Defining the Perfect Movie: Personal Criteria and Timeless Recommendations

Consuming film content has been a significant part of my 17-year journey,whether it be through magazines, newspapers, online blogs, or video platforms like YouTube. The world of movies continues to expand with new films hitting the block on a regular basis,each one accompanied by superlatives that range from 'classical' to 'transformative'. However, amidst all these descriptors one term stands out: 'perfect'. It is a label that is rarely, if ever, used in reviews, mainly because the concept of perfection in cinema is highly subjective.

Creating a perfectly crafted movie is an incredible challenge, and for many, it could even be impossible. So let's dive into what makes a movie 'perfect', based on my personal criteria and beloved 'perfect' films that have stood the test of time.

What defines a perfect movie?

Perfection is in the eye of the beholder. It is one of the most subjective things in art and entertainment. What I consider to be a perfect movie might not interest you or other viewers. Hence, the list of perfect films is solely my opinion. It's important to note that just because a movie is considered 'great' does not necessarily mean it fits my personal criterion of 'perfect' as defined here.

Four Key Criteria for Perfection

1. Originality and Innovation

For a movie to be considered 'perfect', it should stand out from the countless films in the history of cinema. It should break new ground, be revolutionary, or take me on a journey into entirely foreign territory. In other words, it should offer something original and unique.

2. Enduring Captivation

Turn the movie on, and from the very first shot, I should be engrossed. The initial impression is crucial, and with 'perfect' movies, I am immediately captivated. No 'perfect' film that I consider misses this mark.

3. Timelessness

A truly perfect movie should not feel dated upon repeated viewings. While some elements of a film may be reflective of their era, it should not be the primary or dominating aspect of the film. Instead, it should stand the test of time and maintain its appeal and relevance.

4. Enduring Impact

A perfect movie should move me in some profound way, evoking a grin, a tear, or even a chill down the spine. It should leave a lasting impression, and for me, it should be a movie I can recommend without hesitation. It should be essential viewing, a must-watch that resonates with me every time I see it.

My List of Perfect Films

To illustrate what works for me, here is a chronological list of my perfect movies:

The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) - Carl Theodor Dreyer Modern Times (1936) - Charlie Chaplin Make Way for Tomorrow (1937) - Leo McCarey The Wizard of Oz (1939) - Victor Fleming Citizen Kane (1941) - Orson Welles The Red Shoes (1948) - Emeric Pressburger and Michael Powell Seven Samurai (1954) - Akira Kurosawa The Seventh Seal (1957) - Ingmar Bergman 12 Angry Men (1957) - Sidney Lumet The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) - David Lean Vertigo (1958) - Alfred Hitchcock The Apartment (1960) - Billy Wilder High and Low (1963) - Akira Kurosawa The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) - Jacques Demy The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) - Sergio Leone 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - Stanley Kubrick Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) - Sergio Leone The Godfather (1972) - Francis Ford Coppola The Exorcist (1973) - William Friedkin The Godfather: Part II (1974) - Francis Ford Coppola One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) - Milo Forman All That Jazz (1979) - Bob Fosse The Shining (1980) - Stanley Kubrick Raging Bull (1980) - Martin Scorsese Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) - Steven Spielberg The Thing (1982) - John Carpenter Back to the Future (1985) - Robert Zemeckis Come and See (1985) - Elem Klimov My Neighbor Totoro (1988) - Hayao Miyazaki The Silence of the Lambs (1991) - Jonathan Demme Perfect Blue (1997) - Satoshi Kon Memories of Murder (2003) - Bong Joon-Ho Inglourious Basterds (2009) - Quentin Tarantino 12 Years a Slave (2013) - Steve McQueen Logan (2017) - James Mangold Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) - Céline Sciamma

These films have not only impressed me once but continue to resonate with me upon repeated viewings. They are a testament to the enduring power of cinema.

Would you like to share your own criteria or list of perfect movies? Feel free to leave a comment and join the conversation on what makes a movie 'perfect' to you. I am always eager to hear different perspectives and experiences in the world of cinema.