ICF’s Greatest Film (2024) -> Goldfinger (1964)

[zen]

On this poll, I have decided to focus on timeless Asian films. 
 

 

1. Teesri Manzil (1966, Hindi)

 

A Nasir Husain (screenplay & dialogues) & Vijay Anand (direction & editing) collaboration that created more or less a perfect “entertaining” Bollywood film. It brilliantly captures the essence of the Bollywood style of filmmaking. It is as Hitchcockian as a Bollywood film can be. I have written about it - HERE.

 

 

 

2. In the Mood for Love (2000, Cantonese) 

 

It is written, produced and directed by Wong Kar-wai. I probably rate it as the best film (or at least the best Asian film). A romance-drama film with superb cinematography (use of frames within frames), score, and acting (at times through eyes and expressions). Ideally, it should be at #1 if not for the emotional connection with Bollywood. 

 

 

3. Late Spring (1949, Japanese)

 

I was conflicted b/w picking a film directed by Kurosawa and Ozu. In the end, decided to go with Ozu for the transcendental style of filmmaking. This is a touching story about father-daughter relationship where the daughter does not want to get married to take care of her father, who wants his daughter to focus on her future and life. The film sports the famous Ozu style B&W cinematography. It portrays Japanese traditions nicely. 
 

 

 

PS An honorable mention esp. since Iran now makes highly acclaimed films: 

 

 

A Separation  (2011, Iranian) 

 

A unique film that has won many awards including the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

 

 

Edited July 7, 2024 by zen

[Chaos]

@Tillu too many telugu ones to name…

 

1. bahubali

2. Takarindonga

3. Maharshi

 

i have to think hardcore on more.. i like this kalki too..

[rkt.india]

There will be blood, 2007, English 

Fight Club, 1999, English 

Shawshank redemption, 1994, English 

[zen]

Note that you are allowed to make changes to your choices till I announce “no more changes” to begin the count. 
 

If you edit your post to make changes, make a note on that in your post. 
 

Ensure that correct format as mentioned in the OP is used. 
 

Edited July 7, 2024 by zen

[speed_thrills]

Knocked up, 2007, English

Superbad, 2007, English 

Hangover, 2009, English

[zen]

The poll will close on Sunday Aug 4th (a 1 month window). Get your entries in or make any changes you wish to make by that date. 
 

Note that this is NOT a favorite films thread but greatest, which can be based on a mix of factors such as quality, entertainment value, repeat value, cultural impact, trend setting, inspiration, acclaim/awards, etc. 

 

IF there is no clear winner (no decent margin), I may select a film (or create a poll on selected 2-3 films) at my discretion! 

Edited July 8, 2024 by zen

[Lone Wolf]

12 hours ago, speed_thrills said:

Knocked up, 2007, English

Superbad, 2007, English 

Hangover, 2009, English

Knocked up is average... 21 and 22 Jump Street clears

[zen]

Ozu has the power to create multiple interpretations on a single shot. Below a take on his vase shot in Late Spring (1949): 

 

 

[coffee_rules]

1. Seven Samurai (1954, Japanese, English sub-titles)

2. The Godfather (1972, English) The first one

3. Schindler's list (1993, English)

 

There's more , but if I have to pick 3 , this will be my list. 

[zen]

9 minutes ago, coffee_rules said:

1. Seven Samurai (1954, Japanese, English sub-titles)

2. The Godfather (1972, English) The first one

3. Schindler's list (1993, English)

 

There's more , but if I have to pick 3 , this will be my list. 

I like that you have two B&W films on your list.
 

[zen]

Btw, Sight and Sound’s Top 250 films from its poll in 2022 (its poll is held every 10 years) - Link

[zen]

So far, 

 

Mayabazar (1957, Telugu) - 60 points

Seven Samurai (1954, Japanese) - 40 points

Shutter Island (2010, English) - 40 points 

 

No film is in a clear lead. 

Edited July 11, 2024 by zen

[coffee_rules]

4 hours ago, zen said:

So far, 

 

Mayabazar (1957, Telugu) - 60 points

Seven Samurai (1954, Japanese) - 40 points

Shutter Island (2010, English) - 40 points 

 

No film is in a clear lead. 

How are you deciding which movies are good to get thee pound?

[zen]

37 minutes ago, coffee_rules said:

How are you deciding which movies are good to get thee pound?

In the OP, point one in rules section.

 

One has two votes at #1, while each of the other two has one vote at #1 & one vote at #3. 

Edited July 11, 2024 by zen

[coffee_rules]

29 minutes ago, zen said:

In the OP, point one in rules section.

 

One has two votes at #1, while each of the other two has one vote at #1 & one vote at #3. 

@ravishingravi change your order and put Seven Samurai at #1!

[zen]

Just now, coffee_rules said:

@ravishingravi change your order and put Seven Samurai at #1!

Yes, one is allowed to canvass for their movies! 
 

Changes are allowed till Aug 4th!

[coffee_rules]

4 minutes ago, zen said:

Yes, one is allowed to canvass for their movies! 
 

Changes are allowed till Aug 4th!

This is how it happens in the Academy and Oscars are won based on campaigning and lobbying 

[zen]

2 minutes ago, coffee_rules said:

This is how it happens in the Academy and Oscars are won based on campaigning and lobbying 

One of the reasons that I have Teesri Manzil (1966) at #1 is because among my 3 films, it is more likely to get more points. I doubt if many would have watched In the Mood for Love (2000) and Late Spring (1949). 
 

Popular top rated films such as Seven Samurai, Godfather, Sholay, etc.,  have a better chance of getting more votes on such polls.

[zen]

@ravishingravi on the other hand, you could ask @coffee_rules to remove one of his films to accommodate 2001 at #1

 

[zen]

@ravishingravi @coffee_rules

 

If you two fail to reach an agreement, there is always “Teesri Manzil”, an opportunity to feel proud by going with the great Shammi Kapoorji