“Akira” to “Alive”
Akira (1988) For many people, this was the film that introduced them to the world of Japanese animation. Set in the post-apocalyptic world of Neo-Tokyo, the citizens live in a state of constant chaos of an urban revolution. Utterly original with astounding visuals and a hard-core SF plot, its become one of the most influential films of its kind. (GS)
Alfie (1966) Swinging London personified as Michael Caine beds every woman he comes across (Millicent Martin, Julia Foster, Jane Asher, Shirley Anne Fields, Christ even Shelley Winters!) Marvelous Lewis Gilbert adaptation of Bill Naughton’s play. Caine is simply brilliant as the philandering cockney playboy. Burt Bacharach wrote the theme. (KT)
Alien (1979) The movie I most use as an example of what scared the beejeezus out of me, and still does all these years later. The visuals, the special effects, the incredible tag line “In space, nobody can hear you scream” Wow. A movie where terror is wrought without the overburden of so many of today’s films, CGI over script. Sure, I know what’s to come and when it’s going to happen…but damn if I don’t still let out a little scream when that alien drool comes drippin’ down. Sometimes less is more, and this has less. (SB)
Aliens (1986) Thoroughly exciting sequel sees Ripley joining up with a squad of Marines in her next encounter with not only the still frightening Aliens but also their Queen! Bill Paxton steals the show as Hudson. (Or maybe thats just me.) Be sure to see the directors cut which sees the homesteaders base, and Newts family, prior to the Alien attack. (GS)
Alive (1993) When I saw this film in the theater, there was a small earthquake just as the plane crashed in the Andes. Not knowing it was a quake I couldnt help but be impressed with the rest of the film. Talk about a moving experience! The movie tells the difficult story of the 1972 Uruguayan soccer team crashing in the Andes and their struggle to survive and the decision to eat the members of their party who had died in the crash. Heart wrenching subject done with sensitivity. (GS)
Originally published in Raspberry World – Volume 2, Issue 1 (June/July 2007)