Whether you’re a son or daughter didn’t matter, if you’re father was a film buff you can bet your a** that at some point during your childhood, he seized the opportunity to introduce you and the sibs to some absolute classics.
Timeless films that irrespective of when they came out, surpass all the ‘Hunger Games’ bullsh*t produced today. Now naturally the list of what he deemed “classics” was an expansive one, but the five films below were sure to be featured:
5. Enter the Dragon
Bruce Lee’s most highly-acclaimed film, the 1973 classic was filmed entirely without sound. All of the dialogue and effects were dubbed in during post-production. Lee’s final film ‘Enter the Dragon’ was the first Chinese martial arts film ever to have been produced by a major Hollywood studio.
4. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Directed by veteran director Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach, the 1966 spaghetti western was shot in the deserts of Spain. The film remains the highest rated movie in IMDb to not receive a single Oscar nomination. *Fun fact* There was a short delay in filming when Clint Eastwood refused to turn up for work until Sergio Leone agreed to his $250,000 fee in addition to a new Ferrari.
3. Dr. No
No list would be complete without a James Bond classic. Ask any ‘old-timer’ who the best James Bond is and the answer’s always the same, “Sean Connery, of course.” ‘Dr. No’ was chosen to be the inaugural film in the Bond franchise as the plot of the source novel was the most straightforward. It had only one major location (Jamaica) and only one big special effects set piece.
2. The Great Escape
Based on a true story, the 1963 historical drama ‘The Great Escape’ tells the story of allied Prisoners of War who plan a daring from a German camp during World War II. Featuring an all-star cast including: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson and James Coburn (to name a few), the film went on to be nominated for an Oscar. *Fun fact* Although the film is based on an historical event, all of the characters are fictional.
- The Magnificent Seven
Considered ‘the Daddy’ of western classics ‘The Magnificent Seven’ was the first film to bring together silver-screen legends Steve McQueen, James Coburn and Charles Bronson. Also directed by John Sturges (who went on to direct ‘The Great Escape’) the 1960’s film was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe. *Fun fact* Lead actor Yul Brynner had a major say in casting decisions, including the decision to cast Steve McQueen. He specifically requested that McQueen be cast as Vin Tanner. Brynner later regretted the move since he and McQueen developed a disastrous relationship on set.