Intelligent Movies

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film directed and written by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The film tells the story of banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover. Throughout his time in prison, Andy befriends fellow inmate Red (Morgan Freeman) and finds himself protected by the warden, who takes a liking to him. Despite the harsh realities of prison life, Andy never loses hope and eventually finds a way to escape. The film chronicles his journey of redemption, friendship, and hope.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis
Rated R

Pulp Fiction is an iconic crime film directed by Quentin Tarantino and released in 1994. The movie follows the lives of two mob hit men, Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, as well as the daily lives of a gangster, boxer, and a pair of diner robbers. The movie shows how the characters' lives intersect and the consequences of their choices. The movie is non-linear in structure, with multiple storylines interwoven throughout. The movie is highly acclaimed for its darkly humorous dialogue, innovative story structure, and its ensemble cast which includes John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, and Samuel L. Jackson. The movie is considered one of Tarantino's best works and has been praised for its cinematic style, cultural references, and its depiction of violence.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe
Rated PG-13

Inception is a 2010 science fiction action film written, co-produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan, who also produced the film with his wife, Emma Thomas. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a professional thief who steals information by infiltrating the subconscious of his targets. His skill has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. The film's main plot follows Dom Cobb (DiCaprio) and his team of dream-sharing experts who are hired to perform corporate espionage by entering the subconscious of their targets and extracting valuable information through a shared dream world. To complicate matters, Cobb's team must perform “inception,” a process that requires the planting of an idea in the target’s mind, in order to complete the mission. As the team attempts to perform the task and evade their pursuers, Cobb struggles to confront his past, come to terms with his guilt, and accept the consequences of his actions. Inception's complicated plot and innovative visuals have created a critically acclaimed film that has gone on to become a modern classic. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $800

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Robert Zemeckis. Based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom, the film stars Tom Hanks as the titular character, a mentally challenged man who witnesses, and in some cases influences, some of the defining events of the 20th century in the United States. The story depicts several decades in the life of Forrest Gump, including his childhood in Greenbow, Alabama; his experience with bullying; his service in the United States Army; his meeting with John F. Kennedy; his success as a shrimp boat captain; and his relationship with his best friend, Jenny. The cast also includes Robin Wright as Jenny, Gary Sinise as Lieutenant Dan Taylor, Sally Field as Forrest’s mother, and Mykelti Williamson as Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $677 million worldwide during its theatrical run and becoming the highest-grossing film of 1994. It was nominated for several awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Hanks, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Visual Effects, and Best Film Editing. It won

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Prestige is a 2006 psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. Set in late 19th century London, the film follows two rival magicians, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman), as they become involved in a dangerous competition to create the ultimate magical performance. As their rivalry intensifies, they resort to unethical practices to gain the upper hand, including stealing one another's secrets and sabotaging performances. The two magicians eventually become consumed by their quest for the perfect trick, leading to a tragic and shocking conclusion.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Rated R

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean psychological thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook. The film follows Oh Dae-su, a man who is inexplicably kidnapped and imprisoned in a strange, private prison for 15 years. Upon his release, he embarks on an obsessive mission to discover the identity of his captor and the reason behind his imprisonment. He soon finds out that his captor is out to exact a twisted form of revenge on him. With the help of a young woman, Mido, Oh Dae-su must solve the mystery of his captivity and confront his captor in a dramatic showdown. Along the way, he discovers the truth about his past and the hidden motivations behind his captor's actions.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 darkly satirical film directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Anthony Burgess. The film follows the story of Alex (Malcolm McDowell), a charismatic, sociopathic delinquent whose pleasures are classical music, rape, and ultra-violence. After Alex is arrested and convicted of murder and rape, he is chosen to be the subject of an experimental behavior modification program that uses psychological torture to try to eliminate his criminal tendencies. The film explores the nature of free will, morality, and the importance of choice for humanity. The film's graphic violence and disturbing images have made it a controversial classic.

From Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Lorella Cravotta
Rated R

Amélie is a charming and whimsical romantic comedy set in modern-day Paris and follows the story of a shy and imaginative waitress, Amélie Poulain, who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better while struggling with her own isolation. With her creative imagination, Amélie goes to great lengths to improve the lives of the people around her while struggling to find her own purpose in life. Along the way, she discovers the power of true love and friendship and learns that happiness can be found in the smallest of things.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
Rated R

Shutter Island is a psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels. He is dispatched with partner Chuck (Mark Ruffalo) to the remote Shutter Island in order to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a patient from the island's Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane. As Teddy and Chuck begin to unravel the secrets of the hospital, they find themselves in a web of lies and deceit that threatens to consume them both. In a desperate attempt to uncover the truth, Teddy is forced to confront his inner demons and face the reality of what truly happened on the island.

From Peter Weir, starring Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich
Rated PG

The Truman Show is a 1998 American science fiction comedy-drama film directed by Peter Weir, written by Andrew Niccol, and starring Jim Carrey. The film tells the story of Truman Burbank, a man whose life is broadcast around the world as a television show. The film follows Truman as he gradually discovers the truth of his life and tries to escape. As Truman's world is gradually revealed as an artificial construct, the film examines themes of reality, identity, and isolation. The Truman Show was a commercial success, and it was met with critical acclaim. It was nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Ed Harris.

From James McTeigue, starring Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea
Rated R

V for Vendetta is a British-American political action-thriller film directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowskis. The film portrays a dystopian future in a totalitarian Britain that is ruled by a fascist party. It follows a mysterious freedom fighter called V (Hugo Weaving) who wears a Guy Fawkes mask and fights against the oppressive government. With the help of a young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman), V orchestrates a revolution to bring democracy back to the people. Along the way, they must fight for their lives and for the lives of those who cannot fight for themselves. The film offers a powerful message about standing up for freedom and justice, even in the face of almost certain death.

From Wes Anderson, starring Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody
Rated R

The Grand Budapest Hotel is a 2014 comedy-drama film directed and co-written by Wes Anderson. The story follows Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the two World Wars. He becomes the mentor and close friend to a young employee, Zero Moustafa, who becomes the lobby boy at the hotel. When one of the wealthy patrons of the hotel dies and leaves a priceless Renaissance painting to Gustave, the police suspect the theft of the painting and force Gustave and Zero to flee the hotel. With the help of Zero's girlfriend and other allies, the two embark on a journey to find the real perpetrator and recover the painting. Along the way, they encounter a variety of colorful characters, some of whom become allies in their mission. In the end, Gustave and Zero's friendship and loyalty to each other helps them secure the painting and justice.

From Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky
Rated PG

Groundhog Day is a 1993 American comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray. Murray plays Phil Connors, a cynical television weatherman who is sent to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to cover the annual Groundhog Day event. On the night of February 1, Phil awakens to find that he is reliving the same day over and over again. Although initially confused and frustrated by the seemingly endless repetition of the same day and events, he slowly comes to accept it and starts to explore the possibilities of his new reality. Phil eventually realizes that he can use his time-loop to his advantage, and decides to use it to improve himself and others. Through his adventures, he learns empathy, kindness and ultimately a sense of selflessness, which help him break out of the time loop and begin a new life.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen
Rated PG-13

Catch Me If You Can is a true story drama film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the life of Frank Abagnale, Jr. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Abagnale, alongside Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, and Amy Adams. The film follows the story of teenaged Abagnale as he runs away from home and embarks on an elaborate and daring con artist scheme in which he impersonates an airline pilot, a lawyer, and a doctor. As the FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Hanks) pursues him, Abagnale continues to evade the authorities and live a luxurious lifestyle. As the film progresses, Abagnale begins to understand the consequences of his actions and develop a relationship with Hanratty. In the end, Abagnale is eventually caught and is given a chance to serve his time in exchange for helping the FBI. The film is a lighthearted exploration of an extraordinary criminal, and highlights the ways in which the con artist lifestyle can bring unexpected rewards.

From David Fincher, starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry
Rated R

Gone Girl is a 2014 psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher and based on the novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn. It stars Ben Affleck as Nick Dunne, a man whose wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), goes missing on the day of their fifth wedding anniversary. As time passes, the police and media begin to suspect Nick of involvement in her disappearance. The search for Amy reveals a complicated past between the married couple, exposing secrets that have been kept for years. As the mystery of Amy's disappearance unravels, the audience is left to question who—or what—is to blame for her disappearance and where she may be.

From Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne
Rated R

Donnie Darko is a science-fiction dark comedy-drama film directed by Richard Kelly. It stars Jake Gyllenhaal as the title character, a troubled high school student living in a suburban town in 1988. During a bizarre event, Donnie is visited by a giant rabbit-like figure named Frank, who tells him the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds. Donnie begins to follow Frank's instructions, embarking on an odyssey of self-discovery and time travel during which he learns about the power of choice and its consequences. During this journey, he also uncovers secrets about his family, his friends, and the town he lives in. As the end of the world approaches, Donnie must choose whether to accept his destiny or attempt to save the world from its impending doom.

From Spike Jonze, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson, Rooney Mara
Rated R

Her is a 2013 sci-fi romantic drama film directed by Spike Jonze. Set in Los Angeles in the near future, the story follows Theodore Twombly, played by Joaquin Phoenix, a lonely, introverted man who develops a relationship with an intelligent computer operating system (OS) named Samantha, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. As he becomes closer to Samantha, Theodore finds himself questioning the boundaries of human connection and confronting his sense of self-worth. Through their conversations and interactions, Theodore undergoes an emotional journey of self-discovery and learns the importance of relationships and the value of human connection.

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Winona Ryder
Rated R

Black Swan is a psychological thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis. It follows the story of Nina Sayers (Portman), a talented but tightly wound ballet dancer who is chosen to play the lead in a production of Swan Lake. She soon finds herself in a fierce competition with a rival dancer (Kunis) as they both strive to perfect their ballet technique while also trying to cope with the psychological pressures of the production. As Nina dives deeper into her character, she begins to experience hallucinations and a growing paranoia that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. In the end, Nina must confront her demons in order to become the perfect swan queen.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Richard Griffiths
Rated PG

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third installment in the Harry Potter film series based off of JK Rowling's novels. The film follows Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they begin their third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. After the fugitive Sirius Black is reported to be coming to Hogwarts, the students find themselves in danger. Harry and his friends must then hunt down and capture Sirius before he can cause any harm. Along the way, they discover dark secrets about their past and the mysterious creature known as the Dementor. With the help of Professor Lupin, they eventually defeat the Dementor and capture Sirius, who turns out to be an innocent man wrongly accused. Harry, Ron, and Hermione save the day, and the film ends with the three of them beginning their fourth year at Hogwarts.

From Giuseppe Tornatore, starring Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess, Sylvia Hoeks, Donald Sutherland
Rated R

The Best Offer is a 2013 Italian drama film directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. The film follows the life of a reclusive, wealthy art auctioneer, Virgil Oldman (Geoffrey Rush), who is hired by a mysterious young woman, Claire Ibbetson (Sylvia Hoeks), to appraise the value of her family’s possessions. Oldman discovers that Claire is suffering from a rare disorder that has left her unable to leave her home, and he develops an unlikely relationship with her. Along the way, he uncovers a dark family secret that has been kept hidden for decades. With the help of a friend and mentor (Donald Sutherland), Oldman embarks on a journey of redemption as he works to unravel the truth and restore justice. Along the way, he must confront his own past and the consequences of his choices.

From Niels Arden Oplev, starring Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Ewa Fröling, Lena Endre
Rated R

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a 2009 Swedish thriller directed by Niels Arden Oplev, based on the novel of the same name by author Stieg Larsson. The film follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) and hacker Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) as they investigate the disappearance of a wealthy businessman's niece forty years earlier. When a series of gruesome murders begin to occur, the two must work together to solve the mystery behind them and uncover dark secrets from the past. Along the way, they must battle enemies, both physical and psychological, in a thrilling battle to save themselves and uncover the truth.

From Duncan Jones, starring Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey, Dominique McElligott, Rosie Shaw
Rated R

Moon is a science fiction drama set in the near future, directed by Duncan Jones. The film follows Sam Bell, an astronaut working a solitary three-year contract mining helium-3 on the far side of the moon for Lunar Industries. With only a robotic assistant, GERTY, as his companion, Sam is close to the end of his contract when he experiences strange visions and a series of disturbing events that lead him to a disturbing discovery. He soon learns that Lunar Industries has been using him to conduct a secret experiment, and that all his memories and experiences may be artificial. In the end, Sam will have to find a way to save himself and the future of humanity.

From Andrew Niccol, starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal
Rated PG-13

Gattaca is a 1997 science fiction film directed by Andrew Niccol, starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law. Set in a future where genetic engineering has become commonplace, the story follows Vincent Freeman (Hawke), an "In-Valid" born without the aid of genetic selection. Despite his genetic inferiority, Vincent dreams of going into space and applies to the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation. However, he is rejected due to his genetic profile. With the help of a "Valid" named Jerome (Law), Vincent assumes the identity of a genetically-superior man, allowing him to gain entry into Gattaca. He begins to train for a mission to Saturn’s moon Titan, but soon finds himself the target of a murder investigation, as the genetically-enhanced director of the corporation (Alan Arkin) suspects that an "In-Valid" is infiltrating his organization. Ultimately, Vincent is able to complete his mission and become a hero, proving that a person's genetic makeup does not determine their future.

From Jee-woon Kim, starring Lee Byung-hun, Choi Min-sik, Jeon Gook-hwan, Ho-jin Chun
Rated Not Rated

I Saw the Devil is a horror-thriller film by South Korean director Jee-woon Kim, released in 2010. It follows a secret agent, Kim Soo-hyeon, who is on a mission to avenge the gruesome murder of his fiancée. He sets out to hunt down the killer, a psychopathic serial killer named Jang Kyung-chul. As he pursues the killer, Kim gradually descends into darkness, becoming more and more unhinged as he exacts his revenge. The film is a tense, violent journey into the depths of human depravity and the consequences of unchecked revenge.

From Spike Jonze, starring John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, John Malkovich
Rated R

Being John Malkovich is a 1999 dark comedy film directed by Spike Jonze, and written by Charlie Kaufman. It follows Craig Schwartz (John Cusack), a puppeteer who discovers a portal that leads into the mind of actor John Malkovich. After finding the portal, Craig begins to use it to experience being Malkovich for 15 minutes at a time. Craig also begins to use Malkovich as a means of making money as he starts to charge people for the experience. He eventually meets Maxine (Catherine Keener), a pet store clerk with whom he begins a secret affair, while his wife Lotte (Cameron Diaz) discovers the portal and begins to use it as well. Eventually, the portal leads to a strange new world inside of Malkovich's mind, where Craig and Maxine must confront the consequences of their actions.