Best Movies of All Time

I\’ve been scouring my extensive DVD collection lately, attempting to figure out what makes a great movie. Certainly, films have the potential to entertain us. But a real filmmaker wants to do more than make us laugh or cry. True cinematic art is manifested in an engaging storyline, convincing acting and masterful directing that trancends the big screen, either affirming or transforming the way in which we see our world.

As a Christian, I view all films through my worldview, attempting to assign meaning to what I see and hear through the context of what I know to be true about God, life and the Universe. Since the very nature of God is a seed in each one of us, it is no surprise that His truths constantly surface in film, even when not intended by the filmmaker.

I have over 600 DVDs in my collection. The range of my tastes goes from screwball farce, such as Airplane!, to provoking drama, such as The Pianist. In the last week, I have viewed both Hello Dolly and Star Trek: Nemesis. Talk about two completely different experiences!

Out of my entire collection, what are the films that have \”stayed with me\”, prompting me to go beyond the initial experience and ask deeper questions? What are the films that are so masterfully crafted that I can watch them again and again and again and again and again, enjoying them more with each viewing? What films do I desire to share with families and friends in hopes of opening doorways to dialogue which may help bridge the gap in our beliefs?

Initially, I thought I would select the ten best. However, as I go look through my collection, I realize it would be impossible to select only ten. So I am going to forsake the traditional \”Top 10\” list and expand the tally to twelve to fifteen titles. I\’ll be discussing each film in an upcoming entry. I hope you will find my viewpoints engaging and interesting. And I certainly hope you will put in your thoughtful two cents whether you agree or disagree.

Now, back to the DVD library to give more thought to this project.