Underrated or Ignored Titles
A list of some titles I think deserve more attention and regard
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35 titles
- DirectorAlfonso CuarónStarsJulianne MooreClive OwenChiwetel EjioforIn 2027, in a chaotic world in which women have somehow become infertile, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea.In my opinion, the best dystopian movie ever made, or at least one of the 5 best ever made. Cuarón managed to create a more than concrete possible future, and to show the real importance of life, and how to fight to preserve it
- DirectorAlejandro G. IñárrituStarsBrad PittCate BlanchettGael García BernalTragedy strikes a married couple on vacation in the Moroccan desert, which jump starts an interlocking story involving four different families.Iñárritu managed to balance perfectly different stories, and to show how, despite the various cultural and linguistic barriers, all humans are connected, and have to face with the same fear and strength the greatest problems, even if in their own way
- DirectorPeter RamseyStarsHugh JackmanAlec BaldwinIsla FisherWhen the evil spirit Pitch launches an assault on Earth, the Immortal Guardians team up to protect the innocence of children all around the world.In my opinion, the most underrated DreamWorks movie, and one of the most inventive and mature. A story about the desperate need to recognize your qualities, and what makes them essential, in their own singular way, so to define your role in living in the world, even if just for few, but equally precious people and their lives
- DirectorBrenda ChapmanSteve HicknerSimon WellsStarsVal KilmerRalph FiennesMichelle PfeifferEgyptian Prince Moses learns of his identity as a Hebrew and his destiny to become the chosen deliverer of his people.The movie with which DreamWorks came out, and that affirmed its way of redefining animation, by creating more mature stories in a new style to tell incredible tales like this, where a two brothers's path transcend from fraternal union to inevitable separation in following their destinies, breaking also the chain of power and desolation to lead an entire people to its freedom.
- DirectorJean-Jacques AnnaudStarsEverett McGillRon PerlmanNicholas KadiThis story takes place in prehistoric time when three tribesmen search for a new fire source.The definitive, in my opinion, movie about Prehistoric Age, in which director Annaud retells the evolution of man in searching the most valued treasure of the time, the Fire, discovering along the way new ways of living, while surviving in the cruelest and savagest world. All this by making the actors move and "talk" like prehistoric Neandhertalians, and by showing the true violence and habitudes of their lives in the most realistic way. A true gem that deserves to be re-discovered, a precious fossil in the vast Cinematic land.
- DirectorSatoshi KonStarsMegumi HayashibaraTôru EmoriKatsunosuke HoriWhen a machine that allows therapists to enter their patients' dreams is stolen, all hell breaks loose. Only a young female therapist, Paprika, can stop it.The last movie by one of the most creative and talented modern animators, died too young to be fully appreciated. With this last gem, Satoshi Kon realized the perfect picture about the essence of dreams, and what makes them symbol of creativity and freedom, even if this can also threaten the end of our real lives. A colorful and intriguing thriller about what completes our essence
- DirectorDuke JohnsonCharlie KaufmanStarsDavid ThewlisJennifer Jason LeighTom NoonanA man crippled by the mundanity of his life experiences something out of the ordinary.By one of the most inventive authors of our days, the most peculiar and amazing work in stop-motion of last years. Charlie Kaufman realizes a dramatic search for identity in a world that seems to just repeat itself, leading men to become more and more equal to each other, following standard procedures, without finding (or wanting) the strength to rebel and follow their own decisions and feelings. A very peculiar movie that may alienate many, but also remind how and why we must maintain ourselves against a world that seems to make all your decisions doubtful and meaningless, degrading the need and importance of every anomaly.
- DirectorTerry GilliamStarsJeff BridgesJennifer TillyJodelle FerlandBecause of the actions of her irresponsible parents, a young girl is left alone on a decrepit country estate and survives inside her fantastic imagination.Terry Gilliam's darkest picture, and one where the subtle and absurd connection between Reality and Fantasy reveals its dirtiest and harshest nature, but without putting aside the most tender and lovely moments, even if still influenced by the more than peculiar atmosphere where confusion about the true essence of things keeps to grow, and reveals the darkest and also the purest essence of Life and Humanity.
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsEdward NortonBarry PepperPhilip Seymour HoffmanCornered by the DEA, convicted New York drug dealer Montgomery Brogan reevaluates his life in the 24 remaining hours before facing a seven-year jail term.This is one of Spike Lee's most peculiar movies, and one of his best ever made. An intimate portrait about a man that spends his last hours of freedom with his friends and family, before going to jail. Lee depicts the doubts and fears of desperate characters afraid of certain decisions they made about their future, reflecting in this the torment and pain of New York's souls after the Twin Towers attack. A touching tale of spiritual reborn, and a sincere ode of love to your home, that even the greatest tragedy will never cancel
- DirectorJames AlgarGaëtan BrizziPaul BrizziStarsJames LevineSteve MartinItzhak PerlmanAn update of the original film with new interpretations of great works of classical music.True, this title does not have the same strength and audacity of the first one, nor its uniqueness. But nevertheless, it still manages to show the real potential of FANTASIA, creating solid and creative stories, to which Music donates the last drop to bring them alive, and so reveal the real magic of Art in one of its most complete forms.
- DirectorM. Night ShyamalanStarsBruce WillisSamuel L. JacksonRobin WrightA man learns something extraordinary about himself after a devastating accident.What many still don't see or understand is the very special way with which Shyamalan almost brought a real revolution in the superheroes' cinematic tales. A very strange, but also immersive and excellent mix of reality and surreality, that shapes the search of identity, the search of everyone's real meaning for being in the world, and what our life's path really hides, despite its unclear steps. In my opinion, a hidden gem that should obtain more recognition and importance, and that goes also for the last 2 titles of the Trilogy, one the most original about the essence of superheroes' true essence.
- DirectorKevin AltieriBoyd KirklandFrank PaurStarsKevin ConroyDana DelanyHart BochnerBatman is wrongly implicated in a series of murders of mob bosses actually committed by a new vigilante assassin.The best Batman animated movie, and one of the best superhero movies in general. Inspired by the wonderful Animated Series by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, this is one of the most intimate tales about the Caped Crusader's personal history, in which Bruce Wayne finds himself tormented by more than a ghost of the past, and reflects about his chances for a normal life, brutally turned down by another tragedy, this time a chance of true love. A dynamic and fateful tale that shows one of the most complete portraits of the Dark Knight's world
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsAsa ButterfieldChloë Grace MoretzChristopher LeeIn 1931 Paris, an orphan living in the walls of a train station gets wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.Scorsese's most underrated movie, just because apparently looking like a simple "fairy tale", totally different and far from the "real" nature of his movies. I suggest everyone, especially those who know more of Scorsese's personal traits and thoughts about Cinema, to give this movie another look, with more attention, and discover why this "fairy tale" is more intriguing and relevant to his director, despite all doubts and scorns about it
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroJerry LewisDiahnne AbbottA passionate yet unsuccessful comedian stalks and kidnaps his idol to take the spotlight for himself.Another one of Scorsese's most unusual, but also most intriguing tales. The story of an aspiring comedian host, that tries in every way to approach and obtain the help of his idol ... and in every way means EVERY way. A black comedy that still shows the incomparable style of Scorsese, and De Niro's true potential as an actor, and also its grotesque but splendid alchemy with the one and only Jerry Lewis, which ironically is the most serious one in here. Absolutely recommended, and to add to Scorsese's best
- DirectorTodd HaynesStarsChristian BaleCate BlanchettHeath LedgerRuminations on the life of Bob Dylan, where six characters embody a different aspect of the musician's life and work.Todd Haynes realized what may be considered a Biopic that is not quite a Biopic. He doesn't really tell Bob Dylan's story, but his Essence. A true artist that never stays the same, that truly shapes to experience something new, whether the world accepts it or not. This is a truly homage, something that should be used more to describe what makes an artist a so ambiguous but still relevant and real source of information and emotions. A true gem that many should watch.
- DirectorTom TykwerLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsTom HanksHalle BerryHugh GrantAn exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution.The Wachowskis, alongside Tom Tykwer, give life(s) to the many experiences and possibilities that everyone of us can live, in a different time and different place, and even in a different body, but still showing the ciclicity of the world, and how everything repeats itself, but giving complete reality to everything
- DirectorJohn BoormanStarsNigel TerryHelen MirrenNicholas ClayMerlin the magician helps Arthur Pendragon unite the Britons around the Round Table of Camelot, even as dark forces conspire to tear it apart.This is not exactly underrated, but as times goes by, it is still a bit ignored by many, if not almost forgotten. While not an absolute masterpiece, this is still one of the better adaptations of the Arthurian legends. Director John Boorman, with his unique version, both in style and narrative, stood true to Arthur's story, to the mystical treasures that rule the world incarnated in the powerful and sinister Merlin, and the sense of adventure, pain and love of the valiant knights of the Round Table. A special gem to watch, and so discover the true essence of the Once and Future King's land.
- DirectorBart LaytonStarsSpencer ReinhardWarren LipkaEric BorsukFour young men mistake their lives for a movie and attempt one of the most audacious heists in U.S. history.
- DirectorDino RisiStarsVittorio GassmanAlessandro MomoAgostina BelliA young private is assigned to accompany a blind captain. It soon becomes clear that they are both complex personalities.As it often happens, the remake cast a long shadow on the original. But even with your love for Pacino's version, you should definitely give a look also at what started it. Dino Risi adapted Giovanni Arpino's novel into a wonderful piece where comedy and drama mix in a very peculiar and amazing story that can make you laugh, but also feel the touching sense of desperation and love in the characters' lives, especially because of Vittorio Gassman's impressive performance, probably the best of his career, with which he gives total life to a blind man, that can still see and understand the world around him, trying to accept other chances to start fully living again
- DirectorRon ClementsJohn MuskerStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittEmma ThompsonMartin ShortJim Hawkins is a teenager who finds the map of a great treasure hidden by a space pirate. Together with some friends, he sets off in a large spaceship, shaped like a caravel, on his quest.One of Disney's most peculiar movies, but still capable of surprises and wonder, both on the artistic side and on storytelling side. The characters' relationships are some of the most human ever treated in a Disney films, full of contradictions, and for this also more concrete and powerful, where in the end good and evil keep to mix, and personal dilemmas manage to find a resolution. Maybe not a real Disney masterpiece, but nevertheless one of their hidden treasure to find again.
- DirectorMartin RosenJohn HubleyStarsJohn HurtRichard BriersRalph RichardsonHoping to escape destruction by human developers and save their community, a colony of rabbits, led by Hazel and Fiver, seek out a safe place to set up a new warren.An absolute trauma for many kids, but only because of classic, wrong recommendations. Taken as it should be, this is a mature and crude tale of survival, that manages to create a whole new mythology in which rabbits move, trying to find a new home, and to escape every danger to reaffirm their independence, fighting in every way just to maintain the fragile balance of nature, and remain free.
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsPam GrierSamuel L. JacksonRobert ForsterA flight attendant with a criminal past gets nabbed by the ATF for smuggling. Under pressure to become an informant against the illegal arms dealer she works for, she must find a way to secure her future without getting killed.This is still Tarantino's most underrated movie of all time, and still without a real reason. This is a perfect noir, with blaxploitation references, starting with the main actress Pam Grier, with some of the greatest performances of the actors involved, especially a wild and more than dangerous Samuel L. Jackson, and an unusually apathetic but not less intriguing Robert De Niro. A truly entertaining tale that shows again the power and dynamicity of Tarantino's Cinema.
- DirectorGuido ManuliMaurizio NichettiStarsMaurizio NichettiAngela FinocchiaroMariella ValentiniMartina is a professional lady whose clients are harmless if eccentric; she sees herself as a social worker. Shy Maurizio dubs sound for cartoons while his outgoing brother dubs more saucy material and gets the girls. After Maurizio accidentally helps Martina on some of her assignations she decides to find out if he wants to help regularly. Whether or not it's the possibility of romance, Maurizio is horrified to find on their first date that his hands have been replaced by cartoon ones with minds of their own.A movie in which reality literally becomes a toon, but not like you may expect. Some could consider this an Italian "Roger Rabbit", but director and main star Nichetti goes quite differently, illustrating an absurd and lively tale of love and trasformation, that manages to bring absolute light and fun in the almost bland lives of people who only search freedom and love
- DirectorE. Elias MerhigeStarsJohn MalkovichWillem DafoeUdo KierThe filming of Nosferatu (1922) is hampered by the fact that its star Max Schreck is taking the role of a vampire far more seriously than seems humanly possible.A very peculiar movie that manages to entertain and to give a good homage to one of the True Masterpieces of Cinema, by showing something so absurd and yet so immersive. Inspired by one of the most noted legends about Cinema, the picture shows the making of what remains a solid Gem in the Horror genre ... by showing the "real" Horror of its nature, especially thanks to the magnificent performance by the always engaging Willer Dafoe. A true surprise to watch with delight and terror!
- DirectorIsao TakahataStarsYukiji AsaokaTôru MasuokaMasako ArakiThe life and misadventures of a family in contemporary Japan.Not one of Ghibli's masterpieces, sure, but this is still one of those movies made with most sincere passion, and one everyone should see just be reminded of the essence of our chaotic everyday life, and WHY we can and must go on with it.
- DirectorJoel SchumacherStarsColin FarrellKiefer SutherlandForest WhitakerPublicist Stuart Shepard finds himself trapped in a phone booth, pinned down by an extortionist's sniper rifle. Unable to leave or receive outside help, Stuart's negotiation with the caller leads to a jaw-dropping climax.An atypical thriller by one of the most despised directors who deserves more appreciation, and this is certainly one of the best examples of his talent. While maybe not so much revolutionary, this is a very good movie that manages to catch the attention and to make the viewer apprehensive for the main character's fate, his claustrophobic situation and for how he will come out of it, also thanks to the very good job by Colin Farrell. An intriguing work to (re)discover without a doubt
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsRachel WeiszMark WahlbergSaoirse RonanCenters on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family - and her killer - from purgatory. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal.In my opinion, this is the most peculiar work by Peter Jackson. It's a little tale of loss and acceptance, all witnessed and narrated by the main character even after her death. Jackson manages to show all the phases of this by enhancing the emotions and sensations of the characters, especially protagonist and antagonist. A peculiar movie that still manages to give notable considerations on the invisible tie between life and death.
- DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsMia WasikowskaJessica ChastainTom HiddlestonIn the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds - and remembers.One of Del Toro's most personal tributes to the genre that formed him and his storytelling vision. Many accuse this movie of not being really original in its plot, but that's the point! It is not important what you tell, but HOW you tell it!
Del Toro gave us one of the most original looking movies of the decade, giving to the Horror the brightest colors, kinda like Argento did in Suspiria, but in his own way. And also, many lament that, while ghosts are present, they're not the real focus! And again, THAT'S NOT THE POINT!! This is a story of love, discovery and loss, that can truly surprise you. I sincerely consider it one of Del Toro's best movies to date, and a true homage to Horror in all its sides. - DirectorGrant HeslovStarsEwan McGregorGeorge ClooneyKevin SpaceyA reporter in Iraq might just have the story of a lifetime when he meets Lyn Cassady, a guy who claims to be a former member of the U.S. Army's New Earth Army, a unit that employs paranormal powers in their missions.A small, peculiar and entertaining picture based on an even more absurd true story, even if clearly dramatized for the most. But still, this is a very funny and interesting adventure that manages to keep interested thanks to its nature, inviting us to consider the possibility of inner forces we can use to overcome our limits and use them to solve the biggest problems ... or so it may seem. Maybe not one of the most memorable titles, but still worthy a watch and still capable of evoking some considerations not so obvious about the search for power and inner essence of man, and use it for good or evil.
- DirectorMatteo GarroneStarsMichela CesconVitaliano TrevisanRoberto ComacchioVittorio, a goldsmith looking for his perception of beauty, meets Sonia and manages to convince her to lose weight to an unhealthy degree.Surely not one of Garrone's most distinctive works, but still an interesting, grotesque tale about extreme obsession, that make reality more grotesque than ever. Inspired by a true story, of a man attracted by very thin female figures, almost anorexic (his autobiography, in which he describes his relationships, is actually called "The Hunter for Anorexics"), that starts a particular flirt with a woman, trying to shape her like a monument, a thin statue with which fulfill his sick desires. An intimidating tale of love and obsession, that can offer an interesting watch for everyone.
- DirectorBen StillerStarsJim CarreyMatthew BroderickLeslie MannA designer makes a grievious mistake when he rejects the friendship of a borderline cable guy.Many say that the main reason this movie was hated by almost everyone was because nobody wanted to see Carrey in a villainous role. That may be true, and also the fact that the movie tends to make some moments very surreal, but that doesn't make it a disaster or a bad one, in my opinion. I find this an interesting and entertaining title, and I think Carrey manages to shine even in what is his most atypical role, even more than his dramatic ones. Not a gem maybe, but still worthy a watch and truly show some WTF moments that still deliver great comedy and a grotesque sense of drama.
- DirectorGareth EdwardsStarsAaron Taylor-JohnsonElizabeth OlsenBryan CranstonThe world is beset by the appearance of monstrous creatures, but one of them may be the only one who can save humanity.I side with those who saw the true sense of this picture. Its style has a very precise meaning, showing us the immense stature of true avatars of Nature, and how all humans can finally see the way of their mistakes towards the world they inhabit, and its response, in a fight to restore order, and in which we can choose to intervene, or to just watch 'til everything restarts, in all its mighty essence
- DirectorRoberto De FeoStarsFrancesca CavallinJustin KorovkinGinevra FrancesconiSamuel is a paraplegic boy who lives with his mother Elena in an isolated mansion. When he meets Denise, he finds the strength to open up to the world. Elena won't let him go so easily, and she is ready to do whatever it takes to stop him.One of the principal examples of the recent revitalization of Italian Horror Cinema. Roberto De Feo manages to construct an intriguing picture full of Gothic remands, but also a more modern aura, despite telling a seemingly basilar tale that gains its unique identity, especially thanks to the truly evocative cinematography, the impressive locations and the cast, above all the young protagonist. So, even with its limits, THE NEST really manages to capture that evergreen essence that will make Horror always intriguing.
- DirectorHendel ButoyMike GabrielStarsBob NewhartEva GaborJohn CandyR.A.S. agents Miss Bianca and Bernard race to Australia to save a little boy and a rare golden eagle from a murderous poacher.Another Disney movie that, again, may not be one of their strongest titles, but that manages to deliver a dynamic and astounding adventure, recreating perfectly the vast landscapes of Australia, and letting viewers see them from the littlest perspectives, be that of a kid or a mouse, and so rediscover the astounding magic of nature and adventure
- DirectorPeter R. HuntStarsGeorge LazenbyDiana RiggTelly SavalasBritish agent James Bond goes undercover to pursue the villainous Ernst Stavro Blofeld, who is planning to hold the world to ransom.The most underrated 007 picture, but also the first to give us a more tridimensional Bond, and a more grounded story in the vein of Ian Fleming's spirit. Maybe not one of the most impressive, but still a solid picture with its own charisma and style to rediscover, whether or not you're a fan of 007 missions