There is A LOT of content on Netflix. I've found myself scrolling for an hour before deciding to watch "Parks and Recreation" again (for the third time).
So, here are 5 movies you probably haven't seen that I think are masterpieces (in alphabetical order).
1. "Bernie" (2011)
Directed by the legendary Richard Linklater ("Dazed and Confused" and "School of Rock"), "Bernie" is a brilliant dark comedy, featuring an amazing performance from Jack Black.
It's based on the true story of Bernie Tiede, a fun-loving and helpful man who works as an Assistant Funeral Director in a small Texas town. Everyone loves him until he is charged with murder.
What I love about this movie is its pseudo-documentary style. Many people featured in the film know Bernie in real life.
Watch the trailer here.
2. "Boyhood" (2014)
"Boyhood" is another great movie directed by Richard Linklater. It famously took 12 years to make, and chronicles significant moments in a boys life, from age 6 to 18.
From a technical perspective, it's undoubtedly masterful. From a story perspective, it might be the greatest coming-of-age movie ever made. There are no extravagant plot points, and some may even see the pace as plodding. But to me, it just feels so real, and its realism is really effective emotionally.
Watch the trailer here.
3. "Cinema Paradiso" (1988)
Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, "Cinema Paradiso" is about a filmmaker who recalls his childhood, how he fell in love with the movies, and his friendship with the projectionist.
"Cinema Paradiso" is a beautiful foreign movie, and the friendship that is developed is heartwarming and memorable. The score by Ennio Morricone alone is worth the price of admission.
Watch the trailer here.
4. "Cloud Atlas" (2012)
Directed by the Wachowskis, "Cloud Atlas" is a science-fiction movie starring Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, and Jim Broadbent. It bombed at the box office, barely making its large budget of 128.5 million back.
Honestly, I'm not surprised because it's nearly 3 hours long and has an insane amount of plot lines (spanning 5 centuries!). Hanks, Berry, and Broadbent play 5 characters each!
The runtime flew by for me, and its ambition is to be applauded. Some may find the interconnecting storylines to be maddening, but I just let its waves wash over me. From the top-notch performances to the incredible set design to its great special effects, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Watch the trailer here.
5. "The Truman Show" (1998)
Directed by Peter Weir and starring Jim Carrey, "The Truman Show" is not only a masterpiece, it's in my top 10 of all time.
It's plot: a baby is adopted by a corporation and is raised in a simulated reality. His whole life is broadcasted on television until he begins to question it.
It's science-fiction, comedy, and drama wrapped up in an ingenious story. The performances are pitch-perfect and the script is impeccable. Honestly, I can't find a flaw in it.
Watch the trailer here.
Thanks for reading, and let me know what you think of my picks!
