Rashaad Ernesto Green’s Top Ten Films

Have you ever wondered what are the films that inspire the next generation of visionary filmmakers? As part of our monthly IONCINEPHILE profile (read here), we ask the filmmaker the incredibly arduous task of identifying their top ten list of favorite films. Rashaad Ernesto Green (Gun Hill Road) was busy with Sundance and couldn’t get to this portion of the IONCINEPHILE feature.

The Battle of Algiers – Gillo Pontecorvo (1966)
“This has to be one of the greatest war films ever made. You are transported into a culture and struggle, and wind up siding with a people who will stop at nothing for their freedom. It is a timeless masterpiece. Watching this film will make you think different about the present day situation in the middle east.”

Black Orpheus – Marcel Camus (1959)
“Cinematic candy. You want to eat, sing, and dance in the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The colors and fabrics, the language, music, people, and culture are all so vibrant and beautiful. The story is a retelling of the Greek tale of Orpheus and Eurydice, but done with such beauty and imagination. It is one for the ages.”

Do The Right Thing – Spike Lee (1989)
“Quintessential Spike Lee. Brooklyn. Hottest day of the year. This film defined a generation of filmmakers and artists that followed. As an artist growing up in New York, Spike Lee was an inspiration. He showed us it could be done.”

Let the Right One In – Tomas Alfredson (2008)
“I’m not a big fan of vampire flicks, but this one definitely stands out. More than anything, it’s a coming of age story told from a unique and interesting perspective. I jumped out of chair cheering and hollering out loud at the end of this film.”

The Motorcycle Diaries – Walter Salles (2004)
“The film is absolutely gorgeous cinematically. I felt like I was on the motorcycle along with Che as he rode through South America. To understand the origins of the Cuban revolution from the perspective of a young man whose spirit was changed as he traveled the world was an incredible experience.”

Pather Panchali – Satyajit Ray (1955)
This is first of the Apu Trilogy by Satyajit Ray. An incredibly moving, heartfelt story that takes place in the Bengal countryside in the 1920’s. Netflix must make this film available so the world can see this classic.”

Raising Victor Vargas – Peter Sollett (2002)
“A very simple and straightforward film. It explores the dynamics of a Dominican family on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It was one of the first times I had ever seen Latinos portrayed on film with such beauty and simplicity. The acting is superb. It’s one of the best independent films I have ever seen.”

The Red Balloon – Albert Lamorisse (1956)
“One of the most beautiful films ever made. A French film with almost no dialogue, I remember watching this film in school several times as a child. The innocence, magic and play of a child and his imagination is threatened by bullies and adults. The relationship he establishes with his balloon is a marvelous recognition of childhood and explores universal themes that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and backgrounds.”

Rocky – John G. Avildsen (1976)
“The is one of my favorite stories of all time. The ultimate underdog, everyone can identify with his endearing and charming character. One man. One struggle. Against all odds. The visceral cry and Rocky’s clamoring for the ropes in the final fight brings me to tears every time I watch it.”

Tokyo Story – Yasujirô Ozu (1953)
Ozu at his best. Every person can identify with this family after their parent passes away. It is a deep and thorough investigation into our humanity. This film has stayed with me for years, as it strikes a very deep chord that makes us recognize our true commonality, whether we like it or not.”

Rashaad Ernesto Green’s Gun Hill Road premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.