There are plenty of excellent movies to see, films that a producer would be proud to fund. This is a list of movies you should watch if you haven't seen them already.
These aren't a bunch of obscure art-house movies that you could only find in specialist stores. If your video store doesn't stock these movies, ask them to get them in.
Dogville
A dark and chilling theatrical film set in anywhere USA that will open your eyes and make you think.
Director Lars Von Trier took some very famous actors, including Nicole Kidman and Lauren Becall, and isolated them for the duration of the movie's production. The result is an unforgettable story about the vileness of humanity and the hypocrisy of forgiveness.
Nicole Kidman is a woman on the run from the mob who seeks sanctuary in a town which turns against her and seeks to defile and destroy her innocence and trust.
'Dogville' is filmed on a stage set with minimal props and chalk outlines to suggest scenery, including the dog. This movie is dramatically different from all the computer animated glossy action blockbuster films.Battle Royale
A Japanese sci-fi action horror movie which will thrill and shock you while keeping you completely glued to your seat.
Only the Japanese could make this movie and make it so brilliantly. There's probably a remake but I'd hate to see one. The teenage actors in "Battle Royale" are frighteningly realistic as a bunch of innocent children set upon each other in a cruel and ruthless reality TV style competition.
“Oh look there! There she is! The winner's a girl! Surviving a fierce battle that raged two days, seven hours, and 43 minutes - the winner is a girl! Look, she's smiling! Smiling! The girl definitely just smiled!”
Japanese Story
Toni Collette returned to her roots for this hauntingly beautiful movie set in outback Australia.
The first half of "Japanese Story" is simply enchanting just to sit and watch while you're drawn into the tender development of the relationship between the two culturally opposite characters, Sandy and Hiromitsu.
Then the movie takes a shocking turn and you simply can't stop your emotions from taking over. This movie is so refreshing and human, it must be watched!A Room With a View
Way, way back during Helena Bonham Carter's beginnings is this fantastic period comedy also staring Daniel Day-Lewis and a whole cast of brilliant British actors.
But this isn't some Jane Eyre Emily Bronte period twaddle to bore you half to death. There's naughty bits and nudity and constant hilarity. "A Room With a View" is very intelligent and witty and a pure pleasure to watch over and over again.
In fact, I want to go and rent the DVD now.Mermaids
'Mermaids' gave us an amazing performance by cosmetic queen, Cher. She is just wonderful as a single mother who only cooks finger food and moves to a new town every time life gets challenging.
Winona Ryder shines as Cher's idealistic and somewhat hopeless 15-year-old daughter whose innocence rapidly diminishes as the film progresses. There's a steamy scene in a bell-tower that remains quite memorable.To Kill a Mockingbird
If you haven't already seen this movie because you studied the book in high school, get out NOW and rent the DVD. No excuses!
This is one of the most masterful stories of all time and this movie may be the best adaptation of a novel ever made.
This beautiful masterpiece looks at the world through the eyes of a child and shows us a wide-eyed view of racial inequality and attitudes towards mental disabilities.
In the eyes of Jem and Scout, their father Atticus Finch is a hero who lives his life with full strength of conviction, humility and tenderness, and it is those same qualities in the movie that ensure "To Kill a Mockingbird" will last forever.O Brother Where Art Thou
This quirky retelling of the great Greek story, The Odyssey, is a laugh-until-you-cry comedy staring the fabulous George Clooney as a “Dapper Dan Man” escaped convict desperately trying to get home to his wife before she marries a new suitor.
The Coen brothers always make brilliant films, but this one stands out because of the size of the cast and the sheer scope of taking on The Odyssey in a manner that Homer certainly never saw coming.
Film critics actually panned "O Brother Where Art Thou" because they thought it was offensive Americans from the Southern States, but who cares? It was hilarious!Whale Rider
This is a visually striking movie about a young Maori girl growing up against the expectations of her tribe's traditions as she is kept from achieving her destiny by her grandfather's prejudice against her female gender.
Her determination and strength to prove her worth in a culture that shows no appreciation for her abilities is inspiring and moving.
If you don't know anything, or much, about the Maori people in New Zealand, "Whale Rider" will give you a chance to experience a different culture through a breathtakingly beautiful and power story.The Witches of Eastwick
A wickedly delicious movie that pretty much covers all seven deadly sins, but all in good fun.
Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfieffer play three desperate housewives who summon the devil into their lives, and have a fabulous time until he overstays his welcome and they realise they don't need the poor sap anymore.
The horny little devil is played by Jack Nicholson in one of his best roles, seducing the women through the simplicity of Christian morals and suburbia that are tennis, swimming pools and classical music.
'The Witches of Eastwick' was an instant classic the moment it was released.Stand By Me
As an adaptation of a Stephen King short story, "Stand By Me" really broke the rules and did away with any horror movie plot in favour of being a coming-of-age story about 4 boys on the cusp of becoming men.
The story nostalgically embodies the camaraderie of the friendships we all had when we were innocent 12 year olds, and captures the innocence of that age through the characters of Chris, Gordie, Teddy and Vern as they leave behind their fading childhood.
This movie helps to remind us why it's so tragic that River Phoenix died so young. He will always be remembered for his heart-breaking performance as Chris, the little boy whose life was preordained as a lost cause and who never stood a chance.
