All-time favorite flicks

Readers share their fave movies ever and why

By Cassandra C. Poculan
Photo: Associated Press

JUST one more sleep till the best films of 2017 will be honored at the 90th Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present Oscars in 24 categories during the most-awaited ceremony this red carpet season. While we wait with bated breath for the announcement of this year’s winners (or for host Jimmy Kimmel’s punchlines), we find comfort in the fact that we still have our personal picks to look back on and watch all over again as we wish. Here are some millennials and their choice of Oscar-winning movies from different decades.

Mikaela Li Bi, 25
Permanent Makeup Artist
Winked PH

Movie: La La Land (2016)

It was a happily ever after that was more grounded to reality. It showed me to never stop dreaming, and that you’ll encounter a lot of challenges and meet a lot of people who will blur out or compromise your goals in life, but that shouldn’t be an excuse. Always remember why you struggled for it in the beginning. Only real relationships that are built on trust and support will understand what you need to go through in achieving your dreams.

Mary Fel Peñaranda, 26
Post Graduate Intern Chong Hua Hospital

Movie: Gladiator (2000)

My favorite would have to be the Gladiator. It flawlessly portraits ancient Rome, which is one of the most vicious and romantic eras, and never fails to draw strong emotions from the viewers. Scott Ridley definitely knows how to make you feel for the characters, one of which is perfectly portrayed by no other than Russell Crowe. I wouldn’t mind watching this movie again and again.

Jope Mendoza, 24
Public Relations Assistant
Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

Movie: Sophie’s Choice (1982)

This movie may not have won an Academy Award for Best Picture in its long list of accolades, but it is by far the best performance by a cast for me, which is why this is my pick. Sophie’s Choice is Meryl Streep’s first Academy Award for Best Actress win following her win in Kramer vs. Kramer as the Best Supporting Actress. The way that she portrayed the role of Sophie goes beyond explanation. It is very excellent and moving for words and in most scenes, you can almost feel her sorrow come right out of the screen. It is almost offensive to think that Jennifer Lawrence was given the same award 31 years later for Silver Linings Playbook! The directing, music, the writing, the supporting actors are all excellent. This movie is very moving and heartbreaking, but it is extremely well done. It will make you cry and laugh, it will fill you with hope and despair, it will make you realize the sacrifices and consequences for our choices, appreciate life, and understand sorrow.

Christine Estrella, 24
Marketing and Communications Executive Radisson Blu Cebu

Movie: The King’s Speech (2010)

My all-time favorite movie only got close to being nominated as Best Picture, but if I had to pick among the champions, it would be The King’s Speech for its emotional appeal. A historical drama that centers around the reluctant King George VI and his triumph overcoming his speech impediment. Collin Firth brilliantly portrayed the frustrations brought about by the royal figure’s battle with stutter and the tension of ascending to the throne during the eve of World War II. It is significant to me because of my penchant for films that are based on true events and how it inspires me to take courage over my own fears.

Kirk Tarona, 29
Marketing Communications Manager
Montebello Villa Hotel

Movie: The Lion King (1994)

Whenever one speaks of a favorite movie, The Lion King always comes to mind. Always. The theme remains so relevant, it’s timeless, from the relationship Simba had with his dad — it shows how much a parent can influence his child. What you are in the world, you first learned it from your parents — a bond that can never be broken, to the lesson that it’s never too late to make things right after you mess up your life; an opportunity will always present itself for us to pull ourselves together and find our way back.