Here is my list:
1. True Romance
- For me, the best Tarantino has ever written. The title says it all. The most romantic movie I have seen, a modern day fairytale. If you like dark humor inyour movies, then this is a must-see. Crazy plot. Great performances by ALL the actors. The Walken- Hopper scene is amazing. If Kill Your Boyfriend had a filmequivalent, this is it.
2. Killing Zoe
- Dare I say it, I actually like this more than Pulp Fiction. It does not have that "I am so cool" approach that is a major ingredient in otherTarantino projects. Much more realistic characters here and with better camera work too. There is a love story woven in there. Yup, I just love the"romance and violence" combo.
3. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
- Great, witty script, cinematography and editing. Another must see for those with a darker taste. One of, if not, the best black comedy in years. This is notto be missed for "gangster" lovers. I see the comparison with Pulp Fiction, but this has a more "layered/complex" script, a more"modern" feel that is a result of the original camerawork, and superb soundtrack too. Weird yet "lovable" characters. This would be my #2if it had the "love" element.
4. Grosse Pointe Blank
- Yes sir, another comedy, crime, romance film for me. Cusack is a perfect fit for the lead character. For something co-written by more than two persons, thisa very tight and coherent film with a good dose of plot twists and turns. Action sequences are far better than most action films these days. Not as violent asother films in my list. (I need this in DVD format.)
5. Pulp Fiction
- After seeing LST&2B, PF appears to be lacking in the dark comedy department and is a little "old". The various "freakshow" elementsmake it a bit trying hard to shock at times. Otherwise, it still is a classic when it comes to violence and script.
Ranking of next five films depends entirely on my mood.
MirrorMask
- Co-written by dream master Neil Gaiman and long-time Gaiman collaborator Dave McKean. A multimedia treat for those who are into the DC/Vertigo line ofcomicbooks - Sandman, Death, Black Orchid, etc. Eagerly awaiting the movie version of Coraline, due out on 2009.
Spirited Away
- Animated film that is simply a tasty food for the senses. A world within our world with a very intelligent story. I was told that the creator was talking tothe youth of Japan with this film. How he sees the them as now lacking the respect to their elders and their culture and how commercialism has eaten them. Iguess this applies to the Filipino youth as well.
Double Tap
- A HK film that is a deep and poignant look into how one is affected by having killed someone, even in the line of duty. Well acted and very dramatic, and ofcourse violent.
Dog Day Afternoon
- Pacino at his best (no overacting here). The dark comedy parts alone make this worth watching. Shows us how people twists perspectives to suit their ownagenda. Turn good into wrong.
Still Crazy
- An nostalgic and intelligent british comedy. 70's Rock & Roll --- 20 years after! Soundtrack rocks (of course).
There are plenty more films that I like watching over and over again, too many to list. All genre, from Infernal Affairs to CARS, to Little Miss Sunshine andKung Fu Panda. I have seen two really good films recently, both from Hongkong film maker Johnnie To- PTU and Exiled. Tarantino has nothing against this guy! Afew more viewings and these two titles will be up there among my list.
