Underrated films

[chickenfeet]

Tell me about a film you think is under-rated or, at least, doesn't enjoy the popularity it deserves. Everybody knows about films like Lawrence of Arabia or Dr. Zhivago and the rest. What I want to hear about are some less well known gems.

My nomination would be The Duellists. It's based on a story by Joseph Conrad and was directed by Ridley Scott before he was famous. It has a fantastic cast; David Carradine, Harvey Keitel, Tom Conti, Albert Finney, Edward Fox, and it evokes the Napoleonic era better than any other film I can think of. It's lovely to look at and compelling from beginning to end. If you've never seen it, rush out and rent the DVD.

Comments

[albionwood.livejournal.com]

Well, shoot - that would have been my #1 rec! It is one of my all-time favorite movies; almost every shot is a gem. Pretty well-known among a certain circle of friends (historical re-enactors and costumers). I loved it so much I have a bespoke 7th Hussar uniform.

So here's another: 1776, (http://www.amazon.com/1776-Restored-Directors-William-Daniels/dp/B000067D1R/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-1399956-2993563?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1180802118&sr=8-1) based on the Broadway play. Focuses on the people, rather than the events. Wonderful acting, and some good singing as well ("Molasses to Rum to Gold"). We've made an annual ritual of watching it every July 4, as a sort of counterbalance to the usual jingoism.

[a-d-medievalist.livejournal.com]

Er ... that would be "Molasses to Rum to Slaves"

[albionwood.livejournal.com]

Yes, of course it is, what did I ... oh.

No way to edit these, is there? Argh.