The obvious question: what movies would you add to the list? Bonus points if you can fit it into a category of meaning (whether one of mine or one of your own)! Thanks again to everyone who has been supporting my work over these past few years, as I also mention at the end, this video really was for all of you!
For me Against the Ice is definitly on the list. The psychological and social aspects of being stranded in a freezing cold landscape are so well done. Its a stunning portrayal of what it means to endure and keep hope in yourself, in each others and in getting found and seeing your loved ones again.
Everything Everywhere All At Once, because in a way that no other movie does quite so uniquely, it speaks to experiences and outlooks on life that are extremely resonant - especially if you’re Asian or Asian-American :)
I would add to the Humanity category, Lantana, by Ray Lawrence. (Bliss, also by Lawrence could also fit into this category). This is a perfect film, and was critically acclaimed, but Lawrence’s work to have dropped off the critical landscape. This movie made me question my whole outlook on life, and in particular, how I relate to others, and whether I was being as genuine.
You are one of the most insightful, contemplative, and introspective people on YT, not just in terms of discussing films but overall especially in the sense of evaluating the human condition in a very measured and profound way. Well done.
I'm saving this, and will slowly digest it over years. Thank you.
2 หลายเดือนก่อน +92
I absolutely love this channel. The focus on humanism, philosophy, ethics, existentialism, etc is what is so refreshing. And the fact that our host has such acute and nuanced insight into the structure and composition of cinema, it makes this list all the more valuaboe.
"Many films diminish us. They cheapen us, masturbate our senses, hammer us with shabby thrills, diminish the value of life. Some few films evoke the wonderment of life's experience, and those I consider a form of prayer. Not prayer "to" anyone or anything, but prayer "about" everyone and everything...But I value the kind of prayer when you stand at the edge of the sea, or beneath a tree, or smell a flower, or love someone, or do a good thing. Those prayers validate existence and snatch it away from meaningless routine." - Roger Ebert on The Tree Of Life. Could also apply to many of these other films. Thank you for a wonderful piece of work, sir!
So well put. I remember the feeling I had after Tree of Life ended. It shook me. The only film in recent memory that has done the same for me, is “9 Days.” No one talks about this film because it was released during the pandemic and seems to have been passed over.
I knew you would put Kindom of Heaven in there. I must say, as someone who finds that movie very meaningful, it's nice to see someone so knowledgable in film hold it in such such high regard.
Lots of great films on this list, but I'm especially glad to see that you included Arrival. Such a beautiful film in every way. Finally got around to watching it for the first time last year and it was the perfect time for me to experience it with all that was going on in my life then. This movie makes you ask yourself if you want to merely exist, or if you want to truly live.
This was really, really good. When I look up lists of "greatest movies of all time", I don't just want Chinatown and Citizen Kane over and over again, I want an actual breakdown of impactful movies that will actually make me feel something. This is that list!
"It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why...."
Thank you for this amazing list, I have a lot to add to the watchlist! I humbly submit Wong Kar-wai's "In The Mood for Love" (2000) as a notable entry in the 'Love' category
Some really great picks - I've only not seen a few - and when each new category began, I'd think "oh, war - I'd definitely have "Apocalypse Now", Thin Red Line & "Come & See" - and there they were! Thanks for this long-form piece, I really enjoyed it.
I’m very satisfied both that I have seen a number of the movies on this list and that seeing this video has compelled me to consider my own favorite movies or “perfect movies” in a similar fashion. My best friend and I talk about movies often because she goes to see new films almost every week and I’m a filmmaker, and to her, a “perfect movie” is a movie that executes everything it seeks to live up to in its genre and everything it wants to tell in its story overall. She and I have both talked about movies we adore that are not “perfect”, and “perfect” ones that are not in our favorites list. Thank you for making this Herculean video accessible to all of us on TH-cam! It makes for a great summary and discussion springboard.
I remember seeing Koyaanisqatsi without knowing anything about it and it totally shifted my thinking. I might also have been stoned. But the feeling will never leave me - I really felt the meaning of the title, which is "life out of balance". A film that is more relevant now than it was when it released.
This is the best Christmas gift I could have asked for. I love movies, but my To Be Watched List always needs more. And uh... What a gift to have more titles to add and to hear your insight on them and ones I've seen. Thank you for this.
It's A Wonderful Life changed my life. It is the single strongest movie that I've ever come across. When I feel depressed, feel like a failure, and feel like giving up, I ask myself what George Bailey would say and do, or that I have, probably and hopefully, been a positive influence to others, even in ways I don't see or feel or hear.
0:00 The Set-Up ~~~ 1:50 Part I: Existence - 2:23 The Seventh Seal - 5:58 2001: A Space Odyssey - 9:55 Blade Runner - 13:31 The Tree of Life - 17:34 The Turin Horse ~~~ 21:10 Part II: Time and Memory - 21:45 8,5 - 25:47 The Mirror - 30:12 Once Upon a Time in America - 33:39 The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - 37:28 Arrival ~~~ 41:25 Part III: Passion - 42:03 Andrei Rublev - 45:49 Amadeus - 49:43 The Prestige - 53:41 Synecdoche, New York - 57:32 First Man ~~~ 1:01:34 Part IV: Love - 1:02:13 Dersu Uzala - 1:06:05 Children of Heaven - 1:09:40 Good Will Hunting - 1:13:18 Before Sunset - 1:17:05 Portrait of a Lady on Fire ~~~ 1:20:48 Part V: Humanity - 1:21:24 Tokyo Story - 1:24:47 Land of Silence and Darkness - 1:28:31 The Elephant Man - 1:32:32 Satantango - 1:36:20 Paterson ~~~ 1:40:19 Part VI: War and Evil - 1:40:55 Paths of Glory - 1:44:50 Apocalypse Now - 1:48:37 Come and See - 1:52:18 Shoah - 1:56:09 The Thin Red Line ~~~ 2:00:16 Part VII: Justice - 2:00:56 12 Angry Men - 2:04:40 Judgment at Nuremberg - 2:08:49 Harakiri - 2:12:33 Memories of Murder - 2:16:27 No Country For Old Men ~~~ 2:20:24 Part VIII: Society - 2:21:04 Network - 2:24:44 Koyaanisqatsi - 2:28:25 Jurassic Park - 2:32:18 There Will Be Blood - 2:36:19 The Big Short ~~~ 2:39:53 Part IX: Psyche - 2:40:29 Jeanne Dielman, 23, Quai Du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles - 2:44:32 Taxi Driver - 2:48:27 Heat - 2:52:24 Grizzly Man - 2:56:11 Inception ~~~ 3:00:40 Part X: Goodness and Virtue - 3:01:20 It's a Wonderful Life - 3:05:28 Ikiru - 3:09:27 The Shawshank Redemption - 3:13:21 The Lord of the Rings - 3:17:25 Kingdom of Heaven ~~~ 3:21:20 Honorable Mentions & Commentary
Thank you for the video. I couldn’t help but be a bit surprised to see Wings of desire isn’t on your list since it could actually fit into every one of your category. A truly remarkable piece of art.
Thank you for this!! I feel the power and vibration of the images like a meditation I could walk away from and will stay with me the whole day. I've always fell into the stories, up all night watching old movies and that shaped my future. I was a kid when 2001 came out and the future is where I live most of the time. love this so much and only 50 minutes into it. ty peaceful soul
Some I’d include if I was making a list: -The Irishman. I think this is my favorite Scorsese movie, honestly. I think it fits best in Humanity, and maybe even Existence, if I were to use your categories. A movie like Goodfellas was bombastic and thrilling, perfectly illustrating the life of the Mob. Yet this one was quieter, slower, and infinitely more frightening, especially with that last shot. It’s a reflection on choices and consequences, as well as loyalty and betrayal. I’ll always love Goodfellas and Godfather and whatnot, but this movie will forever stick with me in a way no movie like it will. -Walter Mitty, maybe in either Humanity or Passion. There’s just something about that’s so endearing and moving, and it encourages me to get out and do something with my life! I was like 18 when this came out, so the messages fit so well with where I was at in life, thinking about moving on and out into the world. -Finally, I’d include The Count of Monte Cristo. This definitely fits in Justice. Man, what a story. I don’t know what more needs to be said!
A fantastic list of movies I know and love, and ones I didn't know and plan to watch at some point! Thank you so much for including It's A Wonderful Life.....I truly believe if people can get beyond the label of it being a "Christmas" movie they will see what an incredible story it is that was crafted. It is my favorite movie and I believe might be the greatest movie ever made.
The movie I think is missing here is Christian Bale's 'Equilibrium.' Really overlooked. Changed my view of my own existence and still keeps giving years after I first watched it. Each time I see it I'm renewed in my appreciation of what it truly is to be human.
This was epic, too epic to watch in one sitting. I admire your intentions. As for the sensational title, The Fifty Most Life-Changing Movies Ever Made, I can think of only two that compelled me to deliberately change my mind - I, Daniel Blake and The Father. To your more nuanced title, 'meaningful', I immediately claim Stalker, Solaris, Army in the Shadows, Of Time and the City, Blade Runner and Paris Texas
This was a valuable three and a half hours of insightful, yet humble, meditations on cinema; an encouragement for each individual to create his or her own list and categories. Kudos to its author!
I find myself returning to your work during hard times or when I need a little hope from day to day. Thank you for all of your effort and eloquence, they have had a profound impact on me both as a film enjoyer and as a person!
That was wonderfully crafted. Wow. Just...wow. Ikiru tops it for me. The poet/ song played during the end : Gondola No Uta cathartic vibe just just rocks me to my core
Wonderful!! What a project! Off of the top of my head, I'd add a few personal favorites; "The Wizard of Oz", "Casablanca",A "Patch of Blue", "To Kill a Mockingbird", "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe", "Agnes of God", "Dead Poets Society"... I'm sure there are more, but that's a quick list. Anyway, thank you!!!
2001: A Space Odyssey and Blade Runner back to back at the start of your list can feel most fitting. Because both films make us question so much about many pivotal issues. The Shawshank Redemption and No Country For Old Men would both be on my list too. Thank you, Tom. 👍🏻
I really liked your takes on good w hunting and portrait of a lady, wonderfully said. Can't wait to watch Dersu! Well done, I'm so grateful to you and this video.
This is an incredible video and I’ve been so glad to slowly absorb it over the past week and a half. There’s a full 22 movies on here that I had not yet added to my watchlist that I will now. I’ll be interested to come back to this video once I have watched them and see how I feel compared to your thoughts. Thank you again!
Thank you for adding Ikiru. That and the book When Breathe Becomes Air make sure I try to do the best with each second I have left in my life no matter what. Glad others can know of Ikiru
3:25:23 I just love the description of the fluidity the list and how you can personalize it. I've spent so much time on my own lists and categorizing my favorites/most impactful movies. This gives me some great ideas!
So far I’ve made it to Land of Silence and Darkness, a film that I surprisingly have never heard of. This journey has been very emotional as I expected. It would be, but that one I had to pause and get the tissues and gather myself. Years ago, not far from my apartment there was a video store. People would come from all over Los Angeles because they had obscure films and could probably order anything that was available to add to their extra extraordinary collection. It pains me to say it’s a pet store now. It was very special and it’s very missed because although so far I’ve seen most of these films more than once, I’m making a list of the ones I’d love to see so the rest of the week will be doing research to see if they’re even available anywhere. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this and I’m not going to keep coming back and pausing every 10 or 15 to say so but I have no doubt that you’ll include many more that have affected me to this very day. I wish I had a friend like you to go to art house theaters with. I have one film in my head that I would add, but I know it’s already here. Now that I found you, I can’t wait to go back and see what you previously posted. What a wonderful New Year’s gift to meet at kindred spirit.
There Will Be Blood is one of my absolute favorite movies of all time. I have watched it many times and I’m always impressed with the lines, the acting, cinematography and drama.
I love your specific objective. I am obsessed cinephile. I could watch movies all day and all night and sometimes I do. I went back to film school when I was 30 I still haven’t created my own. I’m not giving up. And I’m really looking forward to the films that affected you. I think that is the goal of films, not just distraction or entertainment. It is a powerful medium and as one of my professor said carries with it a great responsibility.
AND ANOTHER THING... Having gotten to the 'honorable mentions': I did wonder why Gladiator had not been upon the list. And I do concur that it is specifically replaced by The Shawshank Redemption. I think not many people would consider these movies to be of equivalent worth. Nicely done.
This is a great list, and i'm pleased to say I've watched and been changed by a lot of these films. I would add Kieslowski's Dekalog. Or anything by Kieslowski, just as a placeholder to encourage further viewing of his masterworks.
A very thoughtful list. I'd probably put Dead Man ahead of Jurassic Park and The Lost Honor of Katarina Blum ahead of Heat. You've made a compelling case for all of your choices and I'm glad I found your thoughts here.
Thank you very much for putting so much effort in this. Truly valuable content. Congrats for the whole channel as it's pure gold. As a potential one to add to the list of some of the ones you chose, "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring" by Kim Ki-duk would be the clearest choice for me. What a film. Even better after becoming a father. An obvious one would be "A Hidden Life," but I guess you didn't want to include yet another by Malick. "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" I prefer over "Synecdoche, New York" on the Kaufman side of things. "Waking Life" is an undervalued gem from Linklater imo. Maybe a polemic one, but the ending of "Saving Private Ryan" still gets me in a deep way. Fricke's "Baraka" and "Samsara," though similar to "Koyaanisqatsi," I guess. "Spirited Away" is probably better as a film than some people give it credit for, just for being animation. Thanks again and keep with the amazing work.
I always had a hard time answering my favorites (songs, books, films, etc.). But I find myself enjoying the the bittersweet feeling after seeing Ikiru and I pair it with Mind Game (anime movie) as a duo for a "Memento Mori" sort of recommendation that I have recently started promoting whenever the topic sparks. A wonderful list.
The obvious question: what movies would you add to the list? Bonus points if you can fit it into a category of meaning (whether one of mine or one of your own)! Thanks again to everyone who has been supporting my work over these past few years, as I also mention at the end, this video really was for all of you!
The only two films i would add are Three Colours Red and La Haine, amazing video!
For me Against the Ice is definitly on the list. The psychological and social aspects of being stranded in a freezing cold landscape are so well done. Its a stunning portrayal of what it means to endure and keep hope in yourself, in each others and in getting found and seeing your loved ones again.
Everything Everywhere All At Once, because in a way that no other movie does quite so uniquely, it speaks to experiences and outlooks on life that are extremely resonant - especially if you’re Asian or Asian-American :)
I would add to the Humanity category, Lantana, by Ray Lawrence. (Bliss, also by Lawrence could also fit into this category).
This is a perfect film, and was critically acclaimed, but Lawrence’s work to have dropped off the critical landscape. This movie made me question my whole outlook on life, and in particular, how I relate to others, and whether I was being as genuine.
Human centipede
Our boy dropped a magnum opus
Yes 🙌
How lucky are we to have these perspectives gifted to us.
Amen. He is truly special. A gift in this world.
Amen!
He is basically saying now come and try copying this mega hard work and talent🔥 next level creative comeback
This is the big one 🙏
My goodness we're one @kaptainkristian away from this being the wetdream collaboration of my imagination
@@Yesitispaulmelancon You do know they had a podcast together, right? Cinema Of Meaning
@@vik.1903 I do now lol ty
You are one of the most insightful, contemplative, and introspective people on YT, not just in terms of discussing films but overall especially in the sense of evaluating the human condition in a very measured and profound way.
Well done.
Word
Mostly nonsense,
@@davidj4662 you are nonsense
@@davidj4662then go binge watch Full House. That may be more your speed.
Right !!! 👏 his narration is spectacular
A MASSIVE drop out of nowhere, such a win
I'm saving this, and will slowly digest it over years. Thank you.
I absolutely love this channel. The focus on humanism, philosophy, ethics, existentialism, etc is what is so refreshing. And the fact that our host has such acute and nuanced insight into the structure and composition of cinema, it makes this list all the more valuaboe.
Not to mention, his voice is so calming…
"Many films diminish us. They cheapen us, masturbate our senses, hammer us with shabby thrills, diminish the value of life. Some few films evoke the wonderment of life's experience, and those I consider a form of prayer. Not prayer "to" anyone or anything, but prayer "about" everyone and everything...But I value the kind of prayer when you stand at the edge of the sea, or beneath a tree, or smell a flower, or love someone, or do a good thing. Those prayers validate existence and snatch it away from meaningless routine." - Roger Ebert on The Tree Of Life. Could also apply to many of these other films. Thank you for a wonderful piece of work, sir!
So well put. I remember the feeling I had after Tree of Life ended. It shook me. The only film in recent memory that has done the same for me, is “9 Days.” No one talks about this film because it was released during the pandemic and seems to have been passed over.
I knew you would put Kindom of Heaven in there. I must say, as someone who finds that movie very meaningful, it's nice to see someone so knowledgable in film hold it in such such high regard.
I watched all three and half hours. I found a lot of new movies to watch, but mostly so many new insights into the ones I did see already. Bravo
Holy moly. 3 and a half hours...
What a gift ❤
Word
Lots of great films on this list, but I'm especially glad to see that you included Arrival. Such a beautiful film in every way. Finally got around to watching it for the first time last year and it was the perfect time for me to experience it with all that was going on in my life then. This movie makes you ask yourself if you want to merely exist, or if you want to truly live.
"Movies change people, and changed people make different movies. And the cycle continues." The Meaning, for Mankind, of Cinema.
Excellent video, a real masterpiece. BTW, fun fact : 0 out of the 50 movies listed are available on Mubi.
Thats funny
What a concept. Now I think everyone owes it to themselves to make a list like that.
This was really, really good. When I look up lists of "greatest movies of all time", I don't just want Chinatown and Citizen Kane over and over again, I want an actual breakdown of impactful movies that will actually make me feel something. This is that list!
"It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why...."
Like stories of old
Thank you for this amazing list, I have a lot to add to the watchlist!
I humbly submit Wong Kar-wai's "In The Mood for Love" (2000) as a notable entry in the 'Love' category
A glaring and puzzling omission.
Secret Life of Walter Mitty & Soul are two films I love that changed my outlook on many things during my formative years.
Great movies! Especially "Soul" was unexpectedly good.
Two other movies I really like are "Into The Wild" and "Peaceful Warrior".
Secret life of Walter Mitty is a gem....my most favourite
I was just thinking about it and had to check if it was mentioned. Love the film
WOW! Such a pleasant surprise that both Kendrick and Tom decided to drop on the same day. This must've taken a lot of effort. Thanks, Tom! 🙌
Some really great picks - I've only not seen a few - and when each new category began, I'd think "oh, war - I'd definitely have "Apocalypse Now", Thin Red Line & "Come & See" - and there they were! Thanks for this long-form piece, I really enjoyed it.
This was what TH-cam was made more! This is an excellent video
Was it?
Its enjoyable to watch a compilation like this when you've seen more than two thirds of the featured selections. This is very good work. ❤
I love how your first pick in the Love section is a bromance story, genuinely based choice.
SUNSHINE is the most existential film I've seen. Your video on that movie is incredible
Love to see the respect for Malick.
I’m very satisfied both that I have seen a number of the movies on this list and that seeing this video has compelled me to consider my own favorite movies or “perfect movies” in a similar fashion.
My best friend and I talk about movies often because she goes to see new films almost every week and I’m a filmmaker, and to her, a “perfect movie” is a movie that executes everything it seeks to live up to in its genre and everything it wants to tell in its story overall. She and I have both talked about movies we adore that are not “perfect”, and “perfect” ones that are not in our favorites list.
Thank you for making this Herculean video accessible to all of us on TH-cam! It makes for a great summary and discussion springboard.
I remember seeing Koyaanisqatsi without knowing anything about it and it totally shifted my thinking. I might also have been stoned. But the feeling will never leave me - I really felt the meaning of the title, which is "life out of balance". A film that is more relevant now than it was when it released.
This is beautiful. Thank you Tom.
This is the best Christmas gift I could have asked for.
I love movies, but my To Be Watched List always needs more.
And uh... What a gift to have more titles to add and to hear your insight on them and ones I've seen.
Thank you for this.
It's A Wonderful Life changed my life. It is the single strongest movie that I've ever come across. When I feel depressed, feel like a failure, and feel like giving up, I ask myself what George Bailey would say and do, or that I have, probably and hopefully, been a positive influence to others, even in ways I don't see or feel or hear.
0:00 The Set-Up
~~~
1:50 Part I: Existence
- 2:23 The Seventh Seal
- 5:58 2001: A Space Odyssey
- 9:55 Blade Runner
- 13:31 The Tree of Life
- 17:34 The Turin Horse
~~~
21:10 Part II: Time and Memory
- 21:45 8,5
- 25:47 The Mirror
- 30:12 Once Upon a Time in America
- 33:39 The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
- 37:28 Arrival
~~~
41:25 Part III: Passion
- 42:03 Andrei Rublev
- 45:49 Amadeus
- 49:43 The Prestige
- 53:41 Synecdoche, New York
- 57:32 First Man
~~~
1:01:34 Part IV: Love
- 1:02:13 Dersu Uzala
- 1:06:05 Children of Heaven
- 1:09:40 Good Will Hunting
- 1:13:18 Before Sunset
- 1:17:05 Portrait of a Lady on Fire
~~~
1:20:48 Part V: Humanity
- 1:21:24 Tokyo Story
- 1:24:47 Land of Silence and Darkness
- 1:28:31 The Elephant Man
- 1:32:32 Satantango
- 1:36:20 Paterson
~~~
1:40:19 Part VI: War and Evil
- 1:40:55 Paths of Glory
- 1:44:50 Apocalypse Now
- 1:48:37 Come and See
- 1:52:18 Shoah
- 1:56:09 The Thin Red Line
~~~
2:00:16 Part VII: Justice
- 2:00:56 12 Angry Men
- 2:04:40 Judgment at Nuremberg
- 2:08:49 Harakiri
- 2:12:33 Memories of Murder
- 2:16:27 No Country For Old Men
~~~
2:20:24 Part VIII: Society
- 2:21:04 Network
- 2:24:44 Koyaanisqatsi
- 2:28:25 Jurassic Park
- 2:32:18 There Will Be Blood
- 2:36:19 The Big Short
~~~
2:39:53 Part IX: Psyche
- 2:40:29 Jeanne Dielman, 23, Quai Du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles
- 2:44:32 Taxi Driver
- 2:48:27 Heat
- 2:52:24 Grizzly Man
- 2:56:11 Inception
~~~
3:00:40 Part X: Goodness and Virtue
- 3:01:20 It's a Wonderful Life
- 3:05:28 Ikiru
- 3:09:27 The Shawshank Redemption
- 3:13:21 The Lord of the Rings
- 3:17:25 Kingdom of Heaven
~~~
3:21:20 Honorable Mentions & Commentary
A better markdown format for this masterpiece 🎉
Appreciate it!!
Hoped someone had done this, thank you.
Thank you, I feel sleep mid way last knight because I was exhausted. This helped me to get back on it right on track this morning!
Thank you for the video. I couldn’t help but be a bit surprised to see Wings of desire isn’t on your list since it could actually fit into every one of your category. A truly remarkable piece of art.
Amazing! Thoroughly engaging commentary and list. Thank you so much for putting this together!!!
Movies that really impacted me:
About Time
The Spitfire Grill
Finding Neverland
Truman Show
The Tree of Life (on your list)
Thank you for this!! I feel the power and vibration of the images like a meditation I could walk away from and will stay with me the whole day. I've always fell into the stories, up all night watching old movies and that shaped my future. I was a kid when 2001 came out and the future is where I live most of the time. love this so much and only 50 minutes into it. ty peaceful soul
Just finished watching... all I can say is respect and thank you.
Some I’d include if I was making a list:
-The Irishman. I think this is my favorite Scorsese movie, honestly. I think it fits best in Humanity, and maybe even Existence, if I were to use your categories. A movie like Goodfellas was bombastic and thrilling, perfectly illustrating the life of the Mob. Yet this one was quieter, slower, and infinitely more frightening, especially with that last shot. It’s a reflection on choices and consequences, as well as loyalty and betrayal. I’ll always love Goodfellas and Godfather and whatnot, but this movie will forever stick with me in a way no movie like it will.
-Walter Mitty, maybe in either Humanity or Passion. There’s just something about that’s so endearing and moving, and it encourages me to get out and do something with my life! I was like 18 when this came out, so the messages fit so well with where I was at in life, thinking about moving on and out into the world.
-Finally, I’d include The Count of Monte Cristo. This definitely fits in Justice. Man, what a story. I don’t know what more needs to be said!
A fantastic list of movies I know and love, and ones I didn't know and plan to watch at some point! Thank you so much for including It's A Wonderful Life.....I truly believe if people can get beyond the label of it being a "Christmas" movie they will see what an incredible story it is that was crafted. It is my favorite movie and I believe might be the greatest movie ever made.
You have a great channel! THANK YOU for your work! I'd add A Hidden Life, Silence, La Dolce Vita, La Bamba and Biutiful.
Keep it coming mate , watching the ones I've already watched
I use his videos for ASMR myself haha
The movie I think is missing here is Christian Bale's 'Equilibrium.' Really overlooked. Changed my view of my own existence and still keeps giving years after I first watched it. Each time I see it I'm renewed in my appreciation of what it truly is to be human.
This was epic, too epic to watch in one sitting. I admire your intentions. As for the sensational title, The Fifty Most Life-Changing Movies Ever Made, I can think of only two that compelled me to deliberately change my mind - I, Daniel Blake and The Father. To your more nuanced title, 'meaningful', I immediately claim Stalker, Solaris, Army in the Shadows, Of Time and the City, Blade Runner and Paris Texas
I love that the likes of Once Upon A Time In America and Memories of a Murder got some recognition but there’s some massive exclusions here too
The thin red line is an absolute masterpiece.
This is quite impressive work here. Completely in awe over this currently.
Bravo!!! this indeed is a mega project - will serve for years! You are wonderfully thoughtful, I show your videos in all my college classes.
Thank you! I’m sure this took a lot of time and effort.
This was a valuable three and a half hours of insightful, yet humble, meditations on cinema; an encouragement for each individual to create his or her own list and categories. Kudos to its author!
I’m surprised you didn’t include It’s Such a Beautiful Day. An emotional, existential, beautiful, heartfelt animated masterpiece.
Fantastic post.
A video about movies that change your life changed my life
Your descriptions of each film in this and your other videos makes me want to go home right now and watch them.
I find myself returning to your work during hard times or when I need a little hope from day to day. Thank you for all of your effort and eloquence, they have had a profound impact on me both as a film enjoyer and as a person!
I look forward to your videos the way I look forward to new poetry for my favorite writers. Bless you sir
Love how the films are broken down into these themes - thanks for such an epic contribution!
Fantastic. Excellent work.
Especially the take on Good Will Hunting.
That was wonderfully crafted.
Wow. Just...wow.
Ikiru tops it for me.
The poet/ song played during the end : Gondola No Uta cathartic vibe just just rocks me to my core
Wonderful!! What a project! Off of the top of my head, I'd add a few personal favorites; "The Wizard of Oz", "Casablanca",A "Patch of Blue", "To Kill a Mockingbird", "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe", "Agnes of God", "Dead Poets Society"... I'm sure there are more, but that's a quick list. Anyway, thank you!!!
2001: A Space Odyssey and Blade Runner back to back at the start of your list can feel most fitting. Because both films make us question so much about many pivotal issues. The Shawshank Redemption and No Country For Old Men would both be on my list too. Thank you, Tom. 👍🏻
I really liked your takes on good w hunting and portrait of a lady, wonderfully said. Can't wait to watch Dersu! Well done, I'm so grateful to you and this video.
What a gift of curation.
One of the best compilation and thoughtful movie commentary I've ever seen. Relished it!
Probably your best video yet. Hope it goes viral
As a self-proclaimed Cinephile, this might be the best video I’ve seen on this platform.
One of the best videos that TH-cam has to offer 🙏
This is an incredible video and I’ve been so glad to slowly absorb it over the past week and a half. There’s a full 22 movies on here that I had not yet added to my watchlist that I will now. I’ll be interested to come back to this video once I have watched them and see how I feel compared to your thoughts. Thank you again!
Hooray for further distillation of great art to influence the future! Let’s go!
congrats Tom...this is art...your ART...you scrathed your name next to the ones you joyfully witness...at least for me...thank you, sincerely 🙏
I love your MUBI voice
Thank you for adding Ikiru. That and the book When Breathe Becomes Air make sure I try to do the best with each second I have left in my life no matter what. Glad others can know of Ikiru
What an amazing list, looking forward to watch some of it.
Thank you for the effort to produce this!
Somewhere in the list, perhaps on the passion segment, I would have included Birdman. For me, it transformed everything.
Just saw The Banshees of Inisherin, just changed my life
3:25:23 I just love the description of the fluidity the list and how you can personalize it. I've spent so much time on my own lists and categorizing my favorites/most impactful movies. This gives me some great ideas!
This was a blast. Thank you very much for publishing a 3 hours 30 minutes masterpiece.
The Tree of Life is one of my all time favourites
So far I’ve made it to Land of Silence and Darkness, a film that I surprisingly have never heard of. This journey has been very emotional as I expected. It would be, but that one I had to pause and get the tissues and gather myself.
Years ago, not far from my apartment there was a video store. People would come from all over Los Angeles because they had obscure films and could probably order anything that was available to add to their extra extraordinary collection. It pains me to say it’s a pet store now. It was very special and it’s very missed because although so far I’ve seen most of these films more than once, I’m making a list of the ones I’d love to see so the rest of the week will be doing research to see if they’re even available anywhere.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this and I’m not going to keep coming back and pausing every 10 or 15 to say so but I have no doubt that you’ll include many more that have affected me to this very day.
I wish I had a friend like you to go to art house theaters with.
I have one film in my head that I would add, but I know it’s already here. Now that I found you, I can’t wait to go back and see what you previously posted. What a wonderful New Year’s gift to meet at kindred spirit.
This is just straight up incredible. Thank you for this.
I have seen 22 of these 50 (owning 17 on DVD / Blu Ray) so will definitely be tracking down and watching the other 28.
Adding all the ones i havent seen to the watchlist
The Turin Horse is one of my favorite films of all time.
At the end, light itself stops working.
Excellent job. Congratulations, and thank you
Wow. You clearly worked so hard on this.
OMG, thank you so much for mentioning 'The Fall' 💖
Woo I was blown away right at the beginning! To start this with these 3 masterpieces 2001, blade runner and the Tree of life.🙌 good work
What a Christmas gift!!
Thank you so much
Awesome list! I have seen many of these several times.
These conversations are so enriching and welcome, in a world that seems intent on abandoning introspective thought.
There Will Be Blood is one of my absolute favorite movies of all time. I have watched it many times and I’m always impressed with the lines, the acting, cinematography and drama.
Your commentary was worth the watching.
Enjoyed every single minute. Thank you for all your hard work!!
I love your specific objective.
I am obsessed cinephile. I could watch movies all day and all night and sometimes I do. I went back to film school when I was 30 I still haven’t created my own. I’m not giving up. And I’m really looking forward to the films that affected you. I think that is the goal of films, not just distraction or entertainment. It is a powerful medium and as one of my professor said carries with it a great responsibility.
AND ANOTHER THING...
Having gotten to the 'honorable mentions':
I did wonder why Gladiator had not been upon the list. And I do concur that it is specifically replaced by The Shawshank Redemption.
I think not many people would consider these movies to be of equivalent worth.
Nicely done.
This is a great list, and i'm pleased to say I've watched and been changed by a lot of these films. I would add Kieslowski's Dekalog. Or anything by Kieslowski, just as a placeholder to encourage further viewing of his masterworks.
A very thoughtful list. I'd probably put Dead Man ahead of Jurassic Park and The Lost Honor of Katarina Blum ahead of Heat. You've made a compelling case for all of your choices and I'm glad I found your thoughts here.
Thank you very much for putting so much effort in this. Truly valuable content. Congrats for the whole channel as it's pure gold.
As a potential one to add to the list of some of the ones you chose, "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring" by Kim Ki-duk would be the clearest choice for me. What a film. Even better after becoming a father.
An obvious one would be "A Hidden Life," but I guess you didn't want to include yet another by Malick.
"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" I prefer over "Synecdoche, New York" on the Kaufman side of things.
"Waking Life" is an undervalued gem from Linklater imo.
Maybe a polemic one, but the ending of "Saving Private Ryan" still gets me in a deep way.
Fricke's "Baraka" and "Samsara," though similar to "Koyaanisqatsi," I guess.
"Spirited Away" is probably better as a film than some people give it credit for, just for being animation.
Thanks again and keep with the amazing work.
I always had a hard time answering my favorites (songs, books, films, etc.). But I find myself enjoying the the bittersweet feeling after seeing Ikiru and I pair it with Mind Game (anime movie) as a duo for a "Memento Mori" sort of recommendation that I have recently started promoting whenever the topic sparks. A wonderful list.
Synecdoche, New York and The Tree of Life are my two favorite films ever made so I am very pleased to see them here.