When coming up with this list, considering the large number of films I have watched, I found it incredibly difficult to name just five films that have had an impact on me.
In respect of films, I could easily mention Monsters Inc (2001), a movie from my childhood which I constantly played on repeat, or Mr Church (2016), one of the films I remember crying to in my room. However, I realised that to come up with a list of five, I had to look beyond my immediate reactions to a movie (laughter, sadness, happiness), and think about the ones that will forever have an indelible footprint on my life.
The Breakfast Club (1985) dir. John Hughes
If anyone ever asked me to name one of my favourite movies, The Breakfast Club would be first on my list. To call it classic without ‘timeless’ would be a disservice. I blame my mother for my overindulgence in 80s films because she introduced me to The Breakfast Club. I cannot put into words how I felt the first time I watched this amazing movie, but I know I was engrossed. I was just detained. I loved the characters, and how the story juxtaposed with an unexpected dance scene and pivotal hallway chase (I remember searching for hours for the song to that scene, which I now know is ‘Fire in The Twilight’ by Wang Chung).
There is just something about The Breakfast Club that I fail to see in movies today. A simplistic element; no fancy green screens or set changes increasing the stress on the dialogue. In a short space of time, I felt like I had begun to know the characters, I was immersed in their reality as I became a part of The Breakfast Club.
Remember the Titans (2000) dir. Boaz Yakin
I recall watching Remember the Titans for the first time not long ago when I was searching for sports movies and it popped up. I went into the film with no expectations, but I was blown away. The film itself has a beautiful story and lovable characters who continued to captivate me. It is simply one of those films that compells me throughout every scene. Throughout the film, I experienced a range of emotions. One second, I was crying after Gerry’s accident, and the next, I was overjoyed with joy at the Titans’ victory.
The film is about the Titans, a football team coached by Herman Boone that is about to play as a racially integrated team for the first time. Race is undoubtedly a prominent theme in the film, but for me, it is a story about friendship. We see the characters put aside their preconceived notions of one another based on race, and as a result, beautiful friendships begin to blossom, demonstrating to me that friendship knows no bounds.
Oceans Eleven (2001) dir. Steven Soderbergh
I had known about Ocean’s Eleven for a long time, but it wasn’t until recently that I was able to watch it. I recall the day vividly. I was getting my hair done at my aunt’s house when I decided to watch the movie just to see how it went. During that time, I sat and watched not only Ocean’s Eleven, but also Ocean’s Twelve and Thirteen. I became so engrossed in the first film that I had to see them all.
I’m not sure what drew me in. Perhaps it was the story; the idea of being able to pull off such a massive heist while remaining completely unknown to everyone else. Or it could have been the wide range of characters, each with their own set of skills and personality traits, ensuring that everyone watching can find a favourite. However, I do know that the excellent cinematography (short takes, zooming in and out, etc.) displayed by the beautiful picturesque Clair de Lune scene contributed significantly to my enjoyment of the film.
Step Up 2: The streets (2008) dir. Jon M. Chu
The Step Up franchise was what sparked my interest in dance movies as a child, and that interest has remained with me to this day. Step Up 2 is my favourite in the franchise and, in my opinion, it is even better than the first. Perhaps I’m biased because that’s when my all-time favourite character, Moose, was introduced, whose dance scenes I’m still in awe of to this day.
The ending dance scene from Step Up 2 is one of my favourite movie scenes, and it will always be a part of my life. I remember trying to memorise the dance moves in my room for ages, convinced that despite my lack of dance experience I could dance just as well as them. Aside from that, this film will always have a special place in my heart because it is a key memory of my childhood that I will never forget.
Corrina, Corrina (1994) dir. Jessie Nelson
I’m not sure who introduced me to this movie or when I first saw it, but I do know it’s one of my favourite romantic movies. I’ve never normally been a big fan of romantic films. They are usually too cliché or soppy for me. But Corrina, Corrina is none of those things to me. It’s a beautiful story about two people falling in love, regardless of what others think of their relationship. Although it is a film about two people and their mutual affection, it is not always at the forefront of the film, and Corrina, Corrina is so much more. It’s a feel-good film that never fails to make me smile.
I cannot put a number on how many times I have watched this wonderful movie, but every time I do it feels like I am watching it for the very first time. It’s as if I have discovered a new film, with all the bubbly excitement and anticipation that comes with it. It is just one of those movies for which my excitement never wavers.
Honourable Mentions: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954), To Sir with Love (1967), Freedom Writers (2007), Parasite (2019),
Words by Halle McIntosh
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