Spirited Away (2001)
Anime brilliance from Japan's Studio Ghibli.
"I love animated movies and this is my favourite. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki (who’s other films include Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke and My Neighbour Totoro, all of which are awesome also) it's pretty much flawless as a movie experience. The story's like an even more psychedelic modernized Alice In Wonderland in which a little girl gets stuck in some Japanese spiritual world where her parents have been turned into pigs. It looks and sounds beautiful from start to finish and is, in my opinion, fan-f***ing-tastic."
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
Michel Gondry's surreal tale of mind-erasing.
"This is one of my all time favourites because of it’s originality and emotional depth – there’s really nothing else like it. Trust me, the term ‘romantic comedy’ makes my blood curdle but in the hands of writer Charlie Kaufman and director Michel Gondry, with great performances from Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey, this is at times extremely funny, heart-wrenchingly honest and really quite moving. Because of Gondry’s involvement it looks amazing and has a dream-like quality unlike anything else I’ve seen. Highly recommended."
Boogie Nights (1997)
Mark Wahlberg becomes a porn star...
"An almost perfect tragic comedy and one of my favourite movies ever. It’s got sex, drugs and cheesy but awesome 70’s rock 'n’ roll in abundance, an amazing cast and is brilliantly directed by Paul Thomas Anderson who’s other movies include Magnolia and There Will Be Blood (neither of which are in the same class as this but are good nonetheless) The story is at times very funny, extremely tense and heart-breaking. Even if you’re not really into the subject matter this film is awesome on many levels and not to missed."
Lost in Translation (2003)
Ever doubted Bill Murray's greatness? See this.
"I liked Sofia Coppola’s previous movie to this, Virgin Suicides, but I loved this one. Unlike the other movies I’ve picked for this list nothing much happens. A jaded, middle-aged actor (Bill Murray) and the beautiful and lonely girlfriend of an American photographer (Scarlett Johansson) meet by chance while in Tokyo and connect in this weird environment that neither really understands. It’s pretty much like watching a dream unfold with one of the best soundtracks ever (My Bloody Valentine, Jesus And Mary Chain amongst others). Very pretty."
Control (2007)
Classy biopic of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis.
"One of the best rock 'n' roll biopics ever, this movie is about Ian Curtis’s battle with fame, epilepsy and subsequent depression. It’s heavy but not as harrowing as you’d expect as it also concentrates on Joy Division’s awesome music (it made me listen to all their albums again with a new appreciation) and the crazy personalities involved. It’s beautifully directed by Anton Corbijn (who took most of the classic Joy Division photos back in the day) in stark and stunning black and white which perfectly suits the subject matter. Inspiring, sad and beautiful."
We asked Jon Toogood - singer and guitarist of Shihad - to recommend five of his favourite films...
"I've been into movies since I was a kid and saw the original Star Wars seven times at the Cinerama in Wellington (which isn’t there anymore).
"As is normal with most kids, my first real obsessions was with movies that scared the crap out of you - the original Alien, Friday The 13th, Evil Dead etc. This coincided with the invention of VHS and the whole home movie experience. I still love going to see movies on the big screen as nothing quite beats the size and volume of doing so but I’m quite happy watching a great movie at home with the family (the food’s way less expensive).
"As I’ve got older my tastes have changed somewhat but, as with my music tastes, I love to be affected, moved or changed in some way by what I see. These are the movies that stay with me and that I go back to time and time again."
"I've been into movies since I was a kid and saw the original Star Wars seven times at the Cinerama in Wellington (which isn’t there anymore).
"As is normal with most kids, my first real obsessions was with movies that scared the crap out of you - the original Alien, Friday The 13th, Evil Dead etc. This coincided with the invention of VHS and the whole home movie experience. I still love going to see movies on the big screen as nothing quite beats the size and volume of doing so but I’m quite happy watching a great movie at home with the family (the food’s way less expensive).
"As I’ve got older my tastes have changed somewhat but, as with my music tastes, I love to be affected, moved or changed in some way by what I see. These are the movies that stay with me and that I go back to time and time again."
