Diamonds In The Rough - Underseen & Underappreciated Films
I could throw many films on here that are underappreciated in my view, but I'll try not to flood this list with too many titles. Instead, I'll focus mostly on films that I really enjoyed that according to the IMDb stats, few people have seen as of yet. I will note the amount of IMDb ratings as of the date I add each film to the list.
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- DirectorDev PatelStarsDev PatelSharlto CopleyPitobashAn anonymous young man unleashes a campaign of vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systematically victimize the poor and powerless.15,392 IMDb ratings
To me, this is easily among the greatest revenge films ever made. It's not all action, it has a lot of story and a lot of depth, but that is a big part of what makes it so special.
Go see it in the theatre!
My rating... 9/10 - DirectorMike LeighStarsDavid ThewlisLesley SharpKatrin CartlidgeAn unemployed Mancunian vents his rage on unsuspecting strangers as he embarks on a nocturnal London odyssey.37,848 IMDb ratings
Mike Leigh is a highly respected filmmaker by many critics and many of his filmmaking peers. You could pretty much watch anything he's done and be impressed by it. If you like gritty dramatic comedies. You won't find many better than this one.
My Rating... 8.5/10 - DirectorHarry KümelStarsHugo MetsersCox HabbemaWilleke van AmmelrooyFreek and Simone's lives are taken over by the bizarre character Joachim Stiller.347 IMDb ratings
Apparently this can be tough to find. Under 350 ratings on here is truly nuts!
If you somehow come across the full TV version of this, which runs about 2 and a half hours. Watch it! For any real film lover, this is a must see. This is sort of like a David Lynch film, before there ever was a David Lynch feature film. It's very unique, very mysterious, and yet entirely engaging. A gem to be sure!
I have heard and I would imagine that the 2 hour cut movie version is a confusing mess. I wouldn't bother with that one if it's all you can find.
My Rating... 8.5/10 - DirectorFrank PiersonStarsJames WoodsAnn MarinCraig T. NelsonA Cincinnati museum director goes on trial in 1990 for exhibiting sadomasochistic photographs taken by Robert Mapplethorpe.870 IMDb ratings
What Is Wrong? What Exactly Is It? And Who Decides?
More people need to see this film. It's an important one. Voltaire would love it.
This film was nominated for a number of awards and won the Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television, and somehow, it only has 870 ratings on here. What!?
The right to personal freedom is something that many have given their lives for over the course of history. This film really helps people understand that our freedoms are constantly under attack, continuously in jeopardy. You don't have to agree with what your neighbor may enjoy, and they you. This is the necessary understanding it takes to defend and uphold personal freedom. In allowing your fellow citizens to be free in their choices within the law, you are also defending your own freedom. This understanding, this knowledge of respecting your fellow citizens right to chose, even if you do not like their choice is the very basis of the 1st Amendment of the Untied States. Freedom of speech and beliefs, and the right to free expression itself, is essentially protected under this very idea/amendment. Nonetheless, everyday, in one way or another it's very relevance, value and existence is challenged in society.
As it is said in the film, we lose our freedom only a little at a time. If people do not fight for it continuously. The closed minded, scared and the obsessive control freak type of people, will eventually little by little take away all the freedoms that so many have given their lives for. People have fought wars to maintain the freedom we have to do what we want within our own homes, and to say and believe what we want in a public space. Not only the fearful, but also the ruthlessly greedy are constantly on the march to rob human beings of these very important aspects of life. At this point, most of us take it for granted, and if too many of us do. We will inevitably become like many other countries around the world, where your right to what you do in private is not nearly so valued, nor your right to free public expression. Instead of being looked at as a human being of unknown potential. You could be looked at as a possible threat to societal order. Many countries function not a lot differently than prisons in truth. From courageous historical figures, to modern soldiers and the children of today and tomorrow. We all owe it to them, those who value our personal right to grow as we see fit within the normal confines of the law to appreciate what we have. To stand up for your fellow neighbors right to be who they are and do what they do, as long as it's within the law of course. Law itself in the countries that value personal freedom, is truly built mostly upon an old sacred understanding. If a person is doing something that forcefully goes against another person's will, and if it effects them beyond reason, then it is illegal. Reasonable boundaries are set at what people can do to another in any circumstance. This is essentially the basis of law between human to human interactions in reasonably free countries. The importance of these things is brought to great light in this film about a true story in the American art world. If you can stand the 'dirty pictures', this is a very important film to see.
As a film, it's not perfect. It feels somewhat like a film in parts, because there are a few fairly typical clichés/scenes, and it is somewhat predictable a person could even say. Nonetheless, the story itself is so important and in my view very well told, in that it hits almost every important point about it's main topic. In this way, the film is great. I always base the vast majority of my film ratings upon the stories first and foremost. I don't need to see a perfectly lit and shot film in order for me to highly rate it. The film overall just needs to be effective in what it's setting out to say or do. Some films defy standard formulas entirely, and even reason itself, but nonetheless story for me is the main and most important ingredient in the vast majority of films. Here, we have mostly a very strong story that needs to be seen and talked about by mature adults. Chaplin is actually a great example. He was a very standard film director, almost everything was just point and shoot. But one of the things that made him special, is that he was an extremely talented and effective storyteller. The way his films look matters little, because the stories themselves are often so brilliant, relevant and/or important.
One last point, James Woods gives a great performance here.
8.5/10 - DirectorPeter WeirStarsMel GibsonSigourney WeaverLinda HuntA young Australian reporter tries to navigate the political turmoil of Indonesia during the rule of President Sukarno with the help of a diminutive photographer.21,054 IMDb ratings
Peter Weir is a strong Director and in recent years I've really come to believe that this film of his has long been greatly underappreciated. It's a mysterious and thrilling piece of cinema. 8.5/10 - DirectorDaryl DukeCurtis HansonStarsElliott GouldChristopher PlummerSusannah YorkA timid bank teller anticipates a bank robbery and steals the money himself before the crook arrives. When the sadistic crook realizes he's been fooled, he tracks down the teller and engages him in a cat-and-mouse chase for the cash.6,342 IMDb ratings
More people have seen this film in recent years. I know I for one have been helping to popularize it on this site for quite a few years now. This is one of the most unorthodox Christmas films you can find. A little known gem, but not for the faint of heart. It's a little sleazy at times and violent too. Even the late great John Candy has a small role in this still under-seen Canadian cult classic.
My rating... 8.5/10 - DirectorAustin BraggMeredith BraggStarsMike FaistCrystal ReedDennis BoutsikarisThe story of Roger Sharpe, the young midwesterner who overturned New York City's 35 year-old ban on pinball machines.2,321 IMDb Ratings
I'm not really into pinball or anything, but the film here is just fun, interesting and overall, quite great. A low budget standout in my view. Currently from what I've seen, this is actually my 4th favorite film of 2022.
My rating... 8/10 - DirectorCord JeffersonStarsJeffrey WrightTracee Ellis RossJohn OrtizA novelist who's fed up with the establishment profiting from Black entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him into the heart of the hypocrisy and madness he claims to disdain.4,801
As of late January 2024, this is easily my favorite film from 2023, and it seems very few people have yet to see it.
My rating... 8/10 - DirectorJohn D. HancockStarsMichael MoriartyRobert De NiroVincent GardeniaThe story of the friendship between the New York Mammoths major-league baseball team's worldly-wise pitcher Henry "Author" Wiggen and half-wit catcher Bruce Pearson as they cope with Bruce's terminal illness during a baseball season.5,758 IMDb ratings
This is more of a human drama really than a sports film. Though it definitely is a baseball film to some degree as well. Anyway, I'm a big fan and I'm really surprised that more people don't know this De Niro film.
My Rating... 8/10 - DirectorMatthew RossStarsMichael ShannonImogen PootsCarlos Moreno Jr.A psychosexual noir love story, set in Las Vegas and Paris, about love, obsession, sex, betrayal, revenge and, ultimately, the search for redemption.5,935 IMDb ratings
A Strong Film, But Not For Everyone
The film is a little offbeat, definitely not your standard Hollywood fare. It's gritty, and fairly uncompromising. It takes place in Las Vegas and Paris, and the reason I mention that is because this sort of feels more like a French film than the American film that it actually is.
It is an American film that was selected for Sundance, and then was picked up by a Hollywood distributor.
For a person like myself who has literally seen thousands of films from all over the world, I understand and appreciate the rarity of realist films like this with very human characters and very real feelings.
I enjoyed the film entirely, and I definitely plan to watch it at least one more time in my life. It's a good film at the very least, and perhaps even better. I suspect that I may even rate this film a little higher upon a second viewing. It's one of those types of films that may be enjoyed even more with a less surprised viewer, because yes, the film like real life is a little unsettling at times. There was no doubt at the end of the film however that I definitely enjoyed it a lot.
I must mention that I thought both Shannon and Poots were nothing short of tremendous.
To end, let me just say that if you want something not so standard, or you're a huge film buff who's seen tons, definitely see this film.
My Rating... 7.5/10 - DirectorLuis BuñuelStarsZachary ScottBernie HamiltonKey MeersmanA jazz musician seeks refuge from a lynch mob on a remote island, where he meets a hostile game warden and the young object of his attentions.2,721 IMDb ratings
To me, this is a beautiful artistic landmark. It is in fact one of my all time favorites. In my view, it's one of the most perfect films that I know of. I think this Luis Buñuel work has long been misunderstood by most viewers however. If you love classic films, give this gem a try and see what you think.
My Rating... 10/10 - DirectorAndrew CividinoStarsJackson MartinNick SerinoReece MoffettWhile spending the summer in cottage country on the shores of Lake Superior, three teens cope with boredom by testing the limits of their experience.1,706 IMDb ratings
A very good indie film from Canada. Growing up in the movies rarely feels so real. A superb cautionary tale for young and/or troubled teens. At the same time, the film is a good watch for people of all ages who like strong indie films.
My rating... 8/10 - DirectorGuerdon TruebloodStarsTiffany BollingBen PiazzaSusan SennettA nonverbal autistic boy stumbles upon a teenage heiress who has been kidnapped by a trio of young psychopaths, who are intent on extorting diamonds from her stepfather.1,481 IMDb ratings
This has definitely become somewhat of a cult film. It flat out must be one of the best virtually unknown and unseen films of the entire 1970's. I recommend this to any film lover who can handle this type of twisted fare. The film is unique in multiple ways and the story is actually quite competent; That in itself is rare for low budget films of this sort and era. I don't want to say too much about this film and give any of the great surprises away. If you like cult films, do yourself a favor and check this out.
My Rating... 7.5/10 - DirectorMichael AptedStarsStacy KeachDavid HemmingsEdward FoxA dangerous, violent gang kidnaps a woman and her daughter to extort some money from her rich husband. He and her down-on-his-luck ex-cop ex-husband decide to deal with the kidnappers themselves.641 IMDb ratings
Little Known Good Late 70's Crime Drama
English Director Michael Apted has received a good bit of attention for a few films over the years, most notably Coal Miner's Daughter, Gorky Park and Gorilla's In The Mist. He's also directed a number of TV episodes of many well known shows. Of all of the films I've seen of his, two of them stand out to me as quite underrated or underappreciated generally. This one which is actually so underseen it seems, and 1992's Thunderheart with Sam Shepard, Graham Greene and Val Kilmer. I definitely recommend checking them both out if you like crime drama.
My Rating... 7.5/10 - DirectorMichael AptedStarsVal KilmerSam ShepardGraham GreeneA young mixed-blood FBI agent is assigned to work with a cynical veteran investigator on a murder on a poverty-stricken Sioux reservation.15,619 IMDb ratings
The dialogue is so good in this film. Much like The Shinning, it becomes more of a comedy with multiple viewings.
My Rating... 8.5/10 - DirectorNoah BuschelStarsCorey StollBilly CrudupMarin IrelandA down-on-his-luck former boxing champ is forced to make a choice between friendship and ambition when he is framed for murder.859 IMDb ratings.
Wow, so few have seen this! People need to check out this film, I'm sure many will enjoy it. If you're a big fan of Pulp Fiction, I suggest trying this film out. It is by no means a copy of PF, but it does have some similarities, and the style of filmmaking also has some similarities.
My Rating... 8/10 - DirectorGualtiero JacopettiFranco ProsperiStarsChristopher BrownMichele MillerJacques HerlinCandide, lovelorn youth and eternal seeker from the pages of Voltaire's immortal classic novel, finds himself thrown out of an entirely comfortable castle after his affection for the baron's daughter Cunegonde went a little too far down her thighs for her father's taste.299 IMDb ratings. Wow! 299?
We Must Cultivate Our Garden
Based loosely on Voltaire's satirical novella Candide:Optimism, this wild Italian sex comedy is a film like no other. It is funny, thought provoking, and somewhat Felliniesque in its circus like atmosphere/scenes. This must be one of the most truly interesting silly films in all of the world. It's silly, yes, but also quite brilliant in my estimation. Definitely well worth watching for most fans of European film.
Voltaire's original work which today is considered his greatest masterwork was essentially an attack at the passivity inspired by Leibniz's philosophy of optimism. Like other philosophers of the day, Candide also contends with the problem of evil. Though Voltaire's approach to this and many other subjects was far from typical and certainly far more humorous than most. Voltaire is an extremely important historical figure due to his fearlessness in challenging ideas and authorities of all kinds. He was an outspoken and controversial figure who fought for civil liberties, freedom of speech and freedom of religion, as well as against censorship. In much of his work, through both directness and humor Voltaire ridicules religion, theologians, governments, armies, philosophies and philosophers alike. Voltaire was in fact among the world's first ever authors to become famous and commercially successful internationally. It is fairly widely believed that Voltaire did not hold to an optimistic, nor to a pessimistic view, but rather to a belief that we must act or work to help create the world around us. Some have summed up this practical belief noted in Candide's conclusion as "We Must Cultivate Our Garden.".
My Rating... 8/10 - DirectorEskil VogtStarsEllen Dorrit PetersenHenrik RafaelsenVera VitaliForsaken in a new Oslo apartment, a frail blind woman battles to come to terms with her condition, as she slowly retracts into an elaborate fantasy bubble. Are her stories fanning her suspicions, or is this what total blindness looks like?8,061 IMDb ratings
This Norwegian film has earned a lot of awards around the world, but it still seems to be somewhat underseen in North America at least.
My Rating... 8/10 - DirectorJoel HershmanStarsMax ParrishAdrienne ShellySean YoungEli is a burglar who is caught in the act by Twinkle, a crazy heiress who coerces him into a sexual relationship. Their violent break-up at the altar makes him a fugitive in search of a new identity. He lands in a trashy trailer park where he touches the lives of several dysfunctional residents. Two of them are adult buxom woman, who's somewhat interested in Eli, and her young teen sister, who's still a virgin. The impressionable teen falls for Eli hard to which he reciprocates, so the kid decides to run away with him even if it means getting her big sister out of the way first.546 IMDb Ratings
And currently rated a 5.8!? Pure nonsense! For the right audience, this film should've found a bigger following by now.
Not everyone will like this. However if you're into wacky, trashy, cult type films, give this near complete unknown a go. It's funny, and the soundtrack is fun too.
My Rating... A very solid 7/10 for me. - DirectorOliver StoneStarsMichael CaineAndrea MarcovicciAnnie McEnroeA comic book artist loses his hand, which in turn takes on a murderous life of its own.5,987 IMDb ratings
If you like funny thriller/horror films, I recommend a look at this. It's more brilliant than some may expect, especially given its current rating of 5.5 here. Oliver Stone, Michael Caine.
My Rating... 7.5/10 - DirectorDenys ArcandStarsThomas GibsonRuth MarshallCameron BancroftSet in a dreary urban landscape of Edmonton, LOVE AND HUMAN REMAINS is a dark comedy about a group of twentysomethings looking for love and meaning in the '90s. The film focuses on roommates David, a gay waiter who has has given up on his acting career, and Candy, a book reviewer who is also David's ex-lover. David and Candy's lives are entangled with those of David's friends (a busboy, a psychic dominatrix, and a misogynistic civil-servant) and Candy's dates (a male bartender and a lesbian schoolteacher). Meanwhile, a serial killer menaces the concrete and asphalt neighbourhood in which David and Candy live.2,601 IMDb ratings
One of my favorite little known Canadian films. Some people will love it, some people will probably hate it. Take a chance if it seems of interest to you.
My Rating... 8.5/10 - DirectorClaudia WeillStarsMelanie MayronEli WallachAdam CohenA photographer and her girlfriend are roommates. She is stuck with small-change shooting jobs and dreams of success. When her roommate decides to get married and leave, she feels hurt and has to learn how to deal with living alone.2,249 IMDb ratings
A Down To Earth Low Budget Gem
If you like very down to earth films, this one is an absolute must see! Honestly, I have to say that I like this film even a touch more than The Deer Hunter, which in its own right is a great picture, (Both films were released in 1978.). This is low budget arthouse filmmaking at its very best. When the words arthouse filmmaking are used, some automatically conclude that the film is slow. That's not at all true however, those two things do not always go hand in hand. I'm really not sure why more people haven't seen this film by now, and why it isn't more widely regarded as the great film it truly is. Claudia Weill only wrote and directed one feature film in her enitre career and this is it. This is in all honesty, one of the greatest film debuts in history. This is an amazing little film. Even Stanley Kubrick called this film, "Wonderful.". I for one, couldn't agree more. Artistic women especially will likely love this. In all truth however, any serious film lover will most likely find this to be something quite special.
My Rating... 8.5/10 - DirectorJean RollinStarsFranca MaïBrigitte LahaieJean-Marie LemaireA runaway criminal breaks into an eerie chateau, taking its two frightened chambermaids hostage. As night falls, a group of mysterious aristocratic women arrive and the criminal begins to realize the women are hiding a sinister secret.2,799 IMDb ratings
In an odd way, one of my favorite horror films. There is a great dark dreamlike French romanticism that is wonderfully captured here, especially considering the budget. The overall feel of the film is something quite great. If you like old low budget horror and don't mind some French style nudity, check this film out.
My Rating... 8/10 - DirectorMichael PowellStarsKarlheinz BöhmAnna MasseyMoira ShearerA young man murders women, using a movie camera to film their dying expressions of terror.34,032 IMDb ratings
This really isn't an unknown film, it has been widely documented as a great film by many people over the decades. Still, well under 35,000 ratings on here is down right criminal in my mind. Watch this film! 1960 was a big year for the cinema...Psycho changed things...one of my all time favorites, Buñuel's The Young One was also released along with this very widely talked about underground classic Peeping Tom. There are many film lovers out there who feel that Peeping Tom is actually a far superior film to Psycho. I would mostly agree with them. This film is in fact, if you can put your prejudices aside, one of the most thought provoking films ever made.
My Rating... 8.5/10 - DirectorSzabolcs HajduStarsOrsolya Török-IllyésOana PelleaRazvan VasilescuIn order to regain custody of her daughter, whom she left in the care of her fortune-telling aunt, Mona must tell a social worker her story. The tale she spins---and the movie we watch---is a wild, surreal adventure in which people are able to project and enter each other's dreams, and our heroine is sold into slavery and lands in a swank, debauched Liverpool brothel where the patrons enact their literary/sexual fantasies with Lolita, St. Joan, and Desdemona. Rendered with dazzling tracking shots, striking CGI effects and a pulsing soundtrack, Hungarian director Szabolcs Hajdu's risk-taking fantasia has style to spare. But under the seductive surface lurks the very human story of a woman who uses fantasy to cushion the pain of life.1,833 IMDb ratings
A beautiful & mind blowing film to some degree. If you're in the mood for something unconventional, try out this little Hungarian gem.
My rating... 8.5/10