Wishlist

I've been waiting since forever for an Agnieszka Holland retro. I think she's a terrific director, with a small but extremely strong three movie run (Europa, Europa, Olivier, Olivier, and the Secret Garden), and a sort of extended late collapse, whether from picking the wrong projects or losing some inspiration, I don't know. Anyway, the movie of hers I most want to catch is Olivier, Olivier. I think she is as on top of her game here as anywhere else. And the movie stars a young Gregoire Colin, who has since been the lead in many top French movies, such as Dreamlife of Angels (which I haven't seen) and Beau Travail (which I have seen), which perhaps not coincidentally were directed by chicks. Go grrrl power!

I had previously seen snippets of Olivier, Olivier on VHS. And I guess my belief that it's a great movie might be unqualified. Anyway, I know that the movie isn't available on DVD, which led me to think of other flicks I would like to see, and own, on DVD. Some I have never seen in any format, others I have. Either way, for me, it feels like a comfort to have them accessible. To tell the truth, I am one of those snobs that feel the only proper way to watch movies is sitting in a theater, - for my soul grows in darkness, embossed by silvery images, - gratuitous bags of popcorn optional.

Here's the list I made, divided in regions: Europe, Asia, and America, with some brief remarks and explanations and such things. Overall, I do think all these movies are "important" in the art and film history sense, and deserve preservation in a DVD format. But for me, it's just that I want to have them on my shelf.

Europe

Olivier, Olivier: See above.
Cold Water: This is just about one of my most favorite movies ever. I think it's Olivier Assayas at his best and with the incomparable Virginie Ledoyen.
Les Miserables: The French version, with, and mainly for, Virginie Ledoyen as Cosette. Of course, many have said this is the definitive version of Victor Hugo's epic. Just put subtitles on the thing for us non-French speakers.
The Double Life of Veronique: I would love a Krzysztof Kieslowski retro as well to see this movie in the theater once, too.
Inquietude: My initiation to Manoel de Oliveira, who is amazing.
Doomed Love: I want more Manoel de Oliveira, particularly this of which many view as a masterwork.
Celine and Julie Go Boating: I haven't seen many (perhaps any) movies from this founding member of the French New Wave.

Asia

Late Spring: My friend David, as well as other critical viewers, say this is the Ozu masterpiece.
Drunken Master 2: The action sequences are so damn out of this world elegant.
Bullet in the Head: A definitive version has yet to be put together, and I really want to see this in the theaters.
My Sassy Girl: The Korean theatrical, and the best, version needs to be packaged as a DVD.
Mahjong: The hope for a complete Virginie Ledoyen collection continues. But I otherwise really dig Taiwanese New Wave'r Edward Yang.
A Brighter Summer Day: An important as a director as Edward Yang needs to have more of his shit on the retail shelves.
Terrorizer: See A Brighter Summer Day comment.
A Confucian Confusion: I have yet to see this, otherwise, see A Brighter Summer Day comment.

America

Night Zoo: If you didn't know, I couldn't have a higher opinion of Leolo. Night Zoo is Jean-Claude Lauzon's other, as well as debut, movie.
Make Way for Tomorrow: The inspiration for Tokyo Story, and David suggests that it's terrific.
Rancho Notorious: Fritz Lang is a favorite of mine. I like Westerns. Therefore, I have been dying to see Rancho Notorious somewhere.