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All in Classic
This week, we watch Jimmy Stewart become a star, in one of the most perfectly aged films of all time. Everything is somehow still relevant 80 years later, from the humor to the characters, to the dead-on commentary on political corruption. This film, on a short list alongside 12 Angry Men, should be required viewing for everyone in the United States. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), directed by Frank Capra.
This week, we watch the classic war film that dominated the Oscars the year it was released. On a remote Japanese island, a large group of British and American soldiers, now prisoners, are forced to build a bridge. The movie’s production took place in the jungle, and included hundreds of extras and enormous sets, yet the story of the soldiers is what makes this film a classic that still holds up today. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), directed by David Lean.
This week, we go off the top 250 list and watch the film that set the standard on how to make an interesting, funny, and informative story about the tedium that is good reporting, and would rightfully accept any and all association to the best picture winner Spotlight, as the influences are apparent. How is this not one of the top 250? All the President’s Men (1976), directed by Alan Pakula.
This week, we watch the film that put the legendary director Ingmar Bergman on the map, which lead some of cinemas best works, and also some of its most pretentious. Known for its now famous image of a knight playing chess on a beach with death, this movie is worth watching more for the ideas it presents, and not necessarily for the craft or for entertainment. The Seventh Seal (1957), directed by Ingmar Bergman.
This week, we watch one of the first films in history to marry sound with film, with a synchronized soundtrack, as well as the first audio cue jump scare. This movie remains surprisingly relevant despite being released over 90 years ago. Sunrise (1927), directed by F. W. Murnau.
This week, we watch the classic Bergman movie that is Stanley Kubrick's second favorite film of all time. An isolated, accomplished older man reflects on his life choices as he nears death. The story unravels slowly and tells a simple tale, but one that we can all relate to. Wild Strawberries (1957), directed by Ingmar Bergman.
This week, we watch the first silent movie on the list - Starring the legendary Buster Keaton. Based on the true Civil War story, this film is almost entirely a series of chases on trains. The General, directed by Buster Keaton.
This week, we watch the modified story of actual trials that took place in Nuremberg, Germany, after the end of World War II. This film brings up the topic of where to place the guilt for war crimes, and how far down the blame should. Spencer Tracy comes up with some ideas. Judgement at Nuremberg (1961), directed by Stanley Kramer.
This week, we watch the film that was rated as the #1 best movie of all time by 358 of the biggest directors in the world (including Scorsese, Tarantino, Coppola, and many others). This film takes on the seemingly not so interesting topic of every day life, and uses its deliberate pacing (slow) to add weight to its topics in a way that we rarely see on the screen. Tokyo Story (1953), directed by Yasujiro Ozu.
This week, Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski's rug gets peed on. This aggression will not stand, man. This film has one of the most diehard fanbases out of any on this list, and we are proud to share in the obsession. The Big Lebowski (1998), directed by the Coen Brothers.
This week, we watch the best picture winning film that made a huge positive shift in the public opinion towards Vietnam Veterans in the US. This film takes something that didn't occur once in the written history of the Vietnam war (Russian roulette), center's itself around it, and makes a grand, metaphorical statement about the random violence of war. The Deer Hunter (1978), directed by Michael Cimino.
This week, we watch Alfred Hitchcock's first Hollywood film, one that would go on to win Best Picture. This dramatic mystery is full of twists, and showcases acting and cinematography that stands the test of time. Rebecca, directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
This week, we watch the classic Alfred Hitchcock adaptation of the stage play about organizing and attempting the murder of a cheating wife. Great acting and fun plot twists keep this film entertaining throughout, which is a feat, given that the film takes place almost entirely in just one room. And we hope you like dialogue. Dial M For Murder, directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
This week, we watch the longest film of all! The highest grossing movie of all time (adjusted for inflation) is ripe with questionable content, with the racism being the worst offender. This might always be considered a classic, but should it be? Gone With The Wind (1939), directed by Victor Fleming.
This week, we watch the film that is basically a love letter to Paul Newman. Ole' blue eyes is front and center for this classic film about a chain gang's daily life, and their antics of rubbing each other's bellies and eating piles of eggs. Cool Hand Luke (1967), directed by Stuart Rosenberg.
This week, we watch the hard to find Russian classic that has influenced movies such as Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, and Inglorious Bastards. Real artillery, bombs, animal deaths, and human emotions are put fourth on screen to create something horrifying and unlike anything else we've seen. Come and See (1985), directed by Elem Klimov.
This week, we watch the classic romantic comedy that walked away with the top 5 Oscars for 1934, one of only three films in history to do the same. The oldest movie we've watched so far on our mission, this film has aged beautifully, as the comedy remains laugh out loud funny for the entire runtime, and the acting between the two leads is very believable and fun to watch. It Happened One Night (1934), directed by Frank Capra.
This week, we watch the classic Monty Python comedy that has been banned in multiple countries and denounced by religious groups all over the world. The film itself doesn't do very much to insult religion, but it does a lot to get you rolling on the floor, as the comedy group showcases their trademark silliness in some of the funniest scenes ever put to film. Life of Brian (1979), directed by Terry Jones.
