23-21

Up bright and early.

23. Schindler's List (1993) D: Stephen Spielberg

This movie was probably the hardest one to place on the list. It was the standard example movie I used when discussing the intricies and difficulties of making an All-Time Movie list. How do I deal with this subject matter? Do I rank movies strictly on how enjoyable they are to watch? Or do I also factor in sophistication and elegant movie-making? Of course, there are no right answers, and as with Pornography: "I can't define it, but I know it when I see it". That maxim certainly applies. Schindler's List feels like its in the right spot. It is certainly better made than movies that follow, but, its certainly a hard movie to watch.

All that said, this was the first R-rated movie I saw in the theater. Classic "learning experience" my father felt that I had to witness. As an 11-year-old who was too cool to cry, I was on the verge of tears. Devestating film.

Memorable Moment: Purging of the ghetto
Performance to Savor: Ralph Fiennes

22. The Princess Bride (1987) D: Rob Reiner

A modern classic? A modern cult classic? You never really see this movie mentioned in any sort of AFI lists, or any other list for that matter, and yet, everyone seems to like it. Not just like it, love it. Across gender lines. There is a little something for everyone. I had this movie on tape as a young lad, and it was my standard "Movie To Watch When Stuck At Home Due to Illness". I wasn't sick that much, but enough to have the entire movie memorized. I was bordering on being able to recite the movie without it even playing. I recently read the book as well. Wooeee! As amazing and memorable as the movie is, they still didn't even truly capture the fantastical spirit of the book. The movie played it a bit straighter, focusing more on the dramatic features of Wesley and Buttercup's love, rather than the mystical and curious aspects of the world they inhabit. The background stories of Fezzik and Indigo are of particular note.

Memorable Moment: "Drop...your...sword."
Performance to Savor: Robin Wright Penn

21. The Lion King (1994) D: Roger Allers

The first Disney movie not to be based on a pre-existing story. Remarkable, eh? As already noted with Gladiator and The Prince of Egypt the music in a movie can make an ok-movie good, a good-movie great, and a great-movie transcendent. That's what we have here. Elton John, Tim Rice, and everyone involved in the score deserve all the praise that is lauded upon them. Sweeping, majestic, kingly, cruel...they captured the tonal elements of the film perfectly. I could probably do without Hakuna Matata, but hey, necessary evils, right? Can you feel the love tonight? helped create a more romantic atmosphere among lions than is felt in most live-action movies. Circle of Life? Gets my heart pounding. The story is suprisingly adult at times, but is nicely balanced my levity and humor. Wonderful movie.

Memorable Moment: Mustafa dies
Performance to Savor: Jeremy Irons

Alright, got stuff to do, I'll try to knock a few more of these out on the weekend.