Top 5 Thursday: Movies My Dad Loves

In honor of father’s day, which we celebrate this Sunday, I will share with you my favorite films that my dad loves. You will probably see a theme here: it’s either war or western. He also loves Steven Seagal movie for some reason, but they didn’t make my top 5. And my dad has the habit of falling asleep during movies, but not with these. And they are all very long. Here is the top 5:

5. Saving Private Ryan
A beautiful Steven Spielberg war flick, starring Tom Hanks. And coming to think of it, “Saving Private Ryan” had a lot fo famous actors in it. It’s a beautiful drama, that even people that normally don’t like watching war movies will like. It also has one of the most impressive opening scenes ever.

4. The Deer Hunter
A movie mostly known for that one scene with the Russian roulette. It shows us how a war can affect people and what an impact it has on someone’s life.

3. Braveheart
A movie in Mel Gibson’s glory days and also a film I haven’t seen for a long time. I love this movie, it’s so beautiful. And that motivational speech is probably the best one ever.

2. Platoon
This is one of my favorite war movies ever. It really left an impression on me when I first saw it and it’s a movie I tend to rewatch. For a movie with such a heavy theme, that’s pretty unique.

1. Dances with Wolves
This is probably my dad’s favorite film. My dad saw this with my brother and uncle in theaters, I was too young to see it at the time. But dad remembers the moment vividly, which means this movie had an impact on him. And I love this film, it’s such a beautiful story. And you don’t feel the length.

They Almost Made the Top 5: Das Boot, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, Christmas Vacation, Once Upon a Time in the West, Apocalypse Now, Papillon

Top 5 Thursday: Vietnam War Movies

War movies, something my dad loves to watch. Making a list is hard, so I decided to narrow it down a bit and just pick movies that are set during the Vietnam war. Still a tough task, but here are my favourite Vietnam war movies.

5. Apocalypse Now

For many this is the best in the genre. For me it isn’t but it does need to be in this top 5. Martin Sheen does a fantastic job and although it’s a very long movie, that never bothers you. More memorable was Marlon Brando’s role, which is only a small supporting role but one you’ll never forget.

 

4. Full Metal Jacket

Stanley Kubrick made a realistic portrayal of the Vietnam war. This needs to be on anyone’s list and it probably will.

 

3. Rescue Dawn

It’s the true story of Dieter Dengler who was shot down and captured by villager sympathetic to the Pathet Lao during an American military campaign in the Veitnam war. Christian Bale is fantastic in this movie, a very overlooked film.

 

2. Born on the 4th 0f July

It’s the true story of Ron Kovic, who is paralized after serving during the Vietnam war. He is now wondering why he was there, what it was all for. Tom Cruise in his best performance so far.

 

1. Platoon

In this classic Oliver Stone film, we follow new recruit Chris Taylor. The most interesting thing in this movie is the tension between moral good Sergeant Elias and the violent Sergeant Barnes, respectively played by Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger. In my eyes, definitely the best Vietnam war movie.

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: The Deer Hunter, Casualties of War

Top 5 Thursday: Movies from 1986

Back to the 80’s, let’s see which movies made me happy in 1986.

5. The Money Pit
I know it’s probably not one of the best movies, but I somehow love 80’s Tom Hanks. This movie is hilarious, especially because of Tom Hanks!

4. Top Gun
Although it’s about male fighter pilots, it’s more a movie for girls. I was so in love with Tom Cruise on his bike. And I really wanted to be Kelly McGillis on that table…

3. Aliens
The first one was good, but this was even better. I think almost every fan of the franchise will pick this one. It really put Sigourney Weaver on the map as an action heroine.

2. Platoon
Probably the best war movie. Some breath-taking scenes in here, that really grabbed me and they were so intense. This is a movie that takes you in and holds you ‘till the end.

1. Stand By Me
It’s one of my favourites of all-time. I just love these coming of age stories, especially when it involves a bunch of characters that don’t belong with any group. Every single kid in this film is loveable in its own way, although some are a bit strange. Can’t get enough of “Stand By Me”.

They Almost Made the Top 5: The Golden Child, Blue Velvet, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off