Reviewing Lesser Known Movies (Part 1)

Trends Against the Quality

How many times have you seen your favorite movies? Bunch from my favorites I’ve seen at least 8-10 times. That’s what great art is like – well of wisdom beyond our capacity to reach the bottom. Either that, or we just in love with feelings cinema invokes.

Unfortunately streaming players that came into movie production are incentivized to increase catalog size at expense of quality. Original ideas are harder to come by, movie theaters are filled with remakes, prequels and sequels of existing franchises and a viewer is trapped into background-worth space and sound fillers from Netflix. That’s now what cinema is supposed to be. This is another topic I would love to explore, but feel uneducated to speak about.

For a viewer, this soulless film production machine forces him to return to his own catalog of already seen, time-proof classics to get emotion other than “I wasted my time” again.

New Years Resolution – Only Unseen Movies

Experienced this first hand, I observed increasing ratio of seen vs new (as in unseen, not necessarily recent) movies, which means I was essentially isolating myself from new experiences and potentially great new discoveries. We probably all have watch lists. Mine is averaging 70-100 movies at all times and 2022 was an opportunity to make some progress, so here’s a list of movies I watched in 2022 for first time: movies (65), documentaries (10), TV series (1) by chronological order starting with non-documentaries.

Movies

#1 Don’t Look Up (2021)

imdb: 7.2

Description: Two low-level astronomers must go on a giant media tour to warn humankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth.

Rated: 2/10

Opinion: This was a rough start of the year. 4 Oscar nominations for a mockery of science and our current days of post-covid desperate world. I feel laughter in such cases is a coping mechanism and part of acceptance. This for me was a normalization of idiocy in top levels of decision making. Biased, but deserved rating from me.

#2 Instructions not included (2013)

imdb: 7.5

Description: A man who has made a new life for himself and the daughter left on his doorstep 6 years ago finds his family threatened when the birth mother resurfaces.

Rated: 7/10

Opinion: First introduction to Mexican version of Taika Waititi – Eugenio Derbez – who seems to often direct and part take in his own creation. A sweet family story when a lavish man is forced into fatherhood. Left a sweet memory, but unlikely to revisit.

#3 Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

imdb: 8.0

Description: Young Blade Runner K’s discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former Blade Runner Rick Deckard, who’s been missing for thirty years.

Rated: 7/10

Opinion: Implementation is beautiful, definitely cinematographic, cypherpunk-wet space. That’s exactly what one of two Oscars was given for. But I’ll probably make Matrix the only exception for idea stealing. Blade runner 2049 however cool looking is just a remake. Movie has ability to transport viewer into another world and is a worth-a-watch if you haven’t seen it or it’s predecessor from 80s.

#4 Secrets in their Eyes (2009)

imdb: 8.2

Description: A retired legal counselor writes a novel hoping to find closure for one of his past unresolved homicide cases and for his unreciprocated love with his superior – both of which still haunt him decades later.

Rated: 7/10

Opinion: imdb top 250 member. A crime, buried in judicial cabinets, never solved gets a new life when lawyer is writing his memoir book. A crime with conclusions decades later. Drama in both – past and present timelines eventually collapses. Romance layer was a little too telenovella-like for me, but definitely left a good impression and another introduction to Argentinian film making style.

#5 Uncut Gems (2019)

imdb: 7.4

Description: With his debts mounting and angry collectors closing in, a fast-talking New York City jeweler risks everything in hope of staying afloat and alive.

Rated: 6/10

Opinion: Might be a “McConaissance” for Sandler as an actor, congrats to him for that, but the story lacked something original. Debtors chasing a desperate guy who seems not to learn from his mistakes. Interested?

#6 The Dictator (2012)

imdb: 6.4

Description: The heroic story of a dictator who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.

Rated: 6/10

Opinion: Sacha Baron Cohen has my respect, from his characters on youtube 10-15 years ago. Guy is very brave actor. His caricature of dictators around the world is almost guaranteed to make viewer laugh. Light easy evening comedy. What you expect is what you get.

#7 Manhattan (1979)

imdb: 7.8

Description: The life of a divorced television writer dating a teenage girl is further complicated when he falls in love with his best friend’s mistress.

Rated: 7/10

Opinion: Wodden Allen likes to talk. And the plot he written himself into highlights his acting too. Snobby drama I long postponed to watch. I’ll keep in mind: Tarantino is not the only one strong on dialogs, but my upbringing did not contain enough bohemia to resonate with romances between writers and huge age differences. It may happen in real life, but Manhattan left me unnatural impression. Checked box on a classic.

#8 Matchstick Men (2003)

imdb: 7.3

Description: A phobic con artist and his protégé are on the verge of pulling off a lucrative swindle when the former’s teenage daughter arrives unexpectedly.

Rated: 6/10

Opinion: I saw a meme of Nicolas Cage and thought to myself – I never really knew his filmography well before. So this was a first exploration for 2022. Warming a distant father-child relationship with humour and intriguing characters is always fun to watch on screen, however the con side of movie did not leave a strong impression. Applauding Nicolas for portrayal of somebody with involuntary facial ticks.

#9 Embrace of Serpent (El Abrazo De La Serpiente) (2015)

imdb: 7.8

Description: The story of the relationship between Karamakate, an Amazonian shaman and last survivor of his people, and two scientists who work together over the course of forty years to search the Amazon for a sacred healing plant.

Rated: 8/10

Opinion: Best foreign Oscar nominee. A journey into sacred lands of Amazon. Slow paced, black and white trip between two periods, two shores. Very beautifully crafted with sprinkles of native philosophy. Trivia reveals some disappointment, but I don’t want to spoil the experience. Invokes slight sense of awe. Strong first impression, still awaiting on feeling “missed” to rewatch it.

#10 Roma (2018)

imdb: 7.7

Description: A year in the life of a middle-class family’s maid in Mexico City in the early 1970s.

Rated: 8/10

Opinion: Slow, cinematographic black and white human story from Mexico. Not sure if this is collection material, but left a strong first impression and paints a vivid picture of 1970s in South America. Solid drama of casual people, with casual problems and uncanny strength to face them.

#11 Super Troopers (2001)

imdb: 7.0

Description: Five Vermont state troopers, avid pranksters with a knack for screwing up, try to save their jobs and out-do the local police department by solving a crime.

Rated: 8/10

Opinion: Okay okay, I know it looks bad giving this generous 8 right after prior two, but this was just such a pleasurable evening of laugh, I did not expect it to be so funny. I rewatched opening 5-10 minutes at least 5 times since. As (almost) always, sequels suck, but this first part is more than alright. Not a dumb and dumber level comedy, lacks emotional level, but on humor side it was a refresher after years of “nothing new is funny”. Odd I missed this one before.

#12 A Time to Kill (2001)

imdb: 7.5

Description: In Canton, Mississippi, a fearless young lawyer and his assistant defend a black man accused of murdering two white men who raped his ten-year-old daughter, inciting violent retribution and revenge from the Ku Klux Klan.

Rated: 7/10

Opinion: Drama on american racial divide and a complex case, where a seemingly right thing to do is against the law and a hot couple of lawyers defends a righteous killer. Okay-ish drama, with a unexpected collection of great actors, but would not watch it again.

#13 Capernaum (2018)

imdb: 8.4

Description: While serving a five-year sentence for a violent crime, a 12-year-old boy sues his parents for neglect.

Rated: 8/10

Opinion: Oscar-winner, member of imdb top250. Sensitive and uncomfortable drama of should not be a reality, but is in middle east from Lebanese director. Young boy is forced to grow up too soon, face abuse and harsh world around him. Female touch can be sensed throughout, optimized for tears to unnatural levels at times. Solid drama.

#14 3 Idiots (2009)

imdb: 8.4

Description: Two friends are searching for their long lost companion. They revisit their college days and recall the memories of their friend who inspired them to think differently, even as the rest of the world called them “idiots”.

Rated: 7/10

Opinion: Indian movie that managed to rank #85 (imdb top 250) caught my attention. To date I’ve only seen few Indian films and all of them …had dances. Bollywood, bollywood… This is no exception, but what you get in-between is more than enough to compensate. A genius guy against the forces employs his talents everywhere he goes to help others and gets bashing in exchange for not chasing superficial things. A pleasant, super sweet story of friendship and gifts, when employed rightly – create miracles. On flip side drama has too many turns imo. Some way find that pleasant and exciting, but for me it was too saturated.

#15 The End of the Tour (2015)

imdb: 7.2

Description: The story of the five-day interview between Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky and acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace, which took place right after the 1996 publication of Wallace’s groundbreaking epic novel, ‘Infinite Jest.’

Rated: 8/10

Opinion: I’m big David Foster Wallace admirer, the way he saw the world and I think the generous rating I gave here is because I felt Wallace’s spirit well in this movie. Which means it was close to authenticity despite the fact I don’t particularly like both main characters. Wonderful conversations, opening Wallace’s mind to general public. Evolving relationship between a complex, suffering writer and another wannabe writer. Recommend watching alone. Viewers that are not familiar with Wallace, may be disappointed.

#16 Paterson (2016)

imdb: 7.3

Description: A quiet observation of the triumphs and defeats of daily life, along with the poetry evident in its smallest details

Rated: 8/10

Opinion: This was a learning experience about Jim Jarmush and Adam Driver for me. I don’t think I’ve seen any movie with Adam that I would remember before and Jim is not my cup of tea for the most part. This was a pleasant surprise on both. Mundane life rhythm to the bone, yet life is in-between these details, so better pay attention, or it will slip entirely. This movie explores that detail and is a great reminder.

#17 Miss Sloane (2016)

imdb: 7.5

Description: In the high-stakes world of political power-brokers, Elizabeth Sloane is the most sought after and formidable lobbyist in D.C. But when taking on the most powerful opponent of her career, she finds winning may come at too high a price.

Rated: 8/10

Opinion: The movie on the people I despise, yet the movie itself is quite exciting and has some unexpected plot twists. Would not watch again, and would rate differently today than after the film. High level drama.

#18 Lucky (2017)

imdb: 7.3

Description: Lucky follows the spiritual journey of a 90-year-old atheist and the quirky characters that inhabit his off the map desert town.

Rated: 6/10

Opinion: Unremarkable. Remote town, old fella. Somehow I get the impression old actors get more praise than they should sometimes. imdb >7 ain’t bad though, so don’t listen to me on this one. Always pleasant to meet David Lynch on screen!

#19 Marriage Story (2019)

imdb: 7.0

Description: Noah Baumbach’s incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together.

Rated: 7/10

Opinion: Another learning experience on Adam. Somewhat similar roles to Paterson, but far more expressive. Memorable acting conflict scene between husband and wife (Scarlett Johansson). Interesting marriage case study.

#20 After Love (2020)

imdb: 7.3

Description: Set in the port town of Dover, Mary Hussain suddenly finds herself a widow following the unexpected death of her husband. A day after the burial, she discovers he has a secret just twenty-one miles across the English Channel in Calais.

Rated: 6/10

Opinion: British drama. Husband dies, wife finds he had a mistress. Goes out to find out more, accidentally gets hired and get to know her enemy in close. Exploring lesser known directors, actors. Something you would find in film festivals. Okay in festival, below expectations in home.

#21 The Reader (2008)

imdb: 7.6

Description: Post-WWII Germany: Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Berg re-encounters his former lover as she defends herself in a war-crime trial.

Rated: 7/10

Opinion: Expanding knowledge of Kate Winslet’s movies. Oscar winner. Soft romance in rough WW2 era. Decent experience for first time, but would not rewatch it. Admired Kate’s acting.

#22 Black (2005)

imdb: 8.1

Description: The cathartic tale of a young woman who can’t see, hear, or speak, and the teacher who brings a ray of light into her dark world.

Rated: 9/10

Opinion: Oh man, this is an effortless tear producer. Wonderful evolution of teacher and his pupil relationship spanning from childhood to adulthood. Wholeheartedly agree with term “tale” in description. I wonder if I was manipulated into giving it first 9, but did not feel oversqueezed. Another Indian movie and perhaps the only one without a dance (if not mistaken).

#23 Fitzcarraldo (1982)

imdb: 8.0

Description: The story of Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald, an extremely determined man who intends to build an opera house in the middle of a jungle.

Rated: 8/10

Opinion: this might be the craziest trivia I’ve read on any movie ever. Depiction of real story from 1890s when rubber barron disassembled steam ship in attempt to connect two separate amazonian river basins for commerce. Behind the scenes deserved it’s own Burden of Dreams. Main actor Kinski is all-over the place, reminds of Roberto Benigni. Film isn’t too exciting, but is an important tombstone in cinema history for dedication and persistence.

#24 Emilija (2017)

imdb: 7.4

Description: Suspense drama about the fight for freedom in Soviet-repressed Lithuania – in a society where a more satiated life seems more important than honor, a clear conscience or humanity.

Rated: 6/10

Opinion: Native cinema. Story is ok, but actor work was not compelling enough. Besides little things triggered me. For example a pack of cigarettes was prepared for the film of Soviet times. After a character leaves the pack on window sill, frame on a pack is held unnecessarily long, for local critics to consciously register production effort. C’mon man, can do better.

#25 I Saw the Devil (2010)

imdb: 7.8

Description: A secret agent exacts revenge on a serial killer through a series of captures and releases.

Rated: 6/10

Opinion: Exploring works of previously unknown South Korean director, taking his top rated movie for a test. Ughm. I got angry. This is a perverse revenge story. Old Boy (different director) – classic of Asian revenge films packed violence subtly. I saw the Devil did not have anything else going for it apart from revenge by ex cool guy. Few days after this one I got a thought: nowadays, if you want to keep an image of your film in viewers heads, you demolish bodies in new obscene ways. That’s a cheap trick I’m not falling for. Images stayed in my head, but for the wrong reasons.

#26 Waking Life (2001)

imdb: 7.7

Description: A man shuffles through a dream meeting various people and discussing the meanings and purposes of the universe.

Rated: 8/10

Opinion: Odd and a little irritating animated technique. Weed-philosophy on life and meaning. Essence in conversations young hero goes into. Goes pretty deep, so would recommend a solo watch to have space to reflect. Revisits questions most have in their 16-25 period. Interesting perspectives. Might have been momentarily generous 8, will have to revisit after some time to check.

#27 Nightmare Alley (2021)

imdb: 7.0

Description: A grifter working his way up from low-ranking carnival worker to lauded psychic medium matches wits with a psychologist bent on exposing him.

Rated: 7/10

Opinion: Guillermo del Toro’s work got 4 Oscar nominations. Not yet a fan of his tales, but Nightmare Alley was entertaining and realistic on Toro’s scale. For me, this movie was the tipping point of how I looked at Bradley Cooper (now as a top-tier actor). Magic theme can’t ever be beaten by Prestige in my opinion, but this was a solid shot.

#28 King Richard (2021)

imdb: 7.5

Description: A look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after the coaching from their father Richard Williams.

Rated: 7/10

Opinion: Movie that finally broke Will Smith’s cherry in Oscars. Not a tennis fan and had no idea how two of the most famous female tennis stars came to be, racial background and their first trainer – father. Great sports movie that is not limited to training. Interesting drama.

#29 Jackie Brown (1997)

imdb: 7.5

Description: A flight attendant with a criminal past gets nabbed by the ATF for smuggling. Under pressure to become an informant against the drug dealer she works for, she must find a way to secure her future without getting killed.

Rated: 6/10

Opinion: A personal hole in Tarantino’s repertuare. Nothing fancy, besides the Oscar nomination. The way I say about the time: “when good actors were cheaper” That’s the main selling point of the money I think. Easy movie for Friday evening.

#30 Promising Young Woman (2020)

imdb: 7.5

Description: A young woman, traumatized by a tragic event in her past, seeks out vengeance against those who crossed her path.

Rated: 6/10

Opinion: Felt conflicted on this one. Problem is real, but movie seemed to crossed the line into Fincher land, where a trauma victim does not seek revenge anymore, but becomes a certifiable psycho. Another thing – in west (plot in US) I think males are getting their fair share of heat already, so all in all that’s an unrealistic feminist manifesto for me. You will likely not regret a watch if you like Fincher. Tone, though not intended is similar.

#31 Natural Born Killers (1994)

imdb: 7.2

Description: Two victims of traumatized childhoods become lovers and psychopathic serial murderers irresponsibly glorified by the mass media

Rated: 5/10

Opinion: Oliver Stone’s Natural Born Killers slept in my watch list at least 6 years. I think I added it due to Woody Harrelson early works. Aand a flop. Did not see anything of lasting value. Glorification of violence, without realistic enforcing response. Fanfare..? Made more sense when I listened to Oliver Stone podcast with Lex a year or some later.

#32 The 12th Man (2017)

imdb: 7.3

Description: They were 12 saboteurs. The Nazis killed 11 of them. This is the true story of the one that got away.

Rated: 8/10

Opinion: Surprise discovery from Netherlands. WW2 story from Scandinavian angle. True story depiction of one man, that was on a mission against encroaching Nazis. Fantastic Nordic landscapes and survival story. Great and exciting drama.

#33 Boiling Point (2021)

imdb: 7.5

Description: Enter the relentless pressure of a restaurant kitchen as a head chef wrangles his team on the busiest day of the year.

Rated: 8/10

Opinion: Entire movie is a single shot sequence. Very impressive feat and gives a special flavor, compounding intensity throughout film. Loved Stephen Graham in this movie. Proved he can definitely carry a lead role. Never worked in a kitchen, but I presume it captures behind the scenes intensity of a casual evening very well.

#34 Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

imdb: 7.8

Description: A middle-aged Chinese immigrant is swept up into an insane adventure in which she alone can save existence by exploring other universes and connecting with the lives she could have led.

Rated: 8/10

Opinion: I could swear imdb rating was 8+ in 2022. Anyway, initial reaction was: wow. Impressive drama. Not a Matrix, but stretching into that realm. Then I went to bed and pieces started coming together what was shown to me. Minority average woman, following archetypical hero journey between two realities. Push for metaverse hype. Martial arts, slow motion, 5+ frames/second to bombard tik tok generation. Stunning visuals, eternal themes of good and evil… As if somebody did analysis of best movies, extracted commonalities from social, awarded trends – and made a best attempt at combining all. I felt cheated. Had a rewatch in last few months. Gotta say, watching for third time would be a hard decision.

---

For the first time I’m splitting a blog post into multiple parts. That’s a wrap for part one. I hope:

1. you will find something for yourself in this list to broaden your cinematic experiences;
2. part two will see a daylight within next weeks.

Please leave your recommendations in comments or PM if you think I would appreciate certain movie!