You know who's motivated? Mr. Kim. He makes sure our house gets ample music, sports, and John Wayne movies. Last month he spotted Sight & Sounds Top 100 Films of All Time issue and as we read through the list we realized that we were not the movie nerds we thought we were. Mainly I was the one filled with a deep, piercing shame- I have a Masters in Film, TV, and Media Studies AND went to film school, yet I had only seen a fraction of the films on the list.
Rather than hide under the figurative covers of despair, we decided to man up and watch ALL 100 films. Here were the terms:
- If we both had watched the film, but separately, then we didn't necessarily have to watch it again.
- If one of us had seen it, but not the other, then we both had to watch it again.
The first 6-8 films were harder than Chinese algebra. Did I fall asleep? Many times. Did Mr. Kim give me the evils and poke me accordingly? Constantly. Have I watched some downright terrific, life affirming movies? Yes, and I'm going to tell you my Top 3 of the '26 Films We've Gotten Through in the Top 100 Film Challenge.'
1. Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans
This film is black and white, silent, and doesn't do itself many favors with the soundtrack. However, I completely adored every frame- I've never seen acting which successfully conveys real love onscreen. The kind of love which is playful, slapstick, and so utterly entertaining you can't keep your eyes off it. The still is of a drunken piglet. Yes, this film has it all: scandal, unease with urbanization, love, and drunk farm animals.
2. Some Like it Hot
Have you seen Jack Lemmon in his prime? Egads, I found him about 86 times more riveting than Marilyn Monroe- and she wears some pretty skimpy outfits! Anyways. Lemmon. He's a marvel, within a few minutes of the opening I was endeared to him for all time. This film was a romp, tickle, and proper goosing.
3. In the Mood for Love
Do you like colour? Seriously, do you notice its existence on a daily basis? If so, you're in for a right treat. Every shot is a delight in this film, I loved the story, the characters, the sets, the props, the clothes, the noodle takeaway containers, everything. The blocking told a huge part of the story, the acting was dreamy. I can't even begin to properly gush about the editing. And the shot composition! It makes you feel as if everything serves a purpose and has been carefully constructed to present the best mis-en-scene possible.
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