Nice films

[Monkichi 2.0]

I recently saw a film by the name of "The Straight Story". Now, being directed by David Lynch, well, I was expecting something else. What I got though was a beautiful experience, a recounting of a true story and one which left me feeling satisfied.

It's a difficult film to explain as little happens, but essentialy it tells the story of an elderly man called Alvin. He lives in a small town with his daughter (Who seems to have mental problems). Anyway, he receoves a telegram telling him his brother is very ill. Alvin Had fallen out with his brother 20 years ago and now feels he doesn't want to die without making amends, so he sets off on a long journey to see his brother. The problem? Alvin can't drive as he's too old, and he's very poor and can't afford the travel expenses. What does he do? He rides a lawnmower in order to do the 350 mile trip, and that's where the meat of the story is.

It's a very satisfying film, and one which left me "content". It's not a happy tale, but for some reason I was just really captivated by it.

Anyway, I advise you guys to check it out.

Have any of you had any similar experiences with certain films which on paper look dreadful but are actualy gems?

[Pob]

Almost Famous. Didn't sound like it would be much cop, but it's just so 'nice'.

[K]

The Princess Bride. On the surface, it looks like a cheesy eighties kids flick. Upon viewing, it reveals itself to be a film that makes you want to kiss complete strangers. It's an astoundingly uplifting film.

[sith]

Good Will Hunting allways makes me smile

[Tom*]

not really hidden gems but:

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind made me feel content and happy.

Pieces Of April too, it has a good ending. 'Heartwarming'.

[AndyB]

Spirited Away.

Makes me smile. Lots.

[Garibaldi]

Kingpin, it's peppered with the usual 'gross-out' humour with is a trademark of the Farrely brothers, but there's also a surprising ammount of pathos in there as Munson starts to get his life back on track after so many years of self-pity. Great characters, consistently funny, and it doesn't go for a cop-out ending either.

[squirtle]

Princess Bride as already mentioned.

Edward Scissorhands.

But most of all...Strictly Ballroom. Love is in the air... Just a fantastic feel good movie. Really funny and well put together. And any film that makes me enjoy ballroom dancing must be aces. Yep. Just fantastic.

[pretentious_helvetica]

Kiki's Delivery Service.

If only life was as ace as that...

[DarhkFox]

Kiki's Delivery Service.

If only life was as ace as that...

heh, what a coincidence I was going to say that as well.

I have two then.

Kiki delievery service

and

Ten things i hate about you.

[Darragh]

Lost In Translation makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Similarly, Almost Famous.

Jerry Maguire, and Vanilla Sky aswell, completing a Cameron Crowe trilogy.

Spirited Away.

The Virgin Suicides, for some reason.

[Liquid Myth]

The Cat Returns.

Army of Darkness (*happy* ending).

Baseketball.

South Park: BL&U.

[aubergine]

I really expected to dislike it.

Also

Not really hidden gems or what have you though.

[Goose]

Amelie for sure

I always liked The Secret of my Success as well.

Better off Dead

Almost Famous

Say Anything

[The Shadow]

Big Fish, although it also makes you want to cover people in syrup. And The Truman Show.

[ChrisN]

Serendipity

[Rin]

Serendipity

I think that's a brilliant feel-good film.

High fives all round.

[CrispinG]

Wes Anderson's first film, Bottle Rocket, is lovely. The characters are so sweet and inept. You just want to hug Owen Wilson.

[ryodi]

Ten things i hate about you.

Agreed. It is probably the best teen comedy of the 90s IMO.

Other feel good movies:

Armageddon (for some reason)

Jerry Maguire

The Emperors New Groove

[Vemsie]

I third Amelie. And Spider-Man 2 made me feel good. Oh yes. Lovely ending and those who didn't like it can fuck right off.

[Jolly]

It's A Wonderful Life, but don't watch it now. Wait 'till Christmas. You don't want to spoil it.

[Vemsie]

The Wizard of Oz is another good one. Lovely film.

[ChrisN]

Mary Poppins.

[Lovelyman]

No matter how pants it really is, I really liked notting hill.

[dismembo]

Another vote for Amelie and It's a Wonderful Life. I'd also like to suggest Harvey, which also stars James Stewart. Plus the Miyazaki films people have mentioned. Oh, and Totoro, you can't have too much Totoro.

[amanset]

"Tilllsammans" is a bit grim in places but ends on a really warm note.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B...9677434-8956602

[JPickford (retired mod)]

Hairspray, Cry Baby, Pecker.

[Streets Of Rage]

Almost Famous,

Jerry Maguire,

Remember the Titans,

Rocky!

[Fondue]

Amelie entirely.

Also State and Main, Rushmore and - for me - About a Boy.

[KesDragon]

Big Fish.

Lost In Translation.

Fucking Amal.