One of the best hobbies to have, in my opinion, is to be a film junkie. Whether you like movies from the Marvel Universe or cheesy Hallmark rom-coms, watching a movie at the end of the day has to be the best way to unwind. Not to mention, just like music, I think that indulging in the arts is one way to develop and diversify your critical taste on the media. For me, a film can act as a therapeutic device. I could not tell you a single time in my whole life that I have been sick and not watched Coraline. Not to mention, it can be super cool to develop a passion for film. Here at Kent State Univeristy, there are film clubs you can join and you can visit the E. Turner Stump Theatre downtown to see a film (which is the perfect first date!). Anyway, I’d like to share my top five favorite movies of all time and the reasons why I love them so much!
1. Call Me By Your Name
If you did not know already, this movie shot Timothee Chalamet’s career as an actor to the stars. Alongside his co-star Armie Hammer and director Luca Guadagnino, this movie depicts 17-year-old Elio (Chalamet) in his coming-of-age romance with Oliver (Hammer). Shot in Crema, Italy, this has to be the most beautiful movie I have ever seen. The cinematography is just absolutely incredible. It easily lies as the most aesthetically pleasing movie I’ve seen, not to mention the absolute killer performances brought to you by the cast. Being a screenplay from the original 2007 novel by André Aciman, the film showcases the innocence of romance in the summer Italian countryside. Now regarded as one of the best queer-based films, the best part about the romance in the movie is that it completely neglects to address the sexuality of the characters. Instead, it just simply showcases the absolute bliss and heartbreak that comes with a first love, motivating the point that love finds you when you least expect it.
By neglecting to mention sexual labels the love showcased in the movie becomes that much more beautiful. It showcases the way that love consumes the soul and has no boundaries. This is the exact reason why I love the film so much, along with the fact that one of my favorite quotes: “Is it better to speak or to die?” is within a monologue in the film. Call Me By Your Name showcases emotion and love in a raw manner, reminding young viewers that amazing things happen when you let your guard down. Not to mention, the soundtrack to the film is probably some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard. Sufjan Stevens provided music to the film that only adds to the muted, dreamy aesthetic, making the emotion of the characters so much more life-like. With all this being said, I could write an entire novel on the themes and lessons of this movie alone, but that’s for another day! If you listen to anything I say, watch this movie!
2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
A household favorite! A classic 80’s John Hughes’ film, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has a special place in my heart. If you’re anything like me, you loved growing up listening to your mom’s “crazy 80’s high school stories.” The parties, the dates, the dances, the music… what a time it was to be alive! Unfortunately, I was born in 2004 (whomp whomp) and will never ever be able to live through, what seemed like, the best time to be a teenager. Starring Matthew Broderick, this film depicts Ferris skipping school in the most epic way possible. From the glorious cars, outfits and parade, Ferris goes through the most epic skip day ever. Dragging his best friend and girlfriend along for the ride of his shenanigans, this movie is like a time capsule back to the 80’s. It is so unapologetically a teenage film, making it age like wine. For me, this is the perfect sick-day film. Sad in your dorm with the flu? Have no fear, go and indulge in the imaginary world of Ferris’ life for a few hours!
3. Ladybird
We know her, we love her, Greta Gerwig. The queen that brought us Barbie also brought us another amazing film about the struggles of identity as a woman in Ladybird. For me, this movie is so much more than something I watch on the screen. Saoirse Ronan (Ladybird) depicts the struggles of angst coming of age as a teenage girl perfectly. As a new university student here at Kent, I suggest you all give this movie a go. The film follows the indecisive monologue of Ladybird, a teen with big ambitions stuck in a small-town catholic school. Apart from her struggles in finding herself in her sexuality and confidence, the film shines a light on the complicated dynamic between a mother and her daughter. Unlike any other film I have seen before, Ladybird acts as a tool the beaten, burnt-out cool girl can relate to. Above all, the film has Timothee Chalamet and who doesn’t want to watch him?
4. When Harry met Sally
This has to be my favorite romance movie of all time. Unlike the stereotypical “they meet, the date, they fall in love, they mary” pipeline, Rob Reiner’s film takes a more realistic approach to love. Providing fans with the classic grumpy x sunshine trope, the movie shows that true love takes time and doesn’t always come at a young age. The two main characters in the film live their separate lives from one another after they meet, yet the universe somehow ends up bringing them back to each other (spanning over about 20 years). The realness of the characters adds so much to the film, as well. It makes you feel as though you’re falling in love with the characters as you watch. Because of this, the personal connection you have with the film makes it that much more amazing. With all that being said, my biggest takeaway from the film is that man you met five years ago at Target is the love of your life girl! Real love takes time. Enjoy the road.
5. Hereditary
What’s a movie list without a horror film? I am such a sucker for horror at my core, but not those bad jump-scare gore-fest movies. This movie is literally the most terrifying film I have ever seen. Because of the slow pace of the film, there is an eerie feeling that haunts your soul. I literally have nightmares about this movie every month and see the demon in the film in my room at night, I swear to god! Just that alone makes it funny that I would love the film so much, but it is so damn good I keep coming back for more. If you love psychological thrillers that will literally have you questioning your existence afterward, check out this film. Ari Aster (director) is such a genius and Colin Stetson’s soundtrack for the film makes me get goosebumps every time. Check this film out for your next spooky season date!
I hope you got some new movie recs from this article! Check these films out, I promise they won’t disappoint!