The best films of all-time (2021 perspective)

[zen007]

Because of the recent pandemic, I had the opportunity to spend relatively more time on films, watching films from various genres and regions (North America, Europe, and Asia).

Subconsciously, I evaluated films based on a mix of factors including story/screenplay, cinematography, score, direction, acting, uniqueness, and impact. I considered making a shortlist of the best films (not necessarily favorites) from today's dynamics, an extremely difficult exercise (as among top films, the difference can be marginal).

After much back and forth (including probably being unfair to some films), I have conjured up a list of the Best Films of All-time. I have limited the list to 20 to avoid making a laundry list. To encourage variety, I have not repeated directors. Without further ado, below is the list, which attempts to cover different genres, in the order of release:

• Metropolis (1927, Silent). Directed by Fritz Lang. This was released over 90 years ago. A good example of German expressionism. It not only captured a gothic environment nicely but also created a visual grammar for Sci-Fi films. Over the years (1936-2008), the film was seen in various cut versions. Its full or relatively full-length version was discovered in Argentina in 2008. It has been restored and available to enjoy in its full glory.
  
• City Lights (1931, Silent). No all-time best films list would be complete without films from Charlie Chaplin, one of the best filmmakers ever. He has been an inspiration for many. You could pick any of the top Chaplin films. However, I have gone with City Lights as it also showcases a beautiful love story. This film probably taught Hollywood how to make rom-com.
  
• The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943, English). Directed by Powell and Pressburger, this film tells the tale of a rotund Clive Candy (played by Roger Livesey) through 3 wars - Boer War, First World War & the Second World War. It weaves in romance (with 2 Deborah Kerr, who plays 3 roles) and a tale of friendship with a German officer (played by the magnificent Anton Walbrook) in a witty manner. Since it is a Powell and Pressburger film, visually it is pleasing too. It is one of the best war/anti-war films.
  
• Seven Samurai (1954, Japanese). Kurosawa's masterpiece is seen as one of the most referenced, reworked, & remade films. It appears as if Kurosawa used all his experience to craft this gem.
  
• Journey to Italy (1954, English/Italian). An example of neorealism films. Starring Ingrid Bergman and George Sanders, who share a passionless marriage. On a trip to Italy, their differences get so pronounced that they spend the trip separately. Eventually, events make them come close again. The cinematography is beautiful. Italy is captured nicely.
  
• Vertigo (1958, English). This Hitchcock film noir masterpiece was picked by Sight and Sound as the greatest film of all time in its 2012 critics poll (the poll happens every 10 years so the next one should be in 2022). This one is a great example of filmmaking as well with excellent use of colors and framing techniques, all backed up by a brilliant score by Bernard Herrmann.
  
• L'Avventura (1960, Italian). A simple story about the search for a missing woman. Beautifully shot. Philosophical.
  
• Mughal-e-Azam (1960, Hindi). M-e-A gets the nod for being a great work of art. The passion in various relationships is captured nicely. Director K Asif went to great lengths to make an extraordinary film.
  
• Lawrence of Arabia (1962, English). Technically one of the best films ever made. Screenplay, direction, locations, acting, background score, locations, and cinematography are all great.
  
• The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964, French). A French New Wave film that hits the ball out of the park. Vibrant with its use of colors. It is an engaging musical experience.
  
• Persona (1966, Swedish). Ingmar Bergman's experimental psychological drama. It blends a variety of topics (some may even consider it a vampire film) so may require multiple viewings to grasp various angles. Impactful B&W cinematography.
  
• 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968, English). Directed by Kubrick. A work that blends art with technical brilliance. A film that was ahead of its time. When in the right mood, watching this film can be a mind-blowing experience. Shows you a glimpse of an AI-influenced future.
  
• Anand (1971, Hindi). A unique film chosen for delivering a meaningful message in a beautiful way through one of the cinema's most iconic characters - Anand. The film tells the story of a last-stage cancer patient attempting to spend his remaining few months laughing and making a positive difference to others. Highlights the fact that while you come to the earth crying, you have the option to depart it laughing.
  
• Godfather I & II (1972-1974, English). Clubbed together as they are like a one-long film. Amazing star cast, a great adaption of the Mario Puzo novel, and a superb background score.
  
• Stalker (1979, Russian). Tarkovsky's masterpiece. A philosophical journey as well. A film that encompasses multiple genres. A book on cinematography.
  
• Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984, Japanese). I wanted to include a Studio Ghibli film. The difference in quality among the top Studio Ghibli films is marginal. You could pick any of them. I decided to go with the film that started it all (Studio Ghibli was created after this film iirc). Weaves unique visuals of the apocalyptic future while providing a great message. The background score is probably the best among Studio Ghibli films hence it also gets bonus points for that.
  
• The Silence of the Lambs (1991, English). A monumental film in the horror-thriller genre and among the only 3 films to have won the 5 Big Oscars (Film, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay). Dr. Hannibal Lecter is a legendary character.
  
• Schindler's List (1993, English). Spielberg's touching anti-war masterpiece.
  
• In the Mood for Love (2000, Cantonese). Directed by Wong Kar-Wai. An unusual romantic drama by and large set in 1960s Hong Kong. It is a pleasing film to not only look at but also listen to.
  
• The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014, English). Wes Anderson's modern classic sporting an ensemble of well-known actors. It is a facetious adventure-comedy-crime film that creates a colorful fairy-tale environment that is rarely seen on screen. Visually a stunning film.