A Few Good Men
Rob Reiner
The film is known for the sheer force of various emotions portrayed in an admirably controlled manner and for introducing us to value systems as they prevail in a barracks environment. Tom Cruise as the brilliant but troubled lawyer Daniel Kaffee, Jack Nicholson as the hard- headed, arrogant Col. Nathan Jessop and Demi Moore as the lady officer and lawyer Joanne Gallaway are outstanding. The court room scenes are unforgettable.
Kadalikka Neramillai
C.V. Sridhar
Often hailed as the benchmark of comedy in Tamil cinema, Kadalikka Neramillai is a film for all ages and times. A simple but interesting screenplay, optimal performance by all players, enthralling music and brilliantly natural performances by Nagesh and Balaiah make it a memorable movie.
Thillana Mohanambal
A.P. Nagarajan
If not for anything, you should watch the movie for the sheer brilliance of Sivaji’s body language. Portraying a maverick genius of a musician, Sivaji mesmerises by his underplay and mannerisms. The flavour of the movie gives you a look into the lives and times of Tamil artistes of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Nagesh as the acerbic and scheming Vaithy is unforgettable. Padmini portraying Mohana the beautiful danseuse delivers one of her finest performances. The subtle underplay of Balaiah, A.V.M. Rajan and others adds sheen to this all-time favourite.
Mackenna’s Gold
J. Lee Thompson
Mackenna’s Gold is the riveting tale of a bunch of disparate men and women hitting the gold trail. A racy screenplay, combined with technical excellence — photography is outstanding — enhanced by the towering presence of Gregory Peck and a classy act by Omar Sheriff make me watch this movie every time it is screened.
The Bridge On The River Kwai
David Lean
Hailed as one of the best movies of all time, The Bridge on the River Kwai is a moving visual exposition of the efforts of a dignified officer and his men to complete construction of a rail bridge, while in captivity. Alec Guiness, in one of the finest on-screen performances, brings to life the character of an officer who earns the respect of even his enemy.
Those that almost made it
Day Of The Jackal – Fred Zinnemann
Jurassic Park – Steven Spielberg
The Shawshank Redemption – Frank Darabont
The Great Train Robbery – Michael Crichton
Guns of Navarone – J. Lee Thompson
C.V. Raghavan is a vice-president with an MNC in Chennai. He relaxes by watching films.
