The best movies of all time?

When you're looking at British cinema, don't go forgetting the Monty Python films. They’re far from being disposable

Samuel Smith5 said:When you're looking at British cinema, don't go forgetting the Monty Python films. They’re far from being disposable

I suppose I’m just a bit unconventional in my tastes. To me, they aren't exactly the pinnacle of cinematic achievement. It feels like almost every comedic trope they utilize can be traced back to something that came before them, so while they certainly carved out a specific, eclectic niche and built a massive cult following, I wouldn't go so far as to call them truly groundbreaking. That isn't to say they aren't entertaining, though... 🙂

Joseph Lee3 said:I suppose I’m just a bit unconventional in my tastes. To me, they aren't exactly the pinnacle of cinematic achievement. It feels like almost every comedic trope they utilize can be traced back to something that came before them, so while they certainly carved out a specific, eclectic niche and built a massive cult following, I wouldn't go so far as to call them truly groundbreaking. That isn't to say they aren't entertaining, though... 🙂

To each their own 😎

Come on, there’s no need to get worked up about it. Our tastes in cinema are just worlds apart. Honestly, anything older than I am feels completely uninteresting to me. I know, I know—it sounds sacrilegious, but that’s just how it is. I gravitate toward newer films. From what I can gather, you think color is the absolute worst thing to ever happen to movies 😁 (just kidding)

Samuel Smith5 said:Come on, there’s no need to get worked up about it. Our tastes in cinema are just worlds apart. Honestly, anything older than I am feels completely uninteresting to me. I know, I know—it sounds sacrilegious, but that’s just how it is. I gravitate toward newer films. From what I can gather, you think color is the absolute worst thing to ever happen to movies 😁 (just kidding)

Heh, it isn't even the color. It's the sound. There's just something about the audio that doesn't sit right with me. 😉

Joseph Lee3 said:Heh, it isn't even the color. It's the sound. There's just something about the audio that doesn't sit right with me. 😉

Just mute the player and turn the contrast down to zero, and you're all set.

I'm getting those clips sent over. They should arrive in a few days.

Ummm... what happened to Italy? Japan? Spain? Sweden? (And I’m talking about their cinema, not just geography 😁). Seriously, I could go on forever—this poll is totally incomplete and honestly, it's a mistake to even bother voting.

brightcobra91 said:Ummm... what happened to Italy? Japan? Spain? Sweden? (And I’m talking about their cinema, not just geography 😁). Seriously, I could go on forever—this poll is totally incomplete and honestly, it's a mistake to even bother voting.

Forget the poll itself. Just tell us which one you actually dig and walk us through your reasoning; we're all ears...

David Price5 said:Just mute the player and turn the contrast down to zero, and you're all set.

Now this one actually works... I've watched a few films that way myself. Take the whole debate surrounding Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, for instance; most people agree it hits much harder as a black-and-white film, so that's how I experienced it.

The real headache is when people try to be clever and produce an original black-and-white film that just doesn't hold up under that lens. In those cases, there isn't much I can do to help you...

So, if we're talking about the absolute best cinema on the planet...
This poll will close on 16-05-2010 at 05:55
American 5 38.46%
French 2 15.38%
British 0 0%
American 0 0%
American 1 7.69%
Mexican 2 15.38%
Other 3 23.08%
Voters: 13.

A Canadian, Anthony Kim18? ☕

Joseph Lee3 said:It doesn't really matter; at the end of the day, this is your poll. 🙂 You set the rules however you think is best. I was just jumping into the conversation... honestly, I love it when people debate national cinemas like this, even without a formal poll.

Personally, my heart belongs to France. My top three directors are all French—Jean Renoir, Henri-Georges Cluzot, and Jacques Tati—so I'm happy to cast my vote there. 😬 In my view, French cinema has managed to stay at the "top" longer than most when you weigh quality against quantity; they’ve produced more original movements and directors than almost anyone else. They were somewhat of a late bloomer compared to, say, German cinema, but while the German-speaking world essentially scattered across the globe (think Lubitch, Lang, Emmerich, Murnau, Wilder...), the French tend to stay pretty true to their own roots. That said, I’ve struggled to sit through much French film over the last 30 years or so. A Jean-Pierre Jeunet film? Honestly, it was a struggle... though I suppose it's "auteur" driven, which is probably what matters most.

Someone mentioned how similar American and British cinema can feel: 🙂

Historically, the British have fought a bloody battle against American dominance, made even harder by the fact that they share a language. In reality, Americans indirectly cut them down at the root back in the 1920s. Panicked about their domestic industry being completely wiped out, the British passed the Film Law (around 1927) which mandated a certain quota of British films in theaters across the UK. It turned out to be a double-edged sword; in a rush to meet those quotas, studios started churning out absolute garbage. These were the infamous "quota quickies," which the British are still pretty embarrassed about today. Since then, they've been cutting at the heels of American film, though there is a school of thought that thinks it’s great when British movies are made to mimic Hollywood perfectly—like "Weddings and a Funeral" and stuff like that. Though everyone admits that’s basically the only way they turn a real profit.

Regardless, I think the British have a few cinematic gems they can actually brag about: that specific brand of British comedy rooted in vaudeville—back in the 1930s, they were making films that haven't been matched since (just look at "Oh Mr. Porter!")—and that wave of social realism from the late 50s and 60s. That era gave us legends like Mike Leigh and Ken Loach. And I can't forget the unmatched duo of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, or the entire horror institution built by Hammer... the British definitely have things to show for themselves. 😍

I'm with you on that. I love French movies. Though, I'll admit, I haven't watched a ton of them.
When it comes to movies, I'm more of a casual viewer—just watching whatever's put in front of me—rather than some hardcore cinephile...
But what I do watch, I really enjoy.
Recent American indie films feel pretty similar to the French style, and I find both styles hit the spot for me.
French films because they're so original, and American indies because the vibe just feels closer to home.

Joseph Lee3 said:Forget the poll itself. Just tell us which one you actually dig and walk us through your reasoning; we're all ears...

I'm still figuring it out... honestly, I'm still building up my own taste for what actually clicks with me. Basically, you gotta think long and hard before voting—there’s always some director out there who just hits different for me personally🙂

Daniel Moore35 said:A Canadian, Anthony Kim18? ☕

I feel like they aren't quite specific enough.
They’re basically just a mix of American and various other regional filmographies, so it's hard to see anyone actually choosing a Canadian film specifically (unless it's just because of their roots or something).
At least, that's my guess...

Joseph Lee3 said:It doesn't really matter; at the end of the day, this is your poll. 🙂 You set the rules however you think is best. I was just jumping into the conversation... honestly, I love it when people debate national cinemas like this, even without a formal poll.

Personally, my heart belongs to France. My top three directors are all French—Jean Renoir, Henri-Georges Cluzot, and Jacques Tati—so I'm happy to cast my vote there. 😬 In my view, French cinema has managed to stay at the "top" longer than most when you weigh quality against quantity; they’ve produced more original movements and directors than almost anyone else. They were somewhat of a late bloomer compared to, say, German cinema, but while the German-speaking world essentially scattered across the globe (think Lubitch, Lang, Emmerich, Murnau, Wilder...), the French tend to stay pretty true to their own roots. That said, I’ve struggled to sit through much French film over the last 30 years or so. A Jean-Pierre Jeunet film? Honestly, it was a struggle... though I suppose it's "auteur" driven, which is probably what matters most.

Someone mentioned how similar American and British cinema can feel: 🙂

Historically, the British have fought a bloody battle against American dominance, made even harder by the fact that they share a language. In reality, Americans indirectly cut them down at the root back in the 1920s. Panicked about their domestic industry being completely wiped out, the British passed the Film Law (around 1927) which mandated a certain quota of British films in theaters across the UK. It turned out to be a double-edged sword; in a rush to meet those quotas, studios started churning out absolute garbage. These were the infamous "quota quickies," which the British are still pretty embarrassed about today. Since then, they've been cutting at the heels of American film, though there is a school of thought that thinks it’s great when British movies are made to mimic Hollywood perfectly—like "Weddings and a Funeral" and stuff like that. Though everyone admits that’s basically the only way they turn a real profit.

Regardless, I think the British have a few cinematic gems they can actually brag about: that specific brand of British comedy rooted in vaudeville—back in the 1930s, they were making films that haven't been matched since (just look at "Oh Mr. Porter!")—and that wave of social realism from the late 50s and 60s. That era gave us legends like Mike Leigh and Ken Loach. And I can't forget the unmatched duo of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, or the entire horror institution built by Hammer... the British definitely have things to show for themselves. 😍

If you ask me, that similarity shows up in how much they share the same "pool" of talent.
Especially when it comes to actors.
So many stars who make it big in Britain end up conquering Hollywood.
Sure, that happens with other countries too, but with the language being the same, it feels less like moving abroad and more like just moving house.

I'll just list a few: Alfred Hitchcock, Michael York, Anthony Hopkins, Hugh Grant, Sean Connery, Rowan Atkinson.
Honestly, I feel like both Charlie Chaplin and Anthony Hopkins are essentially British staples.

And look at the flip side—just think about the themes, like the whole Bond series!

brightcobra91 said:Ummm... what happened to Italy? Japan? Spain? Sweden? (And I’m talking about their cinema, not just geography 😁). Seriously, I could go on forever—this poll is totally incomplete and honestly, it's a mistake to even bother voting.

Fine, have it your way.
But honestly, we’d never agree on a poll like this.
If you include Sweden, you've gotta include Finland, and don't even get me started on Norway.

If you throw Japan in there, you need China, maybe Hong Kong, probably Vietnam, and definitely India.

Kind of weird nobody called me out for leaving out Russia, too.

So, what’s the deal with Russia, Korea, and Iran? 🙂
🤣

Anthony Kim18 said:Fine, have it your way.
But honestly, we’d never agree on a poll like this.
If you include Sweden, you've gotta include Finland, and don't even get me started on Norway.

If you throw Japan in there, you need China, maybe Hong Kong, probably Vietnam, and definitely India.

Kind of weird nobody called me out for leaving out Russia, too.

I still think my list hits more mainstream notes ☕
sure, China fits, but let's be real—Vietnam and Hong Kong aren't exactly household names.

I honestly think the poll should have been phrased like this:

Which film industry is actually the best?
A) American
B) Everything else

Simple as that... 😉