On Dirty Dozen (12 movies I will watch again. And again)

Alex J. Cavanaugh is hosting a blog hop today. It seems as though half the blogs in my Google Reader are participating in this, so who am I to think alternative, huh? Nevermind that I already did a list of favourites on Saturday - those were books, this one is dedicated to movies. Anyways, here goes - twelve of my favourite movies (and why):


12. Love Actually

I know a bunch of people who cannot stand this movie – either because it is too sweet, or because it is not sweet enough. Personally I think it has just the right amount of sweetness. I like how the different stories are interwoven, and I like both the ones that work out and the ones that doesn’t. I think two characters in particular are priceless: Hugh Grant’s Prime Minister and Bill Nighy’s Legendary Rock Star.

11. Mamma Mia

I know a bunch of people who cannot stand this movie either, but I honestly have no idea why. Alright, the actors might not be the best of singers, and for a musical that can get annoying. And yes, the story is pretty lame. But HELLO feel good movie! There are half-naked men dancing in flippers!

 10. Catch Me If You Can

When I was 13 I loved Leonardo DiCaprio. You know, before his Bad Boy period, and WAY before his Serious Actor period. I think I watched Titanic 13128943 times, or at least six. But Titanic didn’t make it to this list. Catch Me If You Can did. And it didn’t make it to this list because I love Leonardo DiCaprio anymore (because I don't. I don't know if it is because I grew up or because he did, but somewhere along the way my afections waned). But I do like his acting in this movie, and I do like Tom Hanks’ part as well. What I really, really like about it, though, is the instant feeling of being in the 1960s. It’s a very clever movie, and the sympathetic con man certainly keeps the audience rooting for the criminal.

9. Finding Nemo
On my first overnight flight (to Japan) I watched this movie three times. On my second overnight flight (from Japan, one week later), I watched it three more. This movie is so well-made, so colourful, it promotes several valuable lessons and it is funny on so many levels. The only movie that ever made me want an aquarium.

8. Ronja Rövardotter
Ronja must have been the first fictional character I ever consciously knew I looked up to. This beautiful movie adaption puts modern technology to shame by its use of 1984 hand-animated dolls (I am guessing) for the various creatures living in the forest, mini-models of the fortress that is Ronja’s home and other old-fashioned props and effects. It works like a charm! This movie certainly has a lot of charm. Also I love the (original Swedish) soundtrack, with the robber's choir.




7. Aladdin
It took years before my parents bought a VCR, but once they did our three first movies were Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Lion King and Aladdin. I watched all of them over and over again – my copy of Beauty and the Beast barely works anymore – but the one I continued to watch when I grew up was Aladdin. I love the humour in this movie, and I think I’d watch it alone for Genie’s jokes.

6. Stardust

I almost didn't watch this one (I have a post coming up on the subject sometime, if I ever get it written), but I am glad that I did, because I absolutely adore it. The cast, the look and feel of it – it’s pure gold. If you liked Princess Bride, then you’ll love this one. It's got magic, fairy tales, difficult love and Ricky Gervais. Who can ask for more?



5. Pirates of the Caribbean. The Curse of the Black Pearl
This movie goes on the list for two main reasons: a) Johnny Depp; b) Keira Knightley’s character’s line: “If you think that hurts, try wearing a corset”. Aside from this, this movie has nearly nothing to offer. You know, aside from wicked swordfights, spectacular sets, an awesome cast, great music, brilliant humour and a wooden eye. I *heart* this movie!



4. Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain

When I took French in high school we watched this movie a zillion times. Since it’s so good, though, that did not make me loathe it (as it very well might have). The character Amélie is amazing – I just love her quirks. The portrait of Paris is gorgeous, and the soundtrack is one of my favourites of all times.

3. Billy Elliot
This movie manages something I admire greatly, both in books and in movies, to treat serious themes respectfully, with warmth and humour. The Britain shown in this movie is one with high unemployment and violent strikes. The problems of a little boy who just wants to dance (but is afraid to breach the local do’s and don’ts) becomes heart-wrenchingly difficult in the midst of these national problems that affect his family directly.






2. Saving Grace

Like Billy Elliot this one is also set in Britain, and money problems is also at the core of this movie. And it is also very funny. But this is where the similarities end. Grace is a recent widow who discovers that her husband’s finances were nothing to be proud of. In a desperate attempt to keep her house and the way of life she is used to, Grace joins her “gardener” (splendidly played by Craig Ferguson) in an illegal sort of agriculture. Especially the tea party scene is priceless.





...aaaand number one is:

1. The English Patient

I cry and I cry every time I see this movie, and it is not (just) because I know I will never get to marry Count Laszlo de Almásy. No, what makes me cry are the tragic (and epic) love stories, the hopelessness of war, how beautiful the desert looks in the yellow light, and, strangely, how sad it is that Willem Dafoe drops an egg on the ground.



















That’s it! 12 movies I am now craving to watch.

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