If you don’t see a film that should be on the list, please comment.
5. Grease
Regarded by many to be one of the most popular musicals, as well as one of the best films in 1978, and ranked as #97 in the American Film Institute’s list of 100 Years…100 Passions, the plot follows the lives of two teenagers, a greaser named Danny (John Travolta), and sweet girl Sandy (Olivia Newton-John), who fall in love during summer vacation, and their attraction to each other during their high school times. Be sure to pay attention to certain show tunes such as the memorable You’re the One I Want and the catchy Summer Nights.
4. Watership Down
Often considered to be one of the darkest animated movies ever made, and based on the late Richard Adams’ novel of the same name, this visually stunning adaptation centers on a group of rabbits who flee from their doomed warren and set out to find a better place to live, with many obstacles along the way. It’s also important to note that the late Oscar nominee John Hurt is part of the voice cast as the leader Hazel. And who could forget the hauntingly beautiful and catchy song Bright Eyes sung by Art Garfunkel which fun fact; was quite a hit song back in its day in South Africa. Not recommended to those who have small children for its scenes of violence but to those who love the genre.
3. Superman
“You’ll believe a man can fly” is the exciting (and possibly unforgettable) tagline featured in one of its posters. Many critics and fans agree that this is one of the best superhero films in cinematic history, and rightfully so since to this day it is considered to be a landmark for its use of special effects as well as storytelling in the science fiction and fantasy genre. The plot is basically the origin story of Kal-El aka Clark Kent aka the titular character (played by the late Golden Globe nominee Christopher Reeve, who will perhaps always be remembered as portraying the Man in Steel for generations to come) who is sent to Earth after his home planet is destroyed and thus becomes a protector in Metropolis. He must also thwart the plans of his rival Lex Luthor (played superbly by Oscar winner Gene Hackman) who has figured out Superman’s weakness and intends to use it against him. Another notable aspect in the motion picture is the performance by the legendary and late Marlon Brando portraying Jor-El, Kent’s father. A must-watch for viewers who love action and superhero flicks.
2. Heaven Can Wait
You’re probably asking yourselves this question; how is it that a fantasy comedy which centers on a Quarterback who gets inadvertently taken away from his body before he was meant to die and returns to life in a recently murdered millionaire’s body, would go on to be nominated for 9 Oscars including the big one Best Picture? That is personally interesting because nowadays that amount or more Academy Award wins and nominations would go to the big blockbusters such as the third Lord of the Rings movie, and that is almost 16 years ago. But back to Heaven Can Wait. The film won the Oscar for Best Art Direction – Set Decoration, winning at least 1 out of 9. And let’s not forget the excellent performances, especially Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, Jack Warden, Charles Grodin, to name a few. The story is simple yet heartfelt, particularly in the ending (which will not be spoiled here), and the characters are both admirable and the opposite. Recommended to audiences who either like or love the aforementioned actors, Beatty’s directed films, and the fantasy and comedy genres.
1. California Suite
If you want to have a good or silly laugh while watching a 70’s movie, this one will likely do the trick. Based on the late Neil Simon’s 1976 play of the same name, this comedy starring a terrific cast that consists of Michael Caine, Jane Fonda, Alan Alda, Walter Mattheu, and an Oscar-winning performance from the brilliant dame Maggie Smith, focuses on the various problems of guests staying in a suite at a luxury hotel. It is also significant to point out that it was directed by Herbert Ross who also bought the world of cinema films such as The Turning Point, The Goodbye Girl (both released in 1977), Footloose (1984), The Secret of My Success (1987), Steel Magnolias (1989), and many others. It is possible that Simon’s trademark literary wit will tickle your tummy. Recommended to those looking for comedies and who admire the listed actors and actresses.
Do you agree with the list? What is your favourite film from 1978?
