Op-Rob Top 50: 40-31

40. "Drive"

TLR: Dialogue is mostly avoided in this intense, brutal tale of self-sacrifice and principle; expertly driven by a razor-sharp performance from Ryan Gosling.

39. "The Handmaiden"

TLR: With a plot twist for the ages, “The Handmaiden” is a disturbing, but ultimately triumphant film with undertones of class and gender conflict. *Not for young audiences

38. "Groundhog Day"

TLR: A hilarious Billy Murray classic with a timely, and thoughtful message about how to treat women with respect.

37. "Full Metal Jacket"

TLR: The definitive Vietnam War movie, with two equally compelling chapters, and a final statement that speaks volumes about the conscience a soldier who has come face-to-face with the horrors of war.

36. "Fargo"

TLR: A Coen Brother’s masterpiece that haunts as much as it entertains.  With quite unforgettable characters portrayed by Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi, and William H. Macy.

35. "Cast Away"

TLR: This movie excels as a simple island-survival adventure.  What makes it an all-time great is its message about overcoming life’s most difficult challenges by holding on to hope, as well as a stellar performance from Tom Hanks.

34. "Mississippi Burning"

TLR: This movie is a steel-fisted depiction of a true story about injustice and reckoning in the deep South.  Not to be taken lightly.

33. "The Excorcist"

TLR: “The Exorcist”, even with its 1973 release date, remains as scary as ever by utilizing the ancient, enduring fear of possession by a demon.  The eerie Georgetown University setting also gives a unique film identity to the typically un-cinematic city of Washington, D.C.

32. "Harakiri"

TLR: Don’t let the 1962 release date deter you from watching this gruesome tale about judgement and revenge.  This film is not only powerful in its message, but also incredibly beautiful throughout.

31. "Late Spring"

TLR: One of the most beautiful films I have ever seen. This film gets to the heart of the sacrifices involved with marriage, and old age.