Five Films For Your Lockdown!! (Pt. 1)

These will be a new series of posts of films I've seen so far that I highly recommend for anyone looking for something new to watch. I'll try to keep the list as diverse as possible and frequently post since I've seen quite a lot of movies. Hopefully you'll pinpoint something you'll like and if not, like  I said, these are in parts.

 1. The Man From Earth

             Written by one of the Star Trek writers, Jerome Bixby in the 1960s and completed on his deathbed on April 1998, The Man From Earth is a film that production-wise, may not look like much on the surface, but it's still a truly great film. It's a film that rides almost entirely on its screenplay. The story is profoundly interesting, comprised of a cast of likable characters, all involved in a highly intellectual discussion pertaining the main character's identity.


The film is engaging, thought provoking, and exciting in a sense, watching how the story slowly reveals itself, leading to a very satisfying twist near the end. This is what I personally consider great science fiction. The film raises ideas and focuses on them, rather than going for special effects. Definitely worth of watch for sci-fi or film lovers in general.

2. Loveless 

Directed by the always-great Andrey Zvyaginstev (Leviathan, The Return), Loveless is a contender for my favorite film of his thus far. I'm still digging into his filmography but his latest film has stayed with me the most. It's a mesmerizing, beautiful, and depressing experience about a hate-filled divorced couple that lose their only son and look extensively for him. Zvyaginstev has always had a knack for incredible shots of environments, almost making it a character itself. The performances are outstanding and the story is incredibly well executed, reflecting on societal issues that are subtly addressed about modern Russia. It's also incredibly well scored that really sets the tone. This is a film that when you watch it, you feel it, from its atmospheric presentation to its emotional resonance. Highly, highly, highly, recommend.

3. The Invisible Life

              This my first Karim Ainouz film, but it won't definitely be my last. The Invisible Life is a touching story of two sisters pulled apart, and forced to go through their own personal hardships without each other. The story went in places that caught me completely off-guard followed by a very emotionally satisfying ending. It's a beautiful piece of work that is absorbing and immersive as Brazil has never looked more beautiful. Also, the music and sound design really elevate the experience. This is a film I can't wait to watch again and would 100% suggest to give a checkout for anyone interested or likes Brazillian cinema.

                                                       4. Under The Silver Lake

     Probably the most polarizing and divisive film on this list as it had a very short theatrical showing and straight to Amazon Prime. Under The Silver Lake at first impression may be off-putting, but the film has much more to say than what is presented.  The movie is bizarre and surreal, but still a blast to watch. Director David Robert Mitchell has proved with films like The Myth of an American Sleepover and It Follows that he has a unique vision all his own and this is no exception. It's too much fun to watch once you allow the film to take you on its crazy and unforgettable trip that will stay with you long after. Andrew Garfield gives what I believe to be his best performance and Mitchell's direction is very vibrant and full of personality. The score is also is one of the best I've heard in any film bar none.



   I plan on doing a blog about this film alone, as after watching it three times, it's revealed itself to me more and more every time. I would say to watch this film with no information before going in because it makes the experience all the more memorable and worth it.

5. The Good, The Bad, and The Weird

      Kim Jee-woon (I Saw the Devil, The Last Stand), has always been one of my favorite directors due to his sheer creativity of his film making. Already clear from the title, this is a Korean take of the original western The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. And while it doesn't fully reach the heights of that film, it still manages to have a personality all its own that makes it stand apart regardless. The film has a great cast including the three leads that breathe so much life into their characters. My favorite aspect of the film is its camerawork. It makes the action scenes pop stylistically particularly the climactic desert chase. This is one of the funnest films out there and one that I would recommend if you're a fan of the original film, Korean films, or Westerns.

Have you seen any of these films? Did you like them? If so, leave a comment of which one was your favorite! Stay tuned for Part 2!!