Chanhee's Top 10 Films
It's very difficult for me to list anything top 10, mostly because I am a very indecisive person and it's difficult to make valued judgments on movies. But that would only make my indecisiveness worse, and it would only make me a more introverted person; unable to announce what I like in fear of changing my mind in the future. I have to start learning that when it comes to preferences, there is no right or wrong, especially when they're certain to change with time.
So here goes my top 10 films:
10) April Story (Japan) - This short feature by Shunji Iwai made me a fan of his, but this is still the only film of his I've seen.
09) Power of Kangwon Province (Republic of Korea) - My introduction to Hong Sang-soo's world of pathetic people you care about because you see so much of yourself in them. The attention to detail and realism gave me goosebumps. Then it later made me sick when I learned that Hong had everything in control!
08) Vertigo (USA) - Such an amazing film. Psychological thriller at its best. A classic with new camera techniques and beautiful cinematography that blends so well with the narrative.
07) The Isle (Republic of Korea) - A film that best deals with pain and solitude poetically. This film helped me understand what Kim Ki-duk was trying to communicate with his visuals.
06) Bad Guy (Republic of Korea) - Despite all the controversy, I loved this film for being so brave and honest about our judgment towards love. This was my first Kim Ki-duk film. Jo Jae-hyun's best performance can be seen here.
05) Ghost in the Shell (Japan) - I like scifi movies. I consider Star Wars a fantasy film. Ghost in the Shell is the new standard for scifi.
04) Oasis (Republic of Korea) - If you want to see not one but two of the most amazing performances ever seen on film, then look no further. Lee Chang-dong's latest film is also my favorite of his three films. A masterpiece on humanity.
03) Oldboy (Republic of Korea) - Just when I thought there was nothing new to experience, along came Oldboy from Park Chan-wook. Everything comes together so well that it stays in your head long after you've finished reading the credits.
02) Christmas in August (Republic of Korea) - One of the first films that made me a fan of Korean films. It's about a family, a father, a sister, a first love, a friend, death, and love. The most romantic film I can think of without all the excess cheese. Beautiful cinematography and original score, and an amazing performance from Han Seok-gyu.
01) Blade Runner (USA) - Did I mention I like scifi films? It's not a film you can enjoy re-watching too many times. It's dry, slow, and the DVD quality is horrible; even the recently released remastered edition. But what you're left with is the greatest visuals modern cinema can deliver, along with a challenging philosophical message so well integrated into the future setting that nothing feels forced. The amazing sound design also aids this atmospheric film noir create its own unique world.
- Posted by chanhee
- November 3, 2006
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