10 Best Films of All Time: Martha Lane
8. WALL-E (2008)
In a future where Earth is no longer habitable, we follow this inexplicably expressive waste allocation robot as he develops far beyond what he was programmed to do. When EVE arrives, WALL.E’s life becomes an adventure that will ultimately save the planet. WALL.E and EVE have a love to rival any of the greats. Literal sparks.
WALL-E is just beautiful, isn’t it? The first half is almost silent, and a masterclass in storytelling. Due to the lack of characters and dialogue it is a visual feast for the eyes, including all those easter eggs Disney is famous for. The second half is as action-packed as any grown-up thriller.
7. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
The Grand Budapest Hotel Review
There was no chance I was compiling this list without Wes Anderson featuring.
The Grand Budapest Hotel has all the main players of an Anderson flick but somehow this one is slicker, funnier, brighter. From the moment Ralph Fiennes quickly dashes through the lobby as Mr Gustave, you know you’re in safe hands.
It’s a tale of intrigue, murder (which is oddly prevalent in this list), love and inheritance. This is an odd story told in an odd way and that’s why it works so well.
Recommended for you: Wes Anderson Movies Ranked
6. Hero (2002)
Hero is a story about an assassin. But it’s about so much more, it’s a story about stories, about love and trust and lies and distrust.
It’s visually stunning with all the incredible and complex choreography you’d expect from a Zhang Yimou film. He also directed House of Flying Daggers (2004), which very nearly made my top 10 as well.
Hero manages to blend juxtapositions with masterful ease. Whether that’s love and hate, beauty and violence – the fight scenes might as well be ballet – or war and peace. The calligraphy scene is a masterstroke. It truly is a breath-taking piece of cinema.
I need to see 4, and you’ve sold me on watching 6!
It would be time very well spent!