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Preview.Ph / Culture | By Jamina F. Nitura
The 15 Best Movies Of All Time, According To IMDB
Ranking the best movies ever made is a pretty impossible task. First of all, no one in the world has seen every movie ever made. Even if someone had pulled off that feat, movies are very subjective and what one person thinks is a great film might not be so well-regarded by someone else. The closest we can come to have a definitive ranking is a list based on audience ratings. In that sense, IMDb's list of the top rated films of all time might be among the best of its kind.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Rings (2001) - 8.8
Seeing as The Two Towers is the lowest-rated movie in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, it's quite apparent this series is beloved. The second film saw the fellowship divided as they attempted to defeat Sauron's forces of evil.
The film is another grand fantasy epic with two standout elements, the first being the proper introduction of the character Gollum and the second being in the massive and thrilling battle sequence in the third act.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) - 8.7
It's perhaps shocking to some fans that no Star Wars film broke into the top ten. What is less surprising is that The Empire Strikes Back is the highest-rated film in the franchise. The story set in a galaxy far, far away told a much darker and more complex story this time around.
As Darth Vader and the Empire close in on the heroes, Han Solo and Leia evade capture while Luke Skywalker seeks to learn more about the ways of the Jedi. With interesting growth for the returning characters and some iconic new ones turning up, this film truly showcased how much sequels can further a story.
Inception (2010) - 8.7
Christopher Nolan proved himself to be one of the most ambitious filmmakers around with his mind-bending crime film, Inception. The film follows a team of thieves with the ability to enter people's dreams and steal their ideas.
Leonardo DiCaprio stars as the team's leader, looking to pull off one last score. The inventive idea of the film is backed by Nolan's stunning visuals. It makes for some unforgettable action sequences. It is much more than just another heist film and contains one of the most debated endings of all time.
Forrest Gump (1994) - 8.8
Tom Hanks created perhaps his most iconic film character of all time with the titular character in Forrest Gump. The film follows the many misadventures of a simple yet sweet boy named Forrest as he inadvertently inserts himself into many of the biggest moments in American history.
Fight Club (1999) - 8.8
David Fincher remains one of the most talented film-makers working today. His projects are often dark, but always compelling thanks to his own perfectionist approach and unique visual style. Fight Club stands as his most popular film and one of the most exciting films of the 1990s.
The film stars Edward Norton as a mundane working man whose life is changed when he meets the mysterious Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) and the two start a club for grown men to beat each other up. The dark humor, brutal violence, and warped philosophies make it a thrilling watch and the twist ending makes you want to rewatch the movie again and again.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Rings (2001) - 8.8
Peter Jackson's hugely popular fantasy trilogy kicked off with The Fellowship of the Rings. J.R.R. Tolkien's books were brought to life as fans were transported to Middle Earth where Frodo Baggins and a band of heroes set out to destroy the powerful One Ring before Sauron can use it for evil.
The film wonderfully introduces this beautiful world and its characters. The simple yet thrilling quest is filled with fun, terror, and action. It's not hard to see why fans were immediately drawn to this franchise.
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly (1966) - 8.8
Westerns have been a Hollywood staple since the very beginning, but when the genre went over to Italy, it changed the Western forever. The so-called Spaghetti Westerns told more complex stories with unique styles of film-making that were unlike anything audiences had seen before. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is the definitive entry in that subgenre.
Pulp Fiction (1994) - 8.9
Quentin Tarantino is one of the most popular film-makers of all time. His unique voice, extensive film knowledge and penchant for mixing hilarious comedy with brutal violence helped to inspire a generation of film-makers. Pulp Fiction is regarded by many as his masterpiece, and it's hard to argue with that.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003) - 8.9
Few people thought adapting J.R.R. Tolkien's epic Lord of the Rings series for the big screen would be possible, but Peter Jackson proved them all wrong. With The Return of the King, Jackson managed to conclude one of the greatest film trilogies of all time in a truly satisfying way.
The film brings the quest to destroy the One Ring to a big end. While the film gets ridiculed for dragging out its finale, Jackson and his team did a beautiful job bringing it all to a close in this emotional spectacle that features some truly amazing battle sequences.
Schindler's List (1993) - 8.9
It's no surprise to see Steven Spielberg's name appear on the list of the top rated films of all time. Given his penchant for creating beloved films, there were a number that could conceivably be in the top 10. However, it is his most difficult movie to watch which ranks the highest, which is appropriate as it is one of his finest jobs as a director.
12 Angry Men (1957) - 8.9
While most of the films on this list are giant epics, 12 Angry Men is, by comparison, much smaller. However, that does nothing to lessen its impact. The film is set almost entirely inside a jurors room as the twelve men debate a murder case they have just overseen.
With one voice insisting the accused is innocent, the film details the life-or-death debate which ensues.While the setting might seem dull, it only helps to give the movie a sense of intensity. The film-making brilliantly makes the room seem more and more confined as the debate rages on. The claustrophobic feel adds to the atmosphere of it all. It's stunning proof that small scale films can pack a big punch.
The Dark Knight (2008) - 9.0
Just ahead of 12 Angry Men, which is the oldest movie on this list, The Dark Knight comes in as the newest. The superhero genre might not get a lot of respect from most cinephiles, but Christopher Nolan's second Batman film proved they can deliver smart, epic and thrilling movies.
The film details Batman's desperate attempt to stop Joker from destroying Gotham as he searches for someone to take up the role of the city's protector. The film feels like a crime epic, with some amazing set pieces and unpredictable twists. However, the film is most remembered for the late Heath Leger's mesmerizing performance as the anarchist Joker.
The Godfather: Part II (1974) - 9.0
The Dark Knight is one of those rare examples of how a sequel can actually be a worthwhile film on its own. Of course, the most famous example of this is The Godfather: Part II. It probably seemed like a preposterous idea at the time for Francis Ford Coppola to make a follow-up to his widely acclaimed crime saga, but he proved it was a very good idea.
The Godfather (1972) - 9.2
The Godfather: Part II is one of the most acclaimed films of all time and still it's not the highest ranked film in that trilogy. That honor goes to the original. There's a lot of debate among film fans about which is the better movie, but it's safe to say they are both massive achievements in cinema.
This is the story of the Corleone family, an Italian-American mafia family who struggle with maintaining power after their patriarch is nearly assassinated. The film is violent, funny, intense, emotional and so much more. There are countless quotable lines and unforgettable sequences. It's no wonder it is regarded as such an inspiring film to so many of today's best film-makers.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) - 9.3
It's no surprise that the highest ranked film of all time is also one of the most crowd-pleasing films of all time. You would think that a story set inside a maximum security prison would not have many pleasing moments, but The Shawshank Redemption manages to be a surprisingly uplifting tale.
Based on a Stephen King story, the film is told over several years at the titular prison and centers on a friendship between two inmates. The relationship between the two men is one of the most heart-warming friendships ever shown on screen and it helps give the film those beautiful moments which lead up to one of the greatest endings in film history.
In dire need of a K-drama to brighten your day? We’ve got you covered. Below, we list down 10 hilarious Korean TV series that are sure to make you laugh out loud. Whether you’re looking for a good ole sitcom, a sugary sweet romantic comedy, or a crime show with ridiculously funny characters, there’s something for your every mood.
1. The Fiery Priest (2019)
If your type of humor involves quirky individuals and stupid comic book facial expressions, you’ll definitely get a kick out of The Fiery Priest. This action comedy centers on three characters constantly butting heads, namely: Kim Hae Il, a rude, foulmouthed Catholic priest; Koo Dae Young, a timid detective; and Park Kyung Sun, an ambitious prosecutor, as they reluctantly work together to investigate an elderly priest’s murder.
2. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017)
A petite woman born with supernatural strength named Do Bong Soon is hired by a childish CEO to protect him from an anonymous threat. Unbeknown to Bong Soon, he falls in love with her at first sight, though she already has her eyes set on her high school friend. Your typical love triangle aside, hilarity ensues as Bong Soon, thanks to her new job, finds herself in unusual situations of which she meets with equally comedic dialogue. You might also find yourself having a good chuckle at the confused bystander reactions our tiny Herculean heroine receives.
3. My Only Love Song (2017)
Here’s something for history nerds out for a good laugh. My Only Love Song tells the story of Song Soo Jong, a money-hungry conceited actress whose life is overturned when she falls into a time portal. The accident lands her back to 6th century Korea during the Goguryeo era in the midst of King Pyeongwon's reign. Here, she meets On Dal, a man dedicated to making money whose ambitious goal is only hampered by his own generous heart.
4. Rooftop Prince (2012)
Almost like a reversal of My Only Love Song’s plot, Rooftop Prince follows Crown Prince Yi Gak as he’s transported from the Chosun Dynasty to modern-day Seoul. He unexpectedly crosses paths with Ho Se Na, a woman who looks a lot like his deceased wife. Determined to uncover his wife’s mysterious death, Yi Gak takes on a job at Se Na’s company to get closer to her, all while struggling with modern day technology.
5. The Sound of Your Heart (2016)
Give The Sound of Your Heart a try if you’re a sucker for over-the-top slapstick comedy. Based on a popular webtoon of the same name, this outrageous sitcom depicts the comical everyday adventures of a cartoonist and his family.
6. Welcome to Waikiki (2018)
That said, if a charming, easy-going comedy’s more your speed, you might want to turn on Welcome to Waikiki. The sitcom centers on three aspiring artists who come together in a guesthouse venture in order to fund their upcoming film. However, after a slew of mishaps ensue, they soon find that managing their new business isn't as easy as it seems.
7. Shopping King Louie (2016)
Opposites attract (and hilarious misunderstandings are created) in Shopping King Louie. The series revolves around our titular male lead who just so happens to be the rich heir to a business empire, and a certified shopaholic to boot. His lavish lifestyle, however, is one day upturned when he finds himself homeless after suffering from amnesia. The unfortunate event then leads him to meeting Koh Bok Shi, a simple country girl who teaches him to survive on only the bare necessities.
8. She Was Pretty (2015)
Nothing beats a classic romantic comedy like She Was Pretty. Having lost the fortune and looks she once thrived on in her youth, Hye Jin is reluctant to meet her now handsome childhood friend, Ji Sung Joon. To avoid judgment, she convinces her attractive roommate to take her place instead. Much to her misfortune, complications arise when she finds work in Sung Joon's magazine company where he openly treats her with contempt and disdain, unaware of the history between them.
9. Suspicious Partner (2017)
If you’ve had your fill of pure romantic comedies, how about adding a legal crime story into the mix? Suspicious Partner follows a prosecutor and a trainee who learn that their pasts are heavily entrenched with one another, after an awkward misunderstanding brings them together.
10. The Master’s Sun (2013)
A thrilling horror drama tinged with comedy? Sign us up! Appealing to those with a dark sense of humor, The Master’s Sun tells the peculiar relationship between a stingy CEO named Joo Joong Won, and Tae Gong Shil, a woman who, after being involved in an accident, now has the ability to see ghosts.
8 Pinoy Teleseryes that are loved not only in the Philippines but also around the world
wheninmanila.com / Sam Beltran - January 15, 2018
We Pinoys love our soap operas. As much as we binge-watch our Koreanovelas and other foreign dramas, nothing truly beats the classic story of star-crossed lovers as portrayed by our favorite love teams, or the heart-wrenching tale of an underdog fighting all odds to rise to the top — we just can’t get enough of them! After all these years, we still haven’t kicked the habit of making our teleseryes a family affair: after a long day at work or school, we’re still glued to the screens like clockwork as we wait for our favorite drama to air.
8. Wildflower
7. Forevermore
6. Magpahanggang Wakas
5. Be My Lady
4. Doble Kara
3. On the Wings of Love
2. Ina, Kapatid, Anak
1. Pangako Sa’Yo
The Best Bollywood Movies of All Time
esquire.com / By Emma Carey
Don’t mistake Bollywood for a distant relative of Hollywood. The Indian Hindi-language film industry is a cinema hub of its own right, and they need no direction from their Western counterpart.
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Coined for the formerly-named city of “Bombay,” now known as Mumbai, Bollywood is often mistaken as a physical place or a genre. Although Bollywood films are often produced in Mumbai and are known for unique genres like the masala film, Bollywood is an Indian film industry designated for its utilization of the Hindi language.
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The Bollywood industry has produced some of cinema’s most spectacular and extravagant films, from its colorful, awe-inspiring musicals of the masala genre to the hyper-real films of parallel cinema (and everything in between). Whether you’re looking for action, drama, romance, or comedy, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for and more in these Bollywood and Indian cinema classics.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Shot throughout India, London, and Switzerland, the beloved “DDLJ” (The Big-Hearted Will Take the Bride) follows one man’s quest to win over the hand of a woman he meets by chance on a trip to Europe. The only trouble is, her father has already arranged for her to marry someone else.
Queen
After being left at the altar, a young woman finds empowerment in building a new future for herself, starting with going on her planned honeymoon to Europe... solo.
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga
This heartwarming coming-of-age comedy-drama tells the story of a young woman named Sweety on her journey to love and acceptance as a closeted lesbian. Pressured by her rather conservative family, Sweety’s path towards pursuing a relationship with the woman she loves seems riddled with obstacles. However, she finds an avenue for hope in an unlikely place: through the help of a suitor.
3 Idiots
A hilarious satire of adolescence and the education system, 3 Idiots follows three friends through their time in engineering school into adulthood. Well, backwards, that is. But two of them will have to track down their long lost friend before they can properly reunite with the past.
Sholay
This 1975 action-adventure follows the unlikely trio of two criminals and a retired police officer. The officer hired the two to take down another local criminal, and the duo’s mission to fulfill the officer’s request grows urgent as their bond with him, and his motives, grows deeper.
Mother India
Mehboob Khan’s choice to remake his 1940 feature film of the same concept proved to be worth the 17-year investment. Now a hit musical-drama, Mother India follows the plights of a single mother as she struggles to raise her two sons despite their poverty.
Mughal-e-Azam
This historical-drama tells the love story of Mughal Prince Salim and commoner Anaarkali, a romance which arises to the dismay of Prince Salim’s father, Emperor Akbar.
The Lunchbox
A classic of the late, great Irrfan Khan, The Lunchbox unfolds (literally) through a series of letters from a wife to her husband in his daily lunchbox, with hopes of reviving their marriage. What she doesn’t realize upon building a rapport, however, is that the man whom she is communicating with is, in fact, not her husband.
Pyaasa
Almost every modern poet has probably wondered why it took most of the literary greats dying for their work to get recognized. Pyaasa is the ultimate posthumous dream, in which a young poet’s mistaken death prompts his brother to get his works published in his honor. But, when he “returns” to his newfound fame, he is met with a less reverent audience.
Lagaan
Set in the early 1890s amidst India’s colonial British Raj, Lagaan tells the tale of one village’s journey out of their overtaxed debt under their British rulers. The wager for overcoming their unjust circumstances? Beating their officers in a game of cricket.
Snacks That Everyone Should Have On Their Movie Night Menu
These fun twists on classic snack recipes will bring some old Hollywood glam to movie night and make you the star of the party!
1. Salted Caramel Popcorn Bars with Marshmallow and Chocolate
2. Savory Mozzarella Garlic Rolls
3. Champagne Jello Shots
4. Maple Chili Nuts and Chex Snack Mix
5. Peanut Butter Nutella Candy Bar Brownie
6. Sockeye Salmon Nachos
7. Puff Pastry Cheese Straws
8. Mexican Spiced Hot Chocolate Popcorn
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