Ladri di Biciclette (Bicycle Thieves)
Vittorio De Sica
Bicycle Thieves is credited with influencing the film-making style of the legendary Satyajit Ray. Set in post-war Rome, in a time of extreme unemployment, it is the story of Antonio Ricci who sells his family's last remaining valuables to acquire a cycle so that he can earn money by putting up posters on the city streets. When the bicycle gets stolen, Ricci and his devoted son go in pursuit of the thieves. The chemistry between Ricci and his son Bruno (played by Lamberto Maggiorani and Enzo Staiola respectively) is remarkable. The climax sees Ricci almost fall from grace in the eyes of his devoted son but Bruno forgives his father realising that it was only hopelessness that made Ricci do this. A must-watch for every one.
The Godfather
Francis Ford Coppola
One of the best movies ever made, Coppola enthralls with this saga of revenge. Don Vito Corleone, is the head of a powerful mafia family in New York. His son Michael is the perfect American citizen, a war hero, who wants nothing to do with the family business, until an unfortunate turn of events threatens its very existence. Faced by threats from all sides, Michael proves to be a worthy albeit initially reluctant successor to his father. With memorable scenes such as the juxtaposition of Michael's nephew's baptism alongside Michael's metaphoric baptism by blood and his ascension to the throne of the Corleone empire, and classic lines such as ‘I'll make him an offer he cant refuse' this one is a classic.
Rashomon
Akira Kurosawa
A masterpiece by Akira Kurosawa, Rashomon is the story of the rape of a woman and the murder of her samurai husband. What makes this movie so compelling is the way in which four individuals describe the incident in four different yet believable ways. An insight into the human mind it is one of the finest movies made by Kurosawa, the non-linear narrative structure of this film has been emulated ever since. It won an honorary Academy award in 1952.
Ying Xiong
Yimou Zhang
A breath-taking visual delight by Yimou Zhang, Ying Xiong ((Hero) is the story of three assassins who plan to kill the most powerful warlord in pre-unified China. A prefect in one of the seven territories defeats these warriors. Each scene seems like a painting in motion and the use of colours gives the movie a surreal texture. The fight sequences are graceful and the performances of Maggi Cheung and Tony Leung are commendable.
The Shawshank Redemption
Frank Darabont
Based on a novel by Stephen King, this is the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is convicted of the murder of his wife and her lover. While serving two consecutive life sentences in Shawshank penitentiary, Andy's knowledge of finance helps him achieve some sort of a social standing in the prison hierarchy as he is able to help other inmates, and even prison guards with their financial matters, including the corrupt jail warden. Another inmate ‘Red' (played by Morgan Freeman) is Andy's only friend and companion. The warden plans to eliminate Dufresne as soon as all his tracks are covered, but Dufresne has an ace up his sleeve which is revealed in a fantastic climax. This is a story of hope and survival, against all odds.
Those that almost made it
Citizen Kane: Orson Welles
Life Is Beautiful: Roberto Benigni
Seven Samurai: Akira Kurosawa
Pulp Fiction: Quentin Tarantino
The Godfather II: Francis Ford Coppola
The Green Mile: Frank Darabont
Forrest Gump: Robert Zemeckis
Road to Perdition: Sam Mendes
(Sikander Khan is a probationary officer with the State Bank of India at New Delhi.)
