Letters From Iwo Jima
Clint Eastwood
This war film focuses on the human conscience rather than projecting the war itself. The film explains the defence of the Japanese island of Iwo Jima by the Imperial Army during WWII, in a subtle rather than an epic manner. Ken Watanabe’s portrayal of the Japanese general Tadamichi Kuribayashi evokes strong emotions and, helps us see through the hearts of those who fought the war. Clint Eastwood’s direction plays with human emotions and will move you to tears.
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Jim Sheridan
This biographical film set in revolution-hit Belfast, effectively showcases the case of the ‘Guildford four’ falsely convicted for a bombing in London and their 15-year struggle for freedom. The performance of Daniel Day Lewis in the film is remarkable and his portrayal of Gerry Conlon will stir many a soul. The film also touches on the emotionally vulnerable points in the relationship between father and son. With supporting performances from Emma Thompson as a defence lawyer and Pete Proslethwaite as Giuseppe Conlon the film is a delight to watch.
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The Green Mile
Frank Darabont
From the director who gave hope through Shawshank Redemption, comes a film which places life as the masterpiece in God’s creation. Tom Hanks as the penitentiary guard and Michael Clarke Ducan as the mystery man John Coffey take us through a journey which reveals human nature. Making a bridge between death row convicts and supernatural elements isn’t an easy task and the film which is an adaptation of the novel by the same name does it so well.
The Prestige
Christopher Nolan
The magician in this film is Christopher Nolan who weaves magic with the stellar performances of Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. The director creates a virtual world of magic, and at one point we start accounting for the two rival magicians, Robert Angier and Alfred Borden. The film also weaves jealousy, pride, perseverance and prestige into its storyline.
Schindler’s List
Steven Spielberg
This film is a kaleidoscope of human emotions. Liam Nesson, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Kingsley play master roles in a film based on the biography of Oskar Schindler with the auteur wielding the megaphone. Dealing with the pain of the Holocaust is never easy but the film never once loses its aim of delivering the message “All good men are gods, but they don’t know it yet.” This spellbinding film showcases the spirit of human life and its struggle for existence.
Those who made it
My Left Foot: Jim Sheridan
No Country For Old Men: Ethan Coen and Joel Coen
Rhythm: Vasanth
Pan’s Labyrinth: Guillermo Del Toro
Frost Nixon: Ron Howard
V. Deepak Eshwar is an engineering graduate from Coimbatore. He loves watching movies based on the survival spirit of people.