By 1981, cinema had fully stepped into the post-1970s eraless about revolution, more about reinvention.
With this in mind, this list ranks some of the must-see movies from that year.
Real-life interviews add to the realism.
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The result is a very ambitious moviethatRedsboldly tackles political idealism, revolutionary zeal, and romantic entanglement.
By the time they reach the trenches of Gallipoli, the tone has shifted completelyhope curdling into horror.
At times, he seems to channel the opulence of Golden Age Hollywood.
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Ranking amongBrian De Palma’svery best work,Blow OutreimaginesMichelangelo Antonioni’sBlow-Upwith a sonic focus and even more style.
That he does so while keeping everything operatic, gut-punching, and entertaining is even more impressive.
6’The Evil Dead' (1981)
Directed by Sam Raimi
“Join us!”
Sam Raimi’s direction is the secret weapon here.
The final piece of the puzzle is the committed performance from the up-for-anythingBruce Campbell.
As the full moon nears, Davids transformation into a werewolf becomes inevitableand unforgettable.
DirectorJohn Landiswalks a tonal tightrope, veering from haunting nightmares and tragic introspection to absurd, Monty Python-style gags.
This quirky approach would greatly influence Edgar Wright, among many others.
The mighty hand of vengeance sent down to strike the unroadworthy!"
The final chase13 minutes of perfectly orchestrated vehicular chaosis a pure delight.
On the complete opposite end of the cinematic spectrum is the intimate, dialogue-drivenMy Dinner with Andre.
It’s about two men who meet at a restaurant in New York and talk.
But what unfolds over the course of their meal isone of the most intellectually provocative films ever made.
The tension comes from Gregory’s romanticism meeting Shawns realism.
Fundamentally, the movie is more about questions than answers.
Image Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
They endure boredom, fear, malfunction, and depth-charge attacks from above.
Not for nothing, Das Boot is frequently ranked among the greatest German films ever made.
Claiming the top spot on this list is the incredibly enjoyableRaiders of the Lost Ark.
From booby-trapped temples to truck chases, every set piece is iconic.
Spielberg orchestrates all this chaos with complete control.
The script crackles with wit andJohn Williams' score soars.
In the end,Raiders of the Lost Arkisnt just a movieit’s pure adventure alchemy.
NEXT:10 Essential Sean Penn Movies, Ranked
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