Lagaan
Ashutosh Gowariker
An epic sports drama set in India during the British Raj, this film tells us the story of Indian peasants who, facing oppression, take up the challenge of playing the alien game of cricket and winning against a British team for a wager that promises the cancellation of land taxes (Lagaan) for three years. Aamir Khan plays Buvan the leader of the Indian cricket team. His British counterpart, Captain Andrew Russell, is portrayed by Paul Blackthorne. Also well known for its zany and beautiful score by maestro A.R. Rahman, (who can forget Chale Chalo) the film arouses a special sense of inspiration bordered around the game of cricket. Considered as one of the best sports movies of all time, it went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
Inglourious Basterds
Quentin Tarantino
A Tarantino classic, this epic period film set during World War II revolves around a fictional account of two plots for the assassination of Adolf Hitler: One led by Lt. Aldo Raine of the U.S. and the other by revenge-minded Jew Shosanna Dreyfus. The film enthrals with its depiction of the zeitgeist of the Second World War. Christoph Waltz gives a stunning performance as SS Col. Hans Landa, eventually winning many accolades including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Brad Pitt proves his worth with his stellar show as Aldo Raine.
The Schindler’s List
Steven Spielberg
Should anyone ever happen to compile a list of the best-ever period films, this film will finds its way into it. A Steven Spielberg spectacle, this film, set during the Second World War, tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saves Polish-Jewish refugees from being put to death by employing them in his factories. The film shocks us with its narrative and black-and-white screenplay. Liam Neeson portraying Schindler is as amazing as any actor could be. Ben Kingsley plays the pivotal role of Itzhak Stern, a Jewish official and Schindler’s aide. The film went on to win 7 Oscars, including for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
Michel Gondry
This cinematic billet-doux juxtaposes the concepts of love and science. A romantic sci-fi, the film tells us the story of two lovers who decide to undergo a procedure to erase the memories of each other from their minds. While the woman sails through it, the man tries to save his memories. Jim Carrey as Joel Barish and Kate Winslet as Clementine Kruczynski the lovers, excel in their roles phenomenally and the latter went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Lead Actress.
8 Mile
Curtis Hanson
This hip-hop drama tells us the story of Jimmy ‘B-Rabbit’ Smith, a white rapper who tries to launch a rap career in an industry dominated by African-Americans. Other than depicting his hip-hop battles with The Leaders Of The Free World, it also depicts the romantic tension between the protagonist and Alex (played by Brittany Murphy) and also themes of friendship. Marshall Mathers, better known as Eminem, as B-Rabbit looks convincing enough for a debutante and shows with his rapping skills why he is regarded as one of the best. Eminem won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for the song ‘Lose Yourself’.
Those that almost made it
Inception : Christopher Nolan
The Dark Knight : Christopher Nolan
Kill Bill vol.1 & 2 : Quentin Tarantino
Avatar : James Cameron
To Kill a Mockingbird : Robert Mulligan
S. Yuvan is a high school student who likes hip-hop and grunge music and classic period films.
