Top 5 all time favourites and why?

A short summary and reasoning to what are my top 5 favourite films of all times and why?

1.) Donnie Darko (2001)- Richard Kelly's sci-fi drama has had its mentions when it comes to the best films in the past decade but in my opinion this film has the ability to give films in the past four decades a run for its money. Staring an all star cast such as a young Jake Gyllenhaal who will later feature in films such as; Brokeback Mountain and Jarhead, along side the forever seeming ageless Drew Barrymore and the lovable Patrick Swayze, Donnie Darko certainly has the talent but that isn't quite the reason why I think its No.1. Jake Gyllenhaal plays a teenage boy who suffers from daytime hallucinations which allow him to see a rabbit who manipulates him to commit a series of events that eventually leads him to discover a world of secrets. The storyline is one of kind and will leave you with a number of questions at the end making you want to watch this film over and over again, it contains moments that will play on every emotion possible from laughter to crying, to anger and shock. Its complementary soundtrack that illustrates perfectly everything that's happening in the scene as well as foreshadowing the next should be classed as a masterpiece and will set the atmosphere for your adventure. Furthermore Richards Kelly's creation of the character Donnie and Jake Gyllenhaal's approach makes you inspire to be like him as well sympathising with the troubled teenager. If you haven't already seen this film you truly need to and once you have watch it again and again until you can acknowledge the master piece it is, you will not regret it. (9.5/10)

2.) Pulp Fiction (1994)- Quentin Tarantino's creation is undoubtedly one of the best films to be made to this day. Staring the likes of John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis performance wise Pulp Fiction is outstanding but for film lovers who look at a film cinematically Pulp Fiction is a masterpiece. The film is like a puzzle as it approaches with four plots that all interlink and combine together for an astonishing ending. John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson play two mobsters who find trouble with a gangsters wife Mia, (Uma Thurman) a boxer played by Bruce Willis and eventually find themselves interrupting a pair of diner bandits mid-robbery. This crime thriller creates such suspense and will have you truly drawn in and eyes glued to the screen. When first watching this film I was amazed how it all unravelled and came together and ever since I've found myself watching it again and again, its not only me who thought the same as cinematically it was voted the best screenplay and original script and clocked up a further 59 wins and 46 nominations, so no wonder its featured as one of the all time greats. More than worth a watch as you experience this puzzle unfold before your eyes. (9/10)


3.) The Shawshank Redemption (1994)- 1994 was a good year for film and it got even better as Stephen King and Frank Darabont combined to create The Shawshank Redemption that warmed every bodies hearts with a story that will be remembered for decades to come. The film focuses on the relationship of two prisoners played by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman that develops over the years in which they serve at Shawshank Prison. Tim Robbins plays Andy Dufresne a successful banker in the real world but behind prison bars he finds his way of becoming well known to all, serving a life term for the murder of his wife and her lover he finds friendship with the prison "fixer" Red (Morgan Freeman) who helps him adapt to prison life and the two endure in an adventure one could only imagination. The film is truly inspirational as well as heart warming as the character of Andy teaches us that our spirit can never be imprisoned. Nominated for seven Oscars and another 15 wins and being rated IMBD's number one film of all time this film is definitely one you have to see.  (9/10)

4.)The Shining (1980)- Two of the best known directors and writers combined in 1980 to create The Shining based on the Stephen King novel Stanley Kubrick adapts it to become one of the best horrors of all time, also becoming a template for future blockbusters. The popular Jack Nicholson plays a dad who takes his wife and son to stay at the Overlook Hotel up in the Colorado mountains to act as caretakers over the winter break so he can finish writing his book. However his son Danny is haunted by horrific visions of past events that has occurred at the hotel as he is blessed with the power of "the shining", the hotels demons also manipulate Jack who has a complete mental breakdown and turns against his own family. The Shining focuses on the horror of isolation and the torture of your own family being manipulated and turning against you, this combined with a thrilling soundtrack and score along side a fast paced final 30 minutes The Shining is an excellent horror film. It was also one of the first films to use the Steadicam which allows the audience to be put right in the shoes of the characters. Again this film is a must watch. (8.7/10)
 
5.) One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest (1975)-  Jack Nicholson stars in Milos Forman's 1975 blockbuster that focuses on the life of patients in a mental institution. Jack Nicholson plays a rebellious character named McMurphy, to escape the law he admits himself into a psychiatric ward however once admitted he endures and witnesses the abusive and degrading actions of Nurse Ratched. McMurphy developing his relationship with the other patients rallies them together to make a stance against the oppressive Nurse. The story is truly heart warming and heart-breaking as you see McMurphy become a victim of Nurse Ratched as he attempts to better the lives of his new found friends, the film encourages you to sympathise with him as well as experiencing his journey. You will find yourself fighting back that lump in your throat as the end credits roll down your screen. The film picked up an amazing 5 Oscars and is rated as the 16th best film of time. Personally I believe this film will never get too old and deserves all the credentials it gets, another one you must watch. (8.5/10)

So there you have it, my personal top five films of all time and why, if you haven't already then watch them as you wont regret it.