No. 1- Dead Poets Society

Film: Dead Poets Society

Starring: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke

Directed by: Peter Weir

Released: 1989


I first saw this movie...
Childhood

Why I love it...
There is no film, and possibly no piece of artistic expression of any genre, that has impacted and inspired me more than Dead Poets Society. It simply inspires. To create, to love, to follow dreams, and to make your life extraordinary.

I love the way it's shot. Simply and delicately. Even from its opening scenes, including a gorgeous candle shot with the title. The fact that it's filmed in beautiful Delaware doesn't hurt either.
The characters are so vibrant. I like that these young men are realistic characters and can easily be compared to so many young adult males I've known. I often challenge people upon watching it for the first time to figure out which of the boys I am very much like (feel free to try yourself, most don't get it).
The acting is flawless. Robin Williams is one of the greatest performers film has ever known and this is without a doubt his greatest work. He gives the film its heart and soul. Ethan Hawke & Robert Sean Leonard also deliver amazing performances. They each have several scenes that literally will take your breath away, just because they are so sincere in the delivery and approach.

But without a doubt the best thing about this film and what has made it so inspiring to me is its message.
"Carpe Diem- seize the day! Make your lives extraordinary!"

No. 2- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Film: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Starring: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson

Directed by: Charlie Kaufman, Michel Gondry

Released: 2004


I first saw this movie...
2005

Why I love it...
I remember vividly the night I first watch Eternal Sunshine. I was at home, having rented the film. I watched it late, I think it ended just past midnight. And most of all I remember the feeling afterward. I believe the greatness of a movie is most shown by how changed you feel, how affected you are emotionally after watching it. And this movie hit me harder than anything I knew.
It's different, to say the least. The storyline is a bit bizarre, the cinematography is gorgeous and interesting (many camera tricks that Hollywood usually would use CGI for are just blocked out), and the characters are so real it's scary. At some points you are tickled, at other points you are holding back tears.
What makes this movie so wonderful is its insight into the human heart. Every emotion is present and raw.

No. 3- The Shawshank Redemption

Film: The Shawshank Redemption

Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman

Directed by: Frank Darabont

Released: 1994


I first saw this movie...
Circa 2000

Why I love it...
It's a Stephen King book- that should give you promise right there. It's beautifully filmed- the cinematography is classic and pure. And one under-rated element is the music. It's subtle but perfectly complimentary to the rest of the film.
Most of all, it's the acting. The performances by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are some of the best film has ever seen. Tim Robbins is such a quiet, patient artist. He never tries too hard- because that's when an actor becomes the actor, no longer the character. And his soft demeanor is so perfect for the lead character of Andy. And I don't think anyone needs convincing of the legend that is Morgan Freeman. I would definitely say this is the movie that set him apart and made him the icon he is today.
It's a film about hope. It's about life. It's even about faith, if you understand it correctly.
It's one of those movies that changes you.

No. 4- The Empire Strikes Back

Film: Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher

Directed by: Irvin Kershner

Released: 1980


I first saw this movie...
Childhood

Why I love it...
A couple of days ago was Valentine's Day. I was asked by a few people throughout the day to give my favorite romantic film. And without any hesitation, each time I answered The Empire Strikes Back. And without fail, each time the person looked surprised followed by confusion.
There's a lot to love about this film. It may very well be the best sequel of all time. This also is the introduction to many iconic characters from the Star Wars saga: Yoda, Boba Fett, the emperor, Lando Calrissian, etc. It is the world's first real glimpse into the deeper teachings of the force. C-3PO is absolutely hilarious in this one. And it features one of the best light saber duels.

But the reason I love it so much is the romance. The storyline between Han and Leia takes it from a great movie to one of my all-time favorites. There's some classic dialogue that will always have a place in my heart ("You like me because I'm a scoundrel"). And I'm sorry but the exchange of "I love you" and "I know" will never stop being awesome.
I love this movie.

No. 5- Super 8

Film: Super 8

Starring: Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler

Directed by: J.J. Abrams

Released: 2011


I first saw this movie...
2011, Cine-Capri

Why I love it...
This is by far the most recent film on my list- and is strong at #5. This may surprise and confuse a few, but I have no hesitation. First off, you have the genius of J.J. Abrams- who is quickly proving to be even stronger in his movie pursuits than his claim to fame (television's Lost). The guy has a unique vision and executes it quite beautifully. And then you have the cast of young teenagers. They're solid actors and give a great performance. They're funny and genuine. They remind you of kids you went to junior high with.

But why I love this movie most is its ability to gently touch each person's heart- no matter who they are or where they come from. How? With its innocence. Everyone was a kid once and everyone relates to the simplicity, the excitement, the heartache, the ambition- everything that meant you were a teenager.
And it has, in my opinion, one of the more romantic lines of any movie: "I'm just doing the best I can to save you"

No. 6- Little Miss Sunshine

Film: Little Miss Sunshine

Starring: Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear

Directed by: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris

Released: 2006


I first saw this movie...
2006, theater

Why I love it...
There's a lot of goodness going on here. It's a flawless cast, the soundtrack is awesome, and the humor is smart and simple. But the reason I love it and the reason I always recommend it to people is because it's a more realistic look at families. Cause people are bizarre, especially within their own families. This movie doesn't exaggerate imperfections, though it's not necessarily the average family clan. I'm not suggesting every family has a gay uncle, an opinionated cocaine user for a grandfather, and a son who has taken a vow of silence. It's more how they all interact with one another- with equal amounts of love and sarcasm. Odd as it is, this film truly reminds me how much I love my family.

No. 7- Good Will Hunting

Film: Good Will Hunting

Starring: Jodie Matt Damon, Robin Williams

Directed by: Gus Van Sant

Released: 1997


I first saw this movie...
Circa 2001

Why I love it...
I think this movie is so good and so classic, that it kind of gets a bad wrap. But if you look at it with an open mind, it's pretty phenomenal.
The acting is superb- Ben Affleck doesn't even do that bad. And Robin Williams- full beard and all- is incredible. The writing, famously penned by Damon & Affleck, is witty and intelligent without losing sight of the heart of the story. The cinematography is unique and interesting and the music delivers (see: Elliott Smith). What more could you want from a movie?

No. 8- Contact

Film: Contact

Starring: Jodie Foster

Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

Released: 1997


I first saw this movie...
Circa 2001

Why I love it...
It seems to happen every time I suggest watching this film with a friend who has never seen it- they're turned off it because they're not interested in seeing a Sci-Fi movie. But then I have to explain that, though there are science fiction themes, it's really not about that at all. And that's why I love this film: it's about a woman's journey to understand and find faith. That's a bold subject to tackle, and difficult to make appealing to the masses. But it's so skillfully pieced together and Jodie Foster's performance is powerful. She carries so much passion in the right moments. I don't think I've ever watch the scene at the end where she's declaring her newfound faith without having my heart swell up inside of me.
Also, who would ever think that Matthew McConaughottie could be in a great movie? And not even ruin it too!

No. 9- The Village

Film: The Village

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Bryce Dallas Howard

Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan

Released: 2004


I first saw this movie...
2004, in theaters

Why I love it...
The night I saw this movie- opening weekend- I had absolutely no desire to see it. In fact I had been forced into it with guilt. I had been losing interest in Shyamalan's films and so no hope of this movie changing my mind.
What I didn't realize, and what I think all of us were unaware of, was Shyamalan's intention to make a movie that was so much supernatural but rather a movie about human beings.
I've said it once and I'll say it again- The Village might be one of the best romantic movies out there. It's a little cheesy, what with its 19th century speech, but that also gives it the innocence you love in a love story. Joaquin Phoenix is amazing in this film, subtle and delicate with each piece of performance. And Bryce Dallas Howard is definitely at her best. One could make a great argument that hers is one of the better female film performances of the decade.
I walked away from that Harkins theater feeling so much more appreciative of love and life.
It's just that kind of movie.

No. 10- Big Fish

Film: Big Fish

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney

Directed by: Tim Burton

Released: 2003


I first saw this movie...
2003

Why I love it...
This movie taught me how to love. It's romantic, it's dramatic, but it doesn't take itself too seriously. To me, it's Tim Burton's masterpiece.
But what really carries this movie is the protagonist, Edward Bloom, and the incredible performances by Ewan McGregor and Albert Finney- each portraying Bloom at different stages in his life. They each have this perfect charm that radiates in the tall tale atmosphere of this film.
And it's probably the only movie I would quote in a serious conversation multiple times. It's just got some heavy hitters.

"There's a time when a man needs to fight, and a time when he needs to accept that his destiny is lost-

 the ship has sailed and only a fool would continue. 

Truth is... I've always been a fool."