I’m not a huge movie fan, but I want to broaden my horizons a bit. I’ll offer my list (that I’ve rewatched so many times I’m a bit tired of them):

  • Young Poisoner’s Handbook

  • Full Metal Jacket

  • Life of Brian

  • Holy Grail

  • Sunset Boulevard

  • Curse of the Golden Flower

  • The Nightingale

  • Downfall

  • Amadeus

  • Once Were Warriors

  • Dusk to Dawn

  • FritzApollo@lemmy.todayOP
    2·
    4 days ago

    I watched Kes and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest… both pretty grim. Jack Nicholson was great in his role. I wish Kes had a happier ending, that was hard to watch. But both great movies. Tempted to try Lawrence of Arabia next…

    • memfree@piefed.socialEnglish
      2·
      4 days ago

      Oh no! I’m sorry. Looking back at my list, I guess most of it IS on the dark side. I mean, Bergman is unavoidably dark and people joke about Herzog’s bitter nihlism, but I didn’t mean be a downer, I hope I didn’t ruin any evenings. I cry uncontrollably at Kes, but I also love it. 400 Blows is equally depressing, but Kes is closer to my heart (professional critics will tell you 400 Blows is a more important film). Ring of Bright Water is a somewhat lighter take on animal bonding and loss about a man and his otter but it is only a so-so film.

      You will notice The Princess Bride got recommended repeatedly, That is a happier, family friendly film that is sure to put a person in a better mood. Some Terry Gilliam is lighter, but save Brazil for when you’re once again ready for ‘grim’ (great flick, though – and you could theoretically ignore the intended ending by picking an alternate cut).

      • FritzApollo@lemmy.todayOP
        2·
        3 days ago

        It’s good to explore dark themes and be sad sometimes, I just wish Kes went for another 10 minutes and end on a different note. I’m bouncing off everyone’s suggestions to maintain the variety. Still exploring your list!

        • memfree@piefed.socialEnglish
          1·
          3 days ago

          If you have a cable company that carries Turner Classic Movies, their schedule shows they’ll be airing these Kipling inspired items on Wednesday night/Thursday morning (times in EDT):

          • 3:15 AM The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
          • 5:45 AM Gunga Din (1939) Despite my apprecication of Cary Grant as an actor, I’m less fond of Gunga Din compared to The Man Who Would Be King, but Gunga Din is worth seeing once for reference. Kim and various Jungle Book movies are better Kipling choices IMO, but since Gunga Din is a poem instead of a whole story, I can’t blame Kipling for the movie plot.

          Though I’ve belted you and flayed you,
          By the livin’ Gawd that made you,
          You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din!