zen Posted February 22 Posted February 22 (edited) The thread is about rediscovering classic films. The films you watched now (2026 and onwards) for the first time or after a long long long time or the once you did not remember much. I will start with the one below that I watched recently. I didn't recall much about this film. I might not have even seen it earlier: Out of Africa (1985) Available in a restored 4K Dolby Vision transfer. This is a slow burn so maybe not for everyone. I was blown away by the story, cinematography (it has some breathtaking sequences), location, and the score, which is by John Barry so some tracks have that 007 score feel similar to tracks in Moonraker (1978) and A View to a Kill (1985). Since A View to a Kill was released in the same year, John Barry was probably working on both around the same time. The film won 7 Oscars - Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Score, Best Sound. Edited March 11 by zen Mariyam 1
zen Posted February 22 Author Posted February 22 After the period film above, let's go to a science fiction taking place in a distant future: Gattaca (1997) Available in a restored 4K Dolby Vision transfer. Again this is a film I may have seen before or may not have seen. It came across as one of the best films in its genre in my recent watch. The story is engaging. The production design is memorable. It is relatively a slow burn but keeps you hooked with its suspense and layers. The film was not a box office success at the time of its release but has gained cult status over the years. And I can see why. This is a notable film in its genre. Tillu 1
kepler37b Posted February 28 Posted February 28 This was in my top 3 20 years back and even now. One of the greatest films ever made by western cinema. I will not put the movie name here. I HIGHLY encourage you folks to explore and find out. MASTERPIECE!!!!!! Frank Darabont. You are a under-rated legend. Lord, Tillu, Mariyam and 1 other 4
singhvivek141 Posted February 28 Posted February 28 20 minutes ago, kepler37b said: This was in my top 3 20 years back and even now. One of the greatest films ever made by western cinema. I will not put the movie name here. I HIGHLY encourage you folks to explore and find out. MASTERPIECE!!!!!! Frank Darabont. You are a under-rated legend. HOPE...it's a dangerous thing.
kepler37b Posted February 28 Posted February 28 4 minutes ago, singhvivek141 said: HOPE...it's a dangerous thing. I hope I can make it across the border... Get busy living get busy dying.. Peak writing by stephen king. singhvivek141 1
zen Posted March 10 Author Posted March 10 This Property is Condemned (1966) Another film directed by Sydney Pollock (Out of Africa is already mentioned here), starring Natalie Wood and Robert Redford (he was in Out of Africa as well). It is based on a play by Tennessee Williams. Again this is not a film for everyone unless you are into emotions and a sense of melancholy. Much like Out of Africa, this can be said to be a woman centric film with Natalie Wood shinning. The last 20-25 minutes of the film takes place in New Orleans which lifts the film to make worth a mention! Mariyam 1
zen Posted March 11 Author Posted March 11 (edited) Oldboy (2003, Korean) This is an emotional powerhouse. It is difficult to make films like this. People have made remakes such as Zinda (2006, Hindi) and Oldboy (2013) but they tend to fall (way) short of the original. In the past, I avoided the film due to its sad incest angle. Since its transfer got a 4K restoration, I watched it again, by now used to the sad angle. Overall, I was blown away by the film as an impactful stylish package! It also brings good acting to its mix of elements that many action films overlook. The opening sequence on the rooftop works brilliantly to set the tone. Edited March 14 by zen
kepler37b Posted March 12 Posted March 12 13 hours ago, zen said: Oldboy (2003, Korean) This is an emotional powerhouse. It is difficult to make films like this. People have made remakes such as Zinda (2006, Hindi) and Oldboy (2013) but they tend to fall short of the original. In the past, I avoided the film due to its sad incest angle. Since its transfer got a 4K restoration, I watched it again, by now being used to the sad angle. Overall, I was blown away by the film as an impactful stylish package! The opening sequence on the rooftop works brilliantly to set the tone. This was one sick twisted movie.
zen Posted March 12 Author Posted March 12 (edited) 11 minutes ago, kepler37b said: This was one sick twisted movie. Yeah, I tended to avoid the film. Now I have accepted its “boldness” (to not play safe), which made me appreciate the film more. After watching it I felt like rewatching it esp. for its style. Edited March 12 by zen Prakat 1
zen Posted March 14 Author Posted March 14 Indochine (1992, French) The film has a run time of close to 2 1/2 hours. So far, I have watched just over an hour of it but I am already impressed. The reasons for me to check this film out were a) Catherine Deneuve, b) colonial Vietnam background, c) winner of the best foreign film Oscar. The film captures your attention with its cinematography, the beautiful locations, and the score. This is relatively a slow burn film so again it may not be for everyone but it does cater to my taste! Prakat 1
kepler37b Posted March 15 Posted March 15 On 3/12/2026 at 12:31 PM, zen said: Yeah, I tended to avoid the film. Now I have accepted its “boldness” (to not play safe), which made me appreciate the film more. After watching it I felt like rewatching it esp. for its style. That photo album scene at the end is a classic. Creativity zen 1
zen Posted March 15 Author Posted March 15 5 hours ago, kepler37b said: That photo album scene at the end is a classic. Creativity I also like the scene where Dae-su is trying to figure out the elevator code to go up to Lee’s penthouse when Lee and his henchman enter the elevator to casually punch in the code. They all go up to the penthouse. That sequence is cool and stylish too.
zen Posted March 28 Author Posted March 28 (edited) Joy House (1964, French, English) This is a film that does not take itself seriously. The script is thin (or only a loose one). However, the film makes up by presenting engaging actors on screen in a Hitchcock type of film. On top of that you get good B&W cinematography in the picturesque French Rivera and a grammy winning jazz score by Lalo Schifrin. Add to that a vintage Rolls Royce with a glass roof that serves as a character. Edited March 28 by zen Prakat 1
goose Posted March 29 Posted March 29 13 hours ago, jf1gp_1 said: My absolute favourite watch the bollywod rip off Dhamaal (2007) !
zen Posted April 6 Author Posted April 6 Jean de Florette (1986, French) Manon des Sources (1986, French) A French epic in two parts. One of the best examples of engaging story telling - script, acting, cinematography, rural 1920s Provence, and score.
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