My Top 5 Favorite Movies

One of my readers specifically asked for movie recommendations. I totally forgot about it but I hope this makes up for it. I included in this list only those that shook me to the core and those that I absolutely would watch over and over again.

So here are my top 5 favorite movies:

1. Qiyamah

Director: Gutierrez Mangansakan II

Writer: Gutierrez Mangansakan II (scriptwriter)

Stars: Bein Ali Unayan, Mayka B. Lintongan, Dax Alejandro 

This movie is the most memorable movie I have watched. It made me feel things that I have not felt before. The fear I felt when I watched this has got me ugly-crying.

I remember clearly that time I watched Qiyamah. That time, there was a cinematheque in Marawi City funded by Film Development Council of the Philippines. I was friends with the Cinematheque management and they were kind enough to let me view the movie with my best friend Jo.

Imagine the two of us in the dark movie house, watching a movie that told a story of the end of the world in black and white, what it would look like in a rural area in Mindanao. It was a spiritual experience. The two of us cried our hearts out.

2. The Prestige

The Prestige is a total mind f*ck movie. It is about two magicians that have a personal grudge against each other, trying to outsmart each other. After a tragic accident, they engage in a battle to create the ultimate illusion whilst sacrificing everything they have to outwit the other. The twists and turns of this movie kept me on edge. It was so stressful to watch. But man, was it so good! I was never able to guess what's coming yet every clue was there, out in the open, all along.

I won't spoil any more about the plot, I say, just watch it in HD preferably,  take note of the details, and see if you can dodge the curveball. I guarantee you won't be able to predict the ending.

Director: Christopher Nolan

Writers: Jonathan Nolan (screenplay), Christopher Nolan (screenplay)

Stars: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson

3. Bajirao Mastani

I am a fan of Bollywood movies especially those that showcase the grandeur of the culture of the diverse people of India. A lot of the Bollywood movies I've seen are a little corny if you know what I mean. There is no subtlety when it comes to Bollywood, that's my impression. 

Bajirao Mastani is my absolute favorite Bollywood movie because of how aesthetically pleasing it is. The set, the costume, are all done to perfection. Unlike other Bollywood movies that explode in a riot of saturated colors, Bajirao Mastani is tamed and muted. 

Bajirao Mastani is about the romance between the Maratha general, Baji Rao I, who is already married, and Mastani, princess of Bundelkhand.

Another reason why I love this movie is that of two shallow reasons: I am in love with Deepika's face and I regularly listen to the song numbers in this movie. In my opinion, the song and dance numbers here are one of the best out there. 

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Writers: Nagnath S. Inamdar (novel), Sanjay Leela Bhansali 

Stars: Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone

4. Curse of the Golden Flower

During China's Tang dynasty, the Emperor has taken the princess of a neighboring province as wife. She has borne him two sons and raised his eldest. His wife has an affair with his eldest son while she plots with her biological son to overthrow the Emperor. 

I love this movie on so many levels. The plot is layered. The grandiosity of the sets and the rich colors play off the tension in the strained familial ties. I love how despite the lavishness of the palace, it made me feel like it is oppressive and stuffy like it's choking me. 

Director: Yimou Zhang

Writers: Zhi-Hong Bian, Yu Cao (play) 

Stars: Yun-Fat Chow, Li Gong, Jay Chou 

5. Elizabeth The Gold Age

Cate Blanchett may have been Queen Elizabeth herself resurrected as she did justice the character of one of the world's greatest leaders--Queen Elizabeth I of. The feminist in me screams yes girl to this movie.  

The Golden Age is a sequel to an earlier movie starred by the same actress. This installment focuses on the war between Spain and England when Spain denuded its forests to build a great Armada. It is also about how the queen endures multiple crises late in her reign including court intrigues, an assassination plot, and romantic disappointments.

I got a high from watching a woman take charge and win a war--especially a single woman who doesn't need a man. Before girl power was a thing, Elizabeth was 'it'.

Director: Shekhar Kapur

Writers: William Nicholson, Michael Hirst

Stars: Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen, Geoffrey Rush

Comment down below if you've watched these films and if you have movie recommendations for me. :)