10 MOVIES to see before you fade way

There are few masterpieces which come along with time that find their way to the Cult
section of the movie buffs.
Now this is not a list of Top 10 movies or an effort of any of that sort. It’s purely a personal discretion of the movies you would want to see before you fade away. For the sheer diversity and genres they cover. They may not be the run of mill hits or timeless classics but a surreal experience which you live for those very 90 minutes or so.

Schindlers List – Steven Spielberg at his best with this holocaust drama. His Jewish sensibilities are brought out profoundly in this movie about a group of Jewish immigrants saved from the atrocities of Nazis by Oscar Schindler’s patronage and industries. Based on a true story Liam Neeson gives a performance of his lifetime. The movie is an eye-opener for those who are not aware of the plight of the Jewish people during the Second World War.

Star Trek & Star Wars – If you are a science buff these two are the holy grail of sci-fi movies. Both of the movies were way ahead of its times , with their sound & visual effects and characters like Spock , Darth Vader , Luke Skywalker , Zedis etc have became folklores. They have not only captivated audience since the 70’s but have led to a new industry woven around them , with the merchandising ,television series and a franchise still spellbinding audiences.

Black Hawk Down – This is vintage Ridley Scott and one of the best in the War genre. US Delta squad and battalions find themselves in the middle of Somalia – which is infested by civil war and mass killings to an extent of genocide. The camaraderie between the soldiers, purpose , morality and ethical implications of war are brought out beautifully by Scott. Josh Hartnett and Eric Bana give one of their best performances. Watch out for the beautifully cinematography and breathtaking war sequences.

Fight Club – You talk about movies which have become folktales and cult in their own right this movie epitomizes all those emotions. Voted as the best Guy movie , this is the best in dark thriller genre. A ticking-time-bomb insomniac and a slippery soap salesman channel primal male aggression into a shocking new form of therapy. Their concept catches on, with underground "fight clubs" forming in every town, until an eccentric gets in the way and ignites an out-of- control spiral toward oblivion. Edward Norton and Brad Pitt at their very best. Highly recommended for the guys.

Before Sunrise / Before Sunset – This is for the romantics, one of the best in the genre. American tourist Jesse and French student Celine meet by chance on the train from Budapest to Vienna. Sensing that they are developing a connection,

Jesse asks Celine to spend the day with him in Vienna, and she agrees. Passing
the time before his scheduled flight the next morning. How do two perfect
strangers connect so intimately over the course of a single day? What is that
special thing that bonds two people so strongly? As their bond turns to love,
what will happen to them the next morning when Jesse flies away? The sequel
continues with the story of Jesse and Celine in the second installment and it just
gets better.

Shawshank Redemtion – Voted one of the best movies of all times, this is a story of Hope , Justice and faith which even transcends boundaries of time. Based on Stephen King’s novel Tim Robbins plays Andy Dufrane, wrongly imprisoned for 20 years for the murder of his wife. The story focuses on Andy's relationship with "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman, in probably his best role) and his attempts to escape from Shawshank , great performances and cameos all around.
The last 10 minutes of the movie will leave you with a big smile and a tear in your
eye , so powerful is the narration and rendition.

Lost Stock and Two Smoking Barrels – One of the best British comedies ever made, from the house of Guy Ritchie. This is the best comedy, humour & wit can get in cinema. The characters and the circumstances are the winners in this movie, 4 diverse personalities who befriend each other , a treacherous Money Lender , a comic Drug Lord , two buffoon thieves and a group of students growing ganja and how their lives intersect.
It will make you laugh and believe me there’s no stopping.

Good Will Hunting – Based on original screenplay by Matt Damon / Ben Afleck , it’s a personal favourite. Will ( Damon ) a cocky , troubled young man plays a mathematical genius working as a janitor at MIT where he stumbles upon Robin Willaims ( in one of his best performances ) who helps him figure out a way in life and a path of self-discovery he embarks upon.
One of the best in personal drama and every young individual will relate with this
flick, as we will see flashes of our very own genius and how we made our way to
where we are today.

Godfather Series – One of the best in the Crime noire, Copolla’s classic brings out the story of Sicilian mafia and Corleone family. Adopted from Mario Puzo’s original novel this is a masterpiece with stellar performances by Al Pacino , Marlon Brando , Robert De Niro & Robert Duvall.
The ways of mafia, rivalry, loyalty, family, promises and values are the themes
explored in this saga with the trilogy. Have inspired many movies across the world ( Sarkar etc ) made on the same lines but none close to this magnum opus.

Pulp Fiction – No discussion on cult movies can be complete with the mention of Quentin Tarantino. This is his best till date. Like any other Quentin movie its in chapters and tells different stories. This resurrected John Travolta’s career and has one of the best performances by Bruce Willis and Samuel L Jackson. Watch it for its Oscar winner storyline.
This is vintage Tarantino at his best.

Few which came close but missed:-
Departed
Donnie Darko
Munich
Forrest Gump
Saving Private Ryan
Rocky
Rear Window
The Bridges of Madison County