We are the 90's generation when the MTV style hit India. We changed our outlook completely and moved in forward direction. Even our own Bollywood movies saw changes with movies like Hyderabad Blues, Bombay Boys, Rockford,etc. made their appearance. It was during this decade that I grasped the beauty of cinema.
I saw some great movies, both Hindi and English, in the last 15 years. I hated some. I ignored some. But also I adored some masterpieces of Hollywood.
It is very difficult to list just 5 movies. There are so many! So, what I would do is, list my favourite top 5 in detail, and give my other favourite movies in brief.
So, here I go:
5) Titanic
You like it or not, but this movie is an epic for Hollywood. The theme is very close to a Hindi movie. A poor guy meets a rich gal, who is already engaged to the villain of the movie. The poor guy, ultimately, gives his life for the love of his life.
Leonardo Dicaprio, Kate Winslet and Billy Zane give credible performances. James Cameron is always a brilliant director. Celine Dion'sMy heart will go on is still rated as one of the best love songs. And the total ship sinking scene is very real-like.
Technically superb and brilliantly directed, Titanic will be rated as one of the best Hollywood has ever produced.
How can I forget those serpentine lines outside Regal theatre, just to watch this movie. People went smiling inside, and came crying outside. No, not because they did not like the movie, but they were touched by the climax scene where Jack leaves Rose forever and drowns in the icy cold ocean.
The movie is emotionally charged, and takes us again on an epic, but tragical journey of Titanic.
4) American Beauty
Sam Mendes gives to us a classic tale about an average American middle-aged man, which was superbly enacted by Kevin Spacey.
The story revolves around Kevin Spacey, who is an American aged around 45-50. He has a daughter, who is just like any other teenager. He has a wife, who is least interested in him. He has a job, for which he is least interested in. His daughter has a friend, in which he is highly interested.
He starts exercising and shaping up his body, just for the ultimate moment where he will meet his dream girl and will make love.
The movie is very sarcastic in nature, and gives a feeling that it is a black comedy. There are several heart-touching scenes, and several comical scenes. The end is also very surprising. Those who have watched this movie will agree that Kevin Spacey deserved an Oscar for this movie.
The movie is a journey in the fantasies of a middle-aged man, which is true for everyone, whether he is an American or English or even an Indian.
3) Gladiator
Ridley Scott give us an absolute joy ride. This movie portrays the strength of the weak, and the pride of the poor. It says that however small you maybe, or however weak you maybe, all you need is a clean soul and strong will power to achieve the goals of your life.
Russell Crowe gives an Oscar-winning performance. He plays the role of the Gladiator whose family is butchered by the Roman Emperor. He then avenges their death.
The movie is filled with some dashing dialogues and brilliant visual effects. Did you know that the sets of the movie was designed in our very own Mumbai's Filmcity! Even the costumes were designed by artisans of Rajasthan. The director was very happy with the work. The massive sets were designed by talented people of India! It is such a proud thing!
The war scenes are beautifully choreographed. Every bit of the movie is in details and complete. It really takes you back in the Roman Empire.
2) The Truman Show
Jim Carrey and Ed Harris star in this beautiful movie.
Jim Carrey gives a memorable performance of his life. He is not in his normal kind of role where he is eccentric and wild. He plays a role about a guy who is adopted by a television company for their TV serial. This TV serial covers every aspect of his life in the biggest set of the world. His moves are controlled by the director, and he is responsible for the happiness and sadness in his life.
He leads a life in a make-believe set with false characters. In the end, he does not choose fame, but chooses freedom where he can live his life.
This movie portrays that we all live in a make-believe world where our emotions and our moves are controlled by someone else. May it be your family, your employee or your girl/boy friend. You do what they like, you behave as others want you to. You are never your ownselves. You are trapped in a big set called the World.
This movie is my favourite and it gives me the inspiration to break free.
1) Forrest Gump
The only movie that made me cry is Forrest Gump. In the scene where Tom Hanks weeps on the grave of his love Jenny (Sally Fields) is so touching that I could not control my tears.
Tom Hanks plays the lead role where he is mentally ill. But Jenny, the love of his life, gives him inspiration and makes him run on his feet rather than on crutches. But Jenny always leaves him alone where he faces other worldly bonds.
He is sent in the US Army for the Vietnam war, where he loses his friend, Bubba. He also earns fame in the game of table tennis. He also becomes a billionaire with his shrimp business. He also coins the word ''Shit happens'' and gives us ''Smiley''. He runs across America for nothing. He is invited by ''Apple'', but he thinks it is some fruit company!
He is a simple guy who just wants his love, Jenny. But in the end, when he gets Jenny in his life, he loses her in a few days.
It is a journey of a human being who always got everything he didn't wanted. What he needed was snatched away from him by fate.
Rober Zemeckis proved again that he is one of the best director in Hollywood. This movie is just great. I don't have words to describe it.
These were my favourite 5 movies of the 90's. But there are many more:
The Lion King: About a lion called Simba who avenges his father's death.
American Pie: A hilarious movie about college guys and gals.
The Mask: A bank manager discovers a mask that changes his life completely.
Jurassic Park: The prehistoric dinosaurs lives again.
Schiendler's List: A quest of a man to rescue a Jew group from the clutches of the Nazis.
Terminator 2: The Terminator is back, but this time to protect.
Braveheart: The quest of William Wallis to free Scotland.
Philadelphia: A man fights for his rights in this court-room drama.
Babe: A pig becomes a sheep-dog and win a tournament for his farmer.
The Mummy: The dead comes back to life again.
The Matrix: The real world.
And there are so many other movies.
I hope you enjoyed my list. Send in your comments. I will be waiting.
Bye then people. Happy reading!
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