41. Diarios de Motocicleta
Year: 2004
IMDB rating: 7.8
Awards: 1 Oscar Award
The Story: Ernesto Guevara de la Serna – Fuser for his friends and Che Guevara for mankind’s history is very close to graduation. Yet, he postpones his academic career in order to embark on a journey with his friend Mial through South America, riding a motorcycle and wanting to live the adventure of their lives. They are young and live on big dreams, only to taste the 50’s reality which depicts the countries and societies they meet along the way, only to end up realizing what each of them wants and needs to make of their future.
Why is it on the list: Because it is maybe one of the most beautiful road trip movies ever made, based on the Cuban Revolution’s leader personal diary. Because you can see with your own eyes the transformation of young adventurous Guevara into a man profoundly affected by social problems and his determination to make a stand for freedom. Because the movie has funny moments, spectacular landscapes and great acting, all culminating with a sensitive and deep analyze of the man’s hopes, dreams and expectations. It’s the story of a man following his destiny and a friendship that goes beyond history.
Quintessential quote: “You gotta fight for every breath and tell death to go to hell.” (Ernesto Guevara de la Serna)
42. Alexis Zorbas
Year: 1964
IMDB rating: 7.6
Awards: 3 Oscar Awards
The Story: A stiff and almost lifeless English writer is about to change his life by following a high potential business idea in Crete, Grece. But it won’t be the business who’s gonna change his life, but a local, Zorba, a man who doesn’t do much, but has the power to move everything and everyone around him.
Why is it on the list: Because it is said to be the best role Anthony Queen ever played. Because Zorba is not just a character, is a way of life, the expression of pure joy of living, the quintessence of all motivation speeches that were ever uttered, the conclusion of all “live life to the full” philosophies. Because it deserves to be seen after reading the book and because it can take a person out of depression any time. The movie is monumental not only because of its main character, but because of the genius that poured into the music composing and choosing and the landscapes the camera captured.
Quintessential quote: “Life is trouble. Only death is not. To be alive is to undo your belt and *look* for trouble.” (Alexis Zorba)
43. Se7en
Year: 1995
IMDB rating: 8.7
Awards: 1 Oscar Nomination
The Story: A brilliant serial killer keeps everybody on their toes, as he not only kills his victims in vicious manners, implying a final judgement, but he also attracts the authorities in a very dangerous “cat and mouse” game play, where the stake is the truth and some people’s lives. One cop is old, a week from retirement and eager to put an end to the hole story. The other one, young, smart, troubled, want to understand.
Why is it on the list: Because it is a thriller like no other, set in a town without a name, with a forever autumn atmosphere, heavy and rainy, which is meant to deepen the feeling of darkness and despair. Because Bred Pitt delivers an awesome performance and because this noir thriller became a trademark for its genre. And because fans will always remember the creeps they felt back then when first saw the corpses. And the killer’s monologue for the ethics of his murders? Unforgettable!
Quintessential quote: “Life is trouble. Only death is not. To be alive is to undo your belt and *look* for trouble.Only in a world this shitty could you even try to say these were innocent people and keep a straight face. But that’s the point. We see a deadly sin on every street corner, in every home, and we tolerate it. We tolerate it because it’s common, it’s trivial. We tolerate it morning, noon, and night. Well, not anymore. I’m setting the example. What I’ve done is going to be puzzled over and studied and followed… forever.” (John Doe)
44. Mad Max
Year: 1979
IMDB rating: 7.0
Awards: –
The Story: A post Apocalyptic Australian policeman sets on a personal revenge mission against the ones who murdered his partner and his family (wife and son). There are terrible times, motorcycle gangs make the law, while Police forces try their best to keep things under control. Max becomes from a happy man a ruthless mad hunter and his “eye for an eye” quest takes him to strange circumstances he has to face.
Why is it on the list: Because Mel Gibson is incredibly crazy in this movie, predicting a successful career and a soft spot for Apocalyptic movies. Because this particular cheap movie, with arid landscapes and funny dressed characters became a cult-movie and set the tone for many subsequent “I will find you and I will kill you” revenge movies. However, Mad Max is a cinema icon not for action movies, but also for the Sci – Fi genre, as it dared back in the day to give us a glimpse of a violent, incomprehensible future.
Quintessential quote: “They say people don’t believe in heroes anymore. Well damn them! You and me, Max, we’re gonna give them back their heroes!” (Ffi)
45. Amores Perros
Year: 2000
IMDB rating: 8.1
Awards: 1 Oscar Nomination
The Story: Three separate stories revolve around a man and his decision of placing his dog in illegal dog fighting. Because things go bad, he runs away, only to cause an accident which will affect a couple’s life and a bum witnesses the accident.
Why is it on the list: Because it is hard to summarize, as this is an Inarritu movie and it has nothing to do with linear storytelling or with regular directing. Because you can’t finish the movie without wiping a tear from your eyes, or turn your head away to avoid the suffering. Because it has that special atmosphere only South American movies have, because it takes you to a road of no return, showing you regret, pain, love, misery, redemption and salvation in a manner no one showed you before. Because it is dark, brutal and hard to digest sometimes, just as real life is. Because it lacks the happy accessories and serves reality with its grain of poison.
Quintessential quote: “At the time, I thought there were more important things than being with you and your mom. I wanted to set the world right, and then share it with you. I failed, as you can see!” (El Chivo)