Dirty Dozen - my favourite movies

I haven’t been doing any of the musical lists, because I don’t really listen to enough music in a systematic way to make the list of top albums, top country songs, top classical songs, etc.

I am not a huge fan of movies either, but if I break it up systematically, I may just be able to think of a dozen movies that have affected me in some way or the other.

Sound of Music – the first movie I ever saw, or to be more accurate, the first movie I did not see. Apparently my parents took me to see the movie when I was really young, and my father spend most of the movie minding me outside the hall, while my mother enjoyed the movie. I do have very vague memories of that experience, have much more vivid memories of singing the songs when I was a .little older, and of finally seeing (and enjoying) the movie when I was in my late teens.

Benji – the first movie I remember watching. I grew up in this really small town without movies (or TV), so my film-watching was restricted to the summer holidays when we visited my grandparents in the city. I must have been eight when my father took me to watch Benji, and I dreamt about his exploits for several months after that.

Where Eagles Dare – my father and I watched this movie when I was a teen. He was a huge fan of action movies, and did his best to get me interested in the genre- with mixed results (I watch action movies, but often close my eyes during the key moments). Great memories because of the bonding time I spent with my father.

Roman Holiday and/ or My Fair Lady- no list of mine could be complete without at least one movie starring Audrey Hepburn. Should it be the memorable movie about the Princess who wants an adventure or the equally memorable one of the flower girl who acts as a princess- that is the question. Since I know most of the dialogues of the latter, maybe that wins out.

Singing in the Rain- I love musicals, and this is perhaps the best of its genere. Can anyone ever dance better than Gene Kelly? ‘nuff said. I also had this cassette, and could sing along to most of the songs

My Cousin Vinny- it was a toss up between this and Legally Blond. There has to be at least one movie on the list which turns the stereotypes about dumb bimbettes on its head. This won out because who expects a girl like that to know so much about cars?

Kanchenjunga – one of Satyajit Ray’s less acclaimed films, it is nonetheless my favourite. Powerful performances, unusual story-line, and a beautiful locale well captured. What more could anyone ask for?

Usual Suspects – one of my husband’s favourite movies, he challenged me to try and guess the end. I love the movie because I guessed the end about 15 minutes before it was finally revealed, and never tired of reminding him of the fact.

Matrix –another movie I saw with my hubby. He like most people I know liked the movie for its visual effects, but complained of not quite getting the storyline. I loved the story line, and loved the movie. But both the sequels disappointed.

Princess Diaries – I read the book when I was pregnant with my first child, and couldn’t’ resist the temptation to pick up the movie when it I saw it at a music store. Have seen it dozens of times with my kids, and love the movie for all the wonderful memories it brings back.

Mary Poppins – strangely, I watched this movie for the first time only a few years back. You have songs, you have dances, you have fantasy, you have Julie Andrews. Can anyone want more? I often sing many of the songs with the kids.

Madagascar – I am emotionally attached to this movie, because it was the first one I watched in a theater with both my kids. The screening had been organized by my older one’s school, and he got the tickets for the show himself! It is also a lovely story of friendship and loyalty.




Thank you, Alex J Cavanaugh for organizing this, and forcing me to relive some of my favourite movies. And for all the wonderful bloggers who have been blogging about their favourite movies - you gave me the confidence to attempt this.