I watch the following movies EVERY YEAR.
The Godfather I
If you haven’t seen The Godfather (1972), you’re missing out on one of the most iconic films of all time. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this film follows the powerful Corleone family, led by Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), a patriarch trying to protect his family and keep his empire intact. When tragedy strikes and Vito’s son Michael (Al Pacino) is pulled into the family business, it sets off a chain of events that tests loyalty, power, and the cost of a criminal empire. This movie isn’t just about mobsters—it’s about family, betrayal, and the choices that define us. It’s deep, emotional, and raw, making it more than just a gangster flick; it’s a masterpiece.
The Godfather Part II
If The Godfather was the setup, The Godfather Part II (1974) is the epic follow-up that takes everything to the next level. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this sequel explores the rise of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as the new head of the Corleone family while also flashing back to the early life of his father, Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro). The film dives deeper into themes of power, guilt, and the costs of loyalty and family, all while expanding on the complex dynamics within the Corleone empire. It’s darker, more introspective, and just as thrilling as its predecessor. If you thought the first film was a masterpiece, Part II cements The Godfather series as one of the greatest cinematic achievements in history.
Scarface
Scarface (1983) isn’t just a movie—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Brian De Palma and starring Al Pacino, this film tells the story of Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who rises through the ranks of Miami’s drug underworld, driven by his unrelenting ambition and thirst for power. The movie is infamous for its brutal violence, memorable one-liners, and Pacino’s over-the-top performance. But what makes Scarface unforgettable is the way it shows the American Dream gone horribly wrong. Tony Montana’s journey is an extreme representation of the lengths people will go to achieve success, and it doesn’t shy away from showing the destruction that follows. The film has had a massive impact on pop culture, and its themes of excess, greed, and power still resonate today.
Us
Jordan Peele’s Us (2019) is a mind-bending thriller that’ll have you questioning everything. The movie follows the Wilson family as they vacation at their summer home, only to be terrorized by mysterious doppelgängers—shadow versions of themselves. As the plot unravels, it becomes clear that the story is about more than just survival; it’s a social commentary on class, identity, and the darker side of human nature. Peele’s direction keeps you on the edge of your seat, blending horror with thought-provoking themes. The twist at the end leaves you with a lingering sense of unease, and Us has earned its place as a must-watch for fans of psychological horror.
Kung Fu Hustle
Kung Fu Hustle (2004) is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Directed by and starring Stephen Chow, this film blends outrageous action with slapstick comedy in a way that feels fresh and unique. Set in a 1940s Chinese city, the movie follows a small-time crook named Sing who gets caught up in a battle between the powerful Axe Gang and the eccentric residents of a rundown neighborhood. What starts off as a goofy, over-the-top comedy quickly turns into a full-on martial arts extravaganza, with some of the most memorable and imaginative fight scenes ever put to film. The humor, the action, and the visual style all come together to make Kung Fu Hustle a genre-defying, entertaining masterpiece.
Lemme know what you think?
Love,
The Swan