifically LTROI)
Just don't get caught (both films have characters trying not to get caught)

Whether by pool (reference to the climax in LTROI)
or up the steeple (and the one in HF, where a character gets impaled in a miniature steeple)
It's full of blood (both scenes are full of blood)
From many people (in LTROI, from many people)

[pahaK]

Let the Right One In was one of PahaK better HoF noms, I respected it and see why it's loved.


I always thought you preferred In a Glass Cage :D

[Sedai]

Just finished Yoda's essay on Up. Excellent!

Will watch Up again soon...

Over the weekend, I watched Casino Royale again. It's good, but Craig still rubs me the wrong way as Bond for some reason. Still would not have made my list.

[Chypmunk]

Yay, finally another one from my ballot :)
It's pretty amusing but I haven't seen Hot Fuzz for over a decade and as such it was never in contention for a spot on said list. I did consider Let The Right One In though and I like it enough for it to have kept a spot on that list right through the entire prep process for this countdown.

Seen: 45/72 (Own: 32/72)

3. Madeo [Mother] (2009) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216496/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_9) [#96]
6. Moon (2009) [#48]
15. Låt den rätte komma in [Let The Right One In] (2008) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139797/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) [#29]
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):
28. Mamma Mia! (2008)
27. Walk The Line (2005)

*today's Countdown reveals were actually faildicted to show up next to each other (albeit slightly higher up the list) which means we've had to go to the subs bench for the subs bench now :D

[Citizen Rules]

I always thought you preferred In a Glass Cage :DHa, NO! But I did like your nom Tideland. I wonder if that might make the countdown?

[John W Constantine]

Kind of a random pairing. I do need to watch Hot Fuzz again as I wasn't really an Edgar Wright fanboy at the time. Let the Right One In i watched within the past year and found it to be okay.

[John-Connor]

No votes but Hot Fuzz is awesome and Let the Right One In is somewhere on my horror-list and 'snow' list..:D

https://i.gifer.com/HE6O.gif

Seen: 52/72

The Pianist is a powerful film from start to finish, told through a musicians point of view makes it stand out from other powerful war films, my #12. Lost in Translation This tale of two lost souls who find each other in Tokyo somehow made a lasting impression on me, my #15.

Ballot: 9/25
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/w600_and_h900_bestv2/ta2BX3THwYXytWuVVozaT0NsMM8.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/ebdFRfLMPLejRQXTREuxW4Cotfs.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/3DzePKMbLMIM636S6syCy3cLPqj.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/yDY1LLuMdWA0xO09ciVeDHHJWFr.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/8qGW691AOyqbKsEhpe7nHwMEbRe.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/r2lDjWiuKuqDyLUcsjt8JugwNrQ.jpg

84253

84254

[cricket]

I like Let the Right One In quite a bit but it was not a contender for my ballot.

I didn't like Hot Fuzz.

[MovieFan1988]

Have seen so far: 24 - Hot Fuzz - A good and funny movie. One of my ballots on the list.
Have not seen so far: 52

My Ballots So Far

#9 - Spider Man 2 (2004)
#20 - Hot Fuzz (2007)
One Pointer - #25 - Anger Management (2003)

[Thief]

Seen both, voted for none...

I saw Hot Fuzz quite a while ago and remember having a lot of fun with it, but haven't revisited since (maybe that's why I leaned more towards Let the Right One In in the hints). I've been meaning to rewatch it cause I really enjoyed the jabs it took at action films and, again, I had a lot of fun watching it.

Let the Right One In is another one I saw a couple of years ago, but it's a lot fresher in my mind. I also enjoyed it a lot, but not to the extent for it to make it into my list.



How many is it now?...

Seen: 55/72


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. Synecdoche, New York (#46)
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13. The Prestige (#38)
14.
15.
16.
17. Once (#103)
18.
19.
20.
21. Before Sunset (#42)
22.
23. Mother (#96)
24.
25.

[Deschain]

Hot Fuzz made my list. Big fan of Edgar Wright.

Let the Right One In narrowly missed my list but it’s excellent too. Don’t sleep on the American remake either, which gets unfairly maligned for being one. It’s also excellent.

[SpelingError]

Haven't seen either film, but I've heard great things about both of them.

[seanc]

I guess I’m one of the few mofos not surprised about Hot Fuzz. It’s the only Wright I straight up dislike so far, but I have always felt well in the minority on that, so I’m not shocked to see it show.

I watched Let The Right One In for the foreign countdown and thought it was pretty meh. That wasn’t that long ago and I’m have already forgotten everything about it.

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #30, Hot Fuzz...

https://i.imgur.com/L9QDeTQ.png

It currently has a 91% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 7.8/10 score on IMDb (with 489,000 votes).

Nathan Rabin, of AV Club, gave it an A- and said:

"Hot Fuzz is everything an action-comedy should be. It achieves through parody what most films in the genre can't accomplish straight."

Meanwhile Michael Booth, of Denver Post, gave it ★★ and said:

"For a movie based on the stunted mental development and perfect action timing of American crime-fighting pics, Hot Fuzz has surprisingly little idea of how to get to its point, or when."

As for our MoFo reviewers, The Rodent said:

"All in all, louder, prouder, funnier and much better written [than Shaun of the Dead]. The chemistry on screen is top notch and the action and effects improved 100%.
It's also much more likeable with the fact that there's more characters to get behind and laugh out loud with. It's also a rare thing, although it's not a direct sequel, it still outweighs the first film."

And Lennon said:

"One part of this movie that I liked was the directing, I thought it was very slick and cool... Another part I liked was the performance, particularly from Timothy Dalton and Nick Frost, there were more laughs by Nick more than any other character. As for Timothy Dalton, he really did play a cool villain, arguably the best of his career. One thing I didn’t like about this movie was a lot of un-funny jokes, at least to me... Another thing I didn’t like was the fact that I was expecting a lot of more action."

[Iroquois]

One vote. I definitely wasn't surprised at the prospect of Hot Fuzz making it even before slotting it in at #9 - it almost felt like I could go without voting for it. Sometimes I even get the impression that it's a more beloved Wright film than Shaun of the Dead, which I imagine is down to its action parody being more broadly appealing than its predecessor's take on zombie horror (though the list so far has clearly indicated otherwise). I've seen Let the Right One In at least a couple of times and liked it well enough, but I ultimately did not vote for it.

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #29, Let the Right One In...

https://i.imgur.com/ui7y5cx.png

It currently has a 98% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 7.9/10 score on IMDb (with 212,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★½ and said:

"Let the Right One In is a 'vampire movie', but not even remotely what we mean by that term. It is deadly grim. It takes vampires as seriously as the versions of Nosferatu by Murnau and Herzog do, and that is very seriously indeed. It is also a painful portrayal of an urgent relationship between two 12-year-olds on the brink of adolescence. It is not intended for 12-year-olds."

Meanwhile Owen Gleiberman, of Entertainment Weekly, said:

"If random arty blood thrills are your cup of fear, perhaps you'll enjoy Let the Right One In, a Swedish head-scratcher that has a few creepy images but very little holding them together."

As for our MoFo reviewers, KeyserCorleone said:

"Let the Right One In is one of my favorite horror movies, and is a hell of a lot better than most of Swedish film-king Ingmar Bergman's films. I'm still recovering from the shock of the climax... [It] pushed my horror-drama limits quite a bit and I don't think I can go through the story twice in one day. I'm honestly ready to relax with a chick flick."

And Citizen Rules said:

"I didn't care for this, basically a kid's romance story with some B movie vampire attack scenes. I don't like horror films, especially when they don't develop the characters or reveal something that engages me. I didn't hate this movie, but it was like eating a frozen TV dinner, nothing that I looked forward to and I was glad when it was over."

[Thief]

Trailers

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayTnvVpj9t4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICp4g9p_rgo

[CosmicRunaway]

I didn't have much to say yesterday because I didn't like Lost in Translation and don't remember much about The Pianist. I've seen both of today's reveals as well, with one of them being on my list.

There's a poster of Hot Fuzz behind me right now, so if any of you could seen my room, it wouldn't be a surprise that it was my #17. It's both an excellent parody, and a shining example of the buddy cop genre. I still quote lines of dialogue from this quite often, as do my friends.

Let the Right One In is a film I wished I liked more than I do. It has a great use of ambient sound, and what horror elements exist are well done. I just don't find the romance engaging at all, and it drags everything else down with it.

Seen: 43/72

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
17. Hot Fuzz (2007) - #30
20. Moon (2009) - #48
25. Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006) - 1-pointer

[Wyldesyde19]

Hot Fuzz is not the Wright film I expected to show up. I wonder if this bodes well for Shaun of the Dead?

Haven’t seen either yet, although both have been on my watch list for a long time.

I’ve seen Let the Right one In, and while it was decent, it didn’t leave me with much of an impression outside the vampire itself.

52/72 seen.

[kgaard]

Lost in Translation and The Pianist are both films I'm not surprised (or sorry) to see, but didn't vote for. Same, but more so, for Hot Fuzz and Let the Right One In. Let the Right One In is probably the film I most need to rewatch, because I was put off by it the first time around, but I'm pretty sure that was a me problem, not a film problem. I do like Hot Fuzz enough to own it, but Shaun is still peak Edgar Wright/Simon Pegg et al. for me.

[Captain Terror]

In hindsight, LtROI now seems like a precursor to our current "elevated horror" movement.

[Siddon]

I think we can all agree Hot Fuzz was for the greater good...


The film features not one...but two best actress winners


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIkfBh3gYT4



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtIvyOaxk70

[TheUsualSuspect]

6. The Pianist (2002)

This is such a tragically depressing film that flourishes with visuals. It gets better with each viewing that I have, which due to the subject matter, isn't a lot. There are numerous scenes that stick out in my mind, such as Brody's character walking pass discarded luggage in tears while it rains ash above him. That ash most likely belongs to the family and hundreds of others that were torn away from him on the train earlier in the film.

Or how about the Nazi soldier asking him to play a song on the piano and the beauty of it makes him realize the horrors of his own actions. How many lives with this talent have they extinguished? Just how many lives in general? How many people are now dead that could have lived on to do something? It's a moment of humanity being realized in real time on this soldier's face.

Brody was virtually an unknown at the time and he dived head first into this character. He has yet to really capture something as significant or real again, but at least he's found some niche casting in Anderson's films. In the review I was quoted in I said that this film is no Schindler's List, yet that film had multiple actors to do the heavy lifting. This film really does rest on Brody's shoulders and he nails it.


13. Lost in Translation (2003)

Here is a film I thought was good on first watch, but have grown to love it more on repeated viewings. There is a dreamlike melancholic style to the film that weirdly makes me feel at peace. I feel like I could go for another watch soon too.

It always makes me want to visit Japan.

5. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
6. The Pianist (2002)
13. Lost in Translation (2003)
14. Sin City (2005)
16. Up (2009)
20. Battle Royale (2000)
25. American Psycho (2000)

[Deschain]

I think we can all agree Hot Fuzz was for the greater good...


The film features not one...but two best actress winners


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIkfBh3gYT4



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtIvyOaxk70

https://tenor.com/view/hot-fuzz-girl-on-girl-rude-gif-16145532.gif

[TheUsualSuspect]

I liked Let The Right One In, but not enough to make my list.

15. Hot Fuzz (2007)

What a wonderfully realized film this is. Everything presented in here has purpose and is impactful. It's a wonderful homage and parody to the action genre while maintaining a serious enough story to not be over the top.

What makes me appreciate this film even more if that most of the comedy is done though images and not line-o-rama style improv. Sure, I find the stuff Will Ferrell and co do is funny, but there is a sense of "riff and we'll see what's funny" that gets a little stale. Here, everything is storyboarded to the tiniest little detail and edited to a chaotic yet balanced scale that it just works.

I have a soft sport for Shaun of the Dead, but Hot Fuzz might be Wright's best movie and showcases just how in control he is of the camera, the edit and the music.

5. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
6. The Pianist (2002)
13. Lost in Translation (2003)
14. Sin City (2005)
15. Hot Fuzz (2007)
16. Up (2009)
20. Battle Royale (2000)
25. American Psycho (2000)

[ueno_station54]

two movies i definitely liked at some point at least just haven't seen them recently enough. Let the Right One In might've had a shot at cracking my ballot.

[Thief]

Awards

-

Now to the awards received by Hot Fuzz...



Empire Award for Best Comedy
National Movie Award for Best Comedy



As for Let the Right One In, it won...



Bodil Award for Best Non-American Film
Chlotrudis Award for Best Cinematography (Hoyte Van Hoytema) and Best Screenplay (John Ajvide Lindqvist)
Empire Award for Best Horror
Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Score (Johan Söderqvist), Best Actress (Lina Leandersson), and Best Screenplay (Lindqvist)

[Chypmunk]

Amazing that Hot Fuzz only has two awards really.

[Thief]

Amazing that Hot Fuzz only has two awards really.

I was surprised too. I usually skim the awards list to come out with 4 or 5, but the list for this one was surprisingly small.

[Miss Vicky]

I guess I’m one of the few mofos not surprised about Hot Fuzz. It’s the only Wright I straight up dislike so far, but I have always felt well in the minority on that, so I’m not shocked to see it show.

To clarify, I'm not surprised by the presence of Hot Fuzz on the list. I'm surprised by its placement. If it had been in the bottom half I wouldn't think anything of it.

[Pussy Galore]

3 from my list came up!

Kill Bill vol 2 is my #9
The Pianist is my #12
Lost in Translation is my #18

Special mention to Royal Tenembaums that was one of the last movies I cut from my list. The only reason I didn't include it is that I've only seen it once, even though I remember loving it the time I saw it. The Needle in the hay scene particularly stuck with me.

Kill Bill: I just love Tarantino, everything he makes is a favorite of mine (almost). I see Kill Bill as one long film so I don't really distinguish the quality of the second and the first. It's incredibly unique, stylish, toony, but so much fun. It ranks among the film I just love for their entertainment value, it doesn't have anything to say about the world, I don't feel changed after watching it, I just have a good time.

The Pianist: I rewatched it for the list and I'm so glad I did. The movie is shocking, beautiful, I can't really explain why, but it has a whole different feel then other holocaust movies I've seen. I felt more the poverty, the despair in Adrian Brody's character then in almost any other character in any movie. The scene when he plays piano for the German soldier is among my favorite of the decade. I think Adrian Brody isn't the best actor in general, I have a hard time to forget he's Adrian Brody (so I don't get immersed in the character). However, he's perfect in this role, it's the only film I've seen from him that I really see the character and not the actor. Loved it.

Lost in Translation is a feel good movie to me. I just have a good time seeing Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson having a good time together. The film is also visually beautiful. There are flaws in the film, I think Giovanni Ribisi's character is poorly written, he's overly non caring for his wife, I don't find that realistic (to be that much indifferent). Overall a film I love.

[Kaplan]

I love Let the Right One In. I'm so glad I saw it in the theater when it came out, and at the time I really didn't know anything about it, but I was instantly drawn into the story and its dark, snowy Swedish setting, and of course the relationship between Oskar and the androgynous vampire Eli, who despite being quite old is stuck in the form of a twelve year old. It's remained as one of my very favorite horror movies ever, and it was #6 on my list.

My List:
3. Synecdoche, New York (#46)
6. Let the Right One In (#29)
8. Sin City (#47)
13. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (#53)
14. The Lives of Others (#41)
16. The Royal Tenenbaums (#35)
18. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (#86)
19. The Incredibles (#36)
20. Lost in Translation (#32)
22. The Man Who Wasn’t There (#84)
24. Moon (#48)

[rauldc14]

To clarify, I'm not surprised by the presence of Hot Fuzz on the list. I'm surprised by its placement. If it had been in the bottom half I wouldn't think anything of it.

Agreed. Never thought it would beat Up.

[mattiasflgrtll6]

Haven't had a pick since #61. I'm convinced this showdown hates me now.

[Rockatansky]

*fires gun up in the air and goes ahhhh*

[KeyserCorleone]

DAMN. I should've guessed Hot Fuzz. Both of these movies were on my ballot, but I was thrown off because I expected Kill Bills 1 & 2 to be very close (that and it's a way bloodier movie than Hot Fuzz). Hot Fuzz redefined how I look at the crime genre, and it's an excellent example of genre bending, turning a buddy cop into a slight folk horror story.

Let the Right One In hurts in all of the best ways. People could keep writing unique vampire stories for ages and never reach the heights of this. It's everything Twilight should've been.

Sent-In Ballot:

#3. Sin City (47)
#7. Yi Yi (49)
#10. Casino Royale (37)
#13. Million Dollar Baby (57)
#15. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (53)
#16. Let the Right One In (29)
#20. Iron Man (83)
#22. Pirates of the Caribbean (63)
#25. Hot Fuzz (30)

Post-Ballot:

#3. Sin City (47)
#7. Yi Yi (49)
#10. Casino Royale (37)
#12. Snatch (71)
#14. Million Dollar Baby (57)
#16. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (53)
#17. Let the Right One In (29)
#18. Slumdog Millionaire (not placed but it made my new 25)
#19. Monsters, Inc. (74)
#22. Iron Man (83)
#23. Fantastic Mr. Fox (70)
#25. Pirates of the Caribbean (63)

Seen 41/72

[Thief]

DAMN. I should've guessed Hot Fuzz. Both of these movies were on my ballot, but I was thrown off because I expected Kill Bills 1 & 2 to be very close (that and it's a way bloodier movie than Hot Fuzz).

Yeah, but like I said before, I haven't seen Hot Fuzz in a while so the hint was leaning more for Let the Right One In. I do remember the impaled in the steeple scene sticking with me (no pun intended) and it having some decent amount of blood, but yeah.

[Holden Pike]

84264

Let the Right One In was #41 on the MoFo Top 100 of the Millennium List. Neither Hot Fuzz nor Shaun of the Dead made that list, though Shaun was on both the original MoFo Horror list (#17) as well as the reboot of that list (#21).

[gandalf26]

I'm delighted at the love for Hot Fuzz! Still plenty of people here who haven't shot their gun in the air and gone AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!! Get it watched, immediately!

It's one of the greatest comedies ever made.

My #7

[gandalf26]

*fires gun up in the air and goes ahhhh*

Dammit! Thought I was gonna be first with that one!🙂🙂

[Thursday Next]

I had Let the Right One In at #16. One of the best vampire films.The setting is great - time and place both. Both this and Alfedson's Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy are great. The Snowman (2017) by the same director was not so well received (I haven't seen it yet).

I'm not in the slightest bit surprised Hot Fuzz made it this high; I know it has a lot of fans on this forum. I rewatched it recently and still don't love it. I feel like there are a lot of clever and funny bits to it, but I don't enjoy it so much as an overall film. I prefer Shaun of the Dead, but a now starting to wonder whether it's too late for Shaun to show up.

[MovieMeditation]

All them people missing out on comedy greatness…

https://i.imgur.com/rxrLYff.gif

[Wyldesyde19]

In all fairness, there’s alto of movies for me to watch yet, and odds are I’ll eventually get to the bulk of them.
Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead have been on my watch list for well over a decade.

Like so many other movies.

*sigh*

[Takoma11]

YAY!

Hot Fuzz was my #1, and it wasn't a hard decision at all. It brings me so much joy. I watch it when I'm happy, I watch it when I'm sad. The editing. The use of visual language. The part where the underage drinker laughs and the glare off of his braces temporarily blinds Pegg's character. I love every flippin' minute of it. Plus the cast is just aces.

[MovieFan1988]

Hopefully Shaun of the Dead makes the list if not there's something wrong here lol

[Harry Lime]

Lost in Translation is very good. Peak Sofia Coppola. All down downhill from here. The Pianist is an excellent film. Amazing performances in both movies. No surprise these two made it this high in the countdown.

Let the Right One In is okay but really it's not my style. Very happy that Hot Fuzz made it, and this high too. I voted for the other ice cream movie but definitely appreciate this one almost as much.

[ynwtf]

Darn well better make it
Surely, yes?
Likely
Doubtful
Never
Likely
Michael Clayton (2007)
Let the Right One In (2008)
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Likely
Likely
Doubtful
Maybe
Very likely
Likely
Collateral (2004)
Probably
Moon (2009)
Not likely
Not likely
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Deserves, but doubtful
Not likely
Not likely
Kung Pow: Enter the Fist (2002)


The Watchmen should have been on my list and this was the one I nearly dropped out of the thread over. It should have been well within my top 10 for this decade. It has flaws, but I can never tire of Rorschach's story. Alas, it's been too long since my last viewing and it slipped from memory as part of the decade.

I was surprised to find that I must have bumped Mystic River from my list, but I do remember struggling with my 16-19 spots. Mystic River and Almost Famous kept bouncing around the list until both eventually eased a bit too far down. I recently had another go with Mystic River and thoroughly loved it. I thought the pacing, handful of character arcs, and tone were brilliant. More so that it came from Eastwood, whom I'm just not much of a fan of.

With Almost Famous, I did not bother with a view as I felt confident in my opinion of it. That was a mistake, as once the list started to go public with reveals, I decided to pay it a visit. I wish I had sooner. It might have landed around my 14 spot had I done so. It really is a charming movie and the entire cast is excellent, as long as you can look past a bit of overacting from Kate Hudson and Anna Paquin. I noted in a reply earlier, than Fairuza Balk did a nice job at being the "normal" one of the group, grounding them well. When I first watched this, I had no idea who Billy Crudup was. DOCTOR MANHATTAN!!!! (*cries twice*) Great work, both parts. I was even able to tolerate Jimmy Fallon, much like my experience with Pete Davidson in Suicide Squad 2 *cough*.

In Bruges was a contender, but it just couldn't keep up with several off scenes like the cocaine-hopping, racist dwarf conversation. It is still an enjoyable watch.

Quills was one that I wanted to be in my submission. Sadly, I haven't seen it nearly enough to justify staking its spot on memory. Also, I'm so glad that I do not have to clean that wall of edits! Too, I was already having to sacrifice several movies just to make the 25 cap. For example, Catch Me If You Can beat out a small group of similarly styled movies to earn some form of consolidated representation status of them all. The cut crew deserve to be in the top-100, but they were just not high enough in my interest. I'm satisfied with Catch Me If You Can landing a place here. I'm sure one or two others from my cut will still probably come into play.

Finally, I'm not sure what to think about Hot Fuzz. Great movie, don't get me wrong. Just playing the odds, I figured another movie or two would have trumped this choice. Odd. But this opens a few doors of possibilities for titles I did not at all expect to make this list. So I am curious. Yarp.

[GulfportDoc]

Hot Fuzz, what in the heck is that? Never even heard of it, it sounds like an Adam Sandler movie.
...

It's a lot of laughs. Simon Pegg is a funny guy. I think that you'd like it. A great film? No.

[rauldc14]

26 Locks

Fellowship
Eternal Sunshine
Dark Knight
Mulholland
There Will Be Blood
City of God
Inglorious Basterds
No Country for Old Men
Amelie
Children of Men
Departed
Return of the King
Donnie Darko
Zodiac
Memento
Pans Labyrinth
Wall E
Two Towers
Spirited Away
Downfall
Oldboy
Ratatouille
Fountain
Kill Bill 1
Requiem
Shaun of the Dead

The real question is what the hell those last 3 are....if you go by Millennium list, it could be Talk to Her, A History of Violence and Wonder Boys. But I wouldn't call those locks. Maybe Shawn of the Dead will be a lock now that Hot Fuzz is here.

[rauldc14]

Yeah, I'd say Shaun is a lock. So 2 spots.

[Thief]

Trivia

-

Hot Fuzz

https://iwatchstuff.com/2014/08/19/pegg-wright.jpg

Did you know that...


Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright were given free rein to do whatever they wanted on this film due to the success of Shaun of the Dead?
Nick Frost allegedly agreed to be on the film, only if he could name his character? He chose Danny Butterman.
the film was shot in Edgar Wright's hometown of Wells, Somerset, in England?
while filming scenes in uniform, Pegg and Frost were often mistaken for real police officers and asked for directions by people on the street?


http://images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/Hot-Fuzz-simon-pegg-nick-frost-ed-wright-737418_640_272.jpg

[Thief]

Trivia

-

Let the Right One In

https://www.intofilm.org/intofilm-production/scaledcropped/1096x548https%3A/s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/images.cdn.filmclub.org/film__13384-let-the-right-one-in--hi_res-78dcea3a.jpg/film__13384-let-the-right-one-in--hi_res-78dcea3a.jpg

Did you know that...


although Lina Leandersson plays Eli, her voice was dubbed by actress Elif Ceylan? This was because Leandersson's voice was considered too high-pitched, and the writers wanted the character to be more androgynous.
the word "vampire" is only used once in the film?
despite being asked by Oskar, Eli never reveals her true age?


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b5/3f/92/b53f926a01cd43b6e7afa46274fbf0ed.jpg

[donniedarko]

Let The Right One In is solid stuff, definitely enjoyed it when I watched, never considered for my ballot.

Haven't seen Hot Fuzz and surprised to see it so high, definitely looks like one I'd enjoy though

[Thief]

26 Locks

Fellowship
Eternal Sunshine
Dark Knight
Mulholland
There Will Be Blood
City of God
Inglorious Basterds
No Country for Old Men
Amelie
Children of Men
Departed
Return of the King
Donnie Darko
Zodiac
Memento
Pans Labyrinth
Wall E
Two Towers
Spirited Away
Downfall
Oldboy
Ratatouille
Fountain
Kill Bill 1
Requiem
Shaun of the Dead

The real question is what the hell those last 3 are....if you go by Millennium list, it could be Talk to Her, A History of Violence and Wonder Boys. But I wouldn't call those locks. Maybe Shawn of the Dead will be a lock now that Hot Fuzz is here.

https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/640/962/d91.gif

[rauldc14]

What is needed is a clue before my bedtime Thief

[Thief]

What is needed is a clue before my bedtime Thief

...

The world doesn't revolve around you, DC.

[rauldc14]

Just afraid that I can be first to crack the code, I see how it is brother.

[Thief]

Just afraid that I can be first to crack the code, I see how it is brother.

https://c.tenor.com/wIxFiobxxbIAAAAC/john-jonah-jameson-lol.gif

[Thief]

Hint, hint...


https://i.imgur.com/7w4DrK9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/D1ecvFd.jpg

[mark f]

The first one is on my list for sure.

[rauldc14]

Subliminal messages all of the sudden? Boo.

[rauldc14]

Downfall

[John Dumbear]

Guessing one is “Requiem for a Dream”.

[rauldc14]

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

[PHOENIX74]

30. Hot Fuzz : I watched Hot Fuzz in preparation for this countdown, and after being a little disappointed with it when it first came out, this time I enjoyed it immensely and thought it was overflowing with great ideas and brilliant casting. There are so many great characters in the town of Sandford, to which PC Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is sent - played by Timothy Dalton, Jim Broadbent, Edward Woodward, Olivia Colman, Paddy Considine and Bill Nighy - there are others I will have missed. It's one of those quotable films that never misses a moment to push home something funny, and winds up telling an over-the-top and outrageous tale. Why was I let down the first time I saw it? It could have been the inevitable comparison between this and Edgar Wright's (and Simon Pegg's) previous Shaun of the Dead, which is a classic. I've well and truly been converted as far as Hot Fuzz goes, and reckon it stands on equal footing to the first film in the so-called 'Cornetto trilogy'. It couldn't break into my top 25 list though, in which many such excellent films had to be cut - but I'm very glad to see it sitting so high on this list.

29. Let the Right One In : The pool scene in this is a great example of horror done in exactly the right manner. I've seen this film a few times, and it's one of those films I like a lot but just isn't in my top bracket of list-worthy films. It fits easily inside my top 100 for the decade, and possibly inside my top 50 though. If I had to nominate a vampire-based film as one I prefer over others, it's this one - there's something atmospheric and otherworldly about it which sets you on edge and increases the fear factor when something horrible is happening. Otherwise, it's a really sweet story about a friendship developed by an old person in a little girl's body and a young boy who lacks confidence in himself. Well, sweet if you ignore all the bloody murdering that must be done so the vampire can feed. Anyway, I hope it's director, Tomas Alfredson, can overcome his The Snowman debacle. I'm tempted to watch that film, just to find out what is so wrong with it. This film has the snow, but it's way, way better.

Seen 60/72

[Rockatansky]

Hint, hint...


https://i.imgur.com/7w4DrK9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/D1ecvFd.jpg



Stair Fall


Skull Brain


Skull Stair


Brain Fall

[Thief]

Stair Fall


Skull Brain


Skull Stair


Brain Fall

All correct

[Thief]

Subliminal messages all of the sudden? Boo.

...

The world doesn't revolve around you, DC.

[Takoma11]

Anyway, I hope it's director, Tomas Alfredson, can overcome his The Snowman debacle. I'm tempted to watch that film, just to find out what is so wrong with it.

It sounds like a lot of it was just horrible luck with logistics and planning, and then having to cobble something together that wasn't totally shot.

I really enjoy this video about it: (EDIT!!!! The video gives away major plot points from the film. Sorry I didn't put this warning originally. If you haven't read the book or want plot twists preserved, you might skip this until you've seen it.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buYxGFWCWNg

[Rockatansky]

All correct

:)

[dadgumblah]

Loved Hot Fuzz but ultimately voted for another by this team. Still, it is a hilarious movie that I think about often. Yarrp! My favorite bit of dialogue: "The greater good!" "Shut it!" :D

Let the Right One In is an awesome movie and despite everything grim that goes on before it, the final scene on the train makes me smile and gives me a big lift in spirit. Again, voted for neither but so glad to see them on here.


#5. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl 63
#8. Unbreakable 62
#10. Million Dollar Baby 57
#18. The Royal Tenenbaums 35
#22. Fantastic Mr. Fox 70
#20. Iron Man 83
#21 Finding Nemo 44
#23. The Descent 80
#25. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 76

[Thief]

Loved Hot Fuzz but ultimately voted for another by this team. Still, it is a hilarious movie that I think about often. Yarrp! My favorite bit of dialogue: "The greater good!" "Shut it!" :D



:laugh: Now that you mention it, another bit of trivia I read is that there's not a single time where that line, "the greater good", isn't said twice.

[dadgumblah]

:laugh: Now that you mention it, another bit of trivia I read is that there's not a single time where that line, "the greater good", isn't said twice.

Yeah, one character says it and the whole group gathered around repeats it. So often that Pegg lets lose with his "Shut it!"

[gbgoodies]

I watched Hot Fuzz for this countdown because several people mentioned it in the recommendation thread, so I figured that it had a good chance to make the countdown, but it didn't seem like my type of movie, so I didn't have high expectations for it. I didn't love the movie as much as most people do, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It was much better than I expected, but it didn't make my list.

I haven't seen Let the Right One In.

[rauldc14]

26 Locks

Fellowship
Eternal Sunshine
Dark Knight
Mulholland
There Will Be Blood
City of God
Inglorious Basterds
No Country for Old Men
Amelie
Children of Men
Departed
Return of the King
Donnie Darko
Zodiac
Memento
Pans Labyrinth
Wall E
Two Towers
Spirited Away
Downfall
Oldboy
Ratatouille
Fountain
Kill Bill 1
Requiem
Shaun of the Dead

The real question is what the hell those last 3 are....if you go by Millennium list, it could be Talk to Her, A History of Violence and Wonder Boys. But I wouldn't call those locks. Maybe Shawn of the Dead will be a lock now that Hot Fuzz is here.

And the last 2 I predict (although admittedly 2 people told me about it) are In the Mood for Love and O Brother Where Art Thou. We have our 28.

[MovieMeditation]

I was so eager about Hot Fuzz and the fact that so many people didn't like it or hadn't even seen it, that I forgot about the other entry!

Let the Right One In was not on my list, but I think it's a great film. It truly uses its small budget to its advantage and understand the importance of the core story at hand. It's a very sweet and gentle story, only strengthened by its vampire element, which doesn't overpower the story the film wants to tell. Beautiful film.

[Thief]

https://c.tenor.com/AoJv96I0U58AAAAC/crazy-laugh.gif

https://c.tenor.com/IIEYmi5t148AAAAC/chris-evans-laugh.gif

[Holden Pike]

26 Locks...
WALL·E
Ratatouille
Fountain
Shaun of the Dead

I wouldn't say those are locks. I suspect your list is shy more than just two.

[rauldc14]

I really think I nailed the last 28. The only question mark for me is O Brother but there's a pretty damn big Coen fan base here. At one point I thought Ratatouille was a miss but I really don't think so anymore. Fountain has a lot of fans here, never seen it myself though.

[rauldc14]

Wall E is definitely a lock.

[Sedai]

I think The Fountain missed its chance at this list when it didn't appear in the initial 25 titles. Did McClane submit a ballot? It was probably his #1 if so. That said, it's not a well-loved film on the site aside from a few MoFos that really dig it.

As for the next films, Downfall and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.

I doubt that second film is even remembered, let alone makes this list, but the clue makes sense.

[rauldc14]

McClane submitted one it looks like

[rauldc14]

Ynwtf probably had it at 1 too, so I'm pretty confident.

[Thief]

Reveals in a few...

[rauldc14]

I already revealed Downfall. The other one I think I got wrong though.

[rauldc14]

Or maybe I'm right and Thief is coming up with someway to give me a big giant prize.

[Thief]

214 points, 16 listsDownfall (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/613-downfall.html)Director
Oliver Hirschbiegel, 2004

Starring
Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Corinna Harfouch, Ulrich Matthes

[Thief]

219 points, 15 listsMemories of Murder (https://www.movieforums.com/movies/11423-memories-of-murder.html)Director
Bong Joon-ho, 2003

Starring
Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung, Kim Roi-ha, Song Jae-ho

[rauldc14]

Son of a gun! Ya ruined it Thief!

[rauldc14]

The more I think about it, it may be Requiem that doesn't make my list of 28. Nobody talks about that anymore.

[Thief]

Seen both, voted for none...

I'm a huge WW2 buff, and I remember loving Downfall, but it's been more than a decade since I last saw it. I should probably rewatch it.

Memories of Murder is very, very good, but it's probably #3 or #4 on my Bong ranking, so although I had it in mind, I didn't vote for it. Still, very worthy of being on the list.


Where are we?...

Seen: 57/74


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. Synecdoche, New York (#46)
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13. The Prestige (#38)
14.
15.
16.
17. Once (#103)
18.
19.
20.
21. Before Sunset (#42)
22.
23. Mother (#96)
24.
25.

[Sedai]

****! I should have known that, especially since Memories of Murder is on my list at #18.

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uU5VR4RVD_I/TIMGOimPXmI/AAAAAAAAADE/AcrGXtPYkNk/s1600/vlcsnap-2010-09-04-19h47m31s232.png

Fantastic flick, and one everyone should see immediately if they haven't already.

[seanc]

Memories Of A Murder shows how quickly I through my list together. Definitely should have been on there. I love it, so much style and character. Best Bong.

Watched Downfall during the foreign countdown. Very good, that lead performance is so praised for a reason. Didn’t make my list.

[Allaby]

Downfall was my #10. It's a masterpiece with an excellent lead performance. Memories of Murder is very good too.

[Miss Vicky]

I haven't seen either of these, though I've been telling myself I ought to watch Downfall for awhile now.

Seen: 43/74

[Allaby]

I've seen 67/74 so far.

[kgaard]

Cool, Memories of Murder was my #16. It actually took me a while to warm up to Bong--I was mixed on Snowpiercer and The Host--but Parasite won me over so I was primed for MoM when I watched it last year.

Downfall is excellent as well, but didn't get a vote from me.

[rauldc14]

Seen 42/74. Damn even Miss Vicky's got me beat.

[ScarletLion]

34. Kill Bill Vol. 2 (188 points) - enjoyable but not on my list
33. Up (192 points) - one of the best USA animated films but not on my list
32. Lost in Translation (195 points) - lovely film, just missed out on my list
31. The Pianist (199 points) - Shamefully not seen this yet
30. Hot Fuzz (202 points) - Good fun but was never going to make my list
29. Let the Right One In (208 points) - beautiful film, just missed out
28. Downfall (214 points) - Not seen it.
27. Memories of Murder (219 points) - Was #21 on my list. Bong's best film. Brutal and tense with a great ending. Fabulous film.

[Thief]

A bit of meaningless trivia, but the five films from the countdown with the highest Tomatometer percentage were:



Finding Nemo - 99% (at #45)
Let the Right One In - 98% (at #30)
Up - 98% (at #34)
The Wrestler - 98% (at #55)
Werckmeister Harmonies - 98% (at #98, ha!)


Reminding everyone how the Tomatometer works; this doesn't mean they're the "best", but rather the ones that have had the most universally positive response from the critics (i.e. most people "liked" them).

[John Dumbear]

Never heard of either...:mad:

[mattiasflgrtll6]

Best Bong.

Can you really promote drugs on here?

[Chypmunk]

Bruno Ganz is simply stunning in Downfall imo and makes the whole thing rather mesmeric whilst Memories Of Murder quite possibly might be my favourite Bong Joon Ho fillum if I ever get round to grabbing myself a copy so I can refresh it in my memory .... but I haven't yet and so his Mother gets that accolade for the time being.

Seen: 47/74 (Own: 32/74)

3. Madeo [Mother] (2009) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216496/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_9) [#96]
6. Moon (2009) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1182345/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_9) [#48]
8. Der Untergang [Downfall] (2004) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363163/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) [#28]
15. Låt den rätte komma in [Let The Right One In] (2008) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139797/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) [#29]
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]


As we've already gone to the subs bench for the subs bench I might as well just data-dump the final 26 in one go....

Faildictions (millennial edition v1.01):
26. Superbad (2007)
25. Memento (2000)
24. Road To Perdition (2002)
23. The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
22. Shrek (2001)
21. Requiem For A Dream (2000)
20. Oldboy (2003)
19. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
18. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
17. City Of God (2002)
16. In The Mood For Love (2000)
15. O Brother Where Art Thou? (2000)
14. Children Of Men (2006)
13. Amélie (2001)
12. Zodiac (2007)
11. WALL·E (2008)
10. The Departed (2006)
9. The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)
8. Shaun Of The Dead (2004)
7. Mulholland Drive (2001)
6. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
5. There Will Be Blood (2007)
4. The Dark Knight (2008)
3. Spirited Away (2001)
2. The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003)
1. No Country For Old Men (2007)

[rauldc14]

Where does this faildiction stuff come from? I'm confused on the process lol

[Chypmunk]

Where does this faildiction stuff come from? I'm confused on the process lol
Outer space. I've a very nicely shaped piece of tin-foil placed on an upstairs window sill that picks up microwaves from outer space which tell it the order the fillums shouldn't come out in.

Either that or I just make them up. I forget which.

[rauldc14]

Outer space. I've a very nicely shaped piece of tin-foil placed on an upstairs window sill that picks up microwaves from outer space which tell it the order the fillums shouldn't come out in.

Either that or I just make them up. I forget which.

I guess I was confused why you had unrealistic predictions at the beginning but at the end it could actual be correct.

[Chypmunk]

I guess I was confused why you had unrealistic predictions at the beginning but at the end it could actual be correct.
Well, the lower orders of any countdown are a bit of a crap-shoot really but I do like to try and make it more interesting (as in the chances of scewing up and getting one right) for the upper echelons.

When I say 'I', I do of course mean the beings on Alpha Centauri :shifty:

[CosmicRunaway]

I saw Downfall before all the memes ruined that one "Nein, nein, nein!" scene, so I wonder if I'd have a different reaction if I rewatched it now. Either way it's a solid film with some stellar performances, but not one that I voted for.

Memories of Murder is a film I only saw recently, and while I don't love it as much as Parasite or Mother, it still placed fairly high on my list at #12. I was starting to suspect it wasn't going to show up on the Countdown, so I'm glad that it did.

Seen: 45/74

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
12. Memories of Murder (2003) - #27
16. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) - #76
17. Hot Fuzz (2007) - #30
20. Moon (2009) - #48
25.Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006) - 1-pointer

[Deschain]

Both good

[mark f]

Downfall is my #7. While the Battle of Berlin rages outside and the German Army and people are being slaughtered by the Russians, Hitler (Bruno Ganz) and his women, children and close advisors stay "safe" in the bunker while Der Fuhrer plots to maintain some viable position as a world leader. Downfall is fascinating on several levels. As a straight-up war movie, it delivers action, suspense and history in equal measure. As a look at Hitler's dementia and thought processes, it goes into more depth than probably any other film. It also hits home at the depiction of Hitler as a kind of "family man" and some of the hardest-hitting scenes involve what happens to the children in the bunker. Watching these scenes, I couldn't help but think of the various cults down through the years which ended in tragedy. Bruno Ganz fully personifies Hitler; his performance seems more to resemble a possession than simple acting.

I believe this, but I'll go ahead and watch this again real soon. Bong Joon-ho's Memories of Murder is basically a police procedural, but it comes across as a Hardy Boys/Korean version of a police procedural. The whole thing seems so ridiculous as the implication is that Korea is a backwards country with little technology and a bunch of incompetent, immature, violent cops who live their professional lives based on how American cops beat the crap out of everybody in 1940s movies. Anyway, at 130 minutes, it seems extremely long but I can accept it as mostly OK. The fact that the ending is a bit open-ended is good, and I have warmed to it a little over the years. The part which makes no sense to me is that this is listed as a BFI film noir, and that's why I first watched it, but if this is film noir, I'm an even bigger idiot than you may have ever thought.

My List

1. The Incredibles
7. Downfall
8. Up
10. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
11. Everything Will Be OK
19. The Pianist
21. Pride & Prejudice

[ueno_station54]

never gotten around the Memories of Murder, probably since i've never been impressed with a Bong Joon-ho film before. i think i've technically seen Downfall when it came out. i at least remember the Hitler performace but can't recall anything else

[Iroquois]

One vote. Memories of Murder was my #10. Maybe a little high considering that I've only seen it twice versus putting similarly-rated and much more rewatched films lower on the list, but such was the impact between those two viewings. A grim procedural where scenes of borderline-slapstick violence do not seem to jar with its over-arching narrative involving the hunt for a serial killer, it manages to be so much more and is probably my favourite of Bong's work (even if I have seen Parasite more often). Meanwhile, I have only seen Downfall once. I do remember liking it, though.

[Citizen Rules]

BINGO! Finally another from my ballot. I had Downfall as my #10
I've seen it twice and it's a haunting movie based on an eye witness account from a young woman who was a sectary to Hitler and was in his Fuhrer Bunker at the very end. Hard to believe what the Goebbels do to their small children. Really a film people should see and it's well made too.

[Siddon]

good picks but it's looking more and more that the best director of the decade (Pedro Almodovar) got shut out.

[Holden Pike]

84291

Bong Joon-Ho's reputation continues to increase here at MoFo. He had no movies make the MoFo Top 100 of the Millennium List but with Memories of Murder joining Mother he now has a pair here. Memories of Murder was #58 on the MoFo Foreign Films List. Downfall was #16 on that list and #43 on the Millennium list.

[Thursday Next]

Downfall was my #11. A very powerful movie.

I somehow thought Memories of Murder had already shown up, but I think it was just that it got mentioned when Mother appeared. I think there will be a couple of 'locks' still to miss out.

[Holden Pike]

84292

Der Untergang was on my list, my tewenty-first pick, good for five points. Forget the video meme, the great Bruno Ganz's masterwork is reason enough to see the film though it certainly excels on every level. Hirschbiegel's back-to-back successes with Das Experiment and Downfall seemed poised to see him have a high-level career. He hasn't yet lived up to that promising start but it is good to see how well regarded Downfall is here.

That makes a dozen of mine. Seven of my remaining choices will most assuredly show, another three that I am darn sure will not make it at this point, and the last three on the bubble...though if they aren't revealed in the next few days they ain't coming.

HOLDEN’S BALLOT
1. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (#86)
2. Dancer in the Dark (#49)
9. The Lives of Others (#41)
10. The Pianist (#31)
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)
21. Downfall (#28)

[Holden Pike]

The part which makes no sense to me is that [Memories of Murder] is listed as a BFI film noir, and that's why I first watched it, but if this is film noir, I'm an even bigger idiot than you may have ever thought.
Which is my issue with trying to do a site-wide Film Noir list. The definition is not strict enough and these days every other thriller gets dubbed Noir, usually incorrectly. I belong to two different Film Noir pages on Facebook and 90% of the time is just spent arguing over what is and isn't part of the genre. We could combat that by making our ballots more generally be "crime films", but then that is too broad and actual classics of Film Noir will be passed over in favor of titles from the past thirty or forty years that are much more familiar to younger and more casual fans.

Anywho...

[KeyserCorleone]

Haven't seen either, but Memories of Murder has been pretty high on my to-do list for a while.

[SpelingError]

Haven't seen either film, but they've both been on my watchlist for a while.

[Siddon]

Which is my issue with trying to do a site-wide Film Noir list. The definition is not strict enough and these days every other thriller gets dubbed Noir. I belong to two different Film Noir pages on Facebook and 90% of the time is just spent arguing over what is and isn't part of the genre. You could combat that by making our ballots more generally be "crime films", but then that is too broad and actual classics of Film Noir will be passed over in favor of titles from the past thirty or forty years that are much more familiar to younger and more casual fans.

Anywho...


Well it illustrates the point as to why we need to do a thriller list especially when the horror one cut the thrillers out.


I think Noir and the Neo-Noir are pretty well established and very popular genres that are worth the project.

[mrblond]

• The last two reveals were too harsh on my stats. :skeptical:
Probably I'll add to the seen the Hot Fuzz since I unintentionally came across it on the telly couple of years ago and saw some parts while working on my laptop.

Poor stepping into top 30 for me and I'm not optimistic for the further.
Seeing the eclectic company here, I guess, now some of the new era Star Wars are coming or another dose of vamps, zombies and whatever... :tsk:

_____________
my stats
▽
Top 100 seen 39/74.
(seen one pointers 3/38 • seen 101-110: 5/10)
--
My list:
...
4. Snatch [#71.]
5. The Royal Tenenbaums [#35.]
...
8. Sideways [#39.]
9. Amores perros [#81.]
10. The Wrestler [#54.]
...
12. The Pianist [#31.]
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/z3r4kQQBoIAEIZMeW2diVRE8DIV.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/5p3tGb5a5426BeC0Ch92T3IWNK9.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/vV4vlD4ool5JSsS1rB82qjCF6z8.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/6OTR8dSoNGjWohJNo3UhIGd3Tj.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/3DzePKMbLMIM636S6syCy3cLPqj.jpghttps://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/lrCgt8NNMyFsfmXyXiSSCRXNH4u.jpg
--


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]
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Yi Yi [#50]
Dancer in the Dark [#49]
Adaptation. [#43]
Before Sunset [#42]
Casino Royale [#37]
Lost in Translation [#32]
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[donniedarko]

The more I think about it, it may be Requiem that doesn't make my list of 28. Nobody talks about that anymore.

Hope it makes the cut

[cricket]

What surprised me about Downfall is that at a certain point of the film I thought to myself, what now there's still plenty of time left, and it just got better.

Memories of Murder is quite good as well.

1. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) (#59)
2. Downfall (2004) (#28)
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)

[Kaplan]

After submitting my list, I realized I'd forgotten one movie, and that was Memories of Murder. I would probably have put it in the middle of my list. It had been my favorite Bong Joon-ho film until Parasite. Downfall is also great and deserves to be high up on this list, but as a personal favorite for the decade it's just outside the top 25.

[Thief]

Which is my issue with trying to do a site-wide Film Noir list. The definition is not strict enough and these days every other thriller gets dubbed Noir, usually incorrectly. I belong to two different Film Noir pages on Facebook and 90% of the time is just spent arguing over what is and isn't part of the genre. We could combat that by making our ballots more generally be "crime films", but then that is too broad and actual classics of Film Noir will be passed over in favor of titles from the past thirty or forty years that are much more familiar to younger and more casual fans.

Anywho...

I agree it's very niche, but I'd be veeeery interested in a Film Noir list/HoF/whatever. I do think there are boundaries that can be set and guidelines to use to overcome the issues of definition and make it happen.

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #28, Downfall...

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

It currently has a 90% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 8.2/10 score on IMDb (with 346,000 votes).

Roger Ebert gave it ★★★★ and said:

"I do not feel the film provides 'a sufficient response to what Hitler actually did', because I feel no film can, and no response would be sufficient. All we can learn from a film like this is that millions of people can be led, and millions more killed, by madness leashed to racism and the barbaric instincts of tribalism."

Meanwhile Jack Matthews, of New York Daily News, gave it ★★½ and said:

"The very thought of humanizing Hitler makes me queasy. If he had a good side, I don't want to know about it."

As for our MoFo reviewers, Thursday Next said:

"Bruno Ganz gives an astonishing performance as Adolf Hitler, so much so that by the end of the film I had trouble picturing Hitler without picturing Ganz. Hitler ages visibly throughout the course of the film, he becomes frailer, weaker and his physical tics – a shaking hand most noticeably – become more pronounced. The downfall is not merely physical, however, the arrogant pride of a dictator slowly gives way to suicidal resignation."

And Citizen Rules said:

"This German made film accurately portrays Hitler's last days on Earth. Unlike Hollywood films that show the Nazi leaders as two dimensional monsters, Downfall shows them as real people who have done monstrous acts. That's an important distinction, as humans are capable of the most vile acts."

[Thief]

Critics

-

Critics thoughts on our #27, Memories of Murder...

https://i.imgur.com/e7kaHZz.png

It currently has a 95% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score among critics, and a 8.1/10 score on IMDb (with 166,000 votes).

Brian Tallerico, of RogerEbert.com, gave it ★★★★ and said:

"Memories of Murder has a solid script, but it’s a great example of a movie that’s nowhere near as powerful with a lesser director behind the camera. Bong elevates every scene with his unbelievably assured filmmaking. That didn’t start with Parasite."

Meanwhile Sean Axmaker, of Seattle Post Intelligencer, gave it a C and said:

"The script is as sloppy as Song (Kang-ho)'s unkempt cop, sprinkled with intriguing ideas and imaginative details that, like the investigation, simply get lost in blind alleys."

As for our MoFo reviewers, aronisred said:

"this is one of it not the most satisfying serial killer movies ever where they don't catch the killer. Its about the process. Even something like Zodiac doesn't feel satisfying. But for some reason this movie felt satisfying because the movie plays up the 'no one is perfect' card. We know that there could be 100 things that could go wrong before the killer is convicted. Because he is so meticulous in his crimes that there is hardly evidence. Despite all this its a very satisfying watch."

And adidasss said:

"A full blooded thriller with comedic elements, it keeps you tied to the seat throughout the 129 minutes. It's sort of a combination between The Summer of Sam (because it deals with actual events that took place in the past) and Seven. Great directing, the use of sound in certain scenes is simply awesome and makes your heart beat faster as the camera rolls with the excitement of the scene."

[ApexPredator]

Haven't seen: Memories of Murder, Downfall

Seen, missed the list: Hot Fuzz might be Edgar Wright's funniest comedy, a solid tribute to the 1980s and 1990s partner cop films. Let the Right One In is a haunting drama with some notable images. Neither one made the top 25...both would make the top 100.

[Thief]

Trailers

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htvYfe6wz_8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n_HQwQU8ls

[Thief]

With Memories of Murder, Bong joins the list of directors with multiple entries on the list, after placing Mother at #96. He also released his first film, Barking Dogs Never Bite, and The Host during this decade. Will any of those make it?

[Takoma11]

I believe this, but I'll go ahead and watch this again real soon. Bong Joon-ho's Memories of Murder is basically a police procedural, but it comes across as a Hardy Boys/Korean version of a police procedural. The whole thing seems so ridiculous as the implication is that Korea is a backwards country with little technology and a bunch of incompetent, immature, violent cops who live their professional lives based on how American cops beat the crap out of everybody in 1940s movies.

It's based on a real crime, and it's set in a very intentional period where there WAS a lot of unprofessional behavior and lack of resources. Every suspect who was arrested in the case confessed, because they were all beaten until the confessed.

Memories of Murder was my #3. I think that it's a brilliant mix of mystery, thriller, and horror elements, evoking a very specific era of history.

I saw this movie the weekend it was released. My mom and I went to the theater and it was PACKED. The only seats left were two seats in the very front row. It was such a dynamic viewing experience. The sequence in the rain with the fields (trying to stay vague)--the people in the theater GASPED and SCREAMED at that part.

Years later, while in grad school, a friend asked if I wanted to go see the film screening at one of the local colleges (MIT maybe?). We went, and I was like "Whoa, why are we paying $20 for this movie?!" and the guy in the box office was like "Well, it's more expensive because of the director Q&A."

I was like "THE WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?". Yes, unbeknownst to me or my friend, Bong Joon-Ho was there, and after we watched the film he talked about the process of making it and took questions from the audience. It was great. He was great.

A movie I have a lot of affection for both because I think it's pretty great and because of two memorable experiences seeing it.

[Kaplan]

As a bit of trivia I haven't seen anyone mention, the actual serial killer that inspired Memories of Murder has been identified in 2019 as a man already serving life in prison, who confessed to the murders with DNA linking him to the victims.

[Takoma11]

As a bit of trivia I haven't seen anyone mention, the actual serial killer that inspired Memories of Murder has been identified in 2019 as a man already serving life in prison, who confessed to the murders with DNA linking him to the victims.

Whoa! That's crazy!

I read about the case in like 2002 or something. At the time, the theory was that the killer had died (or possibly been incarcerated) because the killings had stopped abruptly.

[Kaplan]

It's based on a real crime, and it's set in a very intentional period where there WAS a lot of unprofessional behavior and lack of resources. Every suspect who was arrested in the case confessed, because they were all beaten until the confessed.



No offense to Mark but it is a weird comment on his part given it's a Korean movie by a Korean director for a Korean audience, and not some Western prejudice toward Korea that they're all backwards and such. And the actual killer himself said the detectives were all a bit clueless and interviewed him several times but always to ask about other people he knew, even when once he had the wrist watch of one of the victims on his person. Also I imagine Bong Joon-ho was making his usual very thinly veiled critiques of Korean society, some of which are obvious enough even for those of us living outside Korea, but most of which can only be appreciated by Korean citizens.

[Thief]

Awards

-

Now to the awards received by Downfall...



Amanda Awards, Norway for Best Foreign Feature Film
Bambi Award for Best Film
Bavarian Film Award for Best Production (Bernd Eichinger) and Best Actor (Bruno Ganz)
Bodil Award for Best Non-American Film
Jupiter Award for Best German Actor (Ganz)


Among many others.

As for Memories of Murder, it won...



Busan Film Critics Association for Best Director and Screenplay (Bong Joon-ho)
Chunsa Film Art Award for Best Director (Bong)
Director's Cut Award for Best Director (Bong), Best Production (Seoung-Jae Cha), Best Actor (Kang-ho Song), and Best New Actor (Park Hae-il)
Grand Bell Awards, South Korea for Best Film, Best Director (Bong) and Best Actor (Kang-ho)

[rauldc14]

These are two films that I really need to prioritize.

[John-Connor]

Seen: 54/74

Der Untergang, is a masterpiece, #11 on my ballot. Reading the last couple of pages it's still Unter-seen:p, could've placed higher on the countdown, if more people saw it.

Ballot: 10/25
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[MovieMeditation]

Memories of Murder was my #3…

…and probably also the biggest “problem child” of my list.

I have a select few on my list that I have only seen once. My entire list is more or less movies I’ve seen several times and I don’t have a movie in my top ten that I haven’t seen many many times…. well except for Memories of Murder.

I have seen it once. It was recently. And I was just blown away. I loved pretty much everything about it. And I had super high expectations, but somehow it lived up to them. Everything about that movie just clicked. It was a crime drama after my head. So so great.

Downfall I’ve seen once and thought it was great but I haven’t really had a desire to see it again

[Harry Lime]

26 Locks

Fellowship
Eternal Sunshine
Dark Knight
Mulholland
There Will Be Blood
City of God
Inglorious Basterds
No Country for Old Men
Amelie
Children of Men
Departed
Return of the King
Donnie Darko
Zodiac
Memento
Pans Labyrinth
Wall E
Two Towers
Spirited Away
Downfall
Oldboy
Ratatouille
Fountain
Kill Bill 1
Requiem
Shaun of the Dead

Missing In the Mood for Love and Attack of the Clones

[Harry Lime]

Neither made my list but both are fine films indeed and well worth your time if you haven't seen them yet.

I haven't had any from my list show up in a while. Only four so far. Hm. Am I so out of touch?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYAuR5bkIlQ