Taking a look at the year 1981, picking my 10 favorite movies from that year in random order.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
This hardly outdated film is an ode to the adventure film. Heroic archeologist Indiana Jones gets into trouble with an unreliable rival, who is commissioned by Hitler to search for the mythical Ark of the Covenant, a historical relic that is called to possess magical powers. It’s an exciting and funny film and an absolute highlight within the adventure genre.
An American Werewolf in London
Two American college students on a walking tour of Britain are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists. A classic horror story with playful winks that constantly evoke chuckles. Director John Landis clearly plays with the genre. It wasn’t his primary concern to frighten the audience, while the horror scenes get more effect through the humorous approach. And that transformation scene was groundbreaking for that time. It even won an Oscar for make-up.
Chariots of Fire
A highly emotional reflection on the lives of two British athletes, who represent Great Britain at the 1924 Paris Olympics. The film focuses mainly on the social backgrounds of the young athletes at a time when fascism is strongly on the rise. A splendid image of two boys making their voices heard through sport.
The Evil Dead
This award-winning horror classic created by then 22-year-old Sam Raimi, starts out as a simple an clichéd genre film, where five youngster in a remote forest cabin are besieged by evil demons. But it actually is a brilliant horror flick, filled with amazing frames, hallucinatory sound effects and functional special effects. Lead actor Bruce Campbell grew into a cult phenomenon due to this film and its sequels.
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior
Director George Miller surpassed himself with this second part of the acclaimed Mad Max trilogy. In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the titular hero assists a group of villagers in defending their oil field and refinery. The hijackers on the coast are Lord Humongous and his motor gang. The action scenes are well choreographed and has some spectacular car chases.
My Dinner with Andre
Writer/ actor Wallace Shawn dines with his old friend Andre Gregory, a theater writer. Andre has been through some strange life experiences. They talk about it over dinner. They talk about their personal philosophies, for almost two hours. A daring and unique film, written by the lead actors. The moments of psychological insight, of drama and hilarity. This film is simply two actors at a table, talking. If that can captivate you for 110 minutes, you’ve done well.
Time Bandits
Young Kevin is startled by a group of dwarves who invade his bedroom. They appear to have stolen a map with which they can travel through time and space. Kevin joins the group and meets among other King Agamemnon, Napoleon and Robin Hood. Director Terry Gilliam, knows for his comedic work in Monthy Python, wrote the screenplay with fellow Python Michael Palin, but it’s mainly a Gilliam film. It’s a bizarre adventure with beautifully designed set pieces and costumes.
Das Boot
It shows us the claustrophobic world of a WWII German U-boat. This war movie directed by Wolgang Petersen is so beautifully detailed in conveying the suffocating constriction in a submarine. A long film, but really worth your time.
Escape from New York
Manhattan is a walled prison for the most violent criminals in America. When Air Force One crashes on the island, the vilified war hero Snake Plissken has to free the president from the local gangs. John Carpenter directed it and his masterly hand gives the film an eerily dark feeling despite the limited technical resources of the time.
The Fox and the Hound
The dog Copper and the fox Tod meet when they are young. But one day the hound has to go with his boss and discovers that his job is to help in the hunt for fur animals, such as foxes. It’s a nice Disney, that is a bit overlooked, but it does really stand out.
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