71. Vanilla Sky
Year: 2001
IMDB rating: 6.8
Awards: 1 Oscar Nomination
The Story: David Aames Jr. is accused of murder and tells his story to the police psychologist in reverse, starting with his life as a wealthy and powerful publishing business man, his love affairs and the accident that changed his life. But as the story unravels, we get caught in an almost surrealist tale, as it gets confusing even for the main character.
Why is it on the list: Because it should have been ranked higher that the 1997 original “Abre los ojos” which is rated better by the public, in spite the fact that this particular one brings two major elements that give great value to the plot: music and visuals. Because the elevator scene is a tear-bringing. Because Penelope Cruz does a better job here than she does in the original. Because the directing is thrilling and the photography is impressive, giving the story strength when it needs it and softness when the case. The choice of soundtrack is perhaps even better, as it enhances the large palette of emotions the characters go through, and we, together with them: loss, regret, love, redemption. Because in 2001, it exploited some revolutionary ideas we were used to only in Sci-Fi movies, and yet, this one makes a good speculative fiction drama.
Quintessential quote: “What is any life without the pursuit of a dream?” (Rebecca Dearborn)
72. Kill Bill Vol 1 & 2
Year: 2003 – 2004
IMDB rating: Average of 8.1
Awards: –
The Story: Beatrix Kiddo is ruthless assassin’s Bill protege and lover, but when she attempts to leave her life of crime behind because she gets pregnant, Bill, together with his other deadly assassins find her and kill her. Or so they believe, as The Bride, after 4 years spent in a coma, wakes up and begins a killing spree against the five people who tried to murder her and her daughter.
Why is it on the list: Because it is one of those Tarantino movies you don’t know if you should love or hate. Because Uma Thurman makes the impossible and turns into a vengeful beautiful assassin who’d stop to nothing in order to see her plans achieved. Because it is an almost absurd display of violence and bloodshed that only Tarantino could have pulled off, with dramatic scenes and funny moments, all built to make us feel for The Bride and become sympathetic to her cause. Because the special effects were great at their time and the cast chosen was remarkable. Because it filled the theaters, became a box – office hit, added to Tarantino’s fame and is still listed among the best movies in the world, despite its logical fallacies and the incredible exaggerations.
Quintessential quote: “That woman deserves her revenge and we deserve to die.” (Budd)
73. Babel
Year: 2006
IMDB rating: 7.5
Awards: 1 Oscar Award
The Story: A tourist couple in Morocco see their lives completely changed by a gun shot, while the story reveals the intricate fabric of destiny bringing together four stories, chained together in an almost butterfly effect relationship.
Why is it on the list: While the idea of interlocking different stories with the artifice of one single event, mimicking the butterfly effect theory, this one is one of the best such stories, at it reveals the strange paths of causality and human relationships which are far more strange than the eye can see, as the movie links four families in different countries, with different cultures and goals. Because it is a deeply emotional story which explores the barriers that unite and keep apart people, in the frightening vision of Alejandro González Iñárritu. Because it poses questions on human identity, misunderstandings, failed communication chances, the feeling of being lost and losing, all contemporary deep issues that troubles the modern society. Because it magnificently transposed desperation and hope in the same time, with a cast brilliantly chosen.
Quintessential quote: “This is your fucked-up country, it’s your responsibility!” (Richard)
74. Pan’s Labyrinth
Year: 2006
IMDB rating: 8.3
Awards: 3 Oscar Awards
The Story: In 1944, a young girl lives a discomforting life together with her mother and step-paternal figure, sadistic military officer. Spain is ravaged by fascist occupation, yet the little girl finds herself in a fantasy world, where a faun puts her to trial to prove her worth.
Why is it on the list: Being probably the only fairy tale for adults ever made, the movie is an ingenious blend of gruesome war – determined reality and a fantasy realm where young Ofelia is set on her initiation quest by a strange, fantastical creature. Because the movie exploits symbolism, myths and legends in an intelligent manner, and even if the main character is a child, you forget this as soon as she enters the labyrinth. Because the movie struck gold where others failed, building a Gothic atmosphere and playing with fantastical concepts while still being a serious drama. Because it is visually breath taking and because it teaches us some important things about sacrifice and following your dreams.
Quintessential quote: “Arise, my daughter. Come. You have spilled your own blood rather than the blood of an innocent. That was the final task and the most important” (Rey)
75. The Wizard of Oz
Year: 1939
IMDB rating: 8.2
Awards: 2 Oscar Awards
The Story: Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are being swept away from their home in Kansas and taken to a magical land. Wishing to find a way back home, they begin a journey to see the great and powerful Wizard of Oz, the only one who could take them home, while their road brings along the most improbable and interesting of companions.
Why is it on the list: It’s a classic and nobody can deny this, being listed in the top 100 movies of all times since its release. Because even if it is so old, and now you benefit from far better done movies, with hi-tech special effects, you can still re-watch it with great joy. Because in a cynical world you still need to have optimistic stories about friendship, courage, loyalty and love, because back in the day, it was an incredible movie that turned Judy Garland into a superstar. And because you can still hum the songs without feeling silly about yourself.
Quintessential quote: “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more.” (Dorothy)