MovieChat Forums > La grande bellezza (2014) Discussion > Best film I've ever seen.

Best film I've ever seen.

posted 10 years ago by Just_Opinions
10 replies | jump to latest

I don’t mean to come off arrogant with such a title as who really cares what ‘one’ person thinks of any given movie. But after reviewing over 5,000 films, I am not one to casually declare such lofty praise to every great recent film I’ve seen. In fact, I’ve maintained with steadfast conviction that The Godfather would always be my favorite film, and that had not changed over the span of reviewing my first film on this site until now.

What’s more, the first 30-40 minutes of this film had me thinking it was one of the worst films I would see. And the movie didn’t really change course after that, but rather, the claws that it slowly and continually sunk into my psyche would change my perception of what I was fortunate enough to be experiencing.

I won’t go on and on about every seen, or any scene for that matter. I’ll just say that I never thought one film could be so insightful and so successfully capture the human condition. It so perceptively articulated the mindset of human beings and their longings, insecurities, boredoms, regrets, sentimentalities, curiosities, disappointments, jealousies, aspirations, and just about every other intense thought and emotions of our daily lives.

The mood and atmosphere of the movie was very artistic and beyond eloquent. Furthermore, I thought this film was visually stunning and the score was equally ‘beautiful’.

[–] emvan 10 years ago

I think this is a perfectly defensible position. Any masterpiece can be someone's #1, and this is a rather amazing masterpiece.

I happened to pick up my ex-wife / best friend, also a major movie buff, after seeing this for the second time, and I told her it was "about everything." You actually provided the list! We'll see it in April -- on a double bill with La Dolce Vita! (Brattle Theater, Cambridge, Mass.)

I had it as my 64th favorite film after one viewing, and very, very few movies have moved up as much (at least to 36, maybe as high as 29) on a second viewing as much as this one.

Prepare your minds for a new scale of physical, scientific values, gentlemen.

[–] kpd0943 10 years ago

I feel the same way. It is huge.

[–] xdiesp_six 10 years ago

Hey OP, do you have a review up for the movie somewhere?

[–] Just_Opinions 10 years ago

I do not have a review of the movie anywhere. Quite frankly, I can't imagine being able to review this film and giving it the proper justice that it deserves. The film is SUCH an 'experience'. In my opinion, no words could begin to capture the exploration of one's mind that this movie will engender.

[–] ozzieink 10 years ago

The film is SUCH an 'experience'.

What’s more, the first 30-40 minutes of this film had me thinking it was one of the worst films I would see.

Thank goodness I found this thread among the many filled with personal attacks. Every time I see a film I come here afterward to read what others think of it. And often (as in the case with this film) I don't understand why folks can't disagree without personally attacking the opposition's intelligence or lack of.

I can understand why the response to this film is divided. There are films I give up on after 20-30 minutes, and sometimes I revisit them many years later and appreciate them. But for me that long dance club scene captivated me from its first moments. And yes, I thought immediately of Fellini.

[–] jakdstew 10 years ago

It's one of the best I've seen. It's visually stunning, thought-provoking, cynical yet optimistic in an odd way. I'll go on record and predict that this film will be considered one of the finest ever made 30+ years from now. I mean on the same level as Fellini's best works.

[–] BwlBoy 8 years ago

"I'll go on record and predict that this film will be considered one of the finest ever made 30+ years from now."

A very brave statement but one which I personally don't think will stand the test.

The most Fellini-esque film I can recall having seen since the great genius.

It has a fabulous soundtrack.

It does a very good job of showcasing Italy for what it is, the most beautiful country on Earth even though I've never been.

There are some scenes of magnificent beauty particularly the balcony scene with the flamingo.

I agree about it being thought provoking particularly in some of the dialogue. None more so than the closing lines.

"It always ends like this. With death. But first there was life. Hidden behind the blah, blah, blah. All is settled beneath the chitter chatter and the noise. Silence and feelings. Emotion and fear. The sparse, inconstant splashes of beauty and then the wretched squalor and miserable humanity, all buried under the cover of the embarrassment of being in the world. Beyond is what lies beyond. I don't concern myself with what lies beyond therefore let this novel begin. After all, it's just a trick."

I would never criticise anyone who lauds this film however it's not one I think I'll want to re-visit.

[–] anthonyjohnFReynolds 10 years ago

I loved it too. Watching this film was like eating and drinking ; and I didn't want it to end.

"ah have always depended upon the strangeness of kindness..."

[–] buzios 9 years ago

After reading so many negative comments it is so comforting to find someone else who saw the true beauty in this film. Like you I was unsure in the first 30 minutes and like you I was thereafter captivated. I hardly ever watch films a second time but this is one I probably will as I was so moved by its beauty. It is sad that so many people don't get it - but each to his own I guess.

[–] movie80 8 years ago

I have added this movie to my Watch List.