tbdahmen

I'm not gonna lie, this is easily in my top 3. I must admit, the first time I was introduced to this film, I hated it, with passion. I may have even ranted for one or ...five hours. ("Something something, capitalist agenda something something" if my memory serves me... and possibly a few swear words thrown in...).

But then I returned to it some years later (yes, that's how much I hated it) and discovered a whole other genius to this movie. The more I watch it, the more I discover. I don't think there has been a time when I've sat down to watch Magnolia and not learned something new.

Magnolia magnifies the connections between seven main characters, how each affects each other and how their lives will be irrevocably changed in a single day. Parents and children reach crossroads and sins will be revealed.

It's mindblogging to think that old mate P.T. Anderson was only 29 years old when he made this triumph in cinema. And like each director of the other films on this list, Anderson's skew is so deliciously unique that whether you enjoy Magnolia or not, it will definitely leave an impression with you. This film divides audiences; people either love it and defend it with honour or hate it with livid frustration.

Paris is my favourite place in the world. So you can understand that I had to include Amelie in a list of films that say the most about me as a person. Putting aside my partiality for French chic, this film also provides insight to my childhood. The title character's (played by Audrey Tatou) penchant for life's simple childish pleasures eerily resembles my own. In fact, the entire opening title sequence of a young Amelie entertaining herself by putting glue on her fingertip and peeling it off, spinning a coin, eating 10 raspberries in one mouthful and other activities (I won't spoil it for you) is almost verbatim of how I would spend time on my own as a little girl. After discovering a hidden treasure in her apartment, adult Amelie decides to devote herself to "fixing" other people's lives. But destiny has so much more in store for her.

This film will make you want to strike up a conversation with a stranger or buy a garden gnome or just tuck into a good ol' creme brulee; the ultimate anti-dote to a dull, rainy day.

Stand outs: Brace yourself for the "Fifteen Orgasms" scene. Try to keep your pants on.

Nothing says "ANARCHY!! COS F**K YEAH!!" like a healthy punch to the ear. And if you are in the mood to scream a big, fat "F**k You" to the world, then this is the film for you.

Fight Club's nameless protagonist (Edward Norton) begins unravelling as he endures a destructive bout of insomnia. After following his doctor's advice, he becomes addicted to therapy groups and meets Marla Singer (Helena Bonham Carter). After this short-lived encounter with the only female in the movie, our narrator meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) on a business flight. Their camaraderie eventually sees them starting a fight club built on the philosophy of anarchy and rejection of societal status quo. But is anarchy really the answer? How far do you take it?

 If you have ever felt like a consumerist machine then I urge you to try this for kicks. The novel by Chuck Palaniuk is also a must read (but should be judged separately from the film as they differ in many aspects).

Stand outs: Meatloaf as "B**ch-tits Bob": has to be seen to be believed.