Cinema began in 1895, when the Lumière brothers made the first cinema projector. The film was about 6 minutes long and featured various scenes from everyday life. Since then, cinema has come a long way, and we have seen the brilliance of people who have left their mark as the best directors, writers, and actors in the industry.
The Golden Era of Classic Films:
From the forties of the last century until the nineties, it was the golden period of classic films that still stand the test of time. Many of the works produced during this period, directed by Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and others, remain some of the best films ever made. These movies will always remain on your list of favorite films, even if you watch them dozens of times.
Here is a list of 6 classic movies that are worth watching, even decades after they were produced and released:
I- Taxi Driver:
Martin Scorsese's 1976 drama, "Taxi Driver," tells the story of Travis Bickle, a former Marine residing in New York City. Travis is a psychologically unstable and isolated character who works as a taxi driver at night due to his insomnia.
Throughout the film, the protagonist spends his days watching cheap movies in cinemas and following Betsy, who is working on a presidential nomination campaign. Travis's ideas fluctuate between saving people and making the world a better place, which leads him to consider extreme and violent solutions. The movie has won several awards, including the Palme d'Or.
Starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, and Sybil Shepherd, "Taxi Driver" was directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader.
The film's depiction of New York City in the 1970s was bleak and realistic, highlighting the city's underbelly of crime and corruption. Scorsese's use of voice-over narration and a jazzy score added to the film's gritty and raw atmosphere.
De Niro's portrayal of Travis Bickle has been praised as one of the best performances in cinema history. His transformation from a socially awkward loner to a vigilante on a mission has become iconic.
Jodie Foster's portrayal of Iris, a young prostitute, was also critically acclaimed. Foster was only 12 years old at the time of filming, but her performance was mature beyond her years.
"Taxi Driver" remains a classic of American cinema, and its themes of alienation, violence, and mental illness continue to resonate with audiences today.
II- The Godfather:
In 1972, an epic American gangster film titled "The Godfather" was released in theaters. The film was based on Mario Pozo's 1969 novel of the same name.
Since its release, "The Godfather" has been considered a masterpiece and one of the greatest films in the world. It presented a great painting of creative cinematography, with unforgettable scenes, projections, and performances. The film won many awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Actor for Marlon Brando, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Mario Pozzo and Francis Coppola.
The film is set in the 1940s in the world of the Corleones, a fictional mafia family from New York. It is the first episode in the "Godfather" trilogy, which chronicles the story of the Corleone family under the leadership of Godfather Vito Corleone. The film focuses on the transformation of his youngest son, Michael Corleone, from a stranger to a ruthless gang leader.
Francis Ford Coppola directed the film, with a screenplay by Coppola and Mario Pozo. The film starred Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and James Caan.
The film's cast also included Diane Keaton, Richard S. Castellano, and Robert Duvall, among others.
"The Godfather" was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $134 million in the United States and Canada, and over $245 million worldwide. Its success led to the release of two sequels, "The Godfather Part II" in 1974 and "The Godfather Part III" in 1990.
"The Godfather Part II" was also directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starred Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Robert Duvall, among others. It won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for De Niro.
"The Godfather Part III" was also directed by Coppola and starred Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, and Andy Garcia, among others. It received mixed reviews but was still a commercial success, grossing over $136 million worldwide.
The "Godfather" trilogy remains one of the most iconic and influential film series of all time, and "The Godfather" is often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Its legacy has continued to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike for decades, and it will likely continue to do so for generations to come.
III- Pulp Fiction:
Although there are differing opinions on whether the 1994 gangster drama "Pulp Fiction" is Quentin Tarantino's best work, it is undoubtedly one of the finest films ever to grace the screens of Hollywood.
The movie's plot is an unconventional mix of stories that come together in a non-linear structure. The lives of two gangsters, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and two robbers are intertwined in four tales, their unrelated lives woven together in a series of humorous and bizarre incidents.
The film garnered several awards, including the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay.
"Pulp Fiction" was directed by Quentin Tarantino, co-written by Tarantino and Roger Avary, and features an all-star cast including John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Samuel L. Jackson.
The film's sharp dialogue, eclectic soundtrack, and stylish visuals have become iconic, and its impact on popular culture is undeniable. "Pulp Fiction" has been hailed for its groundbreaking structure and its willingness to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
Tarantino's signature blend of violence and humor is on full display in "Pulp Fiction," and the film's memorable characters and quotable dialogue have become ingrained in popular culture. John Travolta's comeback performance as hitman Vincent Vega, Uma Thurman's turn as the enigmatic Mia Wallace, and Samuel L. Jackson's iconic portrayal of hitman Jules Winnfield are just a few examples of the film's outstanding cast.
"Pulp Fiction" is a testament to Tarantino's unique vision and his ability to create films that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. The movie's influence can be seen in countless other works of art, and it remains a beloved classic of modern cinema.
IV- Citizen Kane:
"Citizen Kane" is a 1941 drama film that tells the story of Charles Foster Kane, a newspaper businessman whose life and memories are revealed after his death. The movie is well-known for its intricate plot and pioneering use of cinematography. Orson Welles delivered a remarkable performance while also co-directing, writing, and acting in the film.
Although "Citizen Kane" was nominated for nine awards, it only won one for Best Original Screenplay. However, it has since been recognized as one of the greatest films ever made.
Directed by Orson Welles and written by Herman G. Mankiewicz, Orson Welles, and John Houseman, the film features a cast that includes Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, and Dorothy Comingore.
"Citizen Kane" was a groundbreaking film in many ways. Its use of deep focus photography and non-linear storytelling techniques had a profound impact on the art of cinema. The film's examination of power, wealth, and the corrupting influence of both was ahead of its time and remains relevant to this day.
Orson Welles' performance as Charles Foster Kane has been widely praised, and the character's mysterious final words, "Rosebud," have become one of the most iconic lines in movie history.
Despite its initial lack of commercial success, "Citizen Kane" has become a touchstone of American cinema and a must-see for any serious film enthusiast. The film's influence can be seen in countless movies that followed it, and its reputation as a masterpiece continues to grow with each passing year.
V- The Third Man:
He is often regarded as one of the indisputable masterpieces of cinema, "The Third Man," directed by Carol Reed and starring Orson Welles (1941), is a thriller set in post-World War I Vienna, Austria. The film follows the story of Holly Martins, who visits a childhood friend only to discover that he has passed away. In the aftermath of his friend's death, Martins becomes convinced that there was a third man present and embarks on a journey to investigate the circumstances of his friend's demise.
"The Third Man" has received numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Cinematography and the Best British Film from the British Film Academy.
The movie was directed by Carol Reed, written by Graham Greene, and features a cast that includes Orson Welles, Joseph Cotton, and Alida Valli.
"The Third Man" is widely praised for its stunning cinematography, atmospheric setting, and unforgettable performances. Orson Welles' portrayal of the enigmatic Harry Lime is particularly noteworthy and his famous "cuckoo clock" speech has become one of the most iconic moments in movie history.
The film's haunting zither score, composed by Anton Karas, also contributes to its unique and eerie atmosphere. The use of shadow and light in the film's cinematography, as well as its unconventional camera angles, have influenced generations of filmmakers.
"The Third Man" is considered a classic of the film noir genre and a landmark in British cinema. Its themes of betrayal, moral ambiguity, and the corrupting influence of power continue to resonate with audiences today.
VI- 12 Angry Men:
"12 Angry Men" is a crime drama film that is based on Reginald Rose's 1957 television play. The film takes place on one set, which is the courtroom. We see 12 men sitting on the jury board, instructed by the judge to reach a verdict in a case against a person charged with first-degree murder.
As the jury enters the jury room to decide whether the young man is guilty or innocent of his father's murder, the film begins as an obvious murder case but quickly turns into a story that presents a series of suspicious clues. It becomes a mini-drama of both juror biases, prejudices about the trial, the accused, and each other.
The film was directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Reginald Rose. It stars Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, and Martin Balsam, among others.
The film's ensemble cast also includes E.G. Marshall, Jack Warden, and Ed Begley, among others, all of whom deliver outstanding performances.
"12 Angry Men" was released in 1957 and received critical acclaim for its exceptional storytelling, direction, and performances. Despite a modest box office performance upon its initial release, the film has since become a classic and is regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.
The film has been remade several times for television and stage, and its themes of justice, prejudice, and the American legal system continue to resonate with audiences today. "12 Angry Men" remains a timeless classic and a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and exceptional filmmaking.
