The only way to tell his story is to live his fantasy.

Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Gemma Jones, Stephen Graham, Steven Mackintosh, Tom Bennett

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"You know, I am so sick of running away from who I am. There's nothing wrong with success or pleasure. In fact, why am I apologizing for it, mum?" - Elton John

Why watch this? This clever bio film jumps from reality to animated thought and back, and it is brilliant!

Plot Summary: Rocketman tells the incredible true story of Reginald Dwight's journey from a shy piano prodigy to the global superstar Elton John. The film chronicles his rise to fame alongside lyricist Bernie Taupin, while also exploring his personal struggles with relationships, identity, and addiction. Ultimately, it's a tale of self-discovery and finding happiness and acceptance by overcoming his inner demons.

Dad's Preview: Elton John's songs were a huge part of the background music of my life. Bennie and the Jets at the Bulldog Inn for lunch in 7th grade. Honky Cat blasting on my cousins 8-track. Tiny Dancer in the college dorm. This movie, which Elton approved, details a hard life, where a lack of affection from his parents both motivated and devastated, causing an early life of rampant substance abuse. This film honestly, yet elegantly, presents Sir Elton's life. It also exposes some of the craziness that fueled his onstage antics.

New Republic Pictures, Marv Films, Rocket Pictures; Paramount Pictures

In 1976, a 30-year-old bartender, who played only one year of high school football,
tried to become the NFL's most unlikely rookie.

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Elizabeth Banks, Greg Kinnear, Kevin Conway, Kirk Acevedo, Dov Davidoff, Michael Kelly, Stink Fisher

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"These are the toughest fans there are. They threw snowballs at Santa Claus." - Carol Vermeil, about her husband taking the Philadelphia Eagles head coaching job

Why watch this? It's one of my favorite sports films, and I hate the Eagles.

Plot Summary: This is the true story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old substitute teacher and bartender in 1970s Philadelphia, who faces a series of personal setbacks including losing his job and a separation from his wife. A lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, Vince decides to try out for his favorite team when the newly hired coach announces open tryouts. Despite never having played college football, Vince's determination leads to him being offered a spot at training camp.

Dad's Preview: This is the story of Vince Papale, a local bartender who made the Eagles team when new coach, Dick Vermeil, held "open" tryouts in an attempt to find a spark. The rest is Philadelphia Eagles history. This may be the greatest underdog story ever. Wahlburg is superb as the regular guy who gambles on a chance. The rest of the cast is great including Greg Kinnear as Coach Dick Vermeil, and Elizabeth Banks as Janet, a sassy Giants fan who falls for Vince. My son and I met Mr. Papale at an Eagles game in 2012 - what a nice guy!

Walt Disney Pictures, Mayhem Pictures; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

A Picture for All...And for All Time!

Starring: Jennifer Jones, William Eythe, Charles Bickford, Vincent Price, Lee J. Cobb, Gladys Cooper

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"There was something about her that precluded laughter. Her exaltation was so genuine that the observer almost had the impression that he saw what the child saw." - Dr. Dozous

Why watch this? There are some miracles out there in the world. This is one of them.

Plot Summary: Bernadette Soubirous is a young French peasant girl living in poverty who experiences visions of a "beautiful lady" in a grotto near her hometown of Lourdes in 1858. Her claims are met with skepticism and concern from her family, the authorities, and even parts of the Church. However, as the news of her visions spreads and a miraculous spring emerges at the grotto, Bernadette’s life, and the lives of those around her, undergo profound changes.

Dad's Preview: My brother-in-law and I stumbled upon this film one lazy day just flipping channels. Wow. This is the story of a young girl's faith, and pain, and persecution at the hands of her religious superiors. It is remarkable, as she goes on to become known as the Lady of Lourdes. Jennifer Jones, who won the Best Actress award, leads a superb cast in this religiously-inspired true story, that was nominated for 11 Academy Awards.

William Perlberg; 20th Century Fox

Based on the inspirational best seller.

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Gaby Hoffman, Michiel Huisman, Thomas Sadoski, Keen McRae, W. Earl Brown, Kevin Rankin

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"My mother used to say something that drove me nuts, 'There's a sunrise and a sunset every day, and you can choose to be there for it. You can put yourself in the way of beauty." - Cheryl Strayed

Why watch this? The hike, the miles - it's about the journey to forgive oneself.

Plot Summary: Cheryl Strayed went on a 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail in 1995. Driven by a desire to cope with the death of her mother, the dissolution of her marriage, and a history of self-destructive behavior, she embarks on the arduous journey despite lacking experience.

Dad's Preview: Breath-taking scenery is the backdrop for Cheryl's journey. She is herself wild, self-destructive, used up, tired. So, to shake her demons, or die trying, she sets off on her quest, woefully unprepared, yet, determined. Witherspoon's portrays Cheryl is angry, raw and vulnerable. We sense this is her last chance to fix things. Laura Dern gives an free-spirited performance as Cheryl's late mom, Bobbie. Cheryl's physical journey parallels her mental one. I must admit, this might be a journey I need to take.

Pacific Standard, River Road Ent., TSG Ent.; Fox Searchlight Pictures

Back

This is a true story

Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Jeremy Strong, Finn Wittrock, John Magaro

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"If we're right, people lose homes. People lose jobs. People lose retirement savings, people lose pensions. You know what I hate about f***ing banking? It reduces people to numbers." - Ben Rickert

Why watch this? To learn about the financial crisis of 2008 and why it will happen again!

Plot Summary: Several disparate groups of investors recognize the precariousness of the housing market in the mid-2000s, and decide to bet against it. Their unconventional strategy involves navigating the complexities of the financial system and confronting those who are either unaware of or profiting from the impending collapse. As they research the flaws and corruption within the mortgage-backed securities market, their initial skepticism gives way to alarm, as they realize the widespread impact the crisis will have.

Dad's Preview: I absolutely love this must-see film about the 2008 economic crash. The goal of this well-done film is to educate the audience on what and why it happened. The cast is chock full a big-name stars. The plot is engrossing, and McKay's direction is stellar. There are even a few cameo appearances, such as Margo Robbie and Anthony Bourdain, to explain certain financial buzzwords - these interjections are a hoot!

Regency Enterprises, Plan B Entertainment; Paramount Pictures

Inspired by a True Friendship

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco, Dimiter D. Marinov, Mike Hatton, P.J. Byrne, Von Lewis

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"So if I'm not black enough and if I'm not white enough, and not man enough, then tell me, Tony, what am I?" - Dr. Don Shirley

Why watch this? In a country divided by race, we just need to rub elbows to find our common ground.

Plot Summary: In 1962, a working-class Italian-American bouncer named Tony "Lip" Vallelonga is hired to drive renowned African-American classical pianist Don Shirley on a concert tour through the Deep South. Facing widespread racial segregation and prejudice, they must rely on "The Negro Motorist Green Book" to navigate safe havens for Black travelers. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and personalities, the two men form an unlikely bond and friendship as they confront adversity and learn from each other during their journey.

Dad's Preview:  This film was based on a true story, and won the Oscars for Best Picture and Supporting Actor (Mahersala). This thoroughly enjoyable film held my attention for every single second. The two lead characters could not be more different, yet their journey together carries the film forward to where we hope it goes. In the end, both men emerge with a larger world-view and a lot more empathy.

Participant Media, DreamWorks Pictures, Innisfee Pictures, Cinetic Media,
Alibaba Pictures; Universal Pictures

It takes leadership to confront a nation's fear. It takes friendship to conquer your own.

Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall, Derek Jacobi, Jennifer Ehle, Michael Gambon, Claire Bloom

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"This family's been reduced to those lowest, basest of all creatures. We've become actors!" - King George V

Why watch this? Some British films are so delightful. This is one of them.

Plot Summary: Prince Albert, Duke of York, unexpectedly becomes King George VI and must overcome a severe stammer to lead his nation. His wife, Elizabeth, seeks the help of an unconventional Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue. Despite initial clashes, a unique and supportive friendship blossoms between the two men as Logue employs unorthodox methods to help the future king find his voice and confidence, especially as World War II looms.

Dad's Preview: This wonderful period film centers on King George V and his stuttering problem. To help, he hires a renown Australian speech therapist. The heart of the film is their lessons and how the teacher breaks through to a very stubborn patriarch.  At the Oscars, it won Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Firth won for Best Actor, but I find Geoffrey Rush's performance, as the patient therapist, to be just as compelling. This is a speech that is well-worth experiencing.

UK Film Council, Aegis Film Fund, FilmNation Ent., See-Saw Films,
Bedlam Prod.; Momentum Pictures

He Saw The World In A Way No One Could Have Imagined.

Starring: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, Paul Bettany, Christopher Plummer, Adam Goldberg, Josh Lucas, Judd Hirsch

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Imagine if you suddenly learned that the people, the places, the moments most important to you were not gone, not dead, but worse, had never been. What kind of hell would that be?" – Dr. Rosen

Why watch this? What is the difference between genius and insanity? A mere thread.

Plot Summary: Mathematician John Nash started college as a brilliant young student, making a revolutionary discovery. Then he had to face profound mental challenges.

Dad's Preview: An inspiring true story of American mathematician John Nash, who was brilliant, yet suffered from paranoid schizophrenia. This Academy Award winning film will draw you in, stun you at every curve, and, in the end, blow you away. Kudos to Crowe and Connelly, whose award-winning performances are noteworthy. The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture.

DreamWorks Pictures, Imagine Ent.; Universal Pictures

She brought a small town to its feet and a huge corporation to its knees.

Starring: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart, Dawn Didawick, Conchata Ferrell, Marg Helgenberger, Tracey Walter, Peter Coyote

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Ya know why everyone thinks that all lawyers are backstabbing, bloodsucking scumbags? 'Cause they are!" - Erin Brockovich

Why watch this? This is Julia Roberts at the peak of her career. She is a force.

Plot Summary: This is the true story of a tenacious single mother who, after convincing her lawyer to hire her, stumbles upon suspicious medical records hidden within real estate files. Despite lacking formal legal training, she investigates and uncovers a massive corporate cover-up involving the poisoning of a town's water supply by a large utilities company. Driven by a fierce sense of justice and empathy for the affected residents, Erin takes on the powerful corporation in a landmark class-action lawsuit.

Dad's Preview: This film serves notice that women carry the heavier load. They have to work harder, just to get on level footing. Roberts plays a legal researcher who figures out that a big corporation is poisoning the local water, its employees and the community around them. She does all the research and, man, does she makes them pay. It is a wonderful thing to see. Hats off to Albert Finney who offers a nice balance to Robert's brutal determination. This film is also based on a true story about the real Erin Brockovich.

Columbia Pictures, Jersey Films; Universal Pictures

12 Years a Slave (2013), Director: Steve McQueen, rated R for violence, torture, cruelty, nudity

The extraordinary true story of Solomon Northup

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Garret Dillahunt, Paul Giamatti, Scoot McNairy, Lupita Nyong'o, Adepero Oduye, Sarah Paulson, Brad Pitt, Michael Kenneth Williams, Alfre Woodard

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"If you want to survive, do and say as little as possible. Tell no one who you really are and tell no one that you can read and write."
Clemens

Why watch this? You want to play down slavery? Watch this film, then we'll talk.

Plot Summary: In the pre-Civil War United States, a free Black man named Solomon Northup from upstate New York is abducted and sold into slavery. He endures twelve years of brutality and hardship on cotton plantations in Louisiana, facing cruelty from his owners and struggling to survive. Despite the challenges, Solomon fights to maintain his dignity as he desperately looks for ways to regain his freedom.

Dad's Preview: There are great performances from an all-star cast. I wept long and hard after this film. The audacity of anyone to justify the owning of fellow human beings makes me want to scream. The direction and acting are top-notch. Slavery is a gaping scar on our country's legacy. To EVER move on, American citizens need to face it, teach it in our schools, and accept responsibility.

Regency Ent., River Road Ent., Plan B Ent., Film4; Fox Searchlight Pictures

A Mighty Motion Picture Of Action And Adventure!

Starring: Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Jose Ferrer, Claude Raines, Omar Sharif

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"He was a poet, a scholar and a mighty warrior. He was also the most shameless exhibitionist since Barnum & Bailey." – Jackson Bentley

Why watch this? An epic movie about a man who's life was, in itself, an epic.

Plot Summary: T. E. Lawrence is a British officer, who navigates the complex politics of the Middle East during World War I. Tasked with liaising between the Arabs and the British against the Ottoman Turks, Lawrence becomes increasingly drawn into the Arab cause for independence. He unites disparate Arab tribes, leading them in daring raids and victories against the Turks, but struggles with his identity and the conflicting loyalties between his British origins and his adopted Arab allies.

Dad's Preview: This sprawling, grand adventure covers the life of T. E. Lawrence, a British soldier advancing England's interests in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Though huge in scope, the film does mange to create complex, intimate characters. This classic film is top-ranked on just about every film list there is. It was nominated for ten Oscars, winning seven including Best Picture, Director, and Musical Score.

Horizon Pictures; Columbia Pictures

All the President's Men (1976), Director: Alan J. Pakula, rated PG

Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein are about to ask you a few questions.

Starring: Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam, Hal Holbrook , Jason Robarbs, Ned Beatty

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"It leads everywhere. Get out your notebook. There's more." - Deep Throat

Why watch this? This explains Watergate in a very interesting and suspenseful manner.

Plot Summary: Two reporters from the Washington Post, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, are assigned to what initially seems like a minor break-in at the Democratic Party Headquarters in the Watergate complex. As they investigate, they uncover a much larger political conspiracy, tracing the trail of illegal activity higher and higher within the Nixon administration, despite obstacles and threats to their safety. Their persistent investigative journalism ultimately aims to reveal the truth about the Watergate scandal and its connections to those in power.

Dad's Preview: This is a very intelligent film about the Watergate scandal in 1972. As a teen, I did not understand what Watergate entailed - this film helped a lot. There are stellar performances from Hoffman, Redford and Robarbs, who all work for the Washington Post. Together they expose a depth of political corruption that includes officials, senators and the even the U.S. President. As with most scandals, it's all about the cover-up. This certainly applies today with horrific events related to Enron, the Penn State Sandusky scandal, and child molestation occurring in various religious and civic organizations.

Wildwood Enterprises; Warner Bros.

An Immortal Screen Classic that will live Forever!

Starring: Renée Jeanne Falconetti, Eugène Silvain, André Berley, Maurice Schutz, Antonin Artaud, Gilbert Dalleu, Michel Simon 

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"When the mission that God has entrusted to me is over, I will again dress as a woman." - Jeanne d'Arc, when asked why she wears men's clothing

Why watch this? ... her passion, as shown here, is otherworldly.

Plot Summary: This silent film chronicles the 15th-century trial of Joan of Arc, a young warrior accused of heresy for claiming divine visions. The film focuses on her intense interrogation by church officials who attempt to force her to recant her claims and beliefs. Ultimately, she faces a brutal punishment and becomes a symbol of martyrdom and steadfast faith.

Dad's Preview: This silent film is called historical, as it was created from the detailed records of Jeanne d'Arc's trial and execution.  Before age 20, she led the French in many battles during the Hundred Years' War and was captured by the church in England, She was then tried for heresy. The religious court threatens and intimidates her in a effort to get her to sign a document stating she was under the devil's influence. This early film is a cinematic landmark for its production value and use of close-up shots for effect. You will walk away from this powerful masterpiece with a lot to think about. On my second viewing, I wept uncontrollably.

Société Générale des Films

"I am not an animal! I am a human being! I...am...a man!"

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Freddie Jones, Michael Elphick, Hannah Gordon

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"If only I could find her, so she could see me with such lovely friends here now; perhaps she could love me as I am. I've tried so hard to be good." John Merrick, speaking of his mother

Why watch this? ... to see that certain humans can be as good as others are cruel.

Plot Summary: This drama follows a severely deformed man, John Merrick, who lives as a sideshow attraction in Victorian London. A compassionate surgeon, Dr. Frederick Treves, takes Merrick under his care at a London Hospital. There, John slowly reveals his intelligence, sensitivity, and desire for acceptance as a human being. The film explores themes of dignity and societal attitudes towards disability through Merrick's journey to find a place in society beyond being a curiosity.

Dad's Preview: This is the true story of John Merrick, who lived in 1800's England, and was severely deformed. We witness how horrible people with disabilities were treated in that era. It was a wise choice to present this cinematic masterpiece in black and white. It is quite beautiful and sets the period's mood perfectly. It was nominated for 8 Oscars, but failed to win a single one (truly a crime).

Brooksfilms; Paramount Pictures

The strangest damned gang you ever heard of. They're young. They're in love. They rob banks.

Starring: Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman, Estelle Parsons, Denver Pyle, Dub Taylor, Gene Wilder

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"This here's Miss Bonnie Parker. I'm Clyde Barrow. We rob banks." - Clyde Barrow

Why watch this? To many Southwestern poor folks, the Barrow gangsters were heroes. Texas lawmen saw it differently.

Plot Summary: During the Great Depression, a bored waitress named Bonnie Parker meets ex-con Clyde Barrow and they begin a crime spree across America. As they rob banks and evade law enforcement, their exploits become more violent. The film follows their love story and growing notoriety as they become infamous criminals.

Dad's Preview: This story chronicles real-life, Texas-born, bank robbers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, who pillaged in the South during the Great Depression. It all but immortalized Dunaway and Beatty for their performances. This film introduced a more realistic type of film-making, breaking more grittier ground. The violence is sometimes hard-to-watch. The film's brutal ending is now considered one of cinema's most iconic moments.

Warner Bros. Pictures; Warner Bros.-Seven Arts

Every man dies, not every man really lives.

Starring: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick MaGoohan, Angus Macfadyen, Catherine McCormack, Brendan Gleeson, Peter Hanly, Ian Bannen, James Cosmo, David O'Hara

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Those men who bled the ground red at Falkirk fought for William Wallace. He fights for something that I never had. And I took it from him, when I betrayed him." - Robert the Bruce

Why watch this? This is a powerful film about historical Scotland and its hero, William Wallace.

Plot Summary: This story features William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who leads a rebellion against the tyrannical King Edward I of England. Wallace unites his people and fights for Scotland's independence, driven by personal tragedy and a desire for freedom. His bravery inspires a nation and leaves a lasting legacy in their struggle for freedom.

Dad's Preview: This is a great education. William Wallace leads the Scots striving for independence against King Edward I of England. It is an epic, bloody story full of battles, betrayals and death, yet you'll walk away inspired! The scenery and cinematography are beautiful, set in scenic Ireland. This was Gibson's second film to direct, and he garnered several Oscars including Best Director and Best Picture - well done, Mel.

Icon Productions, The Ladd Company; Paramount Pictures

A Salute to a Rebel

Starring: George C. Scott, Karl Malden, David Bauer, Edward Binns, John Doucette, Michael Strong

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country." - General Patton

Why watch this? This is the role George C. Scott was destined to play.

Plot Summary: This war film chronicles the World War II career of the controversial American General George S. Patton, beginning with his command in North Africa after a devastating defeat. The film follows his leadership across key campaigns, including the Allied invasion of Sicily and the Battle of the Bulge. Throughout, it explores his complex personality, highlighting both his brilliant military strategy and his outspoken nature and difficult relationships with superiors and subordinates.

Dad's Preview: In real life, Patton was larger than life. Here is a spanning epic that manages to paint an intimate portrait of this complicated, often controversial, military leader. He inspired his men, yet was brutally hard on them. He was such a prima donna that he was often at odds with his superiors. Regardless, he was a military genius who was instrumental in our Allied forces defeating the Nazis in WWII.

Frank McCarthy; 20th Century Fox

A mighty motion picture experience... touch it... sense it... feel it... you can't forget it!

Starring: Anne Bancroft, Patty Duke, Victor Joy, Inga Swenson, Andrew Prine, Kathleen Comegys, John Bliss

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"The rooms a wreck but she folded her napkin!" - Ann Sullivan

Why watch this? The clash of two indomitable wills is more than worth the price of admission.

Plot Summary: This is the true story of Helen Keller, a young girl who is blind, deaf, and mute and experiences significant frustration and behavioral challenges due to her inability to communicate. Her desperate parents hire Annie Sullivan, a former student from the Perkins School for the Blind who also experienced visual impairment, to tutor their daughter. A battle of wills ensues as Annie, through persistence, tough love, and sheer stubbornness, strives to teach Helen language and connect her to the world around her.

Dad's Preview: This is an unforgettable and painful journey through the incredible education of Helen Keller, who lost her hearing and sight in infancy. Her desperate family hires Ann Sullivan to teach her. Ann instantly surmises that Helen's family has done nothing but spoil her. This cinematic feat (please stick it out) is transformative. You will see two great performances that both won Academy Awards. It may also help you better deal with a spoiled child.

Playfilm Productions; United Artists

His Triumph Changed The World Forever.

Starring: Ben Kingsley, Candice Bergman, Trevor Howard, John Gielgud, Martin Sheen, Daniel-Day Lewis, Roshan Seth

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Whenever I despair, I remember that the way of truth and love has always won. There may be tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they may seem invincible, but in the end, they always fail. Think of it: always." – Mohandas Gandhi

Why watch this? This stunning epic still finds a way to intimately touch each heart that views it.

Plot Summary: This epic drama follows the life of Mohandas K. Gandhi, the influential leader of India's nonviolent independence movement against British rule. The story showcases his journey from his time as a lawyer in South Africa to his eventual leadership of the movement in India, promoting his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. It highlights significant events in his personal and political life, depicting both his successes and the challenges he faced in uniting his country and achieving self-rule.

Dad's Preview:  It's hard to argue with 8 Academy Awards. This film is massive and unrelenting, as it follows the life of Mohandas Gandhi, and his non-violent protests against the British occupation of India. Ben Kingsley's performance is hypnotic - he transforms into the peaceful leader. The man Gandhi, was a miracle of a humanity on this Earth and we should all acknowledge his beliefs and way of thinking.

Goldcrest Films; Int'l Film Investors, National Film Development Corp of India
Indo-British Films; Columbia Pictures

Amadeus (1984), Director: Miloš Forman, rated PG for some sensuality, crudeness

The man... The music... The madness... The murder... The motion picture...

Starring: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Simon Callow, Roy Dotrice, Simon Callow, Christine Ebersole, Jeffrey Jones, Charles Kay

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"That was Mozart. That! That giggling dirty-minded creature I had just seen, crawling on the floor!" - Antonio Salieri

Why watch this? Well, 8 Oscars is why - plus it IS a brilliant, exceptional film.

Plot Summary: Mozart is blessed with natural musical ability. Though a musical genius, he is outwardly childish and crass. That is until he thinks of his father, a stern man who was constantly disappointed in his son. Juxtapose Mozart to Salieri, a reserved man plays by the rules. He's true to his craft, loyal to his employers, and faithful to God, yet always denied greatness. In his anger, Salieri, forsakes God and becomes obsessed with destroying the young composer.

Dad's Preview: The theme is the prodigy versus the journeyman. This masterpiece is steeped in symbolism and details a haunting subtext of one man's guilt, and another's relentless quest for retribution. Both are tragic figures, yet very interesting as a case study. This period piece has elaborate costumes and sets, and it's realism rings through, as well. There may not ever be another film quite like this.

The Saul Zaentz Company; Orion Pictures