TRUE CINEMA
True Cinema knows no boundaries or limits, it is not restricted to a particular country, language or culture. People who only watch mainstream cinema made by Hollywood or Bollywood are missing out on quality films from Far East and Europe. In fact they are indulging in fast food whereas they could be enjoying lavish four course meals of exotic dishes, which include revenge, action, horror and drama. View my list of 'True Cinema' in no particular order or rank.
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- DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsMarlon BrandoAl PacinoJames CaanThe aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son.One of the very first movies I fell in love with. 'The Godfather' is an extreme blend of sophisticated violence with the backdrop of beautiful Italian culture and cold executions. Not to mention the all time great actors who are cast perfectly, yet their tremendous on screen prescence never overshadow the film itself.
- DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsAl PacinoMichelle PfeifferSteven BauerIn 1980 Miami, a determined Cuban immigrant takes over a drug cartel and succumbs to greed.The classic from Brian De Palma is a bloody and uncompromising tale of the rise of a poor emigrant to a powerful druglord. The raw and chilling performance from Al Pacino makes this compelling viewing every time
- DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsAl PacinoRobert De NiroRobert DuvallThe early life and career of Vito Corleone in 1920s New York City is portrayed, while his son, Michael, expands and tightens his grip on the family crime syndicate.This superb sequel to the original masterpiece from Francis Coppola may not be as gripping as the original, but has to be considered fine cinema. The film documents the parallel rise of the two mafia dons in their respective time.
- DirectorKim Jee-woonStarsLee Byung-hunChoi Min-sikJeon Gook-hwanA secret agent exacts revenge on a serial killer through a series of captures and releases.The ultimate serial killer shocker from Korean Cinema. The film shows a deadly game of cat and mouse as the hunter becomes the hunted. Unmatched in its brutality and violence with edge of your seat thrills.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroRay LiottaJoe PesciThe story of Henry Hill and his life in the mafia, covering his relationship with his wife Karen and his mob partners Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito.Timeless classic based on the true life account of a young man who is mentored in the company of ruthless mafia bosses. Brilliant performances and scenes which have been immortalised in the annals of great cinema proved as great a landmark in modern cinema as 'The Godfather'.
- DirectorMoustapha AkkadStarsAnthony QuinnIrene PapasMichael AnsaraThis epic historical drama chronicles the life and times of Prophet Muhammad and serves as an introduction to early Islamic history.A true religious epic showing the rise of Islam in pre-Islamic Arabia. The film is a historical masterpiece which stays close to Islamic beliefs and sentiments despite being made largely for a non-Muslim audience. This film is brilliantly made despite the central figure in Islamic history not being shown.
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsDenzel WashingtonAngela BassettDelroy LindoBiographical epic of the controversial and influential Black Nationalist leader, from his early life and career as a small-time gangster, to his ministry as a member of the Nation of Islam and his eventual assassination.Spike Lee creates a biopic of epic proportions charting the transformation of small time gangster Malcolm Little to religeous preacher and civil rights leader; Malcolm X. Denzel Washington delivers an electric and emotionally charged performance in a film deemed controversial due to the opening sequence featuring the Rodney King beating.
- DirectorPascal LaugierStarsMorjana AlaouiMylène JampanoïCatherine BéginA young woman's quest for revenge against the people who kidnapped and tormented her as a child leads her and a friend, who is also a victim of child abuse, on a terrifying journey into a living hell of depravity.This French shocker features in the top two or three of the most shocking films of all time, when listed by most film buffs. Most people comment they could never see it again. I must admit, it is the next level of horror and brutality but is a masterpiece. The two lead actresses are brilliant in their respective roles and the film seems to get darker as it goes on. Watch it if you dare.
- DirectorNa Hong-jinStarsKim Yoon-seokHa Jung-wooSeo Yeong-hieA disgraced ex-policeman who runs a small ring of prostitutes finds himself in a race against time when one of his women goes missing.Brilliant film based on one night and the frantic search for the victim of a serial killer. True to Korean cinema the film contains realistic and brutal scenes of killing and torture.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsRussell CroweJoaquin PhoenixConnie NielsenA former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery.Stunning epic with Russell Crowe brilliant as the General who seeks vengeance, taking on the might of the Roman empire after his family are massacred. Great performances and great visual effects make this one of the truly great movies of the last two decades.
- DirectorGareth EvansStarsIko UwaisAnanda GeorgeRay SahetapyA S.W.A.T. team becomes trapped in a tenement run by a ruthless mobster and his army of killers and thugs.Seeing is believing, even after all the hype behind 'The Raid: Redemption', it more than lives up. A tremendous blend of brutal violence and non-stop thrills as a special squad get trapped in a notorious building, owned by a drug lord. At times the action sequences literally take your breath away as the officers face a desperate struggle to survive on each floor. WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!
- DirectorRamesh SippyStarsSanjeev KumarDharmendraAmitabh BachchanAfter his family is murdered by a notorious and ruthless bandit, a former police officer enlists the services of two outlaws to capture the bandit.This bollywood epic tale of two criminals who are hired by their Jailor to defend a small village from a bandit, is perhaps the first Indian movie that crossed over to a wider international audience. This film not only featured classic performances from an all star cast but its style and flair matched the spaghetti western fever of the renowned Hollywood blockbusters.
- DirectorKim Hyeong-joonStarsSol Kyung-guRyu Seung-beomHan Hye-jinDespite being nearly proven the murderer, a serial killer threatens to kill the daughter of a forensic pathologist if he doesn't get him bailed out.Aka 'No Mercy', this brutal revenge thriller surpasses even 'Oldboy', with its shocking climax. Based on a coroner's desperate attempt to save his daughter, who is being held by a killer in custody. Her price is the coroner betraying his duty and saving the killer, with a brutal twist. One of the best ever!!
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsGuy PearceCarrie-Anne MossJoe PantolianoA man with short-term memory loss attempts to track down his wife's murderer.Brilliant low budget revenge thriller from a director who has his own unique style. This film only features a handful of characters and keeps going back and forth yet keeps you hooked throughout.
- DirectorDon TaylorMike HodgesStarsWilliam HoldenLee GrantJonathan Scott-TaylorDamien the Antichrist, now about to turn thirteen years old, finally learns of his destiny under the guidance of an unholy disciple of Satan. Meanwhile dark forces begin to eliminate all those who suspect the child's true identity.The chilling sequel to the original 'Omen' is one of the rare occasions when a follow up exceeds the original.
- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsGregory PeckLee RemickHarvey StephensMysterious deaths surround an American ambassador. Could the child that he is raising actually be the Antichrist? The Devil's own son?The original Omen remains a classic and having watched this film after many years, I appreciate the true nature of its quality. It is difficult for many movies to remain timeless but this story of the 'antichrist' is still a chiller.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsTom CruiseJack NicholsonDemi MooreMilitary lawyer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee defends Marines accused of murder. They contend they were acting under orders.Truly gripping courtroom drama with an all star cast at their best. The face off between Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise is heart stopping and classic cinema.
- DirectorYash ChopraStarsAmitabh BachchanShashi KapoorNirupa RoyVijay struggles as a dockworker and eventually becomes a leading figure of the underworld, while his younger brother Ravi is an educated, upright policeman. This divide causes problems in their relationship.'The Wall between us' is a true Indian classic based on two brothers on opposite sides of the law. The lead performances are brilliant in a true timeless classic which stays away from glamour and focuses on human relationships and emotion.
- DirectorMel GibsonStarsMel GibsonSophie MarceauPatrick McGoohanScottish warrior William Wallace leads his countrymen in a rebellion to free his homeland from the tyranny of King Edward I of England.The epic based on largely fictional events of William Wallace's brave stand against British tyranny. The film delivers as a grand spectacle with Mel Gibson delivering a thunderous performance as the braveheart warrior with stunning fight sequences.
- DirectorFrancis LawrenceStarsWill SmithAlice BragaCharlie TahanYears after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City struggles valiantly to find a cure.This post-apocalyptic film is a dark and disturbing look at a future where a deadly virus has turned the survivors of the human race into flesh eating beasts. Will Smith brilliantly plays one of the few unaffected survivors who is struggling to retain his sanity and find a cure to this virus. 'Light up the darkness'.
- DirectorPark Chan-wookStarsChoi Min-sikYoo Ji-taeKang Hye-jeongAfter being kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must track down his captor in five days.This film was a landmark in regards to launching great cinema from the Far East. This film is much more than a revenge thriller with a powerful climax which is quite shocking and unpredictable.
- DirectorFrank DarabontStarsTom HanksMichael Clarke DuncanDavid MorseA tale set on death row, where gentle giant John Coffey possesses the mysterious power to heal people's ailments. When the lead guard, Paul Edgecombe, recognizes John's gift, he tries to help stave off the condemned man's execution.Superb prison drama adapted from the brilliant novel based on an innocent inmate who has miraculous powers to heal. His touch literally changes the lives of all around him.
- DirectorGregory HoblitStarsRichard GereLaura LinneyEdward NortonAn altar boy is accused of murdering a priest, and the truth is buried several layers deep.Brilliant courtroom drama superbly played out by Richard Gere and Edward Norton. The film is gripping throughout and has an amazing climax.
- DirectorPierre MorelStarsLiam NeesonMaggie GraceFamke JanssenA retired CIA agent travels across Europe and relies on his old skills to save his estranged daughter, who has been kidnapped while on a trip to Paris.The ultimate search of a father for his missing daughter in a foreign country. His search leads him to a seedy world of human trafficking and prostitution. Liam Neeson is cool and ruthless throughout as the film keeps you on the edge of your seat.
- DirectorPark Chan-wookStarsNam-mi KangJeong-nam ChoiHye-Sook GoAfter being wrongfully imprisoned for thirteen years and having her child taken away from her, a woman seeks revenge through increasingly brutal means.Excellent and stylish film made from the director of 'Oldboy' who surpasses even that film, with this tale of a young woman who seeks redemption and revenge after being released from prison following conviction for a horrific crime. The lead in this film gives an unforgettable performance, which is both charming and chilling. Brilliant!!