Readers respond: What film do you think is a cinematic masterpiece and why?
With hundreds of new movies coming out each and every year, it takes a real standout to capture hearts and captivate minds, rising above the rest to claim the title of masterpiece.
We all have those movies we pick up time and time again, placing them on a pedestal high above all others, eagerly telling anyone who’ll listen “no, this is the best one!”
So, we asked our readers which ones they consider to be a cinematic masterpiece, and the variety of enthusiastic responses certainly make for quite the weekend watchlist!
Here’s what they came up with:
Nika Muir - Children of a lesser God (1986), a credit to bring awareness to the world of deaf people. A drama/romance.
Paul Clissold - 2001: A Space Odyssey. In my view, still the best space movie ever - minimalist approach, fitting music and superb visual effects considering the technology at the time.
Gary Sturdy - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Margie Buckingham - The Piano - beautiful, strong imagery reflecting the sentiment of the deep messaging.
Bo Whitten - Empress Ki (Korean). Brilliant in every way! Epic historic masterpiece. Brilliant setting, costume, story line, acting, sound track.
Gail Brewer - Gone with the Wind, back then they didn't have computer technology etc.
Evie-and Keith Brown - Out of Africa, amazing scenery, true story, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, SO WONDERFUL, acting is superb.
Sandy Rogers - Star Wars - best ever, [the] whole cinema stamping their feet at the end does it for me.
Paul Davis - Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Janette Blake - Titanic. Great movie.
Hentie Jacobs - Avatar … the overall using of colour and storyline is excellent … imagination at its best … there are so many more … Bambi also comes to mind.
Rosanna Every - Ben Hur! As a child, the first time I saw God!
Beverley Murphy - Dances with Wolves. The scenery & music is magical.
Leslie Clinch - Easy Rider … rebellious ... but nonaggressive … striking a chord with views of the sixties … and great music from Dennis Hopper’s personal vinyl collection … plus I love The Sound of Music with Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews … there are so many great movies.
Peter Saunders - The Shawshank Redemption / The Green Mile.
Chris Martin - Dr Shivago … music, scenery, and a great love story.
Valerie Discombe - Pretty Woman. Because I wanted to put myself in Julia Roberts place. Richard Gere is my idol.
Sue Young - Yankee Doodle Dandy. The tap dancing was just great & James Carney was awesome!!!!
Images: Getty