The last 2 decades have seen some of the best films in cinema. Some of these films have become truly iconic which are liked by all kinds of people whether they are cinephiles, regular audiences, or filmmakers themselves. These films have everything that could possibly make a film iconic i.e, interesting plot, good background score, heart-touching dialogues, and emotions along with the best visuals.
Here are 4 films that are modern but have been added to the list of a masterpiece in no time.
1. Manchester By The Sea
After the death of his elder brother, Lee Chandler becomes the sole guardian of his brother’s teenage son, Patrick. Due to this, Lee leaves his job as a janitor in Boston and goes to Machester-By-The-Sea where his family had lived for generations. Moving there, Lee is forced to deal with the dark past of his life. The time where he got separated from his wife, Randi, and the community where he was raised.
Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester By The Sea takes the viewers in Kenneth’s world of languid emotions and wittiness. The film takes a different shape from old Hollywood’s idea of “Life Goes On”. It does not surrender itself to the cliche. Lonergan authentically portrays the frustration and grief that is perpetual and is not ending anytime soon.
2. Spirited Away
A 10-year-old Chihiro with her parents trips to an abandoned amusement park. Reaching there, Chihiro’s parents turn into giant pigs. In search of the answers, Chihiro meets the mysterious soul Haku. The soul explains to Chihiro that the amusement park is a resort for the soul who needs a break from their time spent in the earthly realm. In order to release herself and her parents, Chihiro starts working there.
Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away is one of the traditionally animated films to win a non-technical oscar. It is the highest-grossing film in Japan and the best film of the 21st century. The film reflected empowerment, justice, and respect in society. It also portrayed platonic love between males and females.
3. Mulholland Drive
Rita, a dark-haired woman becomes amnesiac when she gets into a car crash. She takes refuge in an apartment after wandering on the streets of Los Angeles. Rita discovers a midwestern blond woman, Betty who has come to L.A. in hope of seeking fame as an actress. The two together struggles in finding Rita’s mysterious identity back.
Mulholland Drive is directed by David Lynch. The film shows the filthy and corrupted environment of Hollywood. Lynch has set the bar of ambiguity too high which has allowed the audience to interpret the story in their way. The film really gives a push to the audience to think.
4. Saving Private Ryan
In order to find Private James Ryan, Captain John Miller takes his men behind enemy lines. The troop finds that Ryan’s three brothers have been killed in combat. While finding Ryan, surrounded by brutal realities of war, each man takes a trip on self-discovery. They find their own strength in order to deal with a future situation with honor and respect.
Steven Speilberg’s Saving Private Ryan is a true representation of the horrors of war. The film shows the concept of sacrifice, self-doubt, and patriotism. The story is set in the era of World War II with the ideal representation of the time with murders, brutality, and suffering.
