My favourite podcast series is Films To Be Buried With by Brett Goldstein. You can learn a lot about a person by the films they like.
Sadly, I’m not famous enough to be invited to Brett’s podcast, but that’s not stopping me from writing my own list as a tribute!
The podcast series starts off by Brett introducing the guest.
So here goes: I am an amateur writer, wannabe film critic, travel writer, digital person, curry aficionado and lover of the NHS. I’m not an actor.
Brett then asks his guests about their thoughts on death. Death is something I’ve had to think a lot about when doing previous jobs. I was involved in modernising the death certification process across England and Wales. The current process is awful. The burden on people who are grieving is immense. I’d hope that my involvement paved the way for people to focus on grieving and being with their loved ones.
I’d hope there’s something beyond this life, but as an agnostic, I can neither confirm or deny this is the case. I hope when I go, it’s because I did something heroic like rescue people on a bus like Keanu Reeves in Speed.
I’ve taken some liberties with the categories and the order. I couldn’t bear not include some of my favourite films. Forgive me Brett.
Now without further a do, let’s go into my film selection.
What’s the first film I remember seeing?
I remember having this on VHS, and playing it on repeat. I was mesmerised by the sights and sounds. There’s a scene later on with a dragon, and the music turns up a notch. Like thunder, it stunned a small child into silence.
What’s the first film I remember in the cinema?
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
I know I’ve seen other films in the cinema before this but I’ll never forget this. I vividly remember seeing an orc for the first time. I’m not sure that ever leaves you.
Tolkien crafted a world that was immense in scope. Peter Jackson did him justice by bringing it to life. A wonderful tribute to an exceptional writer.
What’s the first film I actually watched in the cinema?
“Hakuna Matata: It means no worries for the rest of your days.” -Timon & Pumbaa
My mum tells me I was obsessed with this film. She says I watched it so many times I nearly broke the VHS.
This film is Disney at its best. I didn’t realise that it was a Hamlet reimagining. Can all Disney try to turn other Shakespeare stories into animation!?
I am probably still traumatised by Mufasa’s death — that I won’t forgive Disney for.
What’s the most ‘hell yeah’ moment in cinema?
There’s a scene at the end. I won’t spoil it but I was terrified it would end how it normally ends in real life. Jordan Peele know’s the audience is expecting the same thing.
He turns the situation on its head. I screamed feelings of pure joy.
What’s my most memorable experience in the cinema?
Black Panther.
I watched this in a packed out cinema in London. I’ve never heard the cinema get so loud when this film was on.
The film is different from your classical Marvel films. It’s philosophical. It wrestles with colonialism. It asks tough questions about what power truly means. What could Africa have looked like now if it wasn’t colonised?
The city is teeming with life, and each character oozes personality. The passing of Chadwick Boseman was a horrible loss. He was the Black Panther. Wakanda Forever.
What’s the most romantic film I’ve seen?
This is quite possibly the most exquisitely shot film I’ve ever scene. The story is heartbreaking .The cinematography is breathtaking. The neon lights of Hong Kong give the city a glow and warmth that the film captures superbly.
It’s intimate but there’s no touching.
Maggie Cheung stole my heart and will never let go.
Honourable mention: Before Sunrise, An Affair to Remember
What’s the film with the sexiest dialogue?
Regular listeners to Brett’s podcast will know there’s a sub category to the romance film, but I can’t possible write it here. My mum reads my blog posts! So here’s my alternative.
There’s so much sexual tension between this pair the train must be on fire. The film still holds today. An Alfred Hitchcock classic.
What’s the film I’ve seen the most?
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham or KG3.
Are you Indian if you haven’t seen this!? This was one of the first films that tackled the loss felt when families part and move to another country. The songs play at every wedding. It’s a right of passage to watch this movie. Iconic to Indians across the world.
Honourable mention: Groundhog day, groundhog day…..groundhog day…Home Alone. Princess Bride.
What’s the most bat s**t crazy film I’ve seen?
Sion Sono is a nut job and only he could make this film. There’s about 10 different genres packed into one film. I rarely struggle to describe a film. I don’t know where to start with this.
It’s an immense film at 4 hours run time. This film will have you experiencing all the emotions. Stick with it. You’ll be rewarded.
What’s the best Christmas movie?
It’s a movie that transcends time. What happens when you’ve fallen so low, you think the only option is that you are better not living. This film explores the impact we have on those around us. The perfect Christmas film.
Honourable mention: Die Hard (it’s a Christmas movie)
What’s the funniest film I’ve seen?
The writing in this film is on another level. These guys are comedy legends. They reimagine what a vampire film could be. Do yourself a favour and watch this.
Honourable mention: Airplane, Blades of Glory and Step Brothers.
What’s the most quotable film of all time?
Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
The perfect family film. The premise of the film is a grandfather reading to his sick grandson. His grandson would rather play computer games. But like the viewer, the story soon captures his imagination. This film has it all. The writing is witty, the action sequences fun, and the characters are such a joy.
What’s the film everyone thinks is terrible but I absolutely love?
Look I know this film is absolutely terrible. The dialogue is stunted, the characters are forgettable. But there’s something magical about the sights and sounds of Tokyo. That makes this film work for me. It made me want to visit Japan. It was such a privilege to achieve that dream.