Inception
Christopher Nolan once again proves that Hollywood is capable of producing a masterpiece once in a while. Though relatively newer than some of the movies on this list (having been released in 2010), Inception will always be a timeless masterpiece. In this action packed film, main character Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) assembles a team to complete the most intricate and daring espionage mission ever\; Inception. The complexity of the concept of dream sharing, building and infiltrating will never cease to amaze me. From the first scene to the last shot, my mind was completely boggled. In the end I was questioning whether I had even watched the movie at all or if I had simply dreamt it. As the plot line twists, turns and literally flips upside down you will be hooked, mouth hanging open, eyes glued to the screen. If you manage to watch the whole movie without your mind exploding, you have my respect.
-Stella
Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino’s second feature film paved his path to worldwide adoration and adulation. The endlessly quotable “Pulp Fiction” is unlike any other movie that has ever been made, or will ever be made. The soundtrack is iconic, each and every song used in this film is used perfectly. The story is riveting and the humor is blacker than tar, the dialogue flows smoothly and hilariously, the characters are fascinatingly loathsome and the performances are impeccable—especially from John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson and Uma Thurman. A film that is infinitely re-watchable and one of the most entertaining movies of all time, “Pulp Fiction” will go down in the annals of history as a true masterpiece.
-Siddharth
Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing follows ‘good girl’ Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman (Jennifer Grey) and Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) as they fall in love while, you guessed it, dancing. While Baby is filling in for Johnny’s dance partner without the knowledge of her family, her father finds out and forbids her from dancing and seeing Johnny again in true forbidden romance form. I’m ashamed to say that I had only seen the newer version of Dirty Dancing and as a true connoisseur of rom-coms I can confirm that the classic is way better.
-Cyiza
Dr. No (First James Bond Movie)
As the first film in the James Bond saga, Agent 007 (a young Sean Connery) must stop evil genius Dr. No, a villain with delusions of splendor and an obsession with power, from destroying the U.S. space program. A spy mission in the jungle, a beautiful temptress and martinis (shaken not stirred) for days. If you’re looking for a classic spy movie, this is it.
-Stella
Kill Bill
Quentin Tarantino portrays the catharsis of revenge with little subtlety. But that’s what makes “Kill Bill” so incredibly fun. The film is a non-stop action thriller which pays homage to classic kung fu films of the 1970s. It’s blood-soaked, over the top and at times, barbaric, but the story of a woman (Uma Thurman) seeking revenge on her would-be murderers is so enthralling, all the gore and guts seem to be the justified means to an end (at times, comically so).
-Siddharth
The Breakfast Club
John Hughes once again stuns audiences with his understanding of the teenage mind through the story of five teenagers, who couldn’t be more different, spending a Saturday in detention together. The unlikely group includes John (Judd Nelson), Claire (Molly Ringwald), Allison (Ally Sheedy), Brian (Anthony Michael Hall) and Andrew (Emilio Estevez). All of whom work to make this movie the most relatable portrayal of adolescent pressures and how they permeate both our identity and our relationships with others. By the end I felt like I had made five new friends. And whether you are a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, or a criminal, you’ll find a piece of yourself in this must see 80’s flick.
-Stella
Glory
“Glory,” starring Mathew Broderick, Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington, tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts infantry regiment and their service during the Civil War. Beset on all sides by racism, the 54th rises up to combat the inequality of their lives and disdain of others with their bravery, determination and willingness to die for their country. “Glory” enshrines the tale of true patriots, whose noble sacrifices Americans have sadly forgotten.The acting is fantastic, the 54th’s arc as they rise from scorned to adored is truly inspirational and the score will remain in my head for years to come.
-Siddharth
The Notebook
The Notebook is the classic love story that takes place in 1940’s South Carolina, where wealthy girl Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) is spending the summer in Seabrook. She meets a local worker, Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling), and they fall desperately in love at the carnival. Allie’s parents disapprove of the relationship because of Noah’s social class. While it seems their relationship is over, their love story is far from over. The Notebook is one of my all time favorites because Noah and Allie’s relationship is just so pure. Even though they came from different backgrounds, they loved each other so much and didn’t give up on each other for so long. Watching The Notebook will put your heart on an emotional rollercoaster.
-Aya
The Godfather
Winner of three Academy Awards, the story of The Godfather centers around a powerful Italian-American crime family headed by Don Vito Corleone whose son, Michael, hesitantly joins the family business. The plot follows Michael and his experience in the Mafia, through all the hurt, violence and betrayal. This movie will give you the creeps, the chills and the feels all at once, not to mention watching this movie is a must for anyone striving to be a somewhat cultured adult. Honestly I feel like watching this movie is an offer that you just can’t refuse.
-Stella
Brokeback Mountain
What makes “Brokeback Mountain” so great is not purely its humane and empathetic depiction of its gay central characters trying to reconcile their feelings. Its greatness lies in its ability to be more than just a film about homosexuality. At its heart, “Brokeback Mountain” is a tale of sacrifice, repression and longing for something unattainable, a love story shrouded in mystery and suspense. The relationship between Ennis (Heath Ledger) and Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) is complex and believable, yet cruelly doomed to fail due to the intolerance pervasive throughout America’s Midwest in the 1960’s.
-Siddharth
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas takes place during World War II, where Bruno (Asa Butterfield) and his family move to a home close to a concentration camp where his father has become a commandant. One day he wanders out of his house due to boredom and, unknowingly, right to the concentration camp. Here he meets a little boy named Shmuel (Jack Scanlon). Bruno knows not why his new friend is trapped behind a barbed wire fence and the two continue their forbidden friendship until the unimaginable happens. Just this time the tables have been turned. I know this must seem cryptic but you’ll have to watch the movie to find out. Or, better yet, read the book.
-Aya & Stella
