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Is there a film list with the 1001 book list
Bibliophile - 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die( Film adaptation)
2025 Film Challenge
Bibliophile - 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die( Film adaptation)
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Also, something really fun:
For my country this year I picked Iran. I have a tentative list of films.
I've started teaching a class to adult immigrants who are learning English. I got a new student, and when I asked about her native language, she said she speaks Farsi and is from Iran. I mentioned that I was doing this challenge and when I told her just some of the Iranian films I'd seen, she was beaming. She said she was so glad that people were watching films from her country and enjoying them. I said that if she wants she can give me some recommendations.
The 2025 Film Challenge: bringing people together!
For my country this year I picked Iran. I have a tentative list of films.
I've started teaching a class to adult immigrants who are learning English. I got a new student, and when I asked about her native language, she said she speaks Farsi and is from Iran. I mentioned that I was doing this challenge and when I told her just some of the Iranian films I'd seen, she was beaming. She said she was so glad that people were watching films from her country and enjoying them. I said that if she wants she can give me some recommendations.
The 2025 Film Challenge: bringing people together!
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Buddies is exactly the kind of movie I do this challenge for: one that I might have otherwise passed by, but I'm glad I didn't.
I remember being not too impressed by Philadelphia when I saw it back in 1993. The first big Hollywood treatment of AIDS, with non-threatening Tom Hanks as Andrew Beckett in the lead, it is certainly well-made and well-acted, but unconvincing at its heart, especially in its glancing treatment of Beckett's romantic partner. (To be clear, I'm sure this was a deliberate choice, to make it "safe" for the median American.)
So Buddies, the first U.S. film about AIDS, in 1985, is refreshing in its authenticity. It is a very simple story: Robert Willow is in a hospital, dying of complications from AIDS, and the Gay Men's Health Center has sent David Bennett, a volunteer, to be his "buddy." (It was not uncommon for those stricken with AIDS to be more or less abandoned--fear of contagion, fear of death, fear of association--so having a person who would visit was a genuine mitzvah.) These two are in fact the only characters who really appear in the movie, other than in photos, videos, or dreams/flashbacks. Everyone else is either a voice on the phone, or seen from behind or through glass, or otherwise obscured. It emphasizes the isolation but also the closeness of these two people.
The acting is a bit wooden, and the film is cheaply made, but it is also utterly sincere and deeply felt. It does not shy away from the romance and sexuality of these two men but neither does it overly dwell on it. And though both are gay men, they are clearly very different in important ways, and that tension drives the narrative of the film. Highly recommended as a bittersweet, honest portrayal of a very specific time in this country.
It leaves Criterion at the end of the month--I watched it for being set in a hospital, but I think it would also work for romance or narrated film (David keeps a journal that he narrates, and there are letters).
I remember being not too impressed by Philadelphia when I saw it back in 1993. The first big Hollywood treatment of AIDS, with non-threatening Tom Hanks as Andrew Beckett in the lead, it is certainly well-made and well-acted, but unconvincing at its heart, especially in its glancing treatment of Beckett's romantic partner. (To be clear, I'm sure this was a deliberate choice, to make it "safe" for the median American.)
So Buddies, the first U.S. film about AIDS, in 1985, is refreshing in its authenticity. It is a very simple story: Robert Willow is in a hospital, dying of complications from AIDS, and the Gay Men's Health Center has sent David Bennett, a volunteer, to be his "buddy." (It was not uncommon for those stricken with AIDS to be more or less abandoned--fear of contagion, fear of death, fear of association--so having a person who would visit was a genuine mitzvah.) These two are in fact the only characters who really appear in the movie, other than in photos, videos, or dreams/flashbacks. Everyone else is either a voice on the phone, or seen from behind or through glass, or otherwise obscured. It emphasizes the isolation but also the closeness of these two people.
The acting is a bit wooden, and the film is cheaply made, but it is also utterly sincere and deeply felt. It does not shy away from the romance and sexuality of these two men but neither does it overly dwell on it. And though both are gay men, they are clearly very different in important ways, and that tension drives the narrative of the film. Highly recommended as a bittersweet, honest portrayal of a very specific time in this country.
It leaves Criterion at the end of the month--I watched it for being set in a hospital, but I think it would also work for romance or narrated film (David keeps a journal that he narrates, and there are letters).
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Excuse the triple post.
Question for the audience: The Taking of Pelham 123 counts as urban crime, right? Hijacking a subway train isn't an example you'd normally think of for the category but it is a crime film in a very urban setting.
Question for the audience: The Taking of Pelham 123 counts as urban crime, right? Hijacking a subway train isn't an example you'd normally think of for the category but it is a crime film in a very urban setting.
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Excuse the triple post.
Question for the audience: The Taking of Pelham 123 counts as urban crime, right? Hijacking a subway train isn't an example you'd normally think of for the category but it is a crime film in a very urban setting.
Question for the audience: The Taking of Pelham 123 counts as urban crime, right? Hijacking a subway train isn't an example you'd normally think of for the category but it is a crime film in a very urban setting.
Edited to add: oh, and glad to see you liked Buddies. It's a nice reminder that even back then you could make something special with only a small budget but a sincere vision.
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Here are the ones I'm eyeing for that category:
Everything is Illuminated (Kanopy/Hoopla)
Never Ever (Tubi/Pluto)
Felicia’s Journey (Pluto, Tubi)
The English Patient (Hoopla)
Hideous Kinky (Tubi, Pluto, YouTube)
Get Shorty (Hoopla, Pluto)
Bonfire of the Vanities (Vudu, Plex)
Cider House Rules (Hoopla)
White Noise (Netflix)
Z (Criterion)
Everything is Illuminated (Kanopy/Hoopla)
Never Ever (Tubi/Pluto)
Felicia’s Journey (Pluto, Tubi)
The English Patient (Hoopla)
Hideous Kinky (Tubi, Pluto, YouTube)
Get Shorty (Hoopla, Pluto)
Bonfire of the Vanities (Vudu, Plex)
Cider House Rules (Hoopla)
White Noise (Netflix)
Z (Criterion)
I thought the Cider House Rules was solid.
I think there's two camps on The English Patient: the loved it camp and the can't stand it camp.
Excuse the triple post.
Question for the audience: The Taking of Pelham 123 counts as urban crime, right? Hijacking a subway train isn't an example you'd normally think of for the category but it is a crime film in a very urban setting.
Question for the audience: The Taking of Pelham 123 counts as urban crime, right? Hijacking a subway train isn't an example you'd normally think of for the category but it is a crime film in a very urban setting.
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Also, something really fun:
For my country this year I picked Iran. I have a tentative list of films.
I've started teaching a class to adult immigrants who are learning English. I got a new student, and when I asked about her native language, she said she speaks Farsi and is from Iran. I mentioned that I was doing this challenge and when I told her just some of the Iranian films I'd seen, she was beaming. She said she was so glad that people were watching films from her country and enjoying them. I said that if she wants she can give me some recommendations.
The 2025 Film Challenge: bringing people together!
For my country this year I picked Iran. I have a tentative list of films.
I've started teaching a class to adult immigrants who are learning English. I got a new student, and when I asked about her native language, she said she speaks Farsi and is from Iran. I mentioned that I was doing this challenge and when I told her just some of the Iranian films I'd seen, she was beaming. She said she was so glad that people were watching films from her country and enjoying them. I said that if she wants she can give me some recommendations.
The 2025 Film Challenge: bringing people together!
There’s a lot from Kiarostami, but I’ve been lukewarm towards his films so far.
There’s also the more recent Terrestrial Verses and just announced for CriterionChannell next month, The Runner.
All of these are available on Criterion, of course.
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>For my country this year I picked Iran.
So you know, you've just been sentenced to ten years in prison in Iran.
So you know, you've just been sentenced to ten years in prison in Iran.
Finished another category!
L. We built this just city
[watch a film tackling the following themes connected to the Social Progress Index]
1. Poverty
Leila's Brothers (2022)
2. Urban Crime
Inside Moves (1980)
3. Political turmoil
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (2025)
4. Female Oppression
Mulan (1998)
5. Freedom of expression
Pariah (2011)
Total: 29/52
L. We built this just city
[watch a film tackling the following themes connected to the Social Progress Index]
1. Poverty
Leila's Brothers (2022)
2. Urban Crime
Inside Moves (1980)
3. Political turmoil
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (2025)
4. Female Oppression
Mulan (1998)
5. Freedom of expression
Pariah (2011)
Total: 29/52
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Favorite Movies
Also, something really fun:
For my country this year I picked Iran. I have a tentative list of films.
I've started teaching a class to adult immigrants who are learning English. I got a new student, and when I asked about her native language, she said she speaks Farsi and is from Iran. I mentioned that I was doing this challenge and when I told her just some of the Iranian films I'd seen, she was beaming. She said she was so glad that people were watching films from her country and enjoying them. I said that if she wants she can give me some recommendations.
The 2025 Film Challenge: bringing people together!
For my country this year I picked Iran. I have a tentative list of films.
I've started teaching a class to adult immigrants who are learning English. I got a new student, and when I asked about her native language, she said she speaks Farsi and is from Iran. I mentioned that I was doing this challenge and when I told her just some of the Iranian films I'd seen, she was beaming. She said she was so glad that people were watching films from her country and enjoying them. I said that if she wants she can give me some recommendations.
The 2025 Film Challenge: bringing people together!
Maybe get a few recommendations from her!
Another category down.
E. I have always depended on the lists of strangers:
[watch one film featured in each of the following prominent lists]
1. Roger Ebert’s Great Films
Solaris (1972)
2. Steven Jay Schneider’s 1001 Movies
Princess Bride (1987)
3. Sight & Sound’s Top 100 (any edition)
A Moment of Innocence (1996)
4. Cahiers du Cinéma’s Annual Top 10
Kill Bill vol 2 (2004)
5. MoFo Hall of Fame (nominations included)
Goldeneye (1995)
E. I have always depended on the lists of strangers:
[watch one film featured in each of the following prominent lists]
1. Roger Ebert’s Great Films
Solaris (1972)
2. Steven Jay Schneider’s 1001 Movies
Princess Bride (1987)
3. Sight & Sound’s Top 100 (any edition)
A Moment of Innocence (1996)
4. Cahiers du Cinéma’s Annual Top 10
Kill Bill vol 2 (2004)
5. MoFo Hall of Fame (nominations included)
Goldeneye (1995)
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Favorite Movies
Just finished this category! I really liked the Olmi and the Benigni films.
J. Bella Italia!
[watch an Italian film for each of the challenges listed below]
1. a film from the 100 Italian Movies Restored list: L'albero degli zoccoli (1978) - Ermanno Olmi
2. an Italian Neorealism film: Umberto D (1952) - Vittorio De Sica
3. a film directed by Mario Bava, Bernardo Bertolucci, Luchino Visconti or Pier Paolo Pasolini: Senso (1954) - Luchino Visconti
4. a film starring Marcello Mastroianni, Ugo Tognazzi, Roberto Benigni or Totò: Il mostro (1994) - Roberto Benigni
5. a film starring Sophia Loren, Monica Bellucci, Monica Vitti or Anna Magnani: La ciociara (1960) - Vittorio De Sica
J. Bella Italia!
[watch an Italian film for each of the challenges listed below]
1. a film from the 100 Italian Movies Restored list: L'albero degli zoccoli (1978) - Ermanno Olmi
2. an Italian Neorealism film: Umberto D (1952) - Vittorio De Sica
3. a film directed by Mario Bava, Bernardo Bertolucci, Luchino Visconti or Pier Paolo Pasolini: Senso (1954) - Luchino Visconti
4. a film starring Marcello Mastroianni, Ugo Tognazzi, Roberto Benigni or Totò: Il mostro (1994) - Roberto Benigni
5. a film starring Sophia Loren, Monica Bellucci, Monica Vitti or Anna Magnani: La ciociara (1960) - Vittorio De Sica
Finished the "You MoFo I almost had you" section about 3 weeks ago. It took a while for me to post because I had to gather some thoughts on 1 of the movies. I chose to do the Movie Forums: 100 Westerns list because it's one of the least explored genres for me.
Overall, it turned out to be better than I expected. But I don't see myself seeking these type of movies outside of a film challenge. It's just not really my scene.
- Hud (1963) 4.8/5
Just straight up great acting from start to finish. And a great story to match. - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (Il Buono, il Brutto, il Cattivo) (1966) 4.7/5
I see the hype now. Great movie that really doesn't feel as long as its runtime. And I think this is the first time I've come across a trilogy that got better with each installment, and also the third being the best movie by far. - The Ox-Bow Incident (1943) 4.6/5
It's amazing that a rumor mixed with bigotry can send a town into a murderous lynch mob. - Bad Day At Black Rock (1955) 4.4/5
This one is more up my alley, it's more of a crime thriller than western. If I had to redo this list with enjoyability, this would be #1 on my list. - For A Few More Dollars (1965) 4.3/5
Imagine a bad guy traumatized by his own crime. Smh. It was okay. I liked how it was shot more than anything. - A Fistful of Dollars (1964) 4.2/5
I found this much more straight forward story wise and I think it's more rewatchable that a "Few More Dollars" - Johnny Guitar (1954) 3.9/5
A movie about a jealous pick-me who tries to get her rival lynched so she can get a shot at a man that her rival could give 2 dead flies about. The ending was most satisfying. - My Darling Clementine (1946) 3.6/5
They named that woman Chihuahua. - High Plains Drifter (1973) 3.3/5
WTH? - The Great Train Robbery (1903) 3.1/5
I only watched this because I needed a replacement for Paleface, which turned out to not be on that list. Glad I don't have to talk about that one. Anyway, I chose this because it was short and I need to take some notches off the 1,001 movies to watch before you die list. The movie itself, I don't have much to say. It's a straightforward story and well done for its time.
Overall, it turned out to be better than I expected. But I don't see myself seeking these type of movies outside of a film challenge. It's just not really my scene.
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Another category down. I've seen 32/52 so far overall.
C. Location, location, location…location
[watch a film largely set in each one of the following locations]
1. Hospital
Cuckoo (2024)
2. School
I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
3. Courthouse
My Cousin Vinny (1992)
4. Police Station
Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)
C. Location, location, location…location
[watch a film largely set in each one of the following locations]
1. Hospital
Cuckoo (2024)
2. School
I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
3. Courthouse
My Cousin Vinny (1992)
4. Police Station
Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)
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