«They don’t have movies where you come from, do they?»
«We had something similar a few hundred years ago, but they lost their appeal when people discovered their real lives were more interesting.»
«Still, it’s nice to take a break from your life now and then, don’t you think?»
Crewman Cutler and Dr. Phlox in «Enterprise»
After being surprised that my students do not know Star Trek DS9 (see this posting), I was wondering which movies I would pretty much expect anymore to have seen. And yeah, not that likely that students today have seen them, given all the new crap that came out during their short lifetime.
But there is worth in old(er) movies, esp. considering that some age extremely well. More like fine wine than like most women. I made that experience myself when I found out that movies such as «Casablanca» or «12 Angry Men» are surprisingly good.
So here’s an off the top of my head list of great older movies (roughly pre 2000). And yeah, a lot of great movies are missing (e.g., «2001 – A Space Odyssey», «Godfather», or «Airplane»). I’m going for movies that I remember as impressive, not what is necessarily culturally seen as great movies. But there are a few honorable mentions at the end.
12 Angry Men
A brilliant drama about an ostensibly clear-cut case and a masterpiece in direction and persuasion. The Henry Fonda version is highly recommended.
«I think I know this man better than anyone here. This is a quiet, frightened, insignificant old man who has been nothing all his life. Who’s never had recognition. Or his name in the newspapers. Nobody knows him. Nobody quotes him. Nobody seeks his advice after seventy-five years. Gentlemen, that’s a very sad thing to mean nothing.»
Juror 9 in «12 Angry Men»
«These people are dangerous. They’re… wild. Listen to me. Listen to me.»
«I have. Now, sit down and don’t open your mouth again.»
«12 Angry Men»
Aliens
While «Alien» was good, and even 3 and 4 have their moments, I personally prefer the second movie. The best humans have to offer vs a colony of aliens.
«These people are here to protect you. They are soldiers.»
«It won’t make any difference.»
Ripley and Newt in «Aliens» (1986)
«My mommy always said there were no monsters – no real ones – but there are.»
«Yes there are, aren’t there?»
«Why do they tell little kids that?»
«Most of the time its true …»
Newt and Ripley in «Aliens»
«They cut the power.»
«What do you mean ‘they cut the power’? How could they cut the power, man? They’re animals!»
Ripley and Private Hudson in «Aliens»
Private Hudson: «Let’s just bug out and call it even, OK?»
Ellen Ripley: «I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. That’s the only way to be sure.»
Private Hudson: «Fuckin’ A …»
Burke: «Ho-ho-hold on one second. This installation has a substantial dollar value attached to it.»
Ellen Ripley: «They can bill me.»
Aliens
«I may be synthetic, but I’m not stupid.»
Bishop in «Aliens»
Apollo 13
The thin line between greatest disaster and their finest hour. Great movie about problem solving (with the problems in part caused by political games).
«I don’t care about what something was designed to do, I care about what it can do.»
Gene Kranz in «Apollo 13»
«This could be the greatest disaster NASA’s ever faced.»
«With all due respect, sir, I believe this may be our finest hour.»
Bureaucrat and Gene Kranz in Apollo 13 (1995)
«Let’s look at this from a standpoint of status. What do we have on the spacecraft that works?»
Gene Kranz in «Apollo 13»
«Let’s work the problem, people! Let’s not make things worse by guessing.»
Gene Kranz in «Apollo 13»
Arachnophobia
Horror movie about spiders invading a small town. If the phobia applies to you, you probably should not watch it.
«Respect is fine, but actually I’ve always wanted to be feared.»
Dr. Ross Jennings in «Arachnophobia» (1990)
Back to the Future I – III
Brilliant movie trilogy with time travel going from 1985 to 1955 to 2015 (seen form the 1990s, and their future was better) to 1885.
«Wait, Doc. You mean you made a time machine … out of a DeLorean?»
Marty McFly in «Back to the Future» (1985)
«Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads.»
Dr. Emmet Brown in «Back To The Future»
Basic Instinct
Well, it made a splash when it came out. And no, not showing the scene it is known for.
Gus: «Did you ever do drugs with Mr. Boz?»
Catherine Tramell: «Sure.»
Gus: «What kind of drugs?»
Catherine Tramell: «Cocaine. Have you ever fucked on cocaine, Nick? It’s nice.»
[Catherine Tramell uncrosses her legs and it can be seen she’s wearing no underwear]
Detective Nick Curran: «You like playing games don’t you?»
Catherine Tramell: «I have a degree in psychology, it goes with the turf … Games are fun.»
«Basic Instinct»
«There’s no smoking in this building, Ms. Tramell.»
«What’re you going do? Charge me with smoking?»
John Correli and Catherine Tramell in Basic Instinct
«Were you ever engaged in any sadomasochistic activity?»
«Exactly what did you have in mind, Mr. Correli?»
John Correli and Catherine Tramell in Basic Instinct
Batman Returns
There were Batman movies before the recent ones, and while some sucked, the second one is pretty good. In part, admittedly, owing to Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman.
«A kiss under the mistle toe … a mistletoe can be deadly if you eat it.»
«But a kiss can be even deadlier if you mean it.»
Selina Kyle (Catwoman) and Bruce Wayne (Batman) in «Batman Returns»
Battle Royale and Battle Royale 2
Ah, the innocence of children — killing each other in a battle royale. Pretty interesting Japanese movies about unity.
Beautiful Creatures
Movie based on a young-adult book series. IIRC only one movie was made. Pity, It had potential. Some beautiful scenes and lines.
«Bukowski, he … he any good?»
«Define good.»
«Beautiful Creatures»
«Well, bless your heart, sugar. You must have been first in your litter.»
«Beautiful Creatures»
Bedazzled
Be careful what you wish for … beautiful and somewhat touching comedy (with Brendan Fraser) that actually deserves this name.
Beverly Hills Cop
Besides the great music, a great action movie (with Eddie Murphy, don’t expect that much realism). The other parts weren’t as good, but still watchable.
Blade Runner
A classic that deserves the name. The sequel («Blade Runner 2049») is pretty good in its own way as well.
«The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long – and you have burned so very, very brightly, Roy.»
Tyrell in «Blade Runner»
«I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die.»
Roy Batty in «Blade Runner»
Braveheart
Great not that historic movie about Scots fighting for freedom. Great quotations and scenes.
«We all end up dead, the question is how and why.»
William Wallace in «Braveheart» (1995)
«It’s our wits that make us men.»
Malcolm Wallace in «Braveheart» (1995)
«I came home to raise crops, and God willing, a family. If I can live in peace, I will.»
William Wallace in Braveheart (1995)
«Why do you help me?»
«Because of the way you are looking at me now.»
William Wallace and Isabelle in «Braveheart» (1995)
«Englishmen don’t know what a tongue is for.»
Nicolette in «Braveheart» (1995)
«I’m dying. Let me be.»
«No. You’re going to live.»
«I’ve lived long enough to live free. And proud to see you become the man that you are. I’m a happy man.»
Campbell and Hamish in «Braveheart» (1995)
«Every man dies, not every man lives.»
William Wallace, Braveheart
«And I see a whole army of my countrymen here in defiance of tyranny. You have come to fight as free men, and free men you are. What will you do without freedom? Will you fight? [dissent under the fighters] Ay, fight and you may die, run and you’ll live. At least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom?»
William Wallace in Braveheart (1995)
«You see? Death comes to us all. But before it comes to you, know this: your blood dies with you. A child who is not of your line grows in my belly. Your son will not sit long on the throne. I swear it.»
Princess Isabelle, to a mute and dying Longshanks, in «Braveheart» (1995)
Executioner: «The prisoner wishes to say a word.»
William Wallace (screaming his last word before he dies): «FREEEEE-DOMMMMMM!»
Braveheart (1995)
Casablanca
A classic that is well-worth watching. Great lines and scenes.
«No matter how clever he is, he still needs an exit visa. Or I should say two.»
«Why two?«
«He is traveling with a lady.»
«He’ll take one.»
«I think not. I’ve seen the lady.»
Casablanca
Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.
Casablanca
[Just after he has watched Rick shoot Strasser, Renault gives orders to his police]
Captain Louis Renault: Major Strasser has been shot. Round up the usual suspects.
Casablanca
Citizen X
Hunting a serial killer in the Soviet state.
«A man is what he fights for.»
«I don’t fight for anything.»
«I know.»
Burakov and Fetisov in «Citizen X» (1995)
«There are no serial killers in the Soviet state. It is a decadent Western phenomenon.»
«Citizen X» (1995)
Conan – The Barbarian
Well, the title pretty much covers it. Arnold Schwarzenegger at his best.
Mongol General: «We have won again. That is good! But what is best in life?»
Mongol Warrior: «The open steppe, fleet horse, falcon on your wrist, wind in your hair!»
Mongol General: «Wrong! Conan, what is best in life?»
Conan: «To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women!»
Mongol General: «That is good.»
Conan – The Barbarian
Do you want to live forever?
Valeria in «Conan the Barbarian»
Crom,
I have never prayed to you before. I have no tongue for it.
No one, not even you, will remember if we were good men or bad. Why we fought, and why we died.
All that matters is that today, two stood against many.
Valor pleases you, so grant me this one request.
Grant me revenge!
And if you do not listen, the HELL with you!
Conan in «Conan the Barbarian» (1981)
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Beautiful Chinese story.
Dangerous Beauty
Interesting movie on many levels (love, desire, sex work, integrity). A bit cliche at times, but still very good.
Paola Franco: «Desire begins in the mind.»
Dangerous Beauty (1998)
[Veronica Franco, a courtesan in 16th century Venice, is confronted by the wives of the men she has slept with. After Giulia De Lezze, a jealous wife, demands to know why their men return to her bed, Veronica Franco takes a banana from a bowl of fruits.]
Veronica Franco [pealing the banana]: «The Latin for banana is arienna. Banana tree is pala.»
[she swallows the banana whole, as the wives look on shocked]
Veronica Franco: «A woman’s greatest, and most hard-won asset … is an education.»
Giulia De Lezze: «Just because you can say it in Latin doesn’t make it any less obscene.»
Veronica Franco: «Just because you took a vow doesn’t mean you know how to love.»
Marco Venier: «You must save yourself.»
Veronica Franco: «How?»
Marco Venier: «Confess … whatever foolishness they put before you …»
Veronica Franco: «That I am a witch?»
Marco Venier: «What does it matter what you say to these hypocrites?»
Veronica Franco: «I would be saying it.»
Marco Venier: «There is no honor with fools like these. God will forgive you.»
Veronica Franco: «Marco, if I give them my lie, I give them my soul. I’ll lose everything I ever was. My love, my words, my heart.»
Marco Venier: «Yes, but you would live.»
Veronica Franco: «As someone else.»
Dangerous Beauty (1998)
Dead Poets Society
A traditional school and a teacher with a … different style. My view on this movie changed over time, but it’s still well-worth watching.
«Carpe, carpe diem! Seize the day, boys! Make your lives extraordinary.»
Keating in «Dead Poets Society» (1989)
«So avoid using the word ‘very’ because it’s lazy. A man is not very tired, he is exhausted. Don’t use very sad, use morose. Language was invented for one reason, boys – to woo women – and, in that endeavor, laziness will not do.»
Keating in «Dead Poets Society» (1989)
«No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.»
Keating in «Dead Poets Society» (1989)
Demolition Man
For an action movie, this movie with Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes is surprisingly deep. With many parallels to our world today.
«You, give me a Marlboro.»
«Yes, of course, right away.»
«What’s a Marlboro?»
«It’s a cigarette, any cigarette.»
«Smoking is not good for you, and it’s been deemed that anything not good for you is bad, hence illegal. Alcohol, caffeine, contact sports, meat…»
«Are you shitting me?»
«John Spartan, you are fined one credit for a violation of the verbal morality statute.»
«What the hell is that?»
«John Spartan, you are fined one credit for a violation of the…»
«Bad language, chocolate, gasoline, uneducational toys and anything spicy. Abortion is also illegal, but then again, so is pregnancy if you don’t have a license.»
«See, according to Cocteau’s plan, I’m the enemy. Cause I like to think, I like to read. I’m into freedom of speech and freedom of choice. I’m the kind if guy who wants to sit in a greasy spoon and think, ‹Gee, should I have the T-bone steak or the jumbo rack of barbecued ribs with the side order of gravy fries?› I want high cholesterol. I want to eat bacon, butter and buckets of cheese, okay? I want to smoke a Cuban cigar the size of Cincinnati in a non-smoking section. I wanna run through the streets naked with green Jello all over my body reading Playboy magazine. Why? Because I suddenly might feel the need to. Okay, pal? I’ve seen the future, you know what it is? It’s a 47-year-old virgin sittin’ around in his beige pajamas, drinking a banana-broccoli shake singing ‹I’m an Oscar-Meyer Wiener›. You live up top, you live Cocteau’s way. What he wants, when he wants, how he wants. Your other choice: come down here, maybe starve to death.»
Edgar Friendly in «Demolition Man»
Die Hard
The ultimate Christmas movie. The other parts aren’t that bad either, but nothing tops the first one.
«’When Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer.’ The benefits of a classical education.»
Gruber in «Die Hard»
Dirty Dancing
Dance movie from the late 80s. Beautiful music.
Dogma
Brilliant and surprisingly deep comedy about faith.
«What’s he like? God?»
«Lonely. But funny. He’s got a great sense of humor.»
Bethany and Metatron, an archangel, in «Dogma» (1999)
«I don’t mean to sound ungrateful – but what are you doing hanging around?»
«We’re here to pick up chicks.»
«Excuse me?»
«We figure an abortion clinic is a good place to meet loose women. Why else would they be there unless they like to fuck?»
Bethany and Jay in «Dogma» (1999)
«I have issues with anyone who treats faith as a burden instead of a blessing. You people don’t celebrate your faith; you mourn it.»
Serendipity, a muse, in «Dogma» (1999)
«You were martyred?»
«That’s one way of putting it. Another way of putting it would be to say that I was bludgeoned to death by a huge fucking rock.»
Bethany Sloane and Rufus, the 13th Apostle, in «Dogma» (1999)
«He likes to hear people talk. Says it sounds like music to Him. Christ loved to sit around the fire and listen to me and the other guys. Whenever we were going on about unimportant shit, He always had a smile on His face.»
Rufus, on Christ, in «Dogma» (1999)
«You’re saying that having beliefs is a bad thing?»
«I think it’s better to have ideas. You can change an idea. Changing a belief is trickier.»
Bethany and Rufus in «Dogma» (1999)
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
Great take on «Dracula», mostly faithful to the book and addressing what makes this vampire that … interesting.
«The blood is life … and it shall be mine!»
Dracula/Prince Vlad in «Bram Stokers Dracula»
«You want to autopsy Lucy?»
«No no no, not exactly. I just want to cut of her head and take out her heart.»
Doctor Jack Seward and Van Helsing in «Bram Stoker’s Dracula»
«I have crossed oceans of time to find you.»
Vlad Dracula in «Bram Stokers Dracula»
Equilibrium
Interesting sci-fi movie about a totalitarian society that suppresses emotions. A bit like «Fahrenheit 451», just more modern.
Final Fantasy
An animated movie when they were still rare. The visual effects do not age that well, but it has some interesting scenes in it.
Flight
A very interesting movie about alcoholism — and probably the best plane crash scene I have ever seen.
[In the cockpit of a plane that is in an at the moment likely fatal uncontrolled descent, pilot — after announcing he’s gonna roll the plane to fly inverted to try to stop the dive — to stewardess]
«Margaret, what’s your son’s name?»
«Trevor.»
«Say ‹I love you Trevor.›»
«What?»
«Black box. Say ‹I love you Trevor.›»
«I love you Trevor, you be a good boy. Mommy loves you.»
«Okay, here we go …»
«Flight»
Fight Club
One of those «What the Fuck?!?» movies.
«I felt like putting a bullet between the eyes of every Panda that wouldn’t screw to save its species. I wanted to open the dump valves on oil tankers and smother all the French beaches I’d never see. I wanted to breathe smoke.»
Narrator, while brutally beating Angel Face, in Fight Club (1999)
«It’s cheaper than a movie, and there’s free coffee.»
Marla Singer, about attending support groups for diseases she doesn’t have, in «Fight Club» (1999)
«A new car built by my company leaves somewhere traveling at 60 mph. The rear differential locks up. The car crashes and burns with everyone trapped inside. Now: should we initiate a recall? Take the number of vehicles in the field, A, multiply by the probable rate of failure, B, multiply by the average out-of-court settlement, C. A times B times C equals X. If X is less than the cost of a recall, we don’t do one.»
«Are there a lot of these kinds of accidents?»
«You wouldn’t believe.»
«Which car company do you work for?»
«A major one.»
Narrator and Business woman on plane in «Fight Club» (1999)
«The things you own end up owning you.»
Tyler Durden in Fight Club (1999)
«You are not special. You are not a beautiful or unique snowflake. You are the same decaying organic matter as everything else.»
Tyler Durden in «Fight Club» (1999)
«We were raised on television to believe that we’d all be millionares, movie gods, rock stars, but we won’t. And we’re starting to figure that out.»
Tyler Durden in «Fight Club» (1999)
«When people think you’re dying, they listen …»
» … instead of waiting for their turn to speak.»
Narrator and Marla Singer in «Fight Club» (1999)
«After fighting, everything else in your life has got the volume turned down.»
Narrator in «Fight Club» (1999)
«He had a plan. Maybe you just didn’t see it ’til it hit you between the eyes. But, it started to make sense … in a Tyler sort of way. No fear. No distractions. The ability to let that which does not matter truly slide.»
Narrator in «Fight Club» (1999)
From Dusk till Dawn
A movie that switches from crime to horror-splatter — and it works.
«I’m not gonna drain you completely. You’re gonna turn for me, You’ll be my slave. You’ll live for me. You’ll eat bugs because I order it. Because I don’t think you’re worthy of human blood, you’ll feed on the blood of stray dogs. You’ll be my foot stool. And at my command, you’ll lick the dog shit from my boot heel. Since you’ll be my dog, your new name will be ‘Spot’. Welcome to slavery.»
Santanico in «From Dusk Till Dawn»
Gattaca
Sci-Fi movie about a world in which genes are everything.
[Vincent is applying for employment at Gattaca. He has supplied a urine sample for analysis. When Dr. Lamar puts the sample into a genetic analyzer, the machine identifies it as «VALID», «MORROW, JEROME»]
Dr. Lamar: Congratulations.
Vincent: Well, what about the interview?
Dr. Lamar: That was it.
Gattaca (1997)
Ghost in the Shell (Anime)
Based on the Manga, there is an anime movie that’s worth watching.
Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters 2
The original two Ghostbuster movies. Both beautiful comedies.
«Personally, I liked the university. They gave us money and facilities, we didn’t have to produce anything … You’ve never been out of the university. You don’t know what it’s like out there! I’ve worked in the private sector …they expect results.»
«Ghostbusters»
«I think it’s great that you’re looking after that man. You’re a real humanitarian.»
«I don’t think he’s human.»
Janine and Egon in «Ghostbusters»
[The Gate Keeper, possessing Dana Barrett’s body]
The Gate Keeper: Do you want this body?
Doctor Peter Venkman: Is this a trick question?
Ghostbusters
«Ray, when someone asks you if you’re a god, you say YES!»
Winston Zeddmore in Ghostbusters
Good Night and Good Luck
Interesting movie about the McCarthy era, and what the news should be about.
«Earlier the senator asked, “Upon what meat does this our Caesar feed?” Had he looked three lines earlier in Shakespeare’s Caesar he would have found this line which is not altogether inappropriate. “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in ourselves.” No one familiar with the history of this country can deny that congressional committees are useful. It is necessary to investigate before legislating but the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one and the junior senator from Wisconsin has stepped over it repeatedly. We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine and remember that we are not descended from fearful men, not from men who feared to write, to associate, to speak, and to defend the causes that were for the moment unpopular. This is no time for men who oppose Senator McCarthy’s methods to keep silent or for those who approve. We can deny our heritage and our history but we cannot escape responsibility for the results. We proclaim ourselves indeed as we are the defenders of freedom wherever it continues to exist in the world but we cannot defend freedom abroad by discerning it at home. The actions of the junior senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad and given considerable comfort to our enemies. And whose fault is that? Not really his. He didn’t create this situation of fear. He merely exploited it and rather successfully. Cassius was right. The fault dear Brutus is not in our stars but in ourselves. Good night and good luck.»
Good Night and Good Luck
Gremlins 2
Beautiful comedy (the first was a bit more dark, while not exactly horror). But this one, just fun.
Groundhog Day
Romantic comedy about a weatherman who relives the same day in a small town.
«What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered?»
«That sums it up for me.»
Phil Connors, who is forced to relive the same day over and over in a small town, and Ralph, who grew up in that town, in «Groundhog Day»
Hackers
Well, not the usual nerds here, completely over the top but strangely entertaining. And yeah, it was a different time.
«I hope you don’t screw like you type.»
Kate Libby in «Hackers»
Henry V
Kenneth Branagh as King Henry V in this brilliant Shakespeare adaptation.
«I know not if the day be ours or no.»
«The day is yours.»
Henry V and Mountjoy, about the battle between the English and the French, in «Henry V»
High Noon
A prototypical Western about a man doing what is right, no matter that he stands alone.
«And in the end you wind up dyin’ all alone on some dusty street. For what? For a tin star. It’s all for nothin’, Will. It’s all for nothin’.»
Martin Howe in «High Noon» (1952)
Highlander
Let’s assume there can be only one movie, the first one.
«I am Connor MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod. I was born in 1518 in the village of Glenfinnan on the shores of Loch Shiel. And I am immortal.»
Connor MacLeod in «Highlander» (1986)
Johnny Mnemonic
Old Cyberpunk movie, showing many of its concepts (cyborgs, decker, AI, monofilament whip, etc.).
Kate and Leopold
Beautiful time-travel romance. Interesting contrast.
«Scone, your grace.»
«Ah, thank you, Millard. Have you brought the farmer’s bounty?»
«But of course.»
«Ah. Fresh creamery butter. Is there anything more comforting? I say there is. And perhaps you’ll agree, when you sample fat-free farmer’s bounty, with the genuine essence of creamery butter in every bite, with every move, with every bite, with every mouthful of farmer’s bounty, you shall receive butter’s luxurious comfort in your mouth, without adding to the luxury of your waistline. Farmer’s bounty.»
«Now on this one, take a bite and smile. And cut! All right, check the gate. Good enough for me. Can we get a ditto up here and something maybe to back up this a little bit?»
«No, excuse me. Is this an actual sample of farmer’s bounty?»
«Yeah. Why?»
«This tastes like saddle soap.»
«Well, it’s not really your concern now, is it?»
«Not my concern. This product tastes like raw sewage. How is that not my concern?»
«Hey, pal, it’s a paycheck.»
«A paycheck?
«Don’t worry about the taste. Come back. We need another shot.»
«Leopold! Hey. Leopold, what’s going on? What are you doing? They need you back in there.»
«Do they?»
«Yeah, they have to shoot the rest of the spot. They’re not finished yet.»
«Well, I want no part of it.»
«Why?»
«Have you tasted it?»
«Farmer’s bounty?»
«Yes, farmer’s bounty.»
«Yeah, I’ve tasted it. It’s revolting.»
«Yet you have no qualms in enlisting me to endorse it.»
«It’s diet! It’s supposed to be awful. I mean, what is the problem?»
«The problem is that for no reason beyond my affection for you, I find myself peddling pond scum to an unsuspecting public.»
«Hey, listen, you know, the stakes are very high for me here. You can’t just quit because you don’t like–»
«Yes, I can, and so can you. When one finds oneself participating in an endeavor entirely without merit, one withdraws.»
«No, no, because sometimes you have to do things that you don’t like. Sometimes you have to suck it up and finish what you started. It’s part of life.»
«You sound like my uncle.»
«Look, Leopold, Janssen Foods is a very important account for my company. If you don’t go back in there, then I get into a lot of trouble.»
«Is this what you do at work, Kate? Research methods to deceive people? Refine lies until they resemble truth? It’s no wonder you dread your work week.»
«Oh, man. I don’t have time for this.»
«What has happened to the world? You have every convenience, every comfort, yet no time for integrity.»
«No, what I don’t have time for are pious speeches by 200-year-old men who’ve never had to work a day in their life.»
«You have no idea what I’ve done with my life.»
«And you have no idea what I’ve done with mine. I haven’t had all that many comforts and conveniences, Leopold, because I’ve been paying dues all of my life. And I’m tired, and I need a rest, and if I have to peddle a little pond scum to get one, then so be it!»
«Very well.»
«Kate and Leopold»
Léon (Director’s Cut)
One of the best action movies. Great story arc and incredible performances all around.
The rifle is the first weapon you learn how to use, because it lets you keep your distance from the client. The closer you get to being a pro, the closer you can get to the client. The knife, for example, is the last thing you learn.
Léon — The ProfessionalLéon: I’m sorry about your father.
Mathilda: If somebody didn’t do it, one day or another I would’ve probably done it myself.
Léon: Your mother, she —
Mathilda: She’s not my mother! And my sister — she wanted to lose some weight anyway. Bet she never looked better. She’s not even my real sister. Just a half-sister, and not a good half at that.
Léon: If you couldn’t stand them, why are you crying?
Mathilda: Because they killed my brother! What the hell did he do? Four years old… he never used to cry. He just used to sit next to me and cuddle. I was more of a mother to him than that goddamn pig ever was!
Léon — The ProfessionalMathilda: Is life always this hard, or is it just when you’re a kid?
Léon: Always like this.
Léon — The Professional[Mathilda is at the Spencer School for Girls.]
Mathilda: My parents… d-died in a car accident four weeks ago. Terrible.
Headmistress: You know, we didn’t have the time to get to know one another when you first came here. But I want you to know that I’m not the kind of woman that would let down a child — whatever her situation, whatever her mistake. So I’m going to help you and do my best to welcome you here again. But on one condition: you have to stop lying to me, Mathilda. I want you to take a chance, and trust me. Now tell me what happened to you.
Mathilda: Okay. My family got shot down by D.E.A. officers because of a drug problem. I left with the greatest guy on earth. He was a hit man — the best in town. But he died this morning… and if you don’t help me, I’ll be dead by tonight.
Léon — The Professional
Life of Brian
Incredible comedy — mostly about humans and religion.
[A line of prisoners files past a jailer.]
Jailer: «Crucifiction?»
Prisoner: «Yes.»
Jailer: «First on the left, one cross each.» [Prisoner exits.] «Crucifiction?»
Prisoner 2: «No, I’m to be released!»
Jailer: «Oh. Well, off you go then!»
Prisoner 2: «No, I was just kidding. I’m up for crucifiction actually.»
Jailer: «OK, first on the left, one cross each.»
Life of Brian (1979)
Brian: «Look, you’ve got it all wrong. You don’t need to follow me. You don’t need to follow anybody. You’ve got to think for yourselves. You’re all individuals.»
Crowd in unison: «YES. WE’RE ALL INDIVIDUALS.»
Single person in crowd: «I’m not…»
Life of Brian (1979)
Mannequin
Romantic comedy (think Pygmalion) with some touching scenes and beautiful music.
Men in Black and Men in Black II
Beautiful Comedies with some interesting perspectives (not only «What if the men in black were the good guys …?»).
«Edwards, what the hell happened?»
«Hesitated.»
«May I ask why you felt little Tiffany deserved to die?»
«Well she was the only one that actually seemed dangerous at the time, sir.»
«How’d you come to that conclusion?»
«Well first I was gonna pop this guy hanging from the street light and then I realized, you know, he’s just working out. How would I feel if somebody come running in the gym and bust me in my ass while I’m on a treadmill? Then I saw this, uh, snarling beast guy and I noticed he had a tissue in his hand and I realized, you know, he’s not snarling, he’s sneezing. You know, ain’t no real threat there. Then I saw little Tiffany. I’m thinking, you know, eight year old white girl, middle of the ghetto, bunch of monsters, this time of night with quantum physics books. She about to start some shit, Zed. She’s about eight years old. Those books are way too advanced for her. If you ask me, I’d say she’s up to something. And to be honest, I’d appreciate it if you eased up off my back about it. Or do I owe her an apology?»
«Men in Black»
«Gentlemen, congratulations. You’re everything we’ve come to expect from years of government training.»
«Men in Black»
Naked Gun
First one is still the best. Beautiful comedy.
«Excuse me. All right, move on. Nothing to see here. Please disperse. Nothing to see here, please.»
Naked Gun
«The attempt on Nordberg’s life left me shaken and disturbed, and all the questions kept coming up over and over again, like bubbles in a case of club soda. Who is this character in the hospital? Why was he trying to kill Nordberg, and for whom? Did Ludwig lie to me? I didn’t have any proof, but somehow, I didn’t entirely trust him either. Why was the “I love you” not listed in Ludwig’s records? And if it was, did he know about it? And if he didn’t, who did? And where the hell was I?»
Naked Gun
Old School
Okay, strictly speaking, from 2003, but still a great comedy.
Brotherhood of the Wolf
Impressive (and quite brutal) story about … let’s say a monster in a French province.
Pans Labyrinth
Let’s call it a fairy tale, but a pretty dark one. Still, an incredible story.
«You could have obeyed me!»
«But Captain, to obey, just like that, for obedience’s sake… without questioning… That’s something only people like you do.»
Vidal and the Doctor in «Pan’s Labyrinth»
Pleasantville
Beautiful and deep movie about «the good old times» vs today. And the special effects really aged well.
«Up until now everything around here has been, well, pleasant. Recently certain things have become unpleasant. Now, it seems to me that the first thing we have to do is to separate out the things that are pleasant from the things that are unpleasant.»
Pleasantville
Point of No Return
An American remake of «Nikita» (french film), and one that does not suck. Entertaining with a nice redemption arc.
«I never did mind about the little things.»
Maggie in «Point of No Return» (1993)
«What the hell’s going on? What’s this? You’ve got nothing to say to me?»
«A while ago, I did something really bad. I came through it, but I’m always gonna be paying for it.»
«Point of No Return» (1993)
Quills
Impressive movie about censorship.
«My glorious prose, filtered through the minds of the insane? [a sudden, consoling thought] Who knows? They might improve it.»
The Marquis, using the innates of the asylum to overcome the censorship on his writing, in «Quills»
«Are your convictions so fragile that mine cannot stand in opposition to them? Is your God so flimsy? So weak? For shame!»
Marquis de Sade in «Quills»
«We held a mirror up to the Doctor, and — apparently — he didn’t like what he saw.»
Marquis de Sade in «Quills»
«Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And a maniac is matchless for invention.»
Marquis de Sade in «Quills»
«It’s nothing but an encyclopedia of perversions. One man killed his wife after reading them.»
«It’s a fiction, not a moral treatise.»
Coulmier and The Marquis de Sade in «Quills»
«If I wasn’t such a bad woman on the page, I couldn’t be such a good woman in life.»
Madeleine in «Quills»
«Some things belong on paper, others in life. It’s a blessed fool who can’t tell the difference.»
Madeleine in «Quills»
«Sweet little thing like you shouldn’t be reading such filth anyway.»
«I grew up in a convent, sir. Everything I know in the world, I owe to books.»
Pawnbroker and Simone in «Quills»
«There comes a time in a young lady’s life when she has to cast book’s aside, and learn from experience.»
«That, Monsieur, requires a teacher.»
Prouix and Simone in «Quills»
«You’re not the anti-Christ. You’re only a malcontent who knows how to spell.»
Coulmier in «Quills»
Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves
The Kevin Costner version is very well done. Has humor, some drama, and the usual happy end.
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
A modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet that actually work. Good music, beautiful actors, great scene with the aquarium.
«Two households, both alike in dignity. In Fair Verona where we lay our scene. From ancient grudge break to new mutiny. Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star-crossed lovers take their life.»
Anchorwoman in «Romeo + Juliet»
«A plague o’ both your houses! They have made worms’ meat of me.»
Mercutio in «Romeo + Juliet»
Scent of a Woman
A movie review (sorry, no idea whose) said it best: «Col. Frank Slade has a very special plan for the weekend. It involves travel, women, good food, fine wine, the tango, chauffeured limousines and a loaded forty-five. And he’s bringing Charlie along for the ride.»
«Legs. I don’t care if they’re Greek columns, or second-hand Steinways, but what’s between them … passport to heaven.»
Colonel Slade in «Scent of a Woman» (1992)
«Well, gentlemen, when the shit hits the fan, some guys run and some guys stay.»
Lt. Col. Frank Slade in «Scent of a Woman»
«Out of order, I show you out of order. You don’t know what out of order is, Mr. Trask. I’d show you, but I’m too old, I’m too tired, I’m too fuckin’ blind. If I were the man I was five years ago, I’d take a FLAMETHROWER to this place! Out of order? Who the hell do you think you’re talkin’ to? I’ve been around, you know? There was a time I could see. And I have seen. Boys like these, younger than these, their arms torn out, their legs ripped off. But there isn’t nothin’ like the sight of an amputated spirit. There is no prosthetic for that. You think you’re merely sending this splendid foot soldier back home to Oregon with his tail between his legs, but I say you are … executin’ his soul! And why? Because he’s not a Bairdman. Bairdmen. You hurt this boy, you’re gonna be Baird bums, the lot of ya. And Harry, Jimmy, Trent, wherever you are out there, FUCK YOU TOO! [ …] I don’t know if Charlie’s silence here today is right or wrong; I’m not a judge or jury. But I can tell you this: he won’t sell anybody out to buy his future!
Lt. Col. Frank Slade in «Scent of a Woman»
Sin City
A very faithful comic adaptation that works.
Star Trek Movies
The good ones are «The Wrath of Khan», «The Voyage Home», «The Undiscovered Country» and «First Contact».
Khan: «These people have sworn to live and die at my command two hundred years before you were born. Do you mean he never told you the tale? To amuse your Captain, no? Never told you how the Enterprise picked up the Botany Bay lost in space from the year 1996 with myself and ship’s company in cryogenic freeze?»
Capt. Terrell: «I never even met Admiral Kirk.»
Khan: «Admiral? Admiral? Admiral … Never told you how ‘Admiral’ Kirk sent seventy of us into exile in this barren sandheap with only the contents of this cargo bay to sustain us?»
Chekov: «You lie. On Ceti Alpha V there was life. A fair chance …»
Khan: «This is Ceti Alpha V. Ceti Alpha VI exploded six months after we were left here.»
«Star Trek II – The Wrath of Khan»
«You’re not exactly catching us at our best.»
«That much is certain.»
Kirk and Spock in «Star Trek IV»
[On whether to help the Klingon Empire]
«They’re animals.»
«Jim, there is an historic opportunity here.»
«Don’t believe them! Don’t trust them!»
«They’re dying.»
«Let. Them. Die.»
Kirk and Spock in «Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country» (1991)
«Captain’s log, stardate 9522.6: I’ve never trusted Klingons, and I never will. I could never forgive them for the death of my boy. It seems to me our mission to escort the Chancellor of the Klingon High Council to a peace summit is problematic at best. Spock says this could be an historic occasion, and I’d like to believe him, but how on earth can history get past people like me?»
Captain James T. Kirk, dictating his personal log, in «Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country» (1991)
«Guess who’s coming to dinner.»
Chekov, regarding the formal dinner between a Klingon diplomatic delegation and the crew, in «Star Trek VI»
«You can’t appreciate Shakespeare until you’ve read him in the original Klingon.»
General Chang in «Star Trek VI»
«We need breathing room!»
«Earth. Hitler. 1938»
General Chang and Captain Kirk, during a formal dinner between the Klingon Empire and the Federation, in Star Trek VI: «The Undiscovered Country»
«You don’t trust me, do you? I don’t blame you. If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.»
Chancellor Gorkon of the Klingon Empire, to Captain James T. Kirk, in «Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country» (1991)
«Logic, logic, logic. Logic is the beginning of wisdom, Valeris, not the end.»
Spock in «Star Trek VI»
«You’re a great one for logic. I’m a great one for rushing in where angels fear to tread. We are both extremists. Reality has brought us somewhere in-between.»
Captain James T. Kirk, in a conversation with Spock, in «Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country» (1991)
«Ahh, Mr. Scott, I understand you’re having difficulty with the warp drive. How much time do you require for repair?»
«There’s nothing wrong with the bloody thing!»
«Mr. Scott, if we return to Spacedock, the assassins will surely find a way to dispose of their incriminating footwear, and we will never see the captain, or Dr. McCoy, alive again.»
«Could take weeks, sir.»
«Thank you, Mr. Scott.»
Spock and Scotty in «Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country»
Picard (to Worf): «You want to run away and blow up the ship, you COWARD!»
Dr. Crusher: «Jean-Luc …!»
Worf (to Picard): «If you were any other man, I would kill you where you stand!»
Picard: «Get off my bridge.»
Star Trek VIII: «First Contact»
«Watch your future’s end.»
Borg Queen in «Star Trek VIII: First Contact»
«I envy you … the world you’re going to.»
«I envy you … taking these first steps into a new frontier.»
Sloane and Picard in «Star Trek VIII: First Contact»
«They invade our space, and we fall back. They assimilate entire worlds, and we fall back. Not again. The line must be drawn HERE. This far NO farther. And I will make them pay for what they’ve done.»
[ …]
«You broke your little ships.»
Picard, seeking revenge for the pain the Borg inflicted to him and humanity, and Lily, in «Star Trek: First Contact»
[Data, an android, is feeling anxiety as they approach the Borg.]
Picard: «I suggest you deactivate your emotion chip for now.»
Data [click]: «Done.»
Picard: «Data, there are times when I envy you.»
«Star Trek: First Contact»
Star Wars IV – VI
The classics — and a prototypical Hero’s Journey. The prequels … meh, good story idea, badly ruined by trying to appeal to children. The sequels — just awful rubbish. They do not exist in my world. Rogue One is okay.
«The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers.»
Princess Leia in «Star Wars IV: A New Hope»
«That’s no moon. It’s a space station.»
Obi-Wan in «Star Wars IV: A New Hope»
«The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together.»
Obi-Wan in «Star Wars IV: A New Hope»
«Listen, I can’t get involved! I’ve got work to do! It’s not that I like the Empire; I hate it! But there’s nothing I can do about it right now. … It’s all such a long way from here.»
«That’s your uncle talking.»
Luke and Obi-Wan in «Star Wars IV: A New Hope»
«Your powers are weak, old man.»
«You can’t win, Darth. If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine.»
Darth Vader and Obi-Wan in «Star Wars IV: A New Hope»
«Ready are you? What know you of ready? For eight hundred years have I trained Jedi. My own counsel will I keep on who is to be trained! A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. This one a long time have I watched. All his life has he looked away … to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was. Hmm? What he was doing. Hmph! Adventure. Heh! Excitement. Heh! A Jedi craves not these things. You are reckless!»
Yoda in «Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back» (1980)
«Anger, fear, aggression – the Dark Side of the Force are they. Fear leads to hate – hate leads to anger – anger leads to suffering …»
Yoda in «Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back»
«I won’t fail you. I’m not afraid.»
«You will be. You will be.»
Luke Skywalker and Yoda in «Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back»
«Alright, I’ll give it a try.»
«No! Try not. Do … or do not. There is no try.»
Luke Skywalker and Yoda in «Star Wars IV: The Empire Strikes Back»
«Yes, a Jedi’s strength flows from the Force. But beware of the dark side. Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi-Wan’s apprentice!»
«Vader … Is the dark side stronger?»
«No, no, no. Quicker, easier, more seductive.»
«But how am I to know the good side from the bad?»
«You will know … when you are calm, at peace, passive. A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack.»
Yoda and Luke Skywalker in «Star Wars IV: The Empire Strikes Back»
«Don’t try to blame me. I didn’t ask you to turn on
the thermal heater. I merely commented that it was freezing in the princess’ chamber. But it’s supposed to be freezing. How are we going to dry out all her clothes?»
Threepio in «The Empire Strikes Back»
«Soon will I rest, yes, forever sleep. Earned it I have. Twilight is upon me, soon night must fall.»
«Master Yoda, you can’t die.»
«Strong am I with the Force, but not that strong.»
Luke and Yoda in «Star Wars VI: The Return of the Jedi»
«Take your Jedi weapon! Use it. Strike me down with all of your hatred and your journey towards the dark side will be complete!»
Emperor Palpatine in «Star Wars VI: The Return of the Jedi»
«Everything that has transpired has done so according to my design. Your friends, up there on the sanctuary moon, are walking into a trap, as is your Rebel fleet. It was I who allowed the Alliance to know the location of the shield generator! It is quite safe from your pitiful little band. An entire legion of my best troops awaits them! Oh, I’m afraid the deflector shield will be quite operational when your friends arrive.»
Emperor Palpatine in «Star Wars VI: The Return of the Jedi»
«Luke, you’re going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.»
Obi-wan Kenobi in «Star Wars VI: The Return of the Jedi»
«Yes, I said closer! Move as close as you can and engage those Star Destroyers at point blank range!»
«At that close range we won’t last long against those Star Destroyers!»
«We’ll last longer than we will against that Death Star, and we might just take a few of them with us!»
Lando Calrissian and Admiral Ackbar in «Star Wars VI: The Return of the Jedi»
Starship Troopers
That movie has (almost) nothing to do with the great book by Robert A. Heinlein, but it is still entertaining to watch.
«Everyone fights, no one quits. If you don’t do your job, I’ll shoot you myself.»
Jean Rasczak in «Starship Troopers» (1997)
«Never pass up a good thing.»
Jean Rasczak in «Starship Troopers» (1997)
Stoker
Just a very very strange family. And beautiful music.
Terminator and Terminator 2
Classics. Enough said.
«Pain can be controlled, you just disconnect it.»
Kyle Reese in «The Terminator» (1984)
«I’ll be back.»
Terminator
«It’s in your nature to destroy yourselves.»
The Terminator in «Terminator 2: Judgment Day» (1991)
[John Connor wants to get some things from home]
The Terminator: «Negative. The T1000 will definitely try to reacquire you there.»
John Connor: «You sure?»
The Terminator: «I would.»
«Terminator 2»
«You just can’t go around killing people.»
«Why?»
«What do you mean why? ‘Cause you can’t.»
«Why?»
«Because you just can’t, OK? Trust me on this.»
John Connor and The Terminator in «The Terminator 2»
The 13th Warrior
An Arab joins a dozen Viking warriors to defeat a «monster». Just great entertainment.
«Merciful Father,
I have squandered my days with plans of many things.
This was not among them.
But at this moment, I beg only to live the next few minutes well.
For all we ought to have thought, and have not thought;
all we ought to have said, and have not said;
all we ought to have done, and have not done;
I pray thee God for forgiveness.»
Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan in «The 13th Warrior»
The Addams Family and Addams Family Values
Better than the old series, and better than the new one («Wednesday»). Just two good comedies.
«Is she dead yet?»
«Does it matter?»
Pugsly and Wendseday in Addams Family, The (1991)
«Last night you were, unhinged. You were like some desperate, howling demon. You frightened me. … Do it again.»
Morticia Addams in «The Addams Family»
Instructor: «Life-saving! I know we’re all top-notch little swimmers, but now we get to show our stuff and… earn those certificates! Hey, how about a first little pair of life-saving buddies? Amanda, Wednesday.»
Amanda: «Is that your bathing suit?»
Wednesday: «Is that your overbite?»
Instructor: «Now, one of you will be the drowning victim, and the other one gets to be our life-saver!»
Amanda: «I’ll be the victim!»
Wednesday: «All your life.»
Amanda: «I’m going to be an actress.»
Instructor: «Bravo! Now, Amanda, jump in. Swim out a few yards and start drowning.»
[jumps into the water and starts drowning]
Amanda: «Help me! Help me! I’m drowning! Help me! I’m dying!»
Wednesday: «I can’t swim.»
«Addams Family Values» (1993)
The Big Sleep
A Humphrey Bogart movie of the Raymond Chandler story. Beautiful chemistry between Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
«Are you sure that she’s going to…»
«Oh yeah, she’ll be alright in the morning.»
«Did you do this?»
«That? Oh yes, that’s a little special service I always provide all my clients.»
«Including being insolent. Where did you find her?»
«I didn’t find her.»
«Well then how did you…»
«I haven’t been here, you haven’t seen me and she hasn’t been out of this house all evening.»
«That bad?»
«Mm-hmm.»
«Just what did happen, Mr. Marlowe?»
«You’re pretty fond of your sister, aren’t you?»
«Yes, I am.»
«You’d do anything for her, wouldn’t you?»
«Anything.»
«Then drop this whole thing.»
«But I still think I should know what…»
«Uh-huh. Don’t even ask her.»
«She never remembers anyway.»
«Just what did she forget about Sean Regan?»
«What did she tell you?»
«Not half as much as you just did. Take it easy. I don’t slap so good around this time of the evening.»
«You go too far, Marlowe.»
«Well, those are harsh words to throw at a man. Especially when he’s walking out of your bedroom. Good night, Mrs. Rutledge.»
The Big Sleep cut1
The Count of Monte Cristo (Chamberlain version)
There are various versions of this Dumas story, but I like the Chamberlain version best. (The book blows every movie out of the water, BTW, very well written.)
The Crow
Beautiful and visually impressive gothic movie about revenge.
People once believed that when someone dies, a crow carries their soul to the land of the dead. But sometimes, something so bad happens that a terrible sadness is carried with it; and the soul can’t rest. Then sometimes, just sometimes, the crow can bring that soul back — to put the wrong things right.
Sarah’s Journal in «The Crow»A building gets torched, all that is left is ashes. I used to think that was true about everything–families, friends, feelings. But now I know that sometimes, if love proves real, two people who are meant to be together … nothing can keep them apart.
Sarah’s journal in «The Crow»«It can’t rain all the time.»
Eric Draven in «The Crow»«Its not a good day to be a bad guy.»
Eric Draven in «The Crow»«They’re all dead. They just don’t know it yet.»
Eric Draven in «The Crow»«You, don’t move!»
«I thought cops always said ‘Freeze!’»
«Well, I say don’t move. Move and you’re dead!»
«And I say I’m dead … and I move …»
Albrecht and Eric Draven in «The Crow»
The Descent
A cave expedition goes seriously wrong. Great horror.
The Fountainhead
Ayn Rand’s book as a movie. Interesting to watch (as usual, the book is better).
The Game
Anything I could say would spoil it. Let’s just say a businessman’s life gets challenged.
«I don’t care about the money. I’m pulling back the curtain. I want to meet the wizard.»
Nicholas Van Orton in «The Game» (1997)
The Ghost and the Darkness
Two lions terrorize a railway building project in Africa (around 1898). Very well done.
«Never thought bravery would be a problem for you.»
«Well, you hope each time it won’t be, but you never really know.»
Doctor and Charles Remington in «The Ghost and the Darkness» (1996)
John Patterson: «You don’t enjoy killing, do you?»
[Remington ignores the question by taking a swig from his flask ]
Hawthorne: «Then why do it?»
Charles Remington: «Because I’ve got a gift.»
«The Ghost and the Darkness»
«We have an expression in prize fighting: ‘Everyone has a plan until they’ve been hit.’ Well my friend, you’ve just been hit. The getting up is up to you.»
Charles Remington in «The Ghost and the Darkness»
«Have you ever failed?»
«Only at life.»
John Patterson and Charles Remington in «The Ghost and the Darkness»
The Three Musketeers/The Four Musketeers
Two related movies, very well done adaptations of the Dumas novels. BTW, there are a lot of animals running around in the background. You hardly every see that in modern movies.
«There was a time when I would have given my life for a kind word from you.»
Milady, to Athos in a whisper, in «The Three Musketeers» (1993)
The Fifth Element
Beautiful sci-fi movie. Funny and well done. Incredible opera concert.
«Everything you create, you use to destroy.»
«Yeah, we call it human nature.»
Leeloo and Korben Dallas in «The Fifth Element»
The Great Escape
A classic WWII prisoner camp escape movie, with some humor but also some very sad scenes.
The Long Kiss Goodnight
Beautiful X-Mas Action movie.
«Life is pain. Get used to it!»
Charly Baltimore in «The Long Kiss Goodnight»«Are you thinking what I’m thinking?»
«I sure hope not, ’cause right now I’m thinking about how much my balls hurt.»
Charly and Mitch in «The Long Kiss Goodnight»«Good evening, lady. You need some company?»
«No thanks, I’m saving myself until I get raped.»
Thug and Charly Baltimore in «The Long Kiss Goodnight»«Our dear friends, may the best of your past be the worst of your future.»
«The Long Kiss Goodnight»«We just jumped out of a building!»
«Yes, it was all very exciting. Tomorrow we go to the zoo.»
Mitch and Nathan in «The Long Kiss Goodnight»
The Seven Samurai / The Magnificent Seven
The Japanese original and the American Western-Adaptation. Both great in their own right.
«What do you think of farmers? You think they’re saints? Hah! They’re foxy beasts! They say, «We’ve got no rice, we’ve no wheat. We’ve got nothing!» But they have! They have everything! Dig under the floors! Or search the barns! You’ll find plenty! Beans, salt, rice, cake! Look in the valleys, they’ve got hidden warehouses! They pose as saints but are full of lies! If they smell a battle, they hunt the defeated! They’re nothing but stingy, greedy, blubbering, foxy, and mean! God damn it all! But then who made them such beasts? You did! You samurai did it! You burn their villages! Destroy their farms! Steal their food! Force them to labour! Take their women! And kill them if they resist! So what should farmers do?»
Kikuchiyo in «The Seven Samurai» (1954)
The Princess Bride
Beautiful and funny fairy tale.
You keep using that word. I don’t think it means what you think it means.
«Princess Bride»
The Shawshank Redemption
Drama about an innocent man (Andy) who gets convicted and spends decades in prison. Beautifully done.
«I could see why some of the boys took him for snobby. He had a quiet way about him, a walk and a talk that just wasn’t normal around here. He strolled, like a man in a park without a care or a worry in the world, like he had on an invisible coat that would shield him from this place. Yeah, I think it would be fair to say … I liked Andy from the start.»
Red in «The Shawshank Redemption»
«I have no idea to this day what those two Italian ladies were singing about. Truth is, I don’t want to know. Some things are better left unsaid. I’d like to think they were singing about something so beautiful it can’t expressed in words, and it makes your heart ache because of it. I tell you, those voices soared higher and farther than anybody in a grey place dares to dream. It was as if some beautiful bird had flapped into our drab little cage and made these walls dissolve away, and for the briefest of moments, every last man in Shawshank felt free.»
Red, a prisoner in Shawshank, hearing «Canzonetta Sull’Aria» (The Marriage of Figaro) over the prison speakers, in «The Shawshank Redemption»
«Ellis Boyd Redding, your files say you’ve served 40 years of a life sentence. Do you feel you’ve been rehabilitated?»
«Rehabilitated? Well, now let me see. You know, I don’t have any idea what that means.»
«Well, it means that you’re ready to rejoin society …»
«I know what you think it means, sonny. To me it’s just a made up word. A politician’s word, so young fellas like yourself can wear a suit and a tie, and have a job. What do you really want to know? Am I sorry for what I did?»
«Well, are you?»
«There’s not a day goes by I don’t feel regret. Not because I’m in here, or because you think I should. I look back on the way I was then: a young, stupid kid who committed that terrible crime. I want to talk to him. I want to try and talk some sense to him, tell him the way things are. But I can’t. That kid’s long gone and this old man is all that’s left. I got to live with that. Rehabilitated? It’s just a bullshit word. So you go on and stamp your form, sonny, and stop wasting my time. Because to tell you the truth, I don’t give a shit.»
Parole Hearings Man and Red in «The Shawshank Redemption» (1994)
The Silence of the Lambs
Probably the best serial killer movies there is. Although I like «Hannibal» (the book, not the movie) as well.
«A census taker once tried to test me … I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.»
Dr. Hannibal Lector in «The Silence of the Lambs»
«I do wish we could chat longer, but I’m having an old friend for dinner.»
Dr. Hannibal Lector in «The Silence of the Lambs»
The Untouchables
A crime story set during prohibition. Very well done, esp. when Malone dies. Of course, as a meme once said, «Someday you’ll realize that Elliott Ness and his Untouchables were really the bad guys.»
«You wanna get Capone? Here’s how you get him. He pulls a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. That’s the Chicago way. And that’s how you get Capone!»
Jim Malone in «The Untouchables»«Never stop fighting ’till the fight is done. Here endeth the lesson.»
Eliot Ness in «The Untouchables»«Word is they’re going to repeal Prohibition. What’ll you do then?»
«I think I’ll have a drink.»
Reporter and Eliot Ness, last lines, in «The Untouchables»
The Usual Suspects
Brilliant storytelling regarding a kingpin of crime.
«My name is Kobayashi. I work for Kayser Soze.»
Kobayashi in «The Usual Suspects» (1995)
«One cannot be betrayed if one has no people.»
Kobayashi in «The Usual Suspects» (1995)
«And then he showed these men of will what will really is.»
Verbal in «The Usual Suspects» (1995)
«What the cops never figured out, and what I know now, was that these men would never break, never lie down, never bend over for anybody. Anybody.»
Verbal in «The Usual Suspects» (1995)
«You think you can catch Keyser Soze? You think a guy like that comes this close to getting caught, and sticks his head out? If he comes up for anything it’ll be to get rid of me. After that … my guess is you’ll never hear from him again.»
Verbal in «The Usual Suspects» (1995)
Tim Burton’s Nightmare before X-Mas and Corpse Bride
Two beautifully done animation movies.
Tombstone
Western dealing among others with the famous shooting in Tombstone, but also a beautiful story about family and friendship.
Cowboy: «Why, it’s the drunk piano player. You’re so drunk, you can’t hit nothin’. In fact, you’re probably seeing double.»
[Cowboy draws a knife, and Doc Holliday takes out a second gun]
Doc Holliday: «I have two guns, one for each of ya.»
«Tombstone»
«I’m a woman, I like men. If that means I’m not lady-like, then I guess I’m just not a lady.»
«You’re different. No arguin’ that. But you’re a lady. I’d take my oath on it.»
Josephine and Wyatt Earp in «Tombstone»
«Doc, why you doin’ this?»
«Wyatt is my friend.»
«Friend? Hell, I got lots of friends.»
«I don’t.»
Turkey Creek Jack Johnson and Doc Holliday in «Tombstone»
There’s no normal life, Wyatt. It’s just life. Get on with it.
Tombstone
Total Recall
Great sci-fi action movie with an ending to think about.
Tron
The original. The sequel («Tron Legacy») is not bad either.
V for Vendetta
Comic book adaptation, very well done (with a few exceptions). Still, timely story.
«Before you go any further, let me remind you things were very chaotic back then. Now we don’t have the problems we had back then. We all did what we had to do. And in those circumstances, we did the best we could. That’s all I have to say about that.»
V for Vendetta
«But it was my integrity that was important. Is that so selfish? … It’s the very last inch of us, but within that inch we are free … we must never lose it, or sell it, or give it away. We must never let them take it from us.»
Valerie in «V for Vendetta»
«Fear became the ultimate tool of this government.»
V in «V for Vendetta»
«I want this country to realize that we stand on the edge of oblivion. I want everyone to remember why they need us!»
Sutler in «V for Vendetta»
«People should not be afraid of their governments, governments should be afraid of their people.»
V in «V for Vendetta»
«Is that what you really think or what they want you to think?»
V in «V for Vendetta»
«Would you prefer a lie or the truth?»
V in «V for Vendetta»
«Thank you, but I’d rather die behind the chemical sheds.»
Evey in «V for Vendetta»
Wargames
Let’s play global thermonuclear war … a classic hacker movie when computers were rare.
Joshua: «Shall we play a game?»
David Lightman: «Oh!»
Jennifer: «I think it missed him.»
David Lightman: «Yeah. Weird isn’t it? Love to. How about Global Thermonuclear War?»
Joshua: «Wouldn’t you prefer a good game of chess?»
«Wargames»«Greetings, Professor Falken.»
«Hello, Joshua.»
«A strange game. The only winning move is not to play. How about a nice game of chess?»
Joshua, a supercomputer controlling the US nuclear arsenal, after playing out all possible outcomes for Global Thermonuclear War, and Stephen Falken in «Wargames»
Watchmen
A comic book adaptation with a different take on superheroes. The comic book is impressive, the movie is still pretty good.
«It doesn’t take a genius to see the world has problems.»
«No, but it takes a room full of morons to think they’re small enough for them to handle.»
Adrian Veidt and Edward Blake in «Watchmen»
Waxwork
Not sure whether it was supposed to be a horror movie, but it’s got something. Strange selection of evil beings, though.
«Raw meat. You do like raw meat?»
Dracula in «Waxwork» (1988)
Winter’s Bone
Based on a book by Daniel Woodrell. Very well told.
«Maybe they’ll share some of that with us.»
«That could be.»
«Maybe we should ask.»
«Never ask for what oughta be offered.»
Sonny and Ree in «Winter’s Bone» (2010)
A few honorable mentions
There are lots of other cool movies, e.g., «Con Air», «Condorman», «Face/Off», «Indiana Jones» (1-3), «Romancing the Stone»/«Jewel of the Nile», «Jurassic Park» (first movie), «Airplane», «Predator» (1+2), «Rambo» (1-3), «Lethal Weapon», «Mad Max», «The Godfather», «Robocop», «Rocketeer», and many more.
Hmm, so yeah, some interesting movies. Happy watching — or remembering having watched them. 🙂