My favourite films are usually ones I wish I had been able to see in the cinema, where upon I could have completely engrossed myself in the experience. I will forever be devastated I was only six during Dead Man’s Chest. The films have stayed with me, whether it has been because a character has captivated my attention or the vibrant scenery has captured my need for escapism. Each film has made me love each part of filmmaking, creating an appreciation that stays long after the film has ended.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006) dir. Gore Verbinski
The Pirates of the Caribbean films have always been there for me no matter the feeling. Whether I am in the mood to celebrate, to sulk or just craving comfort, the franchise will always be a go-to watch. Dead Man Chest’s surpasses all the other films in the franchise. Not because I think the plot is particularly better or the adventure is more complicated than the previous film, but because the film showed the characters’ growth. This is something I really connected to.
There are hugely problematic elements to this movie, yet it remains a favourite of mine despite its shortcomings. Its beyond-its-time CGI, Bill Nighy as a villain, and the transformation of Elizabeth Swann (Kiera Knightley) from an heiress to a pirate all manage to captivate my attention. The idea of pirates is also a big pull for my continual watching. Despite understanding the inaccurate historicity, the showcase of rebellion, along with the vibrant oceans and landscapes of the Caribbean on screen, is an appealing combination
Dead Man’s Chest will always be remembered by me as a film that cemented my friendships, from my brother and I watching it with fascination in our youth, to watching with my university housemates. The appeal has not lessened, and neither has my consistent recommendation of it.
Brokeback Mountain (2005) dir. Ang Lee
Ang Lee remains someone who can direct a story like no other. Watching this film once proved to not be enough. The following day, I watched it again. The slow and gentle portrayal of the love story cements the power of performance without excessive dialogue. Rightfully so, it has meant I have been attached to Jack Gyllenhaal’s and Heath Ledger’s filmography list since.
As one of the first romances I had seen centring on a gay couple, I was thrilled to see representation. It only encouraged my need to seek out independent films showcasing other love stories, ones that fall beyond the realms of heteronormativity. But Brokeback Mountain will always remain in my heart for being a heartbreaking romance. The movie showcases a new path for the Western genre, one which has not been encountered since. Ang Lee’s directing marks a progression in LGBTQ+ storytelling, as well as the romance genre. This reasoning all accumulates to why Brokeback Mountain will always remain a faithful recommendation for those seeking a slow-burn romance.
A Knight’s Tale (2001) dir. Brian Helgeland
Rock anthems, a medieval production, and Heath Ledger—A Knight’s Tale is one of those films custom made for my collection of favourite films. As one of the few films I’ve returned to time and time again, and another on a long list of recommendations to my friends, it is a familiar yet innovative production for its time. It has it all; romance, friendship, a bit of action, comedy, and accompanied with a few comments about class.
I usually go back to films because of a feeling they gave me, or a particular actor manages to make me go through the loop of emotions. A Knight’s Tale does just that. It also remains my favourite film with Ledger; after all, it encapsulates his talents when it comes to effortlessly winning over an audience.
A mix of historicity with a modern twist assured the look of the film was anything but ordinary; with costumes, hair and dancing blurring those lines, I assumed history fans would stay away. But as one myself, it only proved a bigger pull.
Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003) dir. Joe Dante
Back In Action follows the same visually revolutionary road set down years before with Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Space Jam. With cartoons superimposed onto real-life scenes and the star-studded action hero Brendan Fraser, this film stands out to me as a childhood classic—one I still enjoy in adulthood. To this day, I look upon this film with wonder, how did it manage to be like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) but better?
A big part of its appeal is Fraser. Most know him for his heart-throb status as Richard O’Connell in The Mummy. Although I have a deep love for that franchise, the star cements his ability to perform here. Alongside a stunning cartoon cast who prove an utter delight—especially during one eye-popping sequence in The Louvre—Fraser really is a standout performer.
I can recall the exhilaration of watching the Vegas char chase, and how for the entirety of the movie, it made fun of itself. Back In Action is still a pure joy to watch, proving itself as comically ingenious, addictive, and adventurous.
Anna Karenina (2012) dir. Joe Wright
Anna Karenina surprises me with its innovation. Not only did I fall in love with Tolstoy’s story on Russian aristocracy and the tragic limitation to Anna’s freedom as a woman (played by Kiera Knightley), but Joe Wright proves that this tragedy can feel just as powerful whether it be in reality or presented to you in a story. Such was the impact it had on me that it prompted me to buy the classic book and to raid Youtube for the Anna Karenina press tour.
The immersive camera sequences make for a truly unique watching experience. I felt I was in the theatre watching the tragedy unfold; making for a film which instilled in me the value of a great director. Nonetheless, without stellar performances from the likes of Kiera Knightley, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Jude Law, the film would lack that impact on an emotional level—which is always the draw-in for any film.
This movie stays with me for reminding me that although I love a swash-buckling adventure or a teen dystopian thriller, my love for period pieces and tragedy are ever-present. Moreover, the performative power of Kiera Knightley is consistent no matter the genre.
Honourable Mentions: A Cinderella Story (2004), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), Warrior (2011), Jurassic Park (1993), Spotlight (2015).
Words by Annabel Smith
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