Top Ten

Many people find it hard to say what their favourite film is, below I have decided to create a list of my top ten. Let me know your favourites in the comment section below and if you can manage your top ten or five even! I'd be interested to know!


10) The Notebook

-Perhaps the most classic love film of all time. The Notebook is a real 'tearjerker' and 'heartbreaker' and although I don't necessarily usually go for soppy chick flicks this film never fails to break me. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams is perfect and has the audience desperate for Noah and Allie to unite again throughout. The film is beautifully filmed and beautifully written.

It has to go on everyone's to watch list at some point in your life time. The tale of a rich girl and a poor boy is a common story plot, but this film carries it through spectacularly. There is also no denying the brilliant narration by James Garner and the performance by Gena Rowlands.

As well as picking up numerous awards, 'The Notebook' is often quoted and it's scenes referred to. The above image is from one of the most well known scenes which picked up awards for 'best kiss' and is considered one of the most romantic scenes in film.

I loved this film from start to finish, it really stirs emotions and the performances from the cast are captivating. If you are going to watch this get a box of tissues at hand.


9) The Pursuit of Happyness 

-This film has always really spoken to me personally. The main message and values of the film is that if want something go and get it no matter how hard it might be to get there. For anyone who has a goal that they know is difficult and are considering giving up, please watch this first. I hope you'd change your mind.

This film deals with some tough issues and the characters are portrayed by real life father and son Will Smith and Jaden Smith. The film captures life at it's worst and shows how difficult life can be without money, however it also teaches us of how to enjoy things despite how hard things are, to appreciate family and the small details that we do have a passion for.

This film is really emotional, it doesn't go all out on effects or anything, it is simple but incredibly powerful. It is a beautiful film and is easily one of my favourites. The performances are really touching and moving. I love this film to pieces, please watch it.


8) X- Men 

Okay so who doesn't love a group of superhuman beings who fight evil? No one, but that isn't the only reason this film is on my list.

It is clear that there is a division between those branded as 'freaks' (Mutants) and those who are 'normal' (Humans), however something that many people may miss is the link to our society. Bryan Singer the director, feels that there is some sense of a rebellion by teenagers who are judged by society and cast out for being different. This film seems to represent those out casts of our own society showing that being different isn't all a bad thing.

This is what I love about this film and the X Men Series. Of course the action sequences and the collaboration of such well known, fantastic actors is a huge draw, but I feel that the film definitely intends to present some interesting reflections on our own society and the wars we create amongst ourselves. In particular the idea of creating one race which is complied of people who are all the same is definitely one aspect of our society which is evident.



7) The Host

'The Host' similarly to 'Hunger Games' presents humans as quite cold and cruel. However in this film it is through their survival instincts. As the world is taken over by alien life forms who take on the bodies of our kind, the humans go into hiding in order to survive.


From a filmmaker's perspective, I think that the settings and the cinematography of the film was incredible. Also the performances by Max Irons, Saoirse Ronan and Jake Abel and the complex love between Jared, Melanie, Wanderer and Ian was really gripping.

I think this film teaches that even when faced with a threat humans can unite and show mercy. The story is really something unique and I love the sci-fi aspect of the film mixed in with the romance, action and adventure. The film is thrilling.

6) The Hunger Games

This series really is just pure genius.

Of course set in a futuristic version of our world, the Hunger Games presents the human race, and in particular those who are richer, in a bad light. The way in which society shows violence as a form of entertainment  and also dividing the poorer areas of the country into districts and slaves shows how cruel humans can be.

I really do think this film is created as a warning and to show the injustice of humanity. The horrific slaughter of young people as a symbol of power and control demonstrates the extreme lengths that people would go to to have power and to have more than others.

Katniss as a character is someone that we all root for and is a symbol of hope to those who are worse off. Themes of rebellion and hope are clearly linked to the rebellions going on in our world and the Capitol is evidently representative of the richer countries in our world.

This film is truly clever in how it has been constructed, naturally most of that is due to the way the books have been written, however I do credit the filming of this film. Rue's scene in particular moved me and made me realise how ruthless humans can be.

5) The Dark Knight

Of course the performance by the legendary Heath Ledger is an unforgettable aspect of this film. The Joker seems to represent a life freedom and lack of care opposing the Dark Knight's view of Justice and order within Gotham city.

Something I love about this film is the quotes. The film is incredibly well written and allows us to wonder if there is a side to our own identities which we hide behind. There is also a clear sense of right and wrong and also the corruption which grows within cities and areas.

Of course perhaps the most interesting aspect of this film is Bruce Wayne's horrific past and the reasons behind his desire for justice. This flawed version of Batman is what separates Nolan's version from all previous Batman. The humanising of someone we are supposed to look up to shows us how even those who seem better are flawed and also fall.

'You either die the hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain'

4)  The Prestige 

A large attraction to the film for me is the theme of illusion and magic. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale are very gripping as the two rival magicians and the way that the film is constructed like the three points of the magic trick as described by Michael Caine is something I find very clever.

The setting is also really interesting as the film is set in the 19th century which gives it a periodic feel and makes the stages and streets more interesting for the audience.

I love how dark and twisted the film becomes and it seems to show how a rivalry can grow to become so extreme. Furthermore it demonstrates how secrets and lies can tear people apart which is something that the characters both experience.

The end twist is highly unexpected and surprising...be warned.


3) In Time  

Andrew Niccol is a genius.

Yes this film again reflects society and the immense division between poor and rich. However the added concept of time being money and the ever changing rise in prices, shows the idea that 'to be immortal a few have to die'.

This film is so clever and is something that I imagine took a fair amount of thought to develop, however it perfectly embodies our world and also shows that we don't need the amount of wealth that we have and also that wealth doesn't equate to happiness.

I love the idea that if everyone shared a little more we would all have enough and this message is something which is pushed throughout. Amanda Seyfried and Justin Timberlake are very entertaining throughout and almost seem to act as futuristic Robin Hoods.

I think another dominant idea within the film is that we never know how much time we have and therefore we should use it wisely and enjoy the moments we have.


2) Man of Steel

A recent film I know but one that really made an impact on me.

I've always loved superhero films, superman is probably one of the most well known and the 'S' is apparently in the top 5 most recognised symbols.

This new version of the film presents us with a grounded more human superman who tries to fit in and wants to be normal. Of course General Zod prevents this being the case. I love the family and home values which are taught within this film and the fact you should always protect what you love the most.

The ideas of hope and being an example to the rest of society is something I also draw from this film. I think the film is again beautifully written and the cinematography is breath taking.  I think we are much more emotionally attached to the characters than we have ever been before.


1) Inception 

A ten year development process which was well worth it.

I love this film to bits and although many seem to be confused by the plot, I think that it's complexity is the beauty of it.

For some audiences having to think in a film is off-putting, but I have always personally preferred it when we are challenged and treated as smart. 'Inception' is an extremely clever and thought provoking (No pun intended) film. The planting of ideas into another person's mind subconsciously is a difficult enough concept, but add to that the idea of dreams with dreams and you have a really deep film. Admittedly I needed to watch the film again afterwards, but this I feel allows you to further appreciate the development gone into the creation of this film.

The cast are amazing: Leonardo Di Caprio, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Tom Hardy, Ellen Page, Cillian Murphy, Michael Caine etc. The idea of not knowing what is reality and what isn't is something I feel that those who are aware of their dreams will be familiar with.

The cinematography, effects and editing of the film also help to create clear links between the dream states and I also love the ambiguity of the film. This will always be my favourite film as it is truly creative and require the imagination.