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Best Comedy Films of recent times (10+1list)

Best Comedy Films of recent times

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best Comedy Films of recent times: Overdose of sex and violence. Overdramatic celebrities and never-ending super-hero battles. Best-Comedy-FilmsExcessive use of computer graphics and 3D glasses. At the end of the day it all feels so artificial and commercial and unreal.

Sometimes all you want is a good sensible film with believable characters and a realistic story line, an easy going comedy that simply makes you laugh – but nowadays such movies are pretty hard to find.

Well, you don’t have to look any further!

Here’s a list of the Best Comedy Films of recent times which will simply make your day a happy one! Enjoy.

10. Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6raUs0CiCQ

Best-Comedy-FilmsA cool freshman pitcher who steers his way through various new life experiences, making friends and finding love!

(Film Review)

Directed by Richard Linklater, a classic take on college bonding!

May be considered as a continuation to either Dazed and Confused (1993) or may be even a follow-up of Boyhood (2014).

9. Captain Fantastic (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1kH4OMIOMc

Best-Comedy-FilmsResiding inside a forest, a devoted father has a very different idea of parenting (home schooling his children). But his life philosophies are soon challenged by the regular norms of our modern society!

Directed by Matt Ross, a brilliant comedy with such a powerful embedded meaning to it all.

This movie though pretty differently conceptualized still reminds me of Little Miss Sunshine (2006).

8. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zru-1DbbcsA

Best-Comedy-FilmsThe epic story of a legendary concierge and his lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend!

(Film Review)

Memorable performances by Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray AbrahamAdrien BrodyJude LawBill MurrayEdward NortonHarvey KeitelWillem Dafoe and Tilda Swinton among others.

Directed by Wes Anderson, by far the most stylish comedy I have seen!

7. The Lobster (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU29VfayDMw

Best-Comedy-FilmsAn extremely twisted and dark Greek comedy set in a dystopian near future where being single is forbidden by the laws of The City!

(Film Review)

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, and starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Léa Seydoux, John C. Reilly and Ben Whishaw among others; a gem of a comedy, quirky and entertaining in the best way possible!

6. The Nice Guys (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVd-EuoEf3U

Best-Comedy-FilmsA missing girl and a dead porn star kicks off an investigation lead by a mismatched pair of private detectives none other than Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling.

Directed by Shane Black, underrated and yet a superbly subtle and dark, often a bit violent but overall a solid comedy that perfectly sets up the mood for some good laughs. Cool performance by Angourie Rice.

5. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAZEWtyhpes

Best-Comedy-FilmsBowled over by this brilliant vampire comedy where a documentary team follows a group of vampires trying to make a sense of their unique lifestyle!

Directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, this film from New Zealand has such a unique concept and some of the most funny characters, dialogues and situations that guarantees a continuous flow of laughter!

4. Deadpool (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xithigfg7dA

Best-Comedy-FilmsPersonally not a fan of superhero flicks but this one is special!

Directed by Tim Miller, Ryan Reynolds comes out as the most witty and raunchy superhero ever and that too with a quest for vengeance.

(Film Review)

Hilarious dialogues with perfect comedy timing, complimented by lot of violence and foul language! Eagerly waiting for the sequel Deadpool 2 (2018).

3. Frances Ha (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBn5dgXFMis

Best-Comedy-Films

The combination of director Noah Baumbach and actress Greta Gerwig presents one of the most endearing film of recent times! 

A brilliant black and white comedy drama that tells the tale of an ordinary yet hilarious New York girl named Frances. She is quirky, childlike but superbly entertaining!

Beautifully shot by Sam Levy, the film is as spontaneous and free-spirited as it’s leading lady.

Don’t miss another cool comedy from the same director-actress combo is Mistress America.

2. The Hangover (2009) 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcdUhdOlz9M

Best-Comedy-FilmsThe most commercially popular Hollywood comedy of this decade and certainly one of the best laugh riots ever made!

Directed by Todd Phillips, the story of four friends and their memorable bachelor party in Las Vegas of which they don’t seem to remember anything!

Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Justin Bartha – they absolutely rock the show!

Don’t you miss out the two awesome sequels The Hangover Part II (2011) and The Hangover Part III (2013)

  1. The Intouchables (2011) 

Intouchables (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34WIbmXkewU

Best-Comedy-FilmsThis french film is about a young man from a difficult background who takes up a job to look after a rich paralytic aristocrat – and then of course it’s about their eventual bond of friendship.

Directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, and such brilliant performances by François Cluzet and Omar Sy; this film is undoubtedly the best comedy film of this era!

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)

En duva satt på en gren och funderade på tillvaron (original title) 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7pna4laaAk

Best-Comedy-FilmsThis Swedish film is an altogether different kind of comedy (don’t expect any periodical gags or laughs), this is humor so dry and often tragic even!

Directed by acclaimed Roy Andersson, a series of absurdist episodes maintaining a thin line between reality and fantasy, apparently nonsense but then again it’s deeply philosophical, in a way questioning the very essence of our human existence!

Similar Interest: Best horror Comedies

Similar Interest: Best Bollywood Comedy Dramas of 2015

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.

Best Europe Travel Films (10+1list)

Best Europe Travel Films

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best Europe Travel Films – these films shouldn’t be confused with the Road-movies category made by European directors (though a few of them Europe-Travel-Filmsin the list does fulfill that criteria as well).

This particular list of movies, for them the locations are as important as the characters in the narrative, and they are meant to inspire you to travel to the stunning European cities so rich in beauty, culture and heritage.

To travel is to live and as they say ‘when you travel far enough you meet yourself‘. And it’s so true! In each of these films you will find the characters somehow discovering themselves at the end of their romantic/emotional or spiritual/adventurous journeys!

Hope you start packing your bags for Europe soon after watching these films! (No documentaries included in this list though.)

10. How Much Further (2006)

Qué tan lejos (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNnzrllQlzQ

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Ecuador

Two girls on a bus-ride to the city of Cuenca, but due to certain unavoidable reasons they finally decide to hitchhike their way. They meet interesting people, they have fun and experience the journey of their lives!

Directed by Tania Hermida, a pretty underrated travel drama with superb landscapes and a very well narrated plot.

9. The Way (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnTpJEFlj5g

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Spain

A father (Martin Sheencarrying the ashes of his adult son completes the historical pilgrimage to honor his son’s desire to finish the journey.

Directed by Emilio Estevez, this emotional film takes us through a enchantingly scenic walk from the French border through northern Spain – known as The Way of St. James or Camino de Santiago.

8. Copenhagen (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivNMSxPE-_w

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Denmark

A guy comes to Copenhagen to find about his grandfather’s past but soon enough he falls in love with a girl only to find out later that she is a minor!

Directed by Mark Raso, this charming film is essentially a love-story but it will help you explore the beautiful and historic Danish capital; a perfect movie for romantic wanderers! 

7. The Trip (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9bPJmy68Rs

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: England

Two friends Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon (playing themselves) travels across the North Country of England in order to write their food and travel experiences for a magazine. 

If comedy, good food and traveling makes you happy then this first chapter of director Michael Winterbottom‘s The Trip Trilogy is definitely worth your time!

The other two films of ‘The Trip Trilogy’ are The Trip to Italy (2014) and The Trip to Spain (2017).

6. In July (2000)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr7WImqnKBM

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Germany, Turkey

A professor (Moritz Bleibtreu) in search for his soulmate is ready to travel all across Europe, from Hamburg to Istanbul but does he really know who is his true love?

Directed by Fatih Akin, a brilliant tale of adventure and passion, full of comic moments and yet so romantic. Probably the best road-movie I have ever seen!

4. Midnight in Paris (2011)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_3gIxrcWK8

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: France

Every midnight a nostalgic screenwriter (Owen Wilson) mysteriously goes back to the golden age of Paris – the 1920s, and there he finds his inspiration!

Directed by Woody Allen who has made numerous films focusing on many cities around the world but this Oscar wining film is special – Paris has never been so romantic!

5. A Room with a View (1985)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFIPjRFuaHA

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Italy

When you visit a city as beautiful as Florence you surely deserve a view from your hotel room!

Directed by James Ivory, this brilliant romantic drama (nominated for 8 Oscars, won 3) celebrates both love and passion as well as the vistas of the picturesque city. Trust me, this movie is the reason for many to plan a visit to Italy!

4. Mamma Mia! (2008)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiVnD9i7BpE

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Greece

A fun-filled musical starring Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth among others; the backdrop being the gorgeous Greek landscapes surrounded by the vast blue oceans.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, if you adore ABBA and Greece, this is THE film for you!

3. Kings of the Road (1976)

Im Lauf der Zeit (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zq-EBhErEI

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Germany

A film-projection-equipment repairman and a heart-broken young man team up to travel along the East-German border – an unknown adventure begins!

The third film of the Road-movie Trilogy directed by acclaimed Wim Wenders, with the German countryside in the background this is a brilliant piece of Cinema both artistically and intellectually.

The other two films of the ‘Road-movie Trilogy are Alice in the Cities (1974) and Wrong Move (1975).

2. Before Sunrise (1995)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25v7N34d5HE

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Austria

A guy meets a girl on a train and they instinctively decide to spend one evening together, trying to know each other while roaming around the picturesque city of Vienna!

The beautifully romantic first installment of the renowned Before Trilogy directed by the acclaimed Richard Linklater.

The other two films of the ‘Before Trilogy are Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013).

  1. The Spanish Apartment (2002)

L’Auberge Espagnole (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsvJFtUDfl0

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Spain

During his ‘Erasmus year’ a young French guy goes to Barcelona and rents a room with another five people all coming from different countries and speaking different languages!

The first part of the famous Spanish Apartment Trilogy directed by Cédric Klapisch, a brilliant comedy that portrays  the multicultural spirit of youth and the beauty of Spain like never before!

The other two films of the ‘Spanish Apartment Trilogy are Russian Dolls (2005) and Chinese Puzzle (2013).

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. EuroTrip (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_Eu0X3B6OM

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Europe

Dumped by his girlfriend a guy plans a sudden trip (backpacking Europe) with his crazy friends.

Directed by  Jeff Schaffer, Alec Berg and David Mandel, this one is a very popular sex comedy, full of half-naked teenagers, adult jokes and slapstick moments. But then again it’s all about fun and traveling all across the Europe!

A few other films that definitely inspire us to travel to Europe are Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), Roman Holiday (1953), Zorba the Greek (1964)Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), Local Hero (1983), A Good Year (2006), The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005).

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

Best Coming of Age Films of recent times (10+1list)

Best Coming-of-Age Films of recent times

written by Souranath Banerjee

Coming of Age Films – the stories relating to the mysterious leap of the protagonist from their childhood/youth to the adulthood, Coming-of-Age-Filmsgrowing up not only in height/weight but also in maturity.

The coming of age genre has become pretty popular for some time now. Many acclaimed film directors have taken up the challenge of portraying their lead-characters as confused or ill-tempered juveniles who as the film progresses get rid of their ‘teenage miseries’ and finally opens up to life and owns it!

Most of the films in this list are based on such young rebellious minds who struggle to survive the typical awkwardness and embarrassments of adolescence.

And so, let the young minds bloom!

10. Submarine (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CAntLzsQ74

Coming-of-Age-Films

The story of a young boy and his problems of growing up – teen anxiety, miscommunications and an overall sense of confusion.

A superbly fresh and funny coming of age drama directed by Richard Ayoade, and brilliantly acted by Craig Roberts – beautiful visuals, superb music and great story telling.

A much underrated British comedy not to be missed.

9. Sing Street (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_YqJ_aimkM

Coming-of-Age-FilmsDublin,1980s – a young boy starts a band to impress a girl he fancies, but soon the band takes off pretty well but does he finally get the girl?

Directed by John Carney, this is a unique story of artistic awakening, of young love, of bonding, friendship and some unavoidable suffering as well.

A funny musical coming of age film that will make you emotional as well.

8. The Way Way Back (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwNo1i3jkCo

Coming-of-Age-Films

Starting new relations is not so easy especially if you are a shy teenager, but then you realize that making friends is not that difficult after all.

Directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, starring Sam RockwellSteve CarellToni Collette and Liam James this one is a brilliant story of a young mind – his equations with his mother, his new step dad and his belief in love and friendship. A remarkably smooth, crisp and highly entertaining film to consider.

7. Mistress America (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z8MCW16uZY

Coming-of-Age-FilmsA lonely college freshman goes to meet with her adventurous stepsister-to-be and her world changes in a wink.

(Click for Review)

Directed by one of the most acclaimed comedy director of our times Noah Baumbach, and such amazing performances by Greta Gerwig and Lola Kirke. A film of great wit and humor.

6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5rh7O4IDc0

Coming-of-Age-FilmsA freshman in college gets to bond with a few seniors, they hang out, they enjoy their young lives – but it’s not as simple a plot as it seems.

Directed by Stephen Chbosky, although pleasantly funny, the film deals with some very serious topics like drug, alcohol and sexuality.

Rare but in this case the film is as good as the book written by the director himself. Specially recommended for Emma Watson fans.

5. Dope (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L41xwM8tIRQ

Coming-of-Age-FilmsBeing a geek in a tough neighborhood, life is not easy for young Malcolm. But then everything will change since he (along with his friends) get a chance invitation to a big underground party – an adventure of a lifetime and also the moment for him to prove himself a dope!

Directed by Rick Famuyiwa, this is a cool coming of age comedy, believable acting and full of fun.

4. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eOI3AamSm8

Coming-of-Age-FilmsWhen two young souls deeply in love decide to explore the world on their own! But then again, the film is also about the reactions of all the other characters surrounding them!

Uniquely stylized as expected from master director Wes Anderson, a classic tale of young love and it’s consequences full of dry comedy and wit. Storytelling at its absolute best!

3. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qfmAllbYC8

Coming-of-Age-FilmsA film where a character has cancer generally takes a sad route but not this one. It’s the story of a young teenager who is forced to befriend a girl who has leukemia but then they have a super cool time together!

Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, this film is amazingly quirky and innovative specially in its execution. It often takes on pretty serious matters but always with enough humor and laughter.

2. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB6Gecy6IP8

Coming-of-Age-FilmsLife never really seems fair to a young confused high school junior (Hailee Steinfeld) but then it becomes miserable when her best friend starts dating her ever-impressive older brother!

Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, this one is an unexpectedly brilliant comedy with great storytelling and superb performances. And then the presence of Woody Harrelson makes it even more special!

1. The Kings of Summer (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoPPhItyA74

Coming-of-Age-Films

A group of teenagers plan to build a house in the midst of the forest and live out there, entirely cut off from the civilization – their idea of complete independence!

But soon their friendship is to be tested in a way they have never imagined.

Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, a superb story that elegantly binds the characters with each other and with nature as well.

and (The ‘+1’ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most crazy one. A must watch).

+1.  Boyhood (2014)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys-mbHXyWX4

Coming-of-Age-Films

A film so real and shot through such an unreal time-span that it gives you the feel of being a part of the journey with Mason (Ellar Coltrane), who was a 7 year old boy when Richard Linklater started filming and 18 when he finally the film was wrapped up.

(Click for review)

Boyhood is an emotional coming of age film, a daring experiment in the history of Cinema!

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.

Best Adult Animation films ever made (20+1list)

Best Adult Animation films ever made

written by Souranath Banerjee

Adult Animation films!?

But aren’t animation supposed to be for kids? Well, the answer is Yes and No!

First of all we have to understand that ‘Animation is not a genre, but an art form.’

Although mostly Animation is been associated with children, them being taken for granted as the perfect target adult-animationaudience, but then, filmmakers most often use the art of animation to tell stories that are highly subversive in nature, tales of immense maturity been told under the guise of a children’s film!

And then, some others make such exquisite pieces of artistic animated Cinema aimed ONLY for the grown ups, the so called adults!

(But don’t get too excited because I am not talking of hentai or any other form of explicit or animated porn at the moment. At least not in this article!)

This particular list contains some of the Best Adult Animation movies that are often very realistic in approach, sometimes they are issue-based (specially wars or political turmoil), others are philosophical, may be allegorical or satirical (based on various metaphors), and obviously a few of them contain decent dozes of violence and sex that are not at all meant for the juniors!

So, here we go!

20. South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut (1999)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbMl6DjhJ1I

Adult-AnimationFour boys, an R-rated movie and of course the war against Canada!

Directed by Trey Parker and writer Matt Stone (who also wrote the original South Park television series), one of the most hilarious comedy but not exactly meant for kids though.

The highest grossing animated film with an R rating till date and also the most mount of profanity used in any animated film ever! 

19. It’s Such a Beautiful Day (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN8Kd3zR_mE

Adult-Animation Comprised of three short films released over a period of 2006-2011, all directed and narrated by Don Hertzfeldt.

It’s the story of Bill, his world, his dreams, his revelations; all uniquely animated on paper with stick figures, shot on 35mm camera with experimental optical effects merged with real footages.

Funny yet deep and highly intellectual, undoubtedly the most philosophical animated cinema I have seen till date!

18. Paprika (2006)

Papurika (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_vUmm8Z0fM

Adult-AnimationThree scientists at the Foundation for Psychiatric Research invented a device that allows people to record and watch their dreams. But then their precious invention gets stolen and the worlds of dream and reality collide and merge into one horrific surreality.

Directed by Satoshi Kon, this anime is by far the most creative yet disturbing film in the list infused with a terrific soundtrack. Highly recommended!

17. Chico & Rita (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgmBLyItITA

Adult-AnimationA passionate piano player and a beautiful singer, both young and full of dreams and ambitions – and yes, they become lovers! But their roads to success seem different, can their love survive against all the odds?

Directed by Tono Errando, Javier Mariscal and Fernando Trueba, this is one rare and brilliant animated romance between two ‘real’ people beautifully depicting human emotions!

16. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Kôkaku Kidôtai (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2MEaROKjaE

Adult-AnimationThe year 2029. The mysterious and elusive cyber criminal, the Puppet Master is being hunted by a cyborg policewoman and her partner.

Directed by Mamoru Oshii, this is a futuristic, hyperrealistic and fantastic animated thriller that recently got made into live-action feature Ghost in the Shell (2017) starring Scarlett Johansson as the sexy cyborg cop (though the animated version is much better). 

It also has the animated sequels Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004) and Ghost in the Shell 2.0 (2008) which are definitely worth your time.

15. Fantastic Planet (1973)

La planète sauvage (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgCxCZNkQ9E

Adult-AnimationThe story of the unknown sci-fi world of Ygam where the masters are the beasts and the humans are their slaves. And here comes a revolution!

Directed by René Laloux, a film so masterly creative and epic in its content and animation style; beautiful and surreal and deservingly the winner of the Special Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival!

14. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001)

Cowboy Bebop: Tengoku no tobira (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au1AO1xaEts

Adult-AnimationThe year 2071. A terrorist bombing has released a deadly virus and a high-priced bounty is set for the capture of whoever is behind it. Can the bounty hunter crew of the spaceship Bebop encash the reward?

Directed by Shinichirô Watanabe, Tensai OkamurYoshiyuki Takei and Hiroyuki Okiura, a classy film made on the famous animated series by the same name. Adult in content but great storytelling!  

13. Princess Mononoke (1997)

Mononoke-hime (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OiMOHRDs14

Adult-AnimationA deadly curse that changes the fate of a young warrior, and he finds himself in the midst of a war between the humans and the Gods of the forest. And then he meets Princess Mononoke!

Directed by the acclaimed Hayao Miyazaki, a marvellous film dipped in Japanese myth and folklore, with enough blood and violence to make it count in this list.

A few other films from the same director that are more suited for adults than children are The Wind Rises (2013) and Spirited Away (2001).

12. Fritz the Cat (1972)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PADIloikkhg

Adult-AnimationThe first animated film to receive an ‘X’ rating and it opened the gates of the future nuisance that followed!  

Directed by renowned Ralph Bakshi, this one is one hell of a comic satire on the 60s NewYork scenario, with a cat being the main centre of attraction/attention.

Funny, comic and full of adult jokes,  an animated sex comedy – easygoing and entertaining as well.

11. Barefoot Gen (1983) 

Hadashi no Gen (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjLYP_X80GA

Adult-AnimationDirected by Mori Masaki, this is a a disturbing tale of a boy from Hiroshima, and how his life changes during the WW2.

The film brilliantly portrays the disastrous aftermath of the atomic bomb, and also the overall effect it had on Japan.

A brilliant tale – hard hitting, deeply emotional, told from the perspective of a little boy.

10. Watership Down (1978)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji-LqBskNyE

Adult-AnimationA survival story of a group of rabbits who are always in danger of predators ready to catch them, kill them, eat them – in a sense not very different from our own human world!

Directed by Martin Rosen the film is adopted from the famous novel by Richard Adams by the same name.

And not exactly for the kids, since it is a pretty violent and ruthless film to be animated!

9. Wicked City (1987)

Yôjû toshi (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jDSbHomlrs

Adult-AnimationThe peace between the mortals and the supernatural world is being threatened and two professionals are given the responsibility to protect an old sleazy man of importance. But can they do their job successfully?

Directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, this anime contains extreme sex, nudity and violence that almost pushes it to the Hentai territory.

Probably the only other anime film that can compete with this one in terms of erotic animated visuals is Hideki Takayama‘s animated feature Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend (1989).

8. Waltz with Bashir (2008)

Vals Im Bashir (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J9uoLMhMhs

Adult-AnimationDirected by Ari Folman, a superb animated take on the first Lebanon war of 1982.

Through many meetings and interviews, an Israeli film director tries to recollect his memories of the war, the time when he was in the army.

Four years to finish, the first ever animated film nominated for Best Foreign Language Film Oscar!

7. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Hotaru no haka (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vPeTSRd580

Adult-AnimationDirected by Isao Takahata, this is the story of a young boy and his little sister who tries their best to struggle and survive the brutality of the war.

A story told with such power and innocence, emotionally tragic yet such blissful and appealing.

Visually spectacular and masterfully animated in style, one of my personal favorite of all times.

6. Persepolis (2007) 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PXHeKuBzPY

Adult-AnimationDirected by Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi, this is a powerful film that tells the story of an Iranian girl, growing up during the times of Islamic Revolution!

An animated satire, originally based on a comic-book; though the film has a comic touch but overall pretty serious in content, definitely not aimed for kids in mind.

It is a bold biographical journey of co-director Marjane Satrapi.

5Waking Life (2001)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbPgprcMtjo

Adult-AnimationDiscussions regarding the purpose of the existence and the meaning of life can be pretty heavy stuff but this animated feature manages to maintain an overall dreamy psychedelic mood that creates an unique experience for the viewers!

Directed by Richard Linklater, yes, my favorite director does it again! A superb story told in a cool and slow manner. Also check out a very interesting film called A Scanner Darkly (2006) by the same director.

4. Akira (1988)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUqd8qNaNg0

Adult-AnimationAnime became a global phenomenon with the release of this film and it is undoubtedly the most popular and expensive anime of the time – production cost 10 million!

Directed by Katsuhiro Ôtomo, one of the most visually challenging drama pact with some memorable soundtracks.

Violent, edgy, gritty and dark, a film that remains with you for a lifetime.

3. Anomalisa (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT6QJaS2a-U

adult-animationA man bored with his life is desperately seeking for some excitement, some incentive to go on. And finally he meets a girl who seems to be perfect!

(Click for the review)

A highly sensitive and melancholic film with the best stop motion animation ever!

Directed by Duke Johnson and Charlie Kaufman, this film is a rare gem that needs to be cherished and relished forever.

2. Perfect Blue (1997)

Pafekuto buru (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXQraSkOOGs

Adult-AnimationA retired pop-star who is set to become an actress is stalked by an obsessed fan, but soon things becomes too dangerous to handle.

Paranoia, violence, sex and above all a creepy feel that makes the film both disturbing and exciting at the same time.

Directed by Satoshi Kon, this is one haunting animated thriller that will certainly make you very uncomfortable. A must watch!

1. Belladonna of Sadness (1973)

Kanashimi no Beradonna (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WkcLMapo_Y

Adult-AnimationAbused and banished from her village, a woman unknowingly makes a treaty with the devil and  gains magical ability. But soon the devil wants his share!

Directed by Eiichi Yamamoto, a story told metaphorically with highly explicit symbolisms.

A poetic epic, an avant- garde feature of exquisite beauty and certainly the most artistic film I have ever seen!

and (The ‘+1 film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Sita Sings the Blues (2008)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y5_zJ1xfQs

Adult-AnimationThe epic Indian tale of Ramayana told from the perspective of Sita, and her choice of narration is to sing soothing Jazz songs from a forgotten era!

Directed by Nina Paley (autobiographical to a certain extent) perfectly complimented by the ever-melodious voice of Annette Hanshaw.

Enriched with enough satirical humour, a much underrated gem that has the potential brilliance to compete with some of the best animated features across the globe!

A few other Adult Animation films not exactly made for the kids are: The Triplets of Belleville (2003), Yellow Submarine (1968)The Illusionist (2010), Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)Coraline (2009), Animal Farm (1954), Tokyo Godfathers (2003), Beowulf (2007), Heavy Metal (1981), The Plague Dogs (1982), Ruben Brandt, Collector (2018).

Similar Interest: Best Animated Films of 2015 

Similar Interest: Best Animated Films of 2016

Similar Interest: Best Animated Short Films

Similar Interest: Hayao Miyazaki – a parallel universe

 Poster courtesy: www.impawards.com and www.imdb.com.

BEST ROMANTIC FILMS Of Recent Times (10+1LIST)

Best Romantic Films of recent times!

written by Sriram Sundar and Souranath Banerjee.

‘We are most alive when we’re in love.’

Honestly, watching a saccharine romantic movie with THE special one by your side, a hot tub of popcorn within your reach, and then some chocolates and two curvy glasses of red wine – I don’t know about you but that definitely makes me feel alive. And how!

So, here is the special list of The Best Romantic films of Recent times – believe it or not, this list has been checked and approved by none other than St. Valentine himself!

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10. Annie Hall (1977)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqVgCfZX-yE

Best Romantic films

Annie Hall is widely regarded for possessing one of the finest scripts of all-time, and rightly so. This exceptionally funny and yet melancholy film is a miracle of comic writing and romance.

Woody Allen and Diane Keaton have the perfect chemistry and both create brilliant emotional parallels for their characters.  A must watch romantic film – one of Allen’s best Cinema ever!

 9. When Harry Met Sally… (1989)

 Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8DgDmUHVto

Best Romantic filmsMeg Ryan and Billy Crystal play Sally and Harry respectively, as they create an epic romantic chemistry on screen!

It’s 1977 and they share a ride from Chicago to New York. She’s fresh out of college, hoping to crack the journalism market; he’s romantically involved and onward to a political consultancy career. Are they compatible for love?

Directed by Rob Reiner, a fantastic film that defines what all romantic comedies should be! 

8. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmax1C1p660

Best Romantic films

London based Raj and Simran (Kajol) are happily leading their normal lives but a trip to Europe lands them into a surprise meeting with each other only to turn into love. While Simran’s father has fixed her marriage with his childhood friend’s son, Simran falling in love with someone else is not acceptable. Through this film, Shah Rukh Khan gave the name ‘Raj’ a whole new meaning!

Director Aditya Chopra, a historical film from India that will probably be watched for generations to come. 

7. Before Sunrise (1995)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25v7N34d5HE

Best Romantic filmsTwo people Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy meet each other, begin to talk and decide to spend the day and night together in Vienna. They spend some time in a church at midnight. They drink wine in a park. They find a way to exchange personal information by holding imaginary cphone calls with imaginary best friends. They talk about making love.

Directed by Richard Linklater, it is an ideal film for teenagers that keeps messing with your head long after it ends.

6. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05i3eIuJLaU

Best Romantic films

‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ chronicled the story of a mother, played by Rani Mukerji, who leaves eight letters for her daughter before her death, so that she can unite her father Shah Rukh Khan with his best friend, enacted by Kajol, as she believed he loved her.

Directed by Karan Johar created history when it released; not only was the film a roaring commercial success, it also brought in a wave of western concepts and style that were never-heard-before of in India! 

5. The Notebook (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC6biTjEyZw

Best Romantic filmsThis romantic drama, directed by Nick Cassavetes will make you fall in love and also make you cry for quite some time even after it ends.

The film recreated effectively the world of the 1940s in America, including the parental pressure exerted by the well-to-do family of Allie (Rachel McAdams) on whether to allow their daughter to pursue a young man from the other side of the tracks.  It moves between present-day and the 1940s. Ryan Gosling, as a patient suffering from Alzheimer’s is just brilliant. 

4. 50 First Dates (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErjP5xMTc8I

Best Romantic filmsHenry Roth ( Adam Sandler) lives in Hawaii and spend his time wooing women who are visiting the island, simply because there is little chance of commitment. Then he meets Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore). One day they hit it off, and the next she doesn’t even recognise him. It turns out that she suffers from short-term memory loss, and every day he tries to win her over once more.

Directed by Peter Segal, this film is a lighthearted take on the notion of amnesia, with the emphasis clearly billed around a love story.

3. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD0NpFSADM

Best Romantic films

Directed by Marc Webb, this one is not exactly your typical romantic film, but yet so full of Romance!

“This is a story of boy meets girl but you should know up front’ this is not a love story.” 

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is in love with Zooey Deschanel from the moment he met her.  But the relationship that lasts only for 500 days, is unfortunately a doomed one. the problem – he believes in love and she doesn’t!

2. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj5_FhLaaQQ

Best Romantic films

Silver Linings Playbook opens with the release from a mental institution of the explosive Bradley Cooper after eight months’ incarceration. He’s been diagnosed as bipolar after beating up a fellow high school teacher.

Pain is the subtext of nearly every interaction in this film that is directed by David O. RussellWith Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro along with Brad this definetly is one of the very few feel-good movies that is so refreshing to watch even now. 

1. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ItBvH5J6ss

Best Romantic films

Based on John Green’s bestselling novel, directed by Josh Boonethis film offers the first-person accounts of Shailene Woodley, a bright 16-year-old who can hardly remember not living with cancer.

When this incredibly charming 18-year-old Ansel Elgort appears to take a thing for her, at a mutual cancer support group, and soon their fates are sealed together. Do have some tissues ready when you plan to watch it!

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Titanic (1997)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e-eXJ6HgkQ

Best Romantic filmsDirected by James Cameron, its $200 million budget shows in its glorious effects, dazzling camera work and lavish sets to name a few. ”Titanic” is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned). It includes partial nudity, one brief sexual situation, mild profanity and the soul-shaking sight of a great ship going down.

But the most important aspect of the film is the love story between Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet! This epic movie re-wrote the history of Cinema in numerous ways.

Poster courtesy:  www.imdb.com

Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)

Everybody Wants Some!! review

written by Souranath Banerjee

Philosophical, often hilarious, and otherwise pretty much Dazed and Confused!    

My Ratings: 4/5

Movies generally follow a pattern to create enough drama that eventually leads to a theatrical climax, following a conclusion that ultimately resolves all related confusions whatsoever.

But again, there are a few films that are structured exactly like a piece of life – small day to day incidents and dialogues wrapped with genuine emotions, with surprisingly non dramatic endings, more everybody-wants-some-poster1inclined to portray a realistic overview of life.

Everybody Wants Some!! is one such film, rare and ingenious!

The groovy 80s is the setup – the trendy rock and roll music, the colourful disco lit parties, youth dressed in the-then fashionable outfits, classic hairdos and stylised moustaches; and in the midst of all we have a team of young Texas college baseball jocks enjoying their moments to the fullest!

Essentially though, it’s the story of Jake (Blake Jenner), a surprisingly cool and composed freshman pitcher who steers his way through various new experiences that includes getting along with the other baseball jocks (his frat mates) and also finding love with beautiful Beverly (Zoey Deutch).

Be it BoyhoodSchool of Rock or the “Before” trilogy, when you watch a Richard Linklater movie, you never give enough credit to the actors because they look so natural – it’s like they don’t seem to act at all!

Tyler Hoechlin,  Ryan GuzmanWyatt RussellGlen PowellTemple BakerJ. Quinton JohnsonWill Brittain every one of them have put their best and made their presence felt in the film. 

everybody-wants-some-poster2Overall Everybody Wants Some!! is more focused around the ‘male bonding’ part, where a group of crazy, irresponsible, drunk, high and almost always looking for sex type of  youngsters (highly competitive as well), who share the same space and create new experiences of their own!

Crisp combination of Shane F. Kelly‘s cinematography, period-look costumes by Kari Perkins and Sandra Adair‘s editing gives the film the authenticity and edge it deserves.

A continuation to either Linklater’s previous film Dazed and Confused (1993) or may be even a follow up of Boyhood (2014) – but even as a separate individual film Everybody Wants Some!! has all the right reasons to be on every cinema-lover’s favourite list.

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.com.

Best of Hollywood 2014

Best of Hollywood 2014 

written by Souranath Banerjee.

Best of Hollywood 2014 – is not at all an easy list to make. 2014 being an awesome year for film-lovers and thanks to Hollywood for giving us such a balanced dose of entertainment; Thrillers, Hollywood-2014SciFis, Comedies, Love stories War Dramas, Horror flicks and lots of Biographies.

But then again, it’s the time to remember the best performances of this year (no foreign language films included in this list), the awesome directorial ventures, those brilliant visuals and mesmerizing background scores – the films that touched your heart, amazed you and made you fall in love with Cinema (all over again).

But first a few honorable mentions (films that almost made the list) – WildInherent ViceThe Hundred-Foot JourneyPrideAmerican SniperCalvaryStill AliceCamp X-RayPredestinationKill the MessengerCake and Mr. Turner

And now the countdown begins.

10. Selma

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6t7vVTxaic

Hollywood-2014

It was 1965 and Martin Luther King leaded the epic march from Selma to Montgomery (Alabama), a nonviolent protest demanding for the right-to-vote for all black men and women in the country.

(Click for the film review)

Such a powerful film evidently backed by some outstanding performances. A must watch.

9. Gone Girl

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esGn-xKFZdU

Hollywood-2014

Gone Girl is fast paced film that demands your full attention, a superbly crafted thriller that plunges into the depths of a psychologically twisted marital relationship.

(Click for the film review)

Brilliant performance by Ben Affleck but the real stunner is Rosamund Pike; she proves to be the perfect cast possible for the ‘gone girl’ character.

Hollywood-2014A dangerously realistic, gritty tale based on the concept of our unconscious satisfaction in watching other people’s loss and tragedy. Thanks to the news channels.

(Click for the film review)

Louis Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) – is he a scavenger or a survivor, a psychopath or a potential businessman, a cold-hearted predator or an insane professional?

7. The Grand Budapest Hotel

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fg5iWmQjwk

Hollywood-2014

The Grand Budapest Hotel is the most stylish comedy I have seen in years.

(Click for the film review)

Wes Anderson’s obsession for perfect production design, bold color schemes, faultless framing and as always the cheeky humor brings out an unique creation. Simply wonderful to watch, probably his best work till date.

6. Interstellar

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSWdZVtXT7E

Hollywood-2014

A Sci-Fi starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathway and Jessica Chastain, Interstellar is a film about space and black holes, about dimensions and relativity; and then again it’s also about love and betrayal.

(Click for the film review)

By the acclaimed director Christopher Nolan and undoubtedly one of his best films ever.

5. The Theory of Everything

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Salz7uGp72c

Hollywood-2014

The Theory of Everything tells the emotional story of Stephen Hawking and his then wife Jane Wilde.

(Click for the film review)

Eddie Redmayne this year won the Oscar (in the Best Actor category) playing Stephen Hawking’s character with extraordinary authenticity and brilliance. A must watch.

4. Foxcatcher

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8361stZ8n0w

Hollywood-2014

Foxcatcher is a film that tells the tale of two troubled souls, a multimillionaire and a wrestler, both disturbed and consumed by their own ambition and distorted personal lives.

(Click for the film review)

The film doesn’t fit the mainstream, melodramatic sport-movie pattern but after watching i am sure you will be thankful it didn’t.

3. Whiplash

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d_jQycdQGo

whiplash-poster

The intense story of Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), a 19-year-old aspiring jazz drummer and Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), his brutal school music instructor.

(Click for the film review)

Whiplash is a gritty and uncompromising take on ambition and success – it stretches the boundaries of all previous student-mentor relationship based dramas.

2. Birdman: Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJfLoE6hanc

Hollywood-2014

Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu and this year’s Oscar winner.

(Click for the film review)

Michael KeatonEdward NortonNaomi WattsZach GalifianakisEmma Stone and all others are magical in front of the camera.

The whole film is edited to look like one continuous shot, a tremendous effort and brilliantly executed.

1. Boyhood

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys-mbHXyWX4

Hollywood 2014

A film so real and shot through such an unreal time-span that it gives you the feel of being a part of the journey with this boy Mason (Ellar Coltrane), who was 7 years old when Richard Linklater started filming and 18 when he finally felt it’s time to wrap up.

(Click for the film review)

Boyhood is something very special, a daring experiment and totally worth it.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch).

+1. The Imitation Game

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5CjKEFb-sM

Hollywood 2014

Based on the life of an unsung war-hero, a genius mathematician and a troubled soul who never got the recognition he deserved – Alan Turing.

(Click for the film review)

Brilliant performances by Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley The imitation game is one of the best biographies made last year – a perfect combination of history and good cinema.

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.

Boyhood (2014)

My Ratings: 4.5/5.

Boyhood is something very special.

Ok, what happens if you follow around a boy (and his family) with your camera for 12 years and then edit the best of your footage and make a film out of it?

What happens is Boyhood!

It’s a preplanned, well-scripted film shot over 45 days during a period of 12 years (2002 -2013). Wow!

A film so real and shot through such an unreal time-span that it gives you the feel of being a part of the journey with this boy Mason (Ellar Coltrane), who was 7 years old when Richard Linklater (director) started filming and 18 when he finally felt it’s time to wrap up.

A unique experiment on celluloid, though Linklater said himself that if the audience see this merely as an experiment then he has failed at his task.

And believe me Richard Linklater is probably more successful with Boyhood than in any of his previous works which includes some beautiful films like Dazed and Confused, School of Rock, Bernie and of course not to forget his ‘before’ series – Before sunrise, Before sunset and the very recent Before Midnight.

And like most of his brilliant films Boyhood also doesn’t have a definite start-middle-end to it; it’s like inviting the audience to relish the voyeuristic pleasure of watching somebody’s life passing by.

Amazing natural performances and such realistic dialogues, an over-simplified storyline and that’s probably the magic of this film’s popularity.

A string of somewhat insignificant events that eventually makes an impression in our minds, the casual talks with friends and family; may be it’s bowling game with your dad or some heated conversation with your mom – after all these little memories are what we are left with in our lives.

And Boyhood is full of life.

Ellar Coltrane plays Mason (the boy), Lorelei Linklater (Richard Linklater’s daughter playing the sister), Patricia Arquette (the mom) and who else but Ethan Hawke (the dad).

Each one of these actors deserves applaud and honors for playing their parts with such conviction and for being in their characters for over such a long period of time.

It was also decided that if Richard Linklater would die during this period of 12 years, Ethan Hawke would take over the directorial duties; just a precautionary measure I guess!

Beautifully edited by Sandra Adair, Boyhood is a must watch for all you film lovers who patiently waited for it.

A wait too long but it’s worth it.