Taking a look at the year 1988, picking my 10 favorite movies from that year in random order.
My Neighbor Totoro
The now classic animation was the international break for director Hayao Miyazaki, who is probably the best and most well-known Japanese anime director. Unlike modern day anime, “My Neighbor Totoro” was drawn by hand, frame by frame, mostly by Miyazaki himself. It’s about two young girls who move to the countryside to be closer to their hospitalized mother. There they come in contact with spirits, called Totoros. Fun fact: there is no villain in this film.
Die Hard
New York cop John McClane travels to Los Angeles on Christmas, to visit his wife at work. A group of terrorists have taken all the employees hostage and McClane take matters in his own hands to deal with the gang. Bruce Willis, in his most memorable action role, is at his best as the cynical and lonely anti-hero. The start of many sequels.
Rain Man
After the death of his father, yuppie Charlie ‘kidnaps’ his older brother, the autistic Raymond. First he wants to get his part of the inheritance from Raymond, but during a cross-country trip with him Charlie realizes that money might not be as important as family. Dustin Hoffman plays one of his best roles in “Rain Man”, with great support from Tom Cruise. Hoffman portrays Raymond as a seemingly helpless man who also has the amazing ability to store loads of knowledge.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Animation meets live-action. “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” is a highlight in animation and film. Bob Hoskins plays private detective Eddie Valiant, who has to investigate a murder and happens to meet innocent cartoon character Roger Rabbit. A film I’ve seen so many times as a kid and an adult. Ah, the wonderful world of film.
Beetlejuice
After Adam and Barbara die, they become ghosts. They still live in their old house, but it’s being sold to the Deetzes who happen to be the new unpleasant inhabitants. Adam and Barb are trying to scare them away, but they are simply to kind. So they call the help of Beetlejuice. It’s one of Tim Burton’s earlier films and has that great gothic style he is known for. Michael Keaton plays the titular character, but isn’t in it as much as you might think. His performance is great.
Big
Tom Hanks is on a roll here as Josh, a twelve-year-old boy who wishes he was big and later wakes up as a thirty-something man. He only looks like an adult, because emotionally he is still twelve. The film is great because of Tom Hanks, who shines. And it’s one of his most memorable performance to date.
Gorillas in the Mist
An adaptation of the life of controversial gorilla-expert Dian Fossey, who establishes some sort of communication between her and the gorillas in Rwanda. It’s an inspirational film, a well-told story and a beautiful subdued performance by Sigourney Weaver.
Mississippi Burning
In the summer of 1964, three members of the civil rights movement were murdered by the Ku Klux Klan, who were helped by local police officers. This notorious case is the inspiration for “Mississippi Burning”. Two FBI-agents investigate the case, with obstruction from the locals. It’s an engaging and gripping thriller, with excellent performances by Gene Hackman, Frances McDormand and Willem Dafoe.
Dangerous Liaisons
France, right before the revolution. To take revenge on an old flame, Marquise the Merteuil asks Vicomte de Valmont to seduce her ex-lover’s new innocent fiancée. When he gets proof of the seduction, he will be rewarded. Valmont agrees, but is more interested in Madame de Tourvel. It’s a very well-adapted film of the 1782 novel. It has a good script, beautiful set pieces and costumes and intriguing performances by John Malkovich, Glenn Close and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Spoorloos (The Vanishing)
A classic from my country The Netherlands, based on novel by Tim Krabbé. A young couple travels to France, when they get car trouble. At the gas station the wife disappears. Five years later director George Sluizer remade his own movie with American actors, but this is the one that you will remember. One of the finest pieces in Dutch cinema.
