frankie's - 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die List

Show moreShow less

Based on the actual memoirs of Li Tien-lu, Taiwan's most celebrated puppeteer and official "national treasure," The Puppetmaster tells the epic tale of one man's struggle against seemingly insurmountable adversary.

Spanning the years from Li's birth in 1909 to the end of Japan's fifty-year occupation of Taiwan in 1945, this remarkable true story captures the puppetmaster's hardships as well as the tragic sweep of this war-torn era. Masterfully directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Hou Hsiao-hsien, the film skillfully weaves Li's recollections with dramatic reenactments of the fateful chapters in his life. The portrait that emerges reflects the emotionally complex state of Chinese society during the first half of the twentieth century.

Show moreShow less

Julie (Juliette Binoche) loses her composer husband and their child in a car crash and, though devastated, she tries to make a new start, away from her country house and a would-be lover. But music still surrounds her and she uncovers some unpleasant facts about her husbands life.

Slowly Julie learns to live again, as music and the gift of creativity prove to be a healing force.

Jurassic Park takes you to a remote island where an amazing theme park with living dinosaurs is about to turn deadly, as five people must battle to survive among the prehistoric predators.

Show moreShow less

Ada (Holly Hunter) - mute since birth - her nine year old daughter and her piano arrive to an arranged marriage in the remote bush of nineteenth century New Zealand. Of all her belongings her husband refuses to transport the piano and it is left behind on the beach.

Unable to bear its certain destruction, Ada strikes a bargain with an illiterate tattooed neighbour (Harvey Keitel). She may earn her piano back if she allows him to do certain things while she plays; one black key for every lesson.

Show moreShow less

Originally banned in its home country of China, where the director was under close government scrutiny for making the film "without permission", 'The Blue Kite' is one of the most acclaimed and controversial films to come out of the new Chinese cinema, detailing the realities of daily life under

Mao's regime. Tian Zhuangzhuang's touching and humane story is reflected through the experience of young Tietou, following the trials, tribulations and devastation's of a Beijing family as they experience the political and social upheavals in 1950's and 60's China. With two educated parents (a librarian and a school teacher) Tietou's upbringing is one surrounded by the bustle of growing political awareness. His parents, both loyal communist party members, learn that innocent criticism can at once be misinterpreted by the Party as imperialist propaganda, to the detriment of family peace and prosperity. Tietou observes these mounting pressures and the adverse effects of party policy on his family for fifteen years, learning to hold dear the values of his heritage and keep tight reins on the string of the precious blue kite given to him by his loving father.

Show moreShow less

Nominated for Best Foreign Film at the 1994 Academy Awards, "The Wedding Banquet" brought Ang Lee to international prominence in this warm-hearted comedy depicting the farce behind a life led by deception. Wei-Tung and Simon are a gay couple living together in Manhattan.

To deter the suspicions of Wei-Tung's parents, Simon suggests a marriage of convenience between Wei-Tung and Wei-Wei, an immigrant in need of a green card. When Wei-Tung's parents arrive in America insisting upon an elaborate wedding banquet, plans spiral out of control and ultimately threaten every one of Wei-Tung's relationships.

"Schindler's List" tells the incredible true story of the enigmatic Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), who saved the lives of more than 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust and whose lessons of courage continue to inspire generations.

Show moreShow less

They came. They conquered. They looked fabulous! With a contract to perform a drag show way out in the Australian desert, Tick (Hugo Weaving), Adam (Guy Pearce) and Bernadette (Terence Stamp) each has his own reason for wanting to leave the safety of Sydney.

Christening their battered, pink tour bus "Priscilla", this wickedly funny and high-drama trio heads for the outback...and into crazy adventures in even crazier outfits. You go, girls!

Show moreShow less

The third and final part of Kieslowski's trilogy has been acclaimed as his masterpiece. Immaculately played by an extraordinary cast, "Red" masterfully plays on Kieslowski's interpretation of brotherhood and destiny.

Irene Jacob is stunning as a young model who meets a retired judge by chance when she rescues his dog from a car accident. Jean-Louis Trintignant is utterly compelling as the embittered judge who spends his days eavesdropping on his neighbours' phone conversations. Their initially fiery relationship mellows into a close friendship that ultimately liberates them both. A final twist of fate reveals the destinies of the characters from all three parts of the trilogy.

Show moreShow less

Two ordinary inner-city Chicago kids dare to reach for the impossible -professional basketball glory - in this epic chronicle of hope and faith.

Filmed over a five-year period, 'Hoop Dreams', by Steve James, Frederick Marx, and Peter Gilbert, follows young Arthur Agee and William Gates and their families as the boys navigate the complex, competitive world of scholastic athletics while dealing with the intense pressures of their home lives and neighbourhoods. This revelatory film continues to educate and inspire viewers, and it is widely considered one of the great works of American nonfiction cinema.

Forrest Gump is the movie triumph that became a phenomenon. Tom Hanks gives an astonishing performance as Forrest, an everyman whose simple innocence comes to embody a generation. Winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Robert Zemeckis) and Best Actor (Tom Hanks).

Show moreShow less

Disney's epic adventure follows the story of Simba, a feisty lion cub who "just can't wait to be king". Led astray by his ambitious Uncle Scar, Simba adopts a carefree lifestyle with his hilarious companions, Timon and Pumbaa, and forgets his regal responsibilities.

But destiny calls and he must decide when the time is right to return to the Pride Lands and reclaim his place in the "Circle of Life".

Show moreShow less

The movie that started it all...

In two versions, including the extended cut that you've never seen! Miramax Home Entertainment is proud to present this amazing, three-disc special edition that includes two versions of the original indie classic, a killer, brand-new, 90-minute documentary - "Snowball Effect: The Story of Clerks" - and more never-before-seen bonus material than you can shake a salsa shark at!

Show moreShow less

Although he's handsome and debonair and has many women pilling after him, 32-year old Londoner Charles (Hugh Grant) just can't get himself to commit. And the more he his mates walk down the aisle, the less he wants to tie the knot himself.

But all of that changes when he meets a free-spirited American woman named Carrie (Andie MacDowell). Instantly smitten, Charles begins to pursue her, only to learn that she too is ready to take the plunge... with someone else!

Show moreShow less

America has become a society steeped in violence and most decent, ordinary people are sick of it. Or are they? From two of the world's most controversial filmmakers, Quentin Tarantino and Oliver Stone, comes one of the most controversial films ever made.

Meet Mickey (Woody Harrelson) and Mallory (Juliette Lewis) - the most terrifying and relentless cold-blooded killers imaginable. Rejected by society, these two lost souls embark on a murderous rampage. But as the body count soars, so too does their notoriety, and before long the greedy tabloid press has made them into cult heroes. In the media circus of life Mickey and Mallory have just become the main attraction...