Obviously, we're no film critics (hence the name of the blog) but we've had numerous disagreements with the oscars. We haven't limited the choices to those that were nominated, or could have been nominated, but to any movie that came out the same year. We haven't seen all oscar winners ever or all movies that have ever come out, so some stuff will definitely be missing. We have ranked the films according to how much we love the movie we prefer and how much we dislike the actual winner. We also recognise that awards should not be the measurement of success and quality, and we don't really give a shit either, but it's fun to speculate. Now, amidst all the controversy with lack of diversity (#OscarsSoWhite), we are painfully aware of how ridiculously white our blog is. So really, it's the pot calling the kettle...white. Unfortunately, because of our ignorance in film (and the film industry's bias) is why we're perpetuating this problem with this list. Sorry.
1. Princess Mononoke over Titanic (1997). It's no secret that we think that James Cameron turned all sappy with this lifeless piece of overblown melodrama. It has good actors, great visuals and special effects, and that's about it. The man simply cannot make good drama. It's no secret either that we think that Mononoke is Miyazaki's best film. No more words should be necessary.
2. Road to Perdition over Chicago (2002). Although we generally like musicals, we did not like Chicago. Sure the music's good, and we might have enjoyed it had we seen it on stage. For us, it was incredibly forgettable. The best thing in it was Catherine Zeta-Jones. Road to Perdition is just an excellent film, in all respects. This was a tough choice, though, between The Pianist (also an excellent piece of cinema) and Road to Perdition. In the end, we had to go with the one we like the best. And did we mention it has Paul Newman in it? No more incentives required.
3. The Mission over Platoon (1986). We appreciate that Oliver Stone is a Vietnam veteran himself and that he brought his own experience to the film, but this movie did nothing for us, except maybe even annoy us a little. It's a bit too preachy and pretentious for our taste. The Mission on the other hand, does not cross the line to preachy despite its material. Although, it sure would be nice if these stories were told by the people who were most affected by these events. In addition, it's a travesty that Morricone did not win from this one.
4. East of Eden over Marty (1955). First things first, the idea in Marty is great and it was perfected by Wilder five years later. The execution is the problem, it just does not leave an impression. It's a little too clumsy and unpolished. We get that East of Eden is probably nothing like the book, but hell, it's a wonderful film! It's one of our favourite dramas of all time.
5. Edward Scissorhands over Dances with Wolves (1990). To start with: Costner, why did you shave that moustache and grow that mullet? Ugh. The film was visually great, but that's the extent of what we liked in the movie. It's tediously long considering that it has no discernible idea. Hollywood's issues with natives are even more blatantly obvious in this film than in The Mission. Edward Scissorhands is one of the most beautiful movies ever made. Dances with Wolves only has cinematography, Edward Scissorhands has that and everything else.
6. It's a Wonderful Life over The Best Years of Our Lives (1946). We need to specify that the winner is actually a good film. There's nothing we really dislike about it. In fact, we would encourage you to watch it. BUT. Capra's masterpiece came out the same year. No contest for us.
7. Beauty and the Beast over Silence of the Lambs (1991). This isn't a bad movie either. And we like the fact that it's a very unusual film to have a female protagonist. The performances are solid, the story's interesting and it works fine. We can't help but feel that it's a tad overrated though. Especially Hopkins' 15 minute role winning Best Actor. And then you have the best Disney movie ever made. Period. Disney wins.
8. Tokyo Godfathers over The Return of the King (2003). It should come as no surprise that we do not appreciate Jackson's rendition of Tolkien. It pretty much decimated everything we loved about the books. Plus the emotional manipulation levels go through the roof. We picked Tokyo Godfathers because we think it was the best movie that came out that year. It's a heartwarming story with really sympathetic characters.
9. Dead Man Walking over Braveheart (1995). Braveheart is so incredibly Hollywood that it's actually kind of funny. It's not as cheesy as Titanic, but it's in the same category for us. Dead Man Walking is just a brilliant film. The material is so good. It's a great conversation about ethics and morality.
10. To Kill a Mockingbird over Lawrence of Arabia (1962). Both of these films are white saviour movies (if you're not familiar with the term, there's always Google). The other one just happens to be better. Lawrence of Arabia simply has less content. The music and cinematography are without blemish though. Absolutely gorgeous. With To Kill a Mockingbird, we love Harper Lee's novel and we love the film adaptation too.
