Strange Stories of Strange People. Review on Ten Best English Movies

It would be impossible to narrow down a top 10. If I had my choice, I would have a top 100 movies of all time ranging from English, Hindi, Tamil, French, ect. But for the sake of this list, if I had to modify it, I would pick these 10 films if I were stranded on an deserted island. :

1) Bitter Moon (UK, 1994) - Before his Oscar win for The Pianist, director Roman Polanski made a dark, complex, and bizarre film about relationships between men and women. This is probably the most unforgettable love story I've ever seen. Peter Cayote as an American in Paris named Oscar is brilliant as a tortured writer and his seductive and LETHAL wife, Mimi (played by the beautiful Emmanuelle Seigner) is equally potent in this powerful psycho-drama. Their relationship goes from utopian to toxic up until the most surprising ultimate climax of them all. Hugh Grant & Kristin Scott Thomas also star as the catalyst newlyweds forced to confront their own darkness. Do not miss this movie, rent it buy it, just Watch It! This is a rare film that explores the darkness that lurks inside every relationship.

2) Frailty (USA, 2002) - This movie came out last year & I was absolutely floored by it's crafty twists & turns in the plot. This was a horrifically enjoyable ride from start to finish. Bill Paxton plays the father of two young sons that are visited by an angel of God. The rest will not be disclosed because I believe that a good movie has surprises & I won't spoil this one. What makes this wonderfully spooky was the amazing acting & chemistry between Bill Paxton, and Matthew McConaughey. I was glued to my seat on this one!

3) Erin Brockovich (USA, 2000) - A very popular movie that rightfully nabbed Julia Roberts the Best Actress Oscar in 2000. Julia is convincing as Erin, the single Mom of three. Underpayed, unapreciated, and overworked. Erin fights the big guys at PG & E and & we all know who won:) This film for me was a testament on the strength of a woman. Julia reminds me of Nargis in Mother India or Tabu in Chandni Bar. Hard working middle class women that had to do it ALL from scratch. I love movies like this!

4) Queen Margot (France, 1994) - Think Gladiator meets Gone with the Wind meets Gadar in 16th century France. This movie is one of the most visually stunning films I have ever seen. This movie has it all - Romance, fabulous costumes, blood, pain, and redemption. Beautiful Isabelle Adjani plays the part of Margot, the Queen caught in a tangle of intrigue and romance amidst the religious & bloody war between the Catholics and Protestants in 16th century France. If you have to see one French movie in your life, See This One!

5) Wuthering Heights (USA, 1939) - I read the book but I LOVE the movie much better, sorry. This classic starring two of the greatest dramatic artistes is what did it for me. Sir Laurence Olivier as Heathcliff is the Hero to end all Heros. Merle Oberon as Kathy gives a stunning performance. I'd also like to add the Miss Oberon was possibly the first Desi actress ever. Her mother is South Indian and it was all hush hush back then because Hollywood was very racist back in the 1930's. Suffice to say, Wuthering Heights was a huge hit & assured Merle a solid career in Hollywood for a good ten years.

6) Mullholland Drive (USA, 2001) - This movie takes at least two viewings to fully understand it's meaning. Once I understood what it was all about, I was stunned & amazed on how good it was. Mullholland Drive is an intoxicating blend of Film Noir, human psychology, and dreams. This is another one of those movies which I won't give spoilers to because its that good. Don't miss this one.

7) Audition (Japan, 2001) - Another movie where the plot has twists & turns & it finally gets you towards the end. Love is blind for Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi) as he falls in love with an unsuspecting beautiful young woman named Asami (Eihi Shiina) with plans of her own. Again, no spoilers for this but I warn you that the last 30 minutes of this movie will leave you breathless until you are numb. Pray that women like Asami never come near you! This movie is a must see & would be a good introduction to people wanting to explore very smart horror films with a twist. Suspense need not be limited to a few languages.

8) The Rose Tatoo (USA, 1954) - A definite favorite of mine. The Rose Tatoo is a story about a grieving and emotionally overwrought Italian immigrant widow (Anna Magnani) who meets a greagarious & extroverted American truckdriver (Burt Lancaster). A story of love, testament & true courage. Out of all the movies on my list, this is probably the only family oriented fare I can recommend. Anna Magnani won the Best Actress Oscar in 1954 for her portrayal of Serafina Delle Rosa, a powhouse performance that sends tears to me eyes each time I see it. Bring your box of Kleenex for this one.

9) East is East (UK, 2000) - Bar none, one of my most favorite NRI movies of all time. Jimmy Mistry is totally HOT in this movie. This movie will strike a chord in not just South Asian families but in any immigrant family situation. This is a story about a Pakistani father played by Om Puri & his three young children with their English mother. It explores the complexity of mixed marriages & conflicting beliefs, added with drama, and a touch of humour. If you haven't seen this one yet then you are totally missing out.

10) Malena (Italy, 2000) - Monica Belucci gives an amazing performance as the beautiful wife of a soldier who does not come back from the war. What she endures in this movie is beyond me. Poor Monica is the victim of her own beauty as a lonely girl that has an entire town turn against her. This movie had me crying non stop. I urge you to watch this movie. Monica is the prototype heroine to end all heroines...for real. She is just so amazing in this!