Chariots of Fire
Hugh Hudson
Two unlikely top-class athletes at the Paris Olympics of 1924 are the subject of this British film. Eric Liddell runs for the glory of God and Harold Abraham runs to overcome the prejudice of being Jewish. The film shows us the personal struggles of the two athletes — at one level this is a film on sports but at another it is an inspirational story of courage, belief and faith. The performances by the entire cast is very good and the music is among the best composed for a film in a long time. A truly remarkable film that uplifts your soul.
Amadeus
Milos Forman
This film celebrates the genius of Mozart. The story is about the rivalry between court composer Salieri and Mozart. Salieri works hard to compose but for Mozart the music comes effortlessly. In one telling scene, Salieri composes a small march to welcome Mozart. On one hearing it Mozart is not only able to reproduce it but also gives Salieri a number of alternatives. The film is enriched with superb performances by F. Murray Abraham as Salieri and Tom Hulce as Mozart. The screenplay is excellent, the music is divine and the operas are magnificently recreated — the closest to perfection that one can hope for in a film of this kind.
Network
Sydney Lumet
Made in 1976 this film mirrors the power of television. It foretells the corporate take-over of news broadcasting and the obsession with ratings. The film was written as satire but three decades down the line with the advent of reality television these events can be seen in perspective. This compelling film is aided by one of the best screenplays written and outstanding performances by its cast. The film won four major Oscars including those for Best Actor and Best Actress and Original Screenplay.
Autumn Sonata
Ingmar Bergman
A world famous pianist visits her less-talented elder daughter after many years. She learns that her other daughter who is mentally and physically-challenged and whom she had admitted to an institution is now under the care of her elder daughter. The tension between mother and daughter grows as the evening progresses until everything the daughter withheld for years is in the open. Harsh words of neglect, selfishness and guilt are exchanged. The relationship between mother and daughter changes, but the film ends on a hopeful note. Great performances by Liv Ullmann and Ingrid Bergman.
21 Grams
Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu
Presented in non-linear format this film tells the story of three people brought together by a tragic accident. The film is about loss and how one copes with it. The element of fate in every one's life is perhaps the lasting impression the director wants to convey. This film changes your perspective on life and death. Great performances lift this film to a different level.
Those that almost made it
The Godfather: Francis Ford Coppola
The Day of the Jackal: Fred Zinnemann
Doctor Zhivago: David Lean
Dead Poets Society: Peter Weir
(Javed Merchant is a Chennai-based businessman who loves watching films from across genres.)
