Favorite Movie Scenes

[Kasey]

Somewhere in Time had the most romantic soundtrack of all time I think....and I'd forgotten how impossibly handsome Chris Reeve was. My sister was obsessed with that movie as a teen.

 

[Vash01]

Somewhere in Time had the most romantic soundtrack of all time I think....and I'd forgotten how impossibly handsome Chris Reeve was. My sister was obsessed with that movie as a teen.

I love that movie. The dvd shows some background info, like approaching John Barry for the music was intimidating because he had just won the Oscar. So Jane Seymore called him to ask (she was not intimidated, it seems) and he agreed. A lot of thought was put into using the Rachmaninoff - theme by Paganini, for the score, after searching for a suitable music. The choice worked wonderfully.

 

[Tinami Amori]

A small tribute to Yasujiro Ozu
The composition and details of each shot: the geometry, symmetry/asymmetry, color combination, proportion, use of perspective and back ground textures…. Each shot can be framed as a piece of artwork!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLJqFxPH7Rg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1enjYso17g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhQwFxhiVQs

and his famous use of “passageways”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R4pnVFgufA

and a short narrative of his work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G7oeyOsfSg

 

[gk_891]

A small tribute to Yasujiro Ozu
The composition and details of each shot: the geometry, symmetry/asymmetry, color combination, proportion, use of perspective and back ground textures…. Each shot can be framed as a piece of artwork!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLJqFxPH7Rg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1enjYso17g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhQwFxhiVQs

and his famous use of “passageways”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R4pnVFgufA

and a short narrative of his work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G7oeyOsfSg

I love Ozu! His films were beautiful.

Another Japanese director I loved was Hiroshi Teshigahara.

scene from Woman in the Dunes (not safe for work viewing!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-d9j_z7Gxc

opening scene from The Face of Another
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxtgVG-MxQc

 

[VGThuy]

I still think it's amazing that Teshigahara got nominated for an Oscar for Best Director for Woman in the Dunes. The director's branch has almost always been the edgiest of all the branches.

 

[gk_891]

I still think it's amazing that Teshigahara got nominated for an Oscar for Best Director for Woman in the Dunes. The director's branch has almost always been the edgiest of all the branches.

Indeed. I guess it just goes to show how exceptional that movie was.

 

[Tinami Amori]

opening scene from The Face of Another
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxtgVG-MxQc

I love it! my favorite waltz of ALL times is from that film (by Torou Takemitzu)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjb44VhZzx4

I still think it's amazing that Teshigahara got nominated for an Oscar for Best Director for Woman in the Dunes. The director's branch has almost always been the edgiest of all the branches.

I very much appreciate the "visuals" in "Woman in Dunes", but honestly hate the message therefore the "story". Just as i love acting and "visuals" in "Stromboli" but can't stand the "story". I hate to see people trapped.

 

[gk_891]

Haven't seen Red Sorghum, did see The Story of Qui Ju and really enjoyed it.

I didn't like Red Sorghum at first as I saw it after Ju Dou, Raise the Red Lantern, The Story of Qiu Ju, etc. But I had a better appreciation for it when i saw it for the second time. It's different from his other films.

 

[gk_891]

Boy A dancing scene with Andrew Garfield. This is a heart wrenching movie but a fantastic one. He's phenomenal in this difficult role of a youngster trying to build his life back after horrifying events taking place when he's but a young boy. Being based on true events, I thought this difficult subject couldn't be tackle without an element of sensationalism and voyeurism but it never falls into the trap. In this scene, he looks like a demented puppet dancing with nonsensical movements and you can feel the underlying anguish and the fact he's kind of trapped alone in his corner yet he's trying to dance and have fun like anyone his age.
While talking about Andrew Garfield, this is a more obvious one in Never let me go where his character just learn a devastating news. The off camera shot of her in the car while we know he's just shouting in anguish. A bit obvious but still heartbreaking.

I haven't though about Boy A in a while. That was the first movie that I saw Andrew Garfield in and I was impressed with his performance.

 

[HeManSkaterDad]

I love all kinds of movies, but since this is a sports site, these are some of my favorite sports movie scenes:

Car Chase in Bullitt. The whole scene is iconic, but the beginning really does it for me. Classic power versus grace (sound familiar, skating fans?); two cars and their drivers slowly circling, getting ready for the main event. Then the great shot of Steve McQueen's mustang in the rear view mirror of the Charger. You see it, the antagonist sees it, and you know it is on with a close-up of his seat belt being buckled and synched tight. Six and a half minutes, with not a word of dialogue, and I am still on the edge of my seat every time I watch it. Heck, just the sound of McQueen's mustang gets my heart rate up.

Tin Cup, Final Hole 12 - A cheesy, guilty pleasure movie, but a great finish. How can any athlete, former athlete or fan not appreciate the "I'm going for it because I know I can do it" attitude? Watching Tin Cup go for it and miss when everyone tells him to play it safe, cringing when he does it again and again, and then hoping, praying he makes it when he has no more chances left. That is just what sports is all about, believing in yourself when nobody else does and then proving it.

Two more worth mentioning. Since our sport has more than its share of crying (heck, we even have a designated area for it), when I hear there is no crying in sports (usually a bad imitation of Tom Hanks), or real men don't cry, I tell them it only takes one word to make them cry. The word 'today' echoing off of the walls of the cathedral that is Yankee Stadium. Anybody who doesn't get a little misty eyed hearing those words and knowing the back story, well, they are short one heart. If that doesn't work, let's ship them to any local sports bar in Chicago on a fall Sunday afternoon, start playing the theme from Brian's Song and dare them to tell the crying guys they are not real men. For cheesy and sentimental done at its absolute best, you can't beat the scene with Billy Dees and James Caan running while that music plays.

 

[gk_891]

I very much appreciate the "visuals" in "Woman in Dunes", but honestly hate the message therefore the "story". Just as i love acting and "visuals" in "Stromboli" but can't stand the "story". I hate to see people trapped.

I get what you mean. But I still found the entire movie compelling. I couldn`t take my eyes off the screen for a single second!

Some more:

Eyes Wide Shut (not work safe!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_b-zpSnoHs

Mulholland Dr - shortcut scene, I love the music and the look of complete adoration on Betty/Diane's face was almost heartbreaking when you consider what will happen afterwards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st02_ULWd3I

Tampopo - a long kissing scene involving a raw egg (I found this scene oddly fascinating)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqA-mP0MhZg

I also really liked the 'chop chop' scene from The Wicker Man (1973) but I can't find a clip of it anywhere

 

[Tinami Amori]

I get what you mean. But I still found the entire movie compelling. I couldn`t take my eyes off the screen for a single second!

Absolutely, the movie as a piece of art, is a masterpiece! but the idea that this man wanted to escape and to return home, and was set up and hindered by villagers to stay for sake of some woman is horrifying to me, just like the same story in "Stromboli" where she was forced to stay in the marriage.

 

[gk_891]

Absolutely, the movie as a piece of art, is a masterpiece! but the idea that this man wanted to escape and to return home, and was set up and hindered by villagers to stay for sake of some woman is horrifying to me, just like the same story in "Stromboli" where she was forced to stay in the marriage.

Have you seen the movie Onibaba by Kaneto Shindo? That was a beautifully original movie that sort of kind of reminded me a little bit of Woman in the Dunes although it's very different at the same time.

Other Japanese movies I enjoyed were Rashomon, Kuroneko, Ran, Floating Weeds, In the Realm of the Senses, The Island, Pitfall, High and Low, Stray Dog, and Late Chrysanthemums. One director I didn't get into though was Kenzo Mizoguchi.

 

[Japanfan]

I didn't like Red Sorghum at first as I saw it after Ju Dou, Raise the Red Lantern, The Story of Qiu Ju, etc. But I had a better appreciation for it when i saw it for the second time. It's different from his other films.

I just remembered there was another film as well, "Not One Less", something to do with education. I didn't enjoy it as much as the other films.

I see on IMDB that Imou has made quite a few films in recent years that I've not seen. I don't go out to movies as much as I used to, and miss seeing more foreign films - watching both subtitles and pictures on the small screen can be a challenge.

 

[Japanfan]

Other Japanese movies I enjoyed were Rashomon, Kuroneko, Ran, Floating Weeds, In the Realm of the Senses, The Island, Pitfall, High and Low, Stray Dog, and Late Chrysanthemums. One director I didn't get into though was Kenzo Mizoguchi.

'Rashomon' was one of the classics I studied as a film studies student. I remember thinking it was brilliant, but wonder if I would feel the same today.

I find so many of the great directors I studied in the 80s to actually have been misogynistic in retrospect. For example, I used to think 'Last Tango in Paris' was amazing, but since realized that I related to it because of my own experiences of objectification and sexualization as a woman. Maria Schnieder said she felt raped by both Marlon Brando and Bernardo Bertolucci in 'Last Tango' (the 'butter' scene), even though she consented to the scene in question. It haunted her for the rest of her life.

Similarly, I think I'd be bothered by Fellini's treatment of women today.

I do think, however, that Stanley Kubrick's films would stand the test of time better.

Which brings to mind '2001: A Space Odyssey' and the scene of the ape tossing the bone in the air, which then becomes a spaceship. As well as the final image of the film, of the fetus in space.

Two of the most memorable scenes of all time IMO.

In thinking of gender and film, I'm also reminded of 'Bad Timing: A Sensual Obsession'. If anyone has seen it, you'll remember the scene of her getting a tracheotomy - horrible, disturbing, and impossible to ever forget.

I wonder what happened to Nicolas Roeg.

 

[snowbird]

In The Real Glory (1939) when the young Filipino trapped the evil Muslim, Alipang, on a bamboo bridge instead of shooting him he beat his head in with the butt of his rifle.

 

[Tinami Amori]

Have you seen the movie Onibaba by Kaneto Shindo? That was a beautifully original movie that sort of kind of reminded me a little bit of Woman in the Dunes although it's very different at the same time.

Other Japanese movies I enjoyed were Rashomon, Kuroneko, Ran, Floating Weeds, In the Realm of the Senses, The Island, Pitfall, High and Low, Stray Dog, and Late Chrysanthemums. One director I didn't get into though was Kenzo Mizoguchi.

Thank you so much for reminding me to watch Onibaba! i saw it many years ago, with english subtitles which i could not read. Rashomon is my sentimental favorite, not just because of cinematography, but the story line! One murder - yet 4 interpretations and facts by 4 different people, eye witnesses.... It's right up there with "12 Angry Men"...

As to Kenzi Mizoguchi i only saw Ugetsu and A Geisha (specially founded it after "Memoirs of a Geisha" came out, to compare... ). Also i did not take a note that "The Last Chrisanthemums" is his move, but it's a good one, and thanks for info.

I have a question: what do you think of the more recent film, "Departures" by Y. Takita. I liked it, everyone around me luuuuved it, yet i did not find it to be as much of a "masterpiece" as many earlier japanese films. But! looking for someone to point out something in the movie that i might have missed...

 

[gk_891]

I just remembered there was another film as well, "Not One Less", something to do with education. I didn't enjoy it as much as the other films.

I see on IMDB that Imou has made quite a few films in recent years that I've not seen. I don't go out to movies as much as I used to, and miss seeing more foreign films - watching both subtitles and pictures on the small screen can be a challenge.

Yeah, Not One Less (while not bad) wasn't as impressive.

Thank you so much for reminding me to watch Onibaba! i saw it many years ago, with english subtitles which i could not read. Rashomon is my sentimental favorite, not just because of cinematography, but the story line! One murder - yet 4 interpretations and facts by 4 different people, eye witnesses.... It's right up there with "12 Angry Men"...

As to Kenzi Mizoguchi i only saw Ugetsu and A Geisha (specially founded it after "Memoirs of a Geisha" came out, to compare... ). Also i did not take a note that "The Last Chrisanthemums" is his move, but it's a good one, and thanks for info.

I have a question: what do you think of the more recent film, "Departures" by Y. Takita. I liked it, everyone around me luuuuved it, yet i did not find it to be as much of a "masterpiece" as many earlier japanese films. But! looking for someone to point out something in the movie that i might have missed...

Yeah, Onibaba was a fiercely original film. loved it.

Rashomon was amazing. I once read that it completely revolutionized the concept of narrative and point of view in cinema. It's like watching a million ants walk by in that you can't look away.

Late Chrysanthemums isn't by Mizoguchi. I think it's by Mikio Naruse. And it's a beautiful film. I didn't think much of it at first but only when it ended that the movie came together for me.

Haven't seen Departures so I can't comment on that one. But I did see Ugetsu and I remember reading a lot of praise on it and being very disappointed. Maybe one day I'll go back to it and see it again with lesser expectations.

 

[Tinami Amori]

Ok.... let's go back to Europe....

Mon Oncle. A must see movie!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkvtE1AS6Qo

Last Year at Marienbad (the whole film is magic, but this clip is just beautiful)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFuNm1hS4SA

Riso Amaro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqdPPNCQ7tc

Summer with Monica (lucky girl, not a worry in the world)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSzgISEhdXo

Wild Strawberries (finale) .... maybe it will be me walking through Moscow someday..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus5Jxo-Pm0

Jeanne Dielman (make a little money while dinner is cooking)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umyVTT6kZuI

Seven Beauties
before… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxyPnyEeBUg
and then https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMINphJIj1Q

 

[Tinami Amori]

In The Real Glory (1939) when the young Filipino trapped the evil Muslim, Alipang, on a bamboo bridge instead of shooting him he beat his head in with the butt of his rifle.

Don't blimey spoil at least an Art topic with effing politics....... it's bad enough every sports subject is laced with it.. but at least in sports it has some relevance.

 

[volturemean]

The Cloud Atlas scene where that beautiful gay writer killed himself right before his partner entered. It was emotional and moving.

 

[Kruss]

One of my favorite movies is Gaslight, and the scene which gets me every time is this scene. Paula and her husband are at a party and he once again orchestrates an incident to make her think she is going mad. The look on Ingrid Bergman's face as she goes from emotion to emotion - joy of the music to fear to pleading to disbelief to anguish - is incredibly amazing. To me, this scene won her the Oscar.

And I very much want that dress.

 

[gk_891]

Ok.... let's go back to Europe....

Mon Oncle. A must see movie!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkvtE1AS6Qo

Last Year at Marienbad (the whole film is magic, but this clip is just beautiful)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFuNm1hS4SA

Riso Amaro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqdPPNCQ7tc

Summer with Monica (lucky girl, not a worry in the world)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSzgISEhdXo

Wild Strawberries (finale) .... maybe it will be me walking through Moscow someday..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus5Jxo-Pm0

Jeanne Dielman (make a little money while dinner is cooking)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umyVTT6kZuI

Seven Beauties
before… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxyPnyEeBUg
and then https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMINphJIj1Q

Love Ingmar Bergman. He always used closeups and facial expressions so well. And that clip from Last Year at Marienbad was amazing.

 

[gk_891]

The iconic ending scene from Bonnie & Clyde.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrmUpso_xT8

Equus - not a great adaptation of the play but there were still some interesting scenes and the acting by both Firth and Burton was top-notch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQrQmvKdNrM

The Thin Red Line - shows Private Witt living among Melanesians (it idealizes Melanesian society but it was still beautifully done and it's the only part where Private Witt truly seems happy in this movie)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI26jhnjD1o

What happens to Private Witt later on in The Thin Red Line was also very well done (obvious spoilers)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeg_yWqTRKg

 

[gk_891]

This scene from City of God was burned into my memory when I first saw it years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m5gxQh5jeo

In the Mood For Love - final scene at Angkor Wat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWbUEB60F4I

Cries and Whispers - reconciliation scene between the two sisters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuK9ibesyo4

 

[volturemean]

The iconic ending scene from Bonnie & Clyde.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrmUpso_xT8

That is the best.

 

[Tinami Amori]

ok... just one more..... the famous "What a Dump!"

Here is the original: Bette Davis in the movie “Beyond The Forest”..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3zShjyaTr8

.. and it is later used by Elizabeth Taylor in “Who is afraid of Virginia Wolf”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWoAOohbr5M

 

[Vagabond]

ok... just one more..... the famous "What a Dump!"

Here is the original: Bette Davis in the movie “Beyond The Forest”..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3zShjyaTr8

.. and it is later used by Elizabeth Taylor in “Who is afraid of Virginia Wolf”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWoAOohbr5M

Bette Davis doesn't set down any groceries before she says it!

 

[gk_891]

Another one from Raise the Red Lantern (the ending scene so obvious spoilers). I love how it fades further and further away from Songlian.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SCjGZ1q-Mk

 

[Japanfan]

Eyes Wide Shut (not work safe!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_b-zpSnoHs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_b-zpSnoHs

That whole scene was amazing!

Eyes Wide Shut may be my #1 favorite of all time.

But my favorite scene by far was after they come home from ball, and Nicole Kidman's character smokes some weed, then comments "Just because I'm a beautiful woman, everyone wants to **** me"? And then launches into her story about whole she felt very close to throwing her marriage away during a moment of lust for a stranger.