16 Old Movies of the Last Century That Might Surprise You A Lot

1. Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round 1966，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 1376, ID: 0060287
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A film that’s all about the how, ‘Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round’ features James Coburn as a ruthless ex-convict with a meticulously planned heist. The film’s intricate plot and Coburn’s charismatic performance make it a captivating watch. However, the film’s charm lies in its portrayal of a criminal who breaks hearts rather than heads.
2. Luv 1967，IMDB Rating: 5.3, IMDB Votes: 828, ID: 0061927
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‘Luv’ is a mod, madcap romantic comedy that unfortunately sinks into theatrical clichés. Despite the film’s shortcomings, the performances of Jack Lemmon and Peter Falk, who play old school friends caught in a love triangle, are noteworthy. The film’s offbeat quality and incisive moments make it an interesting, albeit flawed, watch.
3. A Time for Killing 1967，IMDB Rating: 5.4, IMDB Votes: 1122, ID: 0062373
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‘A Time for Killing’ is a Civil War drama that explores the tragic consequences of war on young, easily influenced individuals. The film, starring George Hamilton as a revenge-seeking Confederate captain, is a poignant reminder of the senselessness of war. Despite its historical accuracy, the film’s plot situation is somewhat ridiculous, making it a mixed bag.
4. Journey to Shiloh 1968，IMDB Rating: 5.6, IMDB Votes: 1084, ID: 0063161
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‘Journey to Shiloh’ is a Civil War story of youth, honor, and innocence. The film follows a group of young men from Texas who ride hundreds of miles to Tennessee to fight for the Confederacy. Despite its by-the-numbers approach, the film is notable for its cast, including a young Harrison Ford.
5. Getting Straight 1970，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 1665, ID: 0065775
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‘Getting Straight’ is a wild beast of a film, an anti-establishment picture that captures the turbulent mood of the early 70s. Starring Elliot Gould as a Vietnam vet turned idealistic grad student, the film explores the social consciousness of the student body. Despite its flaws, the film’s passion and relatable messages make it a significant document of a specific time and place.
6. Zabriskie Point 1970，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 17275, ID: 0066601
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Zabriskie Point, a 1970 drama directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, is a film that has been described as a ‘silly and stupid movie’ burdened with ideological luggage. Despite its shortcomings, it’s noted for its depiction of a young couple’s love story, set against the backdrop of societal unrest. However, it fails to make its characters relatable or engaging.
7. American Graffiti 1973，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 99599, ID: 0069704
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American Graffiti, directed by George Lucas, is a brilliant work of historical fiction that successfully captures the essence of being alive in the early 1960s. The film is praised for its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and the nostalgic journey it takes the audience on. It’s a masterpiece that combines a great soundtrack with an intricate character study.
8. The Conversation 1974，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 123368, ID: 0071360
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The Conversation, a 1974 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, presents a deeply unhappy and flawed protagonist, Harry Caul, portrayed by Harrison Ford. The film is a thriller that explores the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by a professional wiretapper. It’s a character study that delves into the paranoia and guilt associated with such a profession.
9. Judgment: The Court Martial of Lieutenant William Calley 1975，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 160, ID: 0145012
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Judgment: The Court Martial of Lieutenant William Calley is a made-for-television movie that provides a detailed account of the controversial trial of Lt. William Calley. The film is praised for its accurate portrayal of the trial proceedings, although some elements outside the courtroom are criticized for their lack of believability.
10. Star Wars 1977，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1463169, ID: 0076759
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Star Wars, released in 1977, is a groundbreaking film that revolutionized the film industry. Directed by George Lucas, it’s a fairy tale set in space, combining elements of westerns, samurai films, and sci-fi. The film is praised for its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and spectacular special effects. It’s a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
11. Life of Brian 1979，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 423374, ID: 0079470
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Life of Brian is a cult classic comedy that centers around a fictitious war between New York City street gangs. It’s a film that delivers pure, uncomplicated action and thrills. It’s more about movies than about religion. It’s funny, poignant, and sad.
12. Alien 1979，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 962107, ID: 0078748
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Alien is a chilling suspense of a crew trapped aboard a spaceship with an extraterrestrial creature. It’s a terrifying cinematic experience that continues to influence modern films within the sci-fi and horror realms. It’s creepy, atmospheric, and also simply tells a great story.
13. Apocalypse Now 1979，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 716668, ID: 0078788
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Apocalypse Now fearlessly delves into the madness of the Vietnam War while portraying the psychological turmoil faced by soldiers. It’s a journey toward understanding how one of the Army’s best soldiers penetrated the reality of war to such a depth that he could not look any longer without madness and despair.
14. Manhattan 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 148295, ID: 0079522
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Manhattan is a joyous stream of celebration. It’s a magnificent film, subtle both in expression and in feeling. It’s about the cynicism and superficiality of the modern mating dance. It’s about love in the past.
15. Mad Max 1979，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 231344, ID: 0079501
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Mad Max, a dystopian action film, is a testament to the raw power of cinema. The film’s gritty setting and high-octane vehicular mayhem set a new standard for the genre. The film’s protagonist, Max Rockatansky, played by a young Mel Gibson, is a compelling character whose personal vendetta drives the narrative. Despite its technical brilliance, the film’s true strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of desperation and survival.