6 Brilliant Timeless Films That Define the Art of Cinema

I was just talking about films with a friend recently – and it hit me, like damn, I used to be cool back in the day, hahaha. But then adulthood happened and cinephile Bella took a (long) nap. Now, all I watch are romantic films starring some ridiculously handsome leads, with easy-to-follow storylines that you can predict halfway through but still enjoy every second *guilty!

I’m not saying chick flicks are rubbish, though – but from Kubrick to chick flicks, what happened to the film-school nerd me who used to dive into the works of iconic film directors, and all the other legends who shaped cinema as we know it? Back then, I’d watch films that challenged my brain, messed up my emotions, or just left me sitting in awe for hours. Maybe it’s time to revisit that chapter of my life – the glorious uni days of dissecting every frame, scriptwriting and camera angle. So, here’s to a little nostalgia and maybe rediscovering why I fell in love with cinema in the first place. Let’s start with some classics.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Directed by Michel Gondry

I have seen this film many times, but I’d still watch it again anytime in a heartbeat. This film follows the story of a couple, Joel and Clementine. After their breakup, Clementine undergoes a procedure to erase all her memories of Joel. When Joel discovers this, he decides to have the same procedure to forget her as well. However, during the process, as his once-cherished memories of Clementine slowly begin to fade, he starts to have second thoughts.

The film unfolds through a non-linear narrative, moving back and forth through time and memory, blending past and present in a fragmented, dreamlike way. Every time you rewatch it, you will notice little details you didn’t see before that make you think, “OMG, Michel Gondry is amazing!” If you’ve made it this far in life without watching it, please do yourself a favour and watch it now! Also, prepare to cry.

I still watch his works, right up to Wednesday on Netflix (haven’t seen the new Beetlejuice Beetlejuice yet!). Burton has such a quirky gothic style, and sometimes eerie, like Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. While he directed Alice in Wonderland (which is my all-time favourite), the one that really touched my heart and that I’ve watched so many times is Edward Scissorhands.

The film tells the story of Edward, played by Johnny Depp – a man with scissorhands, created by an inventor who dies before finishing him. He’s discovered by a sweet lady named Peg and brought into suburban life. It’s a heartfelt story about a misunderstood outsider seeking connection. From the characters to the set design to Danny Elfman’s score – everything is perfect. Like, who wakes up one morning and thinks, “I want to make a film about a man with scissorhands!”? Pure genius!

The Science of Sleep (2006)

Directed by Michel Gondry

Fun fact – I almost interned at a production company where Gondry worked, but sadly didn’t make it to the next interview. Anyway, Gondry’s whimsical style shines through in his works (he also does documentaries and commercials). While Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind will always have a special place in my heart, The Science of Sleep also deserves a spotlight. It’s a simple boy-meets-girl story, but wrapped in surreal fantasy with unique visuals, blending stop-motion and dream-like sequences.

The main character, Stéphane, struggles between his vivid dreams and reality, and when he meets Stéphanie, his creative, free-spirited neighbour, their relationship becomes a roller coaster of adventures, confusion, miscommunication, and emotional vulnerability. The line towards the end when Stéphanie asks, “Why me?” and he replies, “Because everyone else is boring, and because you’re different,” really struck me the first time I watched it. At that point in my life, I felt like I was different, and it gave me a sense of comfort. Not sure how easy it is to find this film these days, but it’s worth checking!

Lost in Translation (2003)

Directed by Sofia Coppola

It must have been tough building a name under the shadow of The Godfather (if you know, you know), but Sofia Coppola did it. I first watched her work the heavy way, with The Virgin Suicides, which was powerful. Then there’s Somewhere, which was also good. But Lost in Translation… I just recently rewatched it, and every time, it hits differently.

Set in Tokyo, it follows Bob, a famous actor, and Charlotte, a young woman struggling with her marriage. Both feel disconnected in a foreign country and form an emotional bond. You can feel the loneliness, even when they’re together in the crowd. The cinematography, combined with the melancholic shots and soundtrack, makes it both sad and heartwarming. It’s very slow-paced, so it’s best watched when you’re ready to relax, not in the middle of a hectic day. Highly recommend it!

Amélie (2001)

Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet

There was a time when I loved watching foreign films, and French cinema, especially the works of Jean-Pierre Jeunet was always on my list. I would describe his style as whimsical, often blending fantasy with everyday reality. He seems to like warm colour palettes and quirky characters in his films.

Amélie tells the story of Amélie Poulain, a shy young woman in Paris who lives in a world of her own. One day, she discovers a hidden treasure in her apartment: a rusty old box filled with childhood memories left behind by a previous tenant. Determined to find the owner, this small act of kindness quietly changes her life and sets her on a journey of helping others.

If you like Amélie, you may also enjoy Jeunet’s other films: Delicatessen, A Very Long Engagement, and The City of Lost Children.

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

Another foreign film – and we’re going a little darker here, but it’s a masterpiece worth watching! The story follows Ofelia, a young girl who moves with her pregnant mother to a remote military outpost in post–Civil War Spain. She discovers an ancient labyrinth near their home, where she meets a half-human, half-goat creature who tells her she may be the reincarnation of a lost princess from an underground kingdom. To prove her true identity, Ofelia must complete a series of dangerous and surreal tasks.

Despite its dark fantasy genre and unsettling moments, for some reason this film didn’t frighten me. It feels more like a melancholic fairy tale than a horror film. It’s one of those films you have to watch at least once in your life.

Wow, that was only six films, but there’s already so much to say! Maybe I’ll stop here and save the rest for another film-related article, different genres, or different eras perhaps, or maybe even a collaboration with my fellow film nerds. Got any more films to add to the list? Drop them in the comment below!