BritMums Film review – what’s your favourite?

Sadly, this is my final film review for BritMums as I’m soon to have my second child and movie watching will be on hold for a while. To mark my departure, I’ve compiled a list of some of my all time favourite films. Enjoy!

Goodfellas

Growing up on a diet of gangster movies in my teen years thanks to my Dad, Papa G, I quickly learnt the power of film thanks to flicks Godfather and Goodfellas. Honoured to have stood next to Scorcese at the Cannes Film Festival, he’s clearly the ultimate Don of gangster movies. Goodfellas charts the true-life account of mobster and FBI informant Henry Hill as he climbs the ranks of the underworld becoming psychotic Tommy (Joe Pesci)’s sidekick, to devastating effect. Six Academy award nom’s later and an Oscar for Pesci, this is a classic gangster ‘must see film’-over and over again.

Cinema Paradiso

Cinema Paradiso inspired me to pursue a career in filmmaking. A mesmerising film observing the effect the movies have on a young Italian boy Salvatore in a small village cinema is captivating. Years later, Salvatore returns (now a prominent Roman film director) to attend the funeral of his mentor projectionist Alfredo and rediscovers his childhood.  Stunningly beautiful and emotive, there is no finer film about film out there.

Raging Bull

Another of Martin Scorsese’s signature movies, Raging Bull follows the rise and fall and ultimate redemption of middleweight boxer Jake La Motta, a violent man in and out of the ring. The film is often cited as the best American film of the 80’s and is certainly De Niro’s finest performance to date. Scorcese famously turned down De Niro’s pleas to make the film until Marty suffered a near death drug overdose and suddenly related to La Motta’s defeat of deep adversity. A riveting, edge of your seat movie to be watched whether you like boxing or not.

Bridesmaids

Break out major hit movie of 2011-this film put female protagonists on the map in comedy like no other. Clever, pee in your pants funny I can’t stop watching and re watching this film! The beauty of the picture is the funnies arises from truthfulness- ‘times are tough especially when your best friend gets engaged and your life’s falling apart’. Kristen Wiig leads a hilarious ensemble of bridesmaids as they try and help friend Lillian make it up the aisle.

The Artist

For those who have yet to see this film-one question? Why? Multiple Oscar winner, this delightful modern silent movie had me standing in the aisle offering a standing ovation. It’s 1927 and silent movie star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is threatened by the advent of the talkies and rival/new love Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo). Rent it now. It will improve your life immediately.

Bend it Like Beckham

This film will always have a special place in my heart. As a Uni film student, female director Gurinder Chadha was a role model for me where there were few. Working for the production company/distributors of the film after completing my MA aged 22 further inspired me-it was possible to create British ethnic stories that audiences wanted to see. A sweet story of British Asian girl Jess’s (Parminder Nagra) pursuit to follow her dreams of playing football and finding love. Heart warming and funny, this film launched Keira Knightly and Parminder’s careers and with one watch, you can see why…

Vicki Psarias is the blogger Honest Mum. Psarias is an award winning writer/director winning the 30 Under 30 Square Mile London Talent Award, The Channel 4 4Talent Award for Best Filmmaker amongst many Best Director film festival awards from LA to India. Vicki features in the Guardian’s Courvoisieur Future 500 and was highly commended at the Red Magazine Red Hot Women Awards for her writing and directing work. To read her blog, the honest and funny musings of a filmmaker and first time mother  please go to: http://www.honestmum.com. 

Her film website is www.vpsarias.co.uk. Vicki is former Editor of the Film & Festivals Magazine.

Follow Vicki on Twitter @HonestMummy and @VickiFilm

About Vicki Psarias

Vicki Psarias Vicki Psarias is founder and author of one of the most popular parenting blogs in the UK, Honest Mum and sister style blog Mummy's Got Style Vicki is also a multi-award winning TV Director and Filmmaker. Her website is www.vpsarias.co.uk. Twitter: @HonestMummy.

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