Being essential is about so much more than being good.
Films likeZero Dark ThirtyandSicariowon’t be remembered for groundbreaking technical achievements or receiving universal acclaim.
For their own unique reasons, each of these films is an essential player in the action thriller genre.
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As part of her investigation, she attends blacksite interrogations where 911 suspects are tortured for information.
Whether or not this was the intention of writer Mark Boal and director Kathryn Bigelow remains to be seen.
The story is simple, but effective.
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The budget is low, but well-used.
Although he claims he’s innocent, he is convicted of the crime.
Procedurals don’t get much better thanThe Fugitive.
Jones brings a stubborn determination to his supporting role as a dogged US marshal chasing Kimble.
Despite being over 30 years old,The Fugitivestill has a strong presencein modern cultural conversation.
By night, he works as a getaway driver, helping criminals escape their crime scenes across Los Angeles.
Style and substance intermingle inNicolas Winding Refn’sDrive.
Even those who haven’t seenDrivehave certainly seen its influence.
The film’s ever present neon sheen and European pop soundtrack reverberated throughout the 2010s.
But despite his success, Mann has never been content resting on his laurels.
After the raid, Kate is invited to join a joint task force between the CIA and FBI.
Kate is told the goal is to catch the people responsible for the safe house explosion.
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But, as Kate works the case, she suspects something deeper is going on.
BeforeDenis Villeneuvebecame the science fiction darling of the 2020s, he was a journeyman director of sorts.
That being said, it doesn’t hurt thatSicario’s screenplay was written by powerhouse screenwriterTaylor Sheridan.
A perspective that includes the messy and morally impossible cogs of modern warfare.
He has a television, a bed and regular daily meals, but not much else.
His imprisonment lasts for 15 years.
South Korea is passionate about fostering its domestic film market.
The impact that the storytelling and action set pieces inOldboyhas had on cinema more broadly can hardly be quantified.
John Wooapplied his eye for spectacle and Hong Kong cinema sensibilities to aDie Hardstyle action film.
That is, a killer story, a charismatic hero and a director who knows what he’s doing.
The French Connectionis a regular mainstay atop various lists of the best films of all time.
Vincent Hannah (Al Pacino) is the LAPD lieutenant assigned to one of their robberies.
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Heatis famous for its incredible ensemble cast, startlingly accurate portrayal of gun fights and iconic shootout scenes.
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