Schindler’s List (1993) – Steven Spielberg

The next title on the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film as I return to the historical section of the book is Spielberg’s heart-wrenching, anguish filled look at the Holocaust through an adaptation of a true story. Over the course of three hours, this black and white film, with only significant and poignant uses…

City of God (2002) – Fernando Meirelles & Katia Lund

City of God, based on a true story is the next recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book following my screening of Taxi Driver. Brutally violent, jarring in its depictions, and beautifully made the film is a one of a kind experience that takes us into the slums just outside of…

Bicycle Thieves (1948) – Vittorio De Sica

It had to happen sooner or later. Working my way through two film books at the same time, one of the titles would have to synch up… And as I continue exploring the fantastic The Movie Book from DK Canada, and delve into the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book, this is the…

Taxi Driver (1976) – Martin Scorsese

Out of all of Scorsese’s work, I think Taxi Driver, the next stop on the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book as I return to the Thriller genre, is my favourite. It also features one of my top performances by Robert De Niro. Much has been said and written about Taxi Driver since…

Walk the Line (2005) – James Mangold

Joaquin Phoenix brings the legendary Man in Black, Johnny Cash to life in this biographical drama that is the next recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book following my screening of The Sound of Music. The film gives an unflinching look at the life and times of the musician, from his…

Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) – Michael Curtiz

As I continue my time with the Musical chapter in the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book, I dove into the biographical film, Yankee Doodle Dandy starring James Cagney. That gave me a pause. Despite everything I had ever heard about the film, I’d never seen him do anything like this. It was…

The Sound of Music (1965) – Robert Wise

My return to the Musical chapter of the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book sees me settling into Robert Wise’s multi-Oscar winning (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Sound, Best Editing and Best Music) adaptation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The Sound of Music. Starring Julie Andrews (in an Oscar nominated performance) and…

Amelie (2001) – Jean-Pierre Jeunet

The final recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book following my screening of Pretty Woman is a film that is pure joy captured on film. Jeunet’s beautiful comedic romance brought Audrey Tautou to international attention, and did something that usually takes a lot of effort – got a North American audience…

Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) – Sharon Maguire

Helen Fielding’s bestselling novel, Brdiget Jones’s Diary gets adapted to the big screen by Fielding, Andrew Davies and Richard Curtis. And while some may take exception with the casting of Rene Zellweger in the role, and not an actual Brit actor (I would say that allowed the film a more international opportunity) she handles it…

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) – Mike Newell

Mike Newell ably directs from a sharp script by Richard Curtis, and what we are delivered is the next recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book following my screening of Pretty Woman. This one is sharp, and enjoyable, though if I am blatantly honest, I’ve never been a fan of the…