Today no one knows exactly, why the most prestigious award of the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts for achievements is called «Oscar», but the ceremony of giving this award annually becomes nearly the biggest event of the year. It is hardly a surprise that for the first time short «Award of the Academy of Merit» was announced by the great inventor Walt Disney back in 1934. Today «Oscar» is a kind of a quality mark for us – unconditional acknowledgement of a perfect job of movie making industry. If, for some reason, you took no notice of the movies we described in this article, don’t waste time: watch five legendary «Oscar» – winning films – point of honour

1960 «Ben Hur»
This spectacular film, winner of 11 awards in different nominations is based on the story about former friends – Jew Ben-Hur and Roman Messala. Director William Wyler, author of the legendary «Roman Holiday», made into film novel by the American writer Lew Wallace. The director engaged more than 400 actors and 10000 film extras to make this movie, more than 100000 costumes were made and not less than 300 filming locations were built. Why all these efforts? Just to tell this epic thousand-year-old story about betrayal and revenge, love and hate, friendship and forgiveness. Though much time since movie theatrical release and events described in this film, has passed, the theme of moral choice is still topical. It is, of course, always our choice, but «Ben-Hur» sometimes can help to make the right one…
1995 «Forrest Gump»
It’s all relative in life: the one, who was mocked at yesterday, tomorrow can become distinguished figure or famous and drawbacks can turn into privileges or advantage. Film authors prove, that the most important in life is to remain human. «Run, Forrest!» – these words main character hears all the time. He is running, but he never runs from responsibility and obligations. We look at the world through his eyes, the eyes of an ordinary boy, and understand, that the good is a great power that can save the world. Tom Hanks did a stellar job playing sincere and quaint main character, though, in the casting for this role also participated Bill Murray, Chevy Chase and even John Travolta. Genius to acting Hanks helped authors to earn record-breaking sum – 678 million dollars during the first year of movie release, but, this is not what’s the most important. Uplift, devotion and responsibility – simple and understandable messages, that assured success of Forrest Gump’s story for many years.
1998 «Titanic»
Legendary James Cameron’s film was inspired by the historic fact. 44-meter model ship with interior of the real «Titanic» was made to make it as real as possible for the viewers, things at the sink ship were “aged” on purpose. They say that the director personally went down to the bottom of the ocean with deep-water camera to see shipwrecks and even made a sketch of nude main character that later was used in one of the scenes. Director’s talent, major preparations to shooting and brilliant work of Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio greatly impressed million of viewers, who believed that exactly love is the most precious human feeling. Since the moment film was released until now not a single film was able to break one of the records hit by «Titanic» – 287 days of theatre release. And if you haven’t seen (can it be that these people exist?) this tragic, touching, but very optimistic love story, be sure to treat yourself. It’s worth it!
1973 «The Godfather»
The most famous phrase from this cult crime drama, based on same-name novel of Mario Puzo, became fateful: «An offer that can’t be refused». One can’t refuse to watch this legendary cinema-trilogy for many reasons. First of all, main character has prototypes of real gangsters – famous Joseph Bonanno and Frank Costello. Secondly, one should not only watch this movie, but listen carefully to dialogues of its characters – sententia of complete worldview. We can recount obvious advantages of this film for a long time, but the most important thing is that this movie makes viewers wonder how important truth is and why it is worth fighting for? Film answers this question: evil for the sake of good – is evil anyway. One can appeal to supreme forces, count on authorities or seek justice from mafia bosses, but, actually our future depends on us only, we are the ones, who can influence present. Director’s talent, brilliant cast, absolutely genius music and hot topics assured years-long success of this movie.
2019 «Green Book»
Story of friendship of absolutely different people told by Peter Farrelly, author of fabulous comedy «Dumb and Dumber», this time told absolutely serious. The author takes us to the atmosphere of sixties of the last century, times, when racism was still a reality. And, though, when this year this blockbuster won Oscar award it was said that it is a «devastating incident», Farrelly is willing to speak about equity and human rights. Characters or behaviour, skills or way of life may be different, but the right to self-fulfilment should be equal for every person. Movie made by «the white for the white», accused of complicating simple conflicts. But, how is it possible to call simple problem of equity or safety of human life?
Father of classical psychology, Carl Gustav Jung, once said, that cinema allows us absolutely safely to experience admiration, passion and desire, that are suppressed in real life.
Listen to advices of the great and watch great films!
Text: Oleg Polonskyi
Photo: from open sources