The Great Movie Tournament - 1990s: Round 1 - Group 7 of 32

[mae]

During the first round of The Great Movie Tournament, please vote for up to six films you would like to move onto the next round. The top six films will be moving on. Keep in mind that the percentage of the vote a given film receives will determine its standing going forward.

The poll will run for seven days. Discussion is greatly encouraged!

The nominees are (please let me know if any video doesn't play for you):


https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Ringu_%281998%29_Japanese_theatrical_poster.jpg/220px-Ringu_%281998%29_Japanese_theatrical_poster.jpg
Ring (1998) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_%28film%29)
Directed by Hideo Nakata


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9Z-MOqAvtY

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/dc/As_good_as_it_gets.jpg/220px-As_good_as_it_gets.jpg
As Good as It Gets (1997) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/As_Good_as_It_Gets)
Directed by James L. Brooks


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrRl2QQKkI8

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fd/In_the_line_of_fireposter.jpg/220px-In_the_line_of_fireposter.jpg
In the Line of Fire (1993) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Line_of_Fire)
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHleKMI3Lgg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/82/The_Rock_%28movie%29.jpg/220px-The_Rock_%28movie%29.jpg
The Rock (1996) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rock_%28film%29)
Directed by Michael Bay


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI6Mbg_bMzQ

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/52/Funny_Games1997.jpg/220px-Funny_Games1997.jpg
Funny Games (1997) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funny_Games_%281997_film%29)
Directed by Michael Haneke


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rzfAkTZq5Y

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/70/Bram_Stoker%27s_Draula_%281992_film%29.jpg/220px-Bram_Stoker%27s_Draula_%281992_film%29.jpg
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bram_Stoker%27s_Dracula)
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiWsfO5HjEo

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/67/Forrest_Gump_poster.jpg/220px-Forrest_Gump_poster.jpg
Forrest Gump (1994) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forrest_Gump)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLvqoHBptjg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/76/The_Fisher_King_Poster.jpg/220px-The_Fisher_King_Poster.jpg
The Fisher King (1991) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fisher_King)
Directed by Terry Gilliam


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyKGLSKXZkw

[fernandito]

"How do you write Women so well?

... I think of a Man, and I take away reason, and accountability."

[mae]

Funnily enough, this just popped up:

https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=24545

Arrow Video has released an official trailer for the new 4K restoration of Hideo Nakata's horror thriller Ring (1998), starring Hitomi Satô, Yûko Takeuchi, Hiroyuki Sanada, Nanako Matsushima, and Miki Nakatani.

The new restoration will be screened in select cinemas across the United Kingdom on March 1. It will be released on Blu-ray on March 18.

Arrow Video is proud to present the genre-defining trilogy – Ring, the film that started it all, plus Hideo Nakata's chilling sequel, Ring 2, and the haunting origin story, Ring 0 – as well as the 'lost' original sequel, George Iida's Spiral, gathered together in glorious high definition and supplemented by a wealth of archival and newly created bonus materials.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdmTgulEJ-E

[Still Servant]

I'm a little surprised Absolute Power didn't get nominated. I kind of think of both In the Line of Fire and Absolute Power together a lot of the time.

[Randall Flagg]

I refused to vote for (the charming and entertaining) Forest Gump. Just couldn't assist a movie that won best picture over Pulp Fiction. I figured it would also be fine without my help.

[Still Servant]

I refused to vote for (the charming and entertaining) Forest Gump. Just couldn't assist a movie that won best picture over Pulp Fiction. I figured it would also be fine without my help.

That's fair.

[Mattrick]

Shawshank should've won Best Picture over Forrest Gump though :o

Now Inglourious Basterds...that should've won Best Picture!

[Jean]

A fantastic bracket. Funny Games, As Good As It Gets and, of course, Forrest Gump.

Funny Games are desperately losing; I don't know if I am surprised and, frankly, don't even know if I am sad about it.

[Heather19]

I voted for Funny Games, although I will say that I thought it was a little hard to watch concerning the subject matter. And I'm not sure I even really loved it. But it was a well made film. And I didn't have much else to vote for in this bracket so it got my vote.

[mae]

It's a tough watch for sure, but a brilliant film.

[T-Dogz_AK47]

Keanu Reeves in Bram Stoker's Dracula....

"I'm in Dracula's castle..... Wooooooaahh."

[amd013]

I'm a little surprised Absolute Power didn't get nominated. I kind of think of both In the Line of Fire and Absolute Power together a lot of the time.

I debated about it for a long time, but decided although I like it (and own the DVD), it was just too borderline. Also In the Line of Fire took a long time to be seconded, so I feared this would too.

[fernandito]

I voted for Funny Games, although I will say that I thought it was a little hard to watch concerning the subject matter. And I'm not sure I even really loved it. But it was a well made film. And I didn't have much else to vote for in this bracket so it got my vote.

Unsettling you was Haneke's intention. We're so riveted by violence in cinema that he took that enthrallment and twisted it to sinister proportions and locks you inside of it. Even the way the cramped way the film is shot is meant to keep you trapped in the violence with no way out.

The remote scene and the main character getting into the car with the killer was his way of saying "No no no, where are you going? You wanted violence? Well here it is."

My gosh, what a great film.

[Heather19]

So true. Now I'm feeling uneasy just thinking about that movie :lol:

[webstar1000]

I voted for Funny Games, although I will say that I thought it was a little hard to watch concerning the subject matter. And I'm not sure I even really loved it. But it was a well made film. And I didn't have much else to vote for in this bracket so it got my vote.

Unsettling you was Haneke's intention. We're so riveted by violence in cinema that he took that enthrallment and twisted it to sinister proportions and locks you inside of it. Even the way the cramped way the film is shot is meant to keep you trapped in the violence with no way out.

The remote scene and the main character getting into the car with the killer was his way of saying "No no no, where are you going? You wanted violence? Well here it is."

My gosh, what a great film.

I have never seen this Funny Games... worth a watch then eh?

[mae]

Most definitely. And the remake is actually on par if not better, in my personal opinion. It's literally shot for shot, but feels fresh.

[webstar1000]

Most definitely. And the remake is actually on par if not better, in my personal opinion. It's literally shot for shot, but feels fresh.

ironically I looked them up and it has a worst Rotten Tomatoes rating... so watch 2007 version you think?

[mae]

Hard to say. Could be a cool experience to watch both back to back.

[Still Servant]

Roth and Watts have reunited for their upcoming film Luce: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7616148/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_8

[fernandito]

Most definitely. And the remake is actually on par if not better, in my personal opinion. It's literally shot for shot, but feels fresh.

ironically I looked them up and it has a worst Rotten Tomatoes rating... so watch 2007 version you think?

Like Mae mentioned, you could really watch either one as they're essentially shot for shot identical.

I like the actors for the English version better, but watching it in German gives it an extra dimension.. that feeling of being far removed from safety and at the mercy of hostile forces you can't comprehend.

[Still Servant]

Most definitely. And the remake is actually on par if not better, in my personal opinion. It's literally shot for shot, but feels fresh.

ironically I looked them up and it has a worst Rotten Tomatoes rating... so watch 2007 version you think?

Like Mae mentioned, you could really watch either one as they're essentially shot for shot identical.

I like the actors for the English version better, but watching it in German gives it an extra dimension.. that feeling of being far removed from safety and at the mercy of hostile forces you can't comprehend.

The German language certainly adds to the violent nature of the film. :lol:

[Heather19]

I vote for the original, but they really are essentially the same just different actors. Wonder why it has a rotten score? I'm really surprised by that. I always thought it was revered as a great film?

[fernandito]

Well the original has a decent RT score, but the remake is rotten. People just have deep-seated ill will towards remakes I guess.

To be frank I'm a little surprised that Haneke directed this shot for shot remake of his own film that adds nothing contextually or visually to the original.

[Heather19]

Oh ok, that makes more sense. And I also have never understood why he remade the film either.

[Jean]

Probably because he wanted people who live in the USA have a go at watching at least one film of his. I may be wrong, but it seems to me that people there tend to avoid anything branded "foreign film" like a plague. As if it was a genre - and of foul repute, at that.

[Still Servant]

Probably because he wanted people who live in the USA have a go at watching at least one film of his. I may be wrong, but it seems to me that people there tend to avoid anything branded "foreign film" like a plague. As if it was a genre - and of foul repute, at that.

Correctomundo! Many Americans hate reading subtitles, which is weird because those same people spend all day reading stuff on Twitter and Facebook.

Then again, Game of Thrones is hugely popular and it features a lot of subtitles.

[mae]

Not me! I love movies from all corners of the world. In fact, a goal of mine is to see at least one film from each nation.

[Still Servant]

Not me! I love movies from all corners of the world. In fact, a goal of mine is to see at least one film from each nation.

Yeah, I have no problem with foreign films. My mom works in the language lab at that aforementioned school. For years, she's been bringing me home foreign films that they watch in class. I sometimes recommend films they should watch in class.

[Hunchback Jack]

No love for The Fisher King? Bummer. I thought it was a damn fine movie.

[Jean]

No love for The Fisher King? Bummer. I thought it was a damn fine movie.I can't believe I missed it!!!!!!!!!! http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_shocked.gif (http://s91.photobucket.com/user/mishemplushem/media/Facilitation/bear_shocked.gif.html)http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_shocked.gif (http://s91.photobucket.com/user/mishemplushem/media/Facilitation/bear_shocked.gif.html)http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_shocked.gif (http://s91.photobucket.com/user/mishemplushem/media/Facilitation/bear_shocked.gif.html) I suppose I wasn't scrolling far enough. Really really idiotic of bears, who love everything Gilliam.

Mae!!! :rose: I believe there is a way to help an old, blind and confused bear? and he will promise to be more careful next time!

[mae]

Yes, I can add a vote when doing totals, don’t worry!

[Randall Flagg]

I added the vote.

[Jean]

thank you friends!!! http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearmood_cheerful.gif (http://s91.photobucket.com/user/mishemplushem/media/Facilitation/bearmood_cheerful.gif.html)http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearmood_cheerful.gif (http://s91.photobucket.com/user/mishemplushem/media/Facilitation/bearmood_cheerful.gif.html)http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearmood_cheerful.gif (http://s91.photobucket.com/user/mishemplushem/media/Facilitation/bearmood_cheerful.gif.html)

[fernandito]

funny games. :(

[Still Servant]

funny games. :(

Don't despair! Funny Games will be back in the next tournament.

Actually, so will The Ring. Am I the only one that finds it interesting that Naomi Watts is in both American remakes of those films?

Yes? Okay then.

[Heather19]

And another group where the 2 films I vote for are not going to make it on :(

[webstar1000]

funny games. :(

Don't despair! Funny Games will be back in the next tournament.

Actually, so will The Ring. Am I the only one that finds it interesting that Naomi Watts is in both American remakes of those films?

Yes? Okay then.

I watched the 2007 one and was not as big a fan as I thought I would be. I may try the 95 one...

[amd013]

Probably because he wanted people who live in the USA have a go at watching at least one film of his. I may be wrong, but it seems to me that people there tend to avoid anything branded "foreign film" like a plague. As if it was a genre - and of foul repute, at that.

Correctomundo! Many Americans hate reading subtitles, which is weird because those same people spend all day reading stuff on Twitter and Facebook.

Then again, Game of Thrones is hugely popular and it features a lot of subtitles.

Well its not the reading part that is the issue. Its the fact you have to focus your vision to the lower part of the screen for a large portion of the movie, and normally this is the least interesting part of the scene. If you risk it and start looking at the center, you may miss the dialog and find your self skimming it to read it before it disappears from the screen.

The amount of subtitles on GoT is really a small percentage.

[Jean]

And another group where the 2 films I vote for are not going to make it on :(story of our lives...

I thought Funny Games might attract some interest at least because they contain the most horrific murder scene I can imagine (I mean the very last in the movie)

[Iwritecode]

My wife refuses to watch anything with subtitles because she is simply a slow reader. They come up on the screen and she might get halfway through before it disappears. I'm a pretty fast reader and even I miss some of the words sometimes.

Plus as mentioned above, you miss out on actually watching the movie if you are staring at the bottom of the screen the entire time.

[Heather19]

My boyfriend has that same issue. I've gotten him to watch some subtitled movies but most of the time I can't let him know it's a foreign film or he won't want to watch it.

I'm the exact opposite though. I love foreign movies, and maybe it's because I've watched a bunch, but subtitles have never inhibited my viewing. I can read what's written and I can still watch everything that's going on in the picture.

[mae]

I'm just like Heather, been watching foreign films since the '90s so it's not an issue for me at all. If you disregard foreign films as a whole based on subtitles, you would be missing out on so many great films. Sure Hollywood makes great films, but world cinema is larger than that and I couldn't live with just English-language movies.

[Still Servant]

My boyfriend has that same issue. I've gotten him to watch some subtitled movies but most of the time I can't let him know it's a foreign film or he won't want to watch it.

I'm the exact opposite though. I love foreign movies, and maybe it's because I've watched a bunch, but subtitles have never inhibited my viewing. I can read what's written and I can still watch everything that's going on in the picture.

Yeah, I understand what some of the others are saying, but like most things, I think you have to get used to it. The more subtitled films you watch, the more you get used to reading and taking in the visuals of the scene. It takes some practice for sure.

I will take it a step further, I watch all my Netflix shows with subtitles on regardless.

[mae]

The poll has closed. The following six titles are moving on to the next round:


Forrest Gump (75.86%)
The Rock (75.86%)
As Good As It Gets (51.72%)
Bram Stoker's Dracula (41.38%)
In the Line of Fire (37.93%)
The Fisher King (34.48%)


And the following two titles have been eliminated:


Ring (24.14%)
Funny Games (17.24%)

[Jean]

oooohhhhhhhhhh sorrow