Great challenging TV programmes & Movies
These are TV programmes that I have watched that challenge as well as entertain. They are not all perfect, but they are at least interesting!
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- StarsRobert LindsayMichael PalinDearbhla MolloyPolitician Michael Murray's life entwines with headmaster Jim Nelson's, changing their trajectories when their paths cross unexpectedly.From the genius of Alan Bleasdale, GBH is a study of corruption in early nineties politics and the emotional trauma and mental downfall of it's two main characters, ably played by ex-Python Michael Palin and the frankly excellent Robert Lindsay. Lindsay gets more and more embroiled in his own corruption as he watches the city he governs become victims of striking, racial violence and riots which, all of his own making, but he is just a pawn of greater powers. Palin is a teacher, a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He is an everyman being damaged by forces he cannot see. This seven part series tracks the passage of both characters as they go through their own hells and their potential recovery. Bleasdale is at his satirical and creative best here and is understandably one of our greatest writers.
- CreatorFabrice GobertStarsAnne ConsignyClotilde HesmeFrédéric PierrotIn a small French mountain town where everyone knows each other, the dead begin to inexplicably return as if their death never happened. Forcing the townsfolk to confront their difficult past as they seek to understand this phenomenon.Zombies are nearly always portrayed in movies as flesh hungry emotionless husks, but what if the undead became full of character and genuine menace. The fantastic Mogwai soundtrack and the complexity of the driving script make this one of this decade's great series. It's a shame that the US is choosing to remake this, rather than enjoying this exemplary creation.
- CreatorMark FrostDavid LynchStarsKyle MacLachlanMichael OntkeanMädchen AmickAn idiosyncratic FBI agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the even more idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks.This is one of America's greatest series and I wonder if it could be made nowadays. The first and half of the second series is perfect and the mystery of who killed Laura Palmer goes from soap opera murder mystery to supernatural infection of a small town with bizarre and damaged characters. Whilst it loses it's way in the latter part of a long second series, it's final crescendo is satisfying and disturbing in equal measure.
- CreatorDennis KellyStarsAdeel AkhtarPaul HigginsNeil MaskellAfter a group of people, who meet online, discover a bizarre graphic novel which seems to hold mysterious answers, they find themselves being tracked down by a merciless organization known merely as 'The Network'.Whilst Hollywood creates big blockbuster comic adaptations, Utopia has the quiet feel of a frame by frame comic adaptation, despite being an original screenplay. With it's down to earth, yet paranoid characters and the droning soundtrack, the relentless pull to it's epic conclusion is a masterpiece of quality contemporary television.
- DirectorXiaogang FengStarsDaoming ChenChen LiYi LuThe epic story of a family separated as a result of the Great Tangshan Earthquake of 1976.Aftershock is a powerful film from a country's cinema that I know little about. Here is an insight of China that we rarely see and the story is both beautiful and tragic. From the devastating earthquake that separates our main character from her family through to the repercussions of its effects all throughout her life, We follow her from girl to woman and this movie is gives us the chance to see some of China's family life and community.
- CreatorStephen VolkStarsLesley SharpAndrew LincolnKate DuchêneUniversity lecturer Robert Bridge becomes involved in a series of supernatural events surrounding medium Alison Mundy in this chilling TV series.Afterlife follows the formula of many supernatural stories, where the main character is capable of communicating with the dead. There is also a sceptic who doesn't believe a word of it.
Where this is different is that both the writing, directing and acting are all brilliantly underplayed. Lesley Sharp is the standout and is understandably recognised as one of our best actors. Both series build slowly and powerfully, building to great conclusions. - StarsScott GrimesDamian LewisRon LivingstonThe story of Easy Company of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division and their mission in World War II Europe, from Operation Overlord to V-J Day.Spielberg redefined war movies with Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan, but with the TV series, a broader story is told. There are many life's portrayed here and whilst some reach the series conclusion, many are taken quickly and without time to grieve their loss. The production values are as good as you would expect, but the scripting is excellent. This is a perfect introduction to the US involvement in the conflict.
- CreatorVeena SudStarsMireille EnosJoel KinnamanBilly CampbellA police investigation, the saga of a grieving family, and a Seattle mayoral campaign all interlock after the body of 17-year-old Rosie Larsen is found in the trunk of a submerged car.The US remake of the Nordic creation differs from the original as it feels less theatrical and instead a slow burning American styled thriller. Both versions are cracking TV, but at least the US version tries to be something different. The pace is at times glacial, but persistent viewing is so rewarding.
- DirectorJohn CarneyStarsGlen HansardMarkéta IrglováHugh WalshA modern-day musical about a busker and an immigrant and their eventful week in Dublin, as they write, rehearse and record songs that tell their love story.This is a true romantic movie about unrequited love, played against a realistic Dublin backdrop. There are no cliches here and the down to earth acting beholds a both melancholy and joyous plot that is carried along by a perfect accompanying soundtrack.
- DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsTom CruiseJason RobardsJulianne MooreAn epic mosaic of interrelated characters in search of love, forgiveness and meaning in the San Fernando Valley.
- DirectorTerry GilliamStarsJonathan PryceKim GreistRobert De NiroA bureaucrat in a dystopic society becomes an enemy of the state as he pursues the woman of his dreams.Probably my favourite movie in this list, Brazil is Terry Gilliam's reinterpretation of 1984. Starting with a simple glitch in a typing pool, our daydreaming hero Sam Lowry becomes embroiled in government incompetency and conspiracy. As with many of Gilliam's movies, sanity is both significant and stretched. Borrowing from much of 1984, this movie reflects both a time that is not now and is also so relevant.
- DirectorJ.A. BayonaStarsBelén RuedaFernando CayoRoger PríncepA woman brings her family back to her childhood home, which used to be an orphanage for handicapped children. Before long, her son starts to communicate with an invisible new friend.The Orphanage has the feel of an old horror movie, as much about what might happen as opposed to what you can see on screen. It is eerie and menacing and has some great twists and turns along the way. Horror isn't just about bloody effects and shock images, but about original storytelling and great direction.
- StarsChristopher EcclestonMark StrongGina McKeeDrama examining the politics and change across Britain from the Sixties to the Nineties seen through the varying fortunes of four friends.An epic BBC masterpiece with now household names showing their acting skills in this gritty and at times difficult story about four people growing over sixteen years. Cleverly reflecting a vibrant time in UK history, this also highlights the politics and fashions of the times. As Oasis play in the final credits and you see one of the main characters walk away, you will feel that you know these four as well as your own family.
- StarsMichael AngelisBernard HillAlan IgbonFive unemployed men would do anything just to have a job in Thatcher's Britain.A brave drama serial taking the perspective of different characters for each episode, Alan Bleasdale conveys the difficult early 80s. As powerful now as it was when it was first shown, it gave an early opportunity for the great Julie Walters to shine in the bleakness of the screen and for the down and out character of Yosser Hughes to coin the phrase 'Gis a job'.
- DirectorLars von TrierStarsBjörkCatherine DeneuveDavid MorseAn Eastern European US immigrant with a love for musicals has to cope with the gradual loss of her vision.Bjork has for a long time been both creative and quirky. Whilst other popstars provide cameos in movies, this is all about Bjork and her quiet beauty fills every scene. The story is tough and hard-going in places, but it is also incredibly rewarding.
- DirectorScott HicksStarsGeoffrey RushArmin Mueller-StahlJustin BrainePianist David Helfgott, driven by his father and teachers, has a breakdown. Years later he returns to the piano, to popular if not critical acclaim.A breakthrough for Aussie actor Geoffrey Rush partly due to the excellent true life story of young genius David Heffgott. A very personal film and one which many of us will identify with because of the pressures applied to us by our own families, this is a tender look at mental illness.
- DirectorGerald McMorrowStarsEva GreenRyan PhillippeSam RileyA portrait of the broken lives of four people (a vigilante detective, a worried parent, an awkward man looking for love and a suicidal artist) as they all struggle to cope in their religiously-dystopian city.The difficulty this film has is that it's trailer portrays a magical dark world which our hero inhabits, but this is not the case. Most of the story take place in our real world and tackles the lengths we go to in order to hide the truth. By no means is this film perfect, but it is well crafted and rewarding.
- DirectorNicolas PhilibertStarsGeorges LopezAlizéAxel ThouveninA documentary portrait of a one-room school in rural France, where the students (ranging in age from 4 to 11) are educated by a single dedicated teacher.If you have ever wondered the impact a teacher has on his pupils or the joy the student bring to the educator, then Etre et Avoir is the perfect explanation. This documentary is a slow narrative of the impact the individual has in his classroom. There is no grand plot or epic portrayals here, intact the teacher is a quiet gracious man whom is somehow largely unaware of the cameras around him. It is one of the few documentaries where I feel we are getting a largely true representation of a real person. Etre et Avoir is beautiful.
- DirectorJames McTeigueStarsHugo WeavingNatalie PortmanRupert GravesIn a future British dystopian society, a shadowy freedom fighter, known only by the alias of "V", plots to overthrow the tyrannical government - with the help of a young woman.V for Vendetta is now as much known for the mask of one of it's characters as it is for it's story these days, but this is a keen adaptation of it's source material and really feels like a true comic book brought to film. Set in a dark dystopia where the character V appears to be the only person standing in the way, this is a film set about challenging how you view your government and your media. Made by the Wachowski brothers, this may have less initial impact than the Matrix, but is perhaps much more important.
- DirectorBryan SingerStarsKevin SpaceyGabriel ByrneChazz PalminteriThe sole survivor of a pier shoot-out tells the story of how a notorious criminal influenced the events that began with five criminals meeting in a seemingly random police lineup.A brilliant whodunnit with twists and turns from the first minute to the last, the question 'who is Keyser Sose?' is the key to a vey complex lock. A great cast make up the cast, but it is Kevin Spacey's portrayal of the under scrutiny Verbal Kint that steals each scene. Singer's movie pays homage to classic film noirs from decades earlier, but adds layers seen in very few movies then and since.
- DirectorRichard KellyStarsJake GyllenhaalJena MaloneMary McDonnellAfter narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.A breakthrough for both director and lead actor, this is a film with a great story taking our difficult lead character through t wormhole theory, 80s fashions, paedophile teachers and giant rabbits. The director's cut is best, but the film is probably very different to anything you've seen. Although scifi at heart, it has a lot more and will please both indie movie fans and blockbuster goers..
- DirectorDanny PangOxide Chun PangStarsAngelica LeeChutcha RujinanonLawrence ChouA blind girl gets a cornea transplant so that she will be able to see again. She gets more than she bargained for upon realizing she can also see ghosts.Korean horror provides challenges that American movies fear to take on. Although less popular than the ring, the Eye is perhaps the most rewarding, with our main character regaining here sight only to find that she can see dead people. This curse is harrowing for our hero and the audience and each uncomfortable scene is truly brilliant to watch, the lift scene still making an impact after repeat viewings. It's final conclusion may disappoint some, but it fits well with a film culture that doesn't wrap up in the Hollywood manner and leaves the audience still asking questions long after the credits have rolled.
- DirectorGus Van SantStarsRobin WilliamsMatt DamonBen AffleckWill Hunting, a janitor at M.I.T., has a gift for mathematics, but needs help from a psychologist to find direction in his life.Before Matt Damon was showing the world how he could lead major blockbusters, he was the genius misfit in this great little movie. Written by he and Ben Afflek who also stars, the plot shows Damon facing his demons and trying to move on with his life with the help of psychiatrist Robin Williams.
Anyone who thinks Robin Williams is a one trick pony should seek out some of his more obscure films, including this one, where he shines greatest in his most understated portrayal in years. The sensitivity and genuine kindness seeps from the screen.
This is a film about growth and about dealing with the past to create a future. - DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsIvana BaqueroAriadna GilSergi LópezIn the Falangist Spain of 1944, the bookish young stepdaughter of a sadistic army officer escapes into an eerie but captivating fantasy world.Violent, fairy tale like and full of thrills along the way, this fantasy set in fascist Spain in 1944 shows young Ofelia creating a beautiful yet scary world to deal with some of the shocking violence she has seen. One of the most imaginative movies so far this century, this is truly original film making.
- DirectorMichel GondryStarsJim CarreyKate WinsletTom WilkinsonWhen their relationship turns sour, a couple undergoes a medical procedure to have each other erased from their memories forever.Jim Carrey at his best playing alongside the wonderfully kooky Kate Winslett. Carrey deals with the difficult break up of a relationship by trying to erase the memory of it. Both surreal and witty, this movie is a rare Hollywood movie whereby big stars are second to a great story.
- DirectorAlfonso CuarónStarsJulianne MooreClive OwenChiwetel EjioforIn 2027, in a chaotic world in which women have somehow become infertile, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea.A powerful film whereby an infertile world is slowly dying. The hunt for a mother able to give birth is essential for survival and this brilliantly filmed movie brings to live a gritty future landscape. This could so easily have been a glossy blockbuster movie, but this is far more impactive. Clive Owen is brilliant as the character embroiled in the middle of this violent and chaotic world, with great supporting cast in Julianne Moore and Michael Cayne. This is scifi, but will entertain everyone in a sometimes difficult journey
- DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsHugh JackmanRachel WeiszSean Patrick ThomasAs a modern-day scientist, Tommy is struggling with mortality, desperately searching for the medical breakthrough that will save the life of his cancer-stricken wife, Izzi.This film will have as many detractors as fans, but before Aranofsky made Black Swan and Noah, he tackled this epic tale of three lives in different times, one of which is in a violent Spain, and an apparent far future. Crafted beautifully and with real imagination, this for me is Aranofsky's masterpiece and gets better with each viewing.
- DirectorTerry GilliamStarsJeff BridgesRobin WilliamsAdam BryantA former radio DJ, suicidally despondent because of a terrible mistake he made, finds redemption in helping a deranged homeless man who was an unwitting victim of that mistake.When a DJ's comments cause an unhinged listener to go on a shooting spree, he ends up a broken man looking for repentance which comes in the form of a homeless man who is connected to the tragedy. Gilliam's trademarks are here, including colourful imagery and a study of madness. Although not without it's flaws, this is a wonderful film.
- DirectorMichael PolishStarsDuel FarnesNick NolteAnthony EdwardsSet in 1955, the residents of a small Montana community are forced to move their homes to make way for a new dam.
- CreatorPatrick McGoohanStarsPatrick McGoohanAngelo MuscatPeter SwanwickAfter he resigns, a secret agent is abducted and taken to what looks like an idyllic village, but is actually a bizarre prison. He refuses to give his warders information while attempting to escape.Perhaps the original surreal drama, The Prisoner tells the story of an agent who is displaced to 'the village' inhabited by other mystery people known only by number. The village is governed by a series of people in command named 'Number 2' who try to break our hero 'Number 6'. The real mystery across the one series, is who is number 1?
A hybrid of 60s spy series and surreal allegory, The Prisoner defined drama for a generation. - DirectorAndré ØvredalStarsOtto JespersenRobert StoltenbergKnut NærumA group of students investigates a series of mysterious bear killings, but learns that there are much more dangerous things going on. They start to follow a mysterious hunter, learning that he is actually a troll hunter.When Blair Witch created the home camera movie genre, it spawned hundreds of clones and continues to drive people to cinemas. Troll Hunter is different. As well as being set in Norway, it veers away from poltergeist and ghost stories, to trolls. It's great fun all the way and revitalises a genre that is otherwise tired.
- CreatorJ.J. AbramsJeffrey LieberDamon LindelofStarsJorge GarciaJosh HollowayYunjin KimThe survivors of a plane crash are forced to work together in order to survive on a seemingly deserted tropical island.Lost was groundbreaking TV providing the noughties with it's Twin Peaks style drama. Season one started the mystery of a plane crashing on a strange island filled with mystery and the 'others'. Led by doctor Shepherd, the new inhabitants struggle to unravel the mysteries of the island. Whilst season one is as good as TV gets, subsequent series fail to recapture that magic and the conclusion disappointed many fans who stuck out the six seasons. It is still imaginative and challenging TV, and TV companies have failed to launch series that have matched the mystique of Lost.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsLiam NeesonRalph FiennesBen KingsleyIn German-occupied Poland during World War II, industrialist Oskar Schindler gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis.
- DirectorDean DeBloisStarsAmiinaHildur ArsaelsdottirJon Thor BirgissonIn the summer of 2006, Sigur Rós returned home to play a series of free, unannounced concerts for the people of Iceland.
- DirectorAndrew NiccolStarsEthan HawkeUma ThurmanJude LawA genetically inferior man assumes the identity of a superior one in order to pursue his lifelong dream of space travel.
- DirectorJeff NicholsStarsMichael ShannonJessica ChastainShea WhighamPlagued by a series of apocalyptic visions, a young husband and father questions whether to shelter his family from a coming storm, or from himself.
- DirectorMike CahillStarsBrit MarlingWilliam MapotherMatthew-Lee ErlbachOn the night of the discovery of a duplicate Earth in the Solar system, an ambitious young student and an accomplished composer cross paths in a tragic accident.
- DirectorMarc CaroJean-Pierre JeunetStarsRon PerlmanDaniel EmilforkJudith VittetA scientist in a surrealist society kidnaps children to steal their dreams, hoping that they slow his aging process.
- DirectorMarc CaroJean-Pierre JeunetStarsMarie-Laure DougnacDominique PinonPascal BenezechPost-apocalyptic surrealist black comedy about the landlord of an apartment building who occasionally prepares a delicacy for his odd tenants.
- DirectorWoody AllenStarsOwen WilsonRachel McAdamsKathy BatesWhile on a trip to Paris with his fiancée's family, a nostalgic screenwriter finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920s every day at midnight.
- DirectorDuncan JonesStarsSam RockwellKevin SpaceyDominique McElligottAstronaut Sam Bell has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the Moon, where he, working alongside his computer, GERTY, sends back to Earth parcels of a resource that has helped diminish our planet's power problems.
- DirectorMichael RadfordStarsJohn HurtRichard BurtonSuzanna HamiltonIn a totalitarian future society, a man, whose daily work is re-writing history, tries to rebel by falling in love.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsKevin CostnerGary OldmanJack LemmonNew Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison discovers there's more to the Kennedy assassination than the official story.
- DirectorOlivier NakacheÉric ToledanoStarsFrançois CluzetOmar SyAnne Le NyAfter he becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident, an aristocrat hires a young man from the projects to be his caregiver.
- DirectorDavid MackenzieStarsEwan McGregorEva GreenLauren TempanyA chef and a scientist fall in love as an epidemic begins to rob people of their sensory perceptions.