The Criterion Collection

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by Simon_LDT

If you're into Samurai films Yojimbo/Sanjuro are a MUST imo. They have Mifune playing a badass and both films are very witty, cleverly written and feature some awesome fighting scenes too.

Kagemusha is decent too, but it's more of a historic drama so not your typical Samurai film.

Totally

I actually like Sanjuro more for its humor than action, but the story/pacing is excellent in both, and it's just a great performance by Mifune.

The Samurai trilogy is also great. It's definitely more melodramatic, and has a slower pace with more dialogue than action, but as a whole it's very enjoyable, and gets better with multiple viewings.

[Wotan420]

Thanks for the input, will be considering the Samurai Trilogy, we'll see how the wallet falls come payday

[Rich Pure Doom]

I just wanted to add to the Babel discussion and say I thought Babel was one of the worst films I've seen in my entire life. It is the very definition of "heavy handed". Ugh. 21 Grams is the same way. Haven't seen Biutiful. Another example of an extremely heavy hand was the ending of Revolutionary Road.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by jw007

I think Magnolia and Short Cuts are amazing examples of effective forced interconnectedness though.

Come to bluray now! I still have to watch the extras on the DVD.

[Simon_LDT]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Totally

I actually like Sanjuro more for its humor than action, but the story/pacing is excellent in both, and it's just a great performance by Mifune.

The Samurai trilogy is also great. It's definitely more melodramatic, and has a slower pace with more dialogue than action, but as a whole it's very enjoyable, and gets better with multiple viewings.

I haven't seen The Samurai Trilogy yet, but my buddy picked me a copy last week from the B&N sale so looking forward to watching it.

[The Great Owl]

Alfred Hitchcock is a Criterion Collection director, but I've been posting short write-ups of his films in the Masterpiece Collection in another thread as I watch the Blu-rays.

If interested, here are the posts...

Family Plot, Topaz, and Torn Curtain

Frenzy

Marnie

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Come to bluray now! I still have to watch the extras on the DVD.

I have the DVD of the movie Short Cuts and I have to say, the first time I watched it, I was incredibly irritated by the film. But over time it has gained appreciable re-watchability for me.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by jw007

I have the DVD of the movie Short Cuts and I have to say, the first time I watched it, I was incredibly irritated by the film. But over time it has gained appreciable re-watchability for me.

By the way, did you get to see Identification of a Woman yet?

I thought about picking it up yesterday, but the idea of watching more movies in my Hitchcock set appealed to me more than the idea of picking up yet another Criterion title. I may give in before the sale is over, though.

[The Great Owl]

Roger Corman's Top 10 Criterion List is pretty awesome.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by sc1957

No, the Mabuse films aren't so connected that you need to watch them in order. Although you might be confused because in Testament (1933),

[Show spoiler]Mabuse is comatose.

In Gambler (1922) he's not.

Yep, watching Gambler isn't required at all. It is available on Netflix and Amazon prime Video for anyone interested in seeing it.

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by Rich Pure Doom

I just wanted to add to the Babel discussion and say I thought Babel was one of the worst films I've seen in my entire life. It is the very definition of "heavy handed". Ugh. 21 Grams is the same way. Haven't seen Biutiful. Another example of an extremely heavy hand was the ending of Revolutionary Road.

Yeah, Iñárritu is not known for subtlety.

[KubrickStone]

I can't decide which ones to buy next... Can you guys help me and pick 6-7 titles from the list?

Night of the Hunter
High and Low
Kagemusha
Ivan's Childhood
Solaris
Cronos
Secret Sunshine
Insignificance
Wages of Fear
Kiss Me Deadly
Sansho the Bailiff
The Life of Oharu
Ride With the Devil
The Last Metro

Which ones do you think I will like?

I already blind ordered

Yojimbo & Sanjuro
The Double Life of Veronique
Dazed and Confused
Metropolitan
The Last Days of Disco
Fanny and Alexander
The Battle of Algiers

I already own and like the Godard movies, Mallick movies, Polanski movies, Paris Texas, Charade, Belle de Jour, The Red Shoes, Last Year at Marienbad, Seventh Seal and Rashomon to name only a few.

Maybe that helps you to decide what movies I might like.

[UNCMT9]

Originally Posted by KubrickStone

I can't decide which ones to buy next... Can you guys help me and pick 6-7 titles from the list?

Night of the Hunter
High and Low
Kagemusha
Ivan's Childhood
Solaris
Cronos
Secret Sunshine
Insignificance
Wages of Fear
Kiss Me Deadly
Sansho the Bailiff
The Life of Oharu
Ride With the Devil
The Last Metro

Which ones do you think I will like?

I already blind ordered

Yojimbo & Sanjuro
The Double Life of Veronique
Dazed and Confused
Metropolitan
The Last Days of Disco
Fanny and Alexander
The Battle of Algiers

I already own and like the Godard movies, Mallick movies, Polanski movies, Paris Texas, Charade, Belle de Jour, The Red Shoes, Last Year at Marienbad, Seventh Seal and Rashomon to name only a few.

Maybe that helps you to decide what movies I might like.

Night of the Hunter, High and Low, Wages of Fear, Sansho, Kiss Me Deadly

[shortmartin]

Originally Posted by UNCMT9

Night of the Hunter, High and Low, Wages of Fear, Sansho, Kiss Me Deadly

I echo these recs wholeheartedly, except I might also add Solaris or try to find a spot for that one in your haul, too.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by jw007

I'm probably too late on this conversation but a good example of forced interconnectedness that doesn't work is Cloud Atlas. It's so obviously and blatantly forced, its a grueling exercise to watch. I think Magnolia and Short Cuts are amazing examples of effective forced interconnectedness though.

Magnolia is one of the best things that came out of the 90s. I didn't think I was going to like it at first, but as soon as I started watching it, I was immediately into it. The three hours went by so fast.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by UNCMT9

Night of the Hunter, High and Low, Wages of Fear, Sansho, Kiss Me Deadly

Good choices, I'd go with those.

[UNCMT9]

Night of the Hunter is a favorite in my modest Criterion collection. Excellent story and some of the best cinematography I've ever seen.

[shortmartin]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Magnolia is one of the best things that came out of the 90s. I didn't think I was going to like it at first, but as soon as I started watching it, I was immediately into it. The three hours went by so fast.

for me, it's up there with leaving las vegas, pulp fiction, and fargo for the top film of the 90s

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

Agreed. Stay away from Babel. It's the worst offender of them all, I think.

I do recommend checking out Short Cuts if you liked Magnolia, though. Who knows. Maybe Criterion will release it sometime soon. We need more Altman.

Nashville!

[editor*by*night88]

Originally Posted by KubrickStone

I can't decide which ones to buy next... Can you guys help me and pick 6-7 titles from the list?

Night of the Hunter
High and Low
Kagemusha
Ivan's Childhood
Solaris
Cronos
Secret Sunshine
Insignificance
Wages of Fear
Kiss Me Deadly
Sansho the Bailiff
The Life of Oharu
Ride With the Devil
The Last Metro

Which ones do you think I will like?

I already blind ordered

Yojimbo & Sanjuro
The Double Life of Veronique
Dazed and Confused
Metropolitan
The Last Days of Disco
Fanny and Alexander
The Battle of Algiers

I already own and like the Godard movies, Mallick movies, Polanski movies, Paris Texas, Charade, Belle de Jour, The Red Shoes, Last Year at Marienbad, Seventh Seal and Rashomon to name only a few.

Maybe that helps you to decide what movies I might like.

high and low
night of the hunter
wages of fear
kiss me deadly
sasho the bailiff
solaris
the life of oharu