Underappreciated movies

This is not a topic I have done extensive research on. I am just jotting down what comes to my mind now. There have been a number of times when I have felt that certain movies were unfairly treated at the box office and by the critics. I am trying to make more people aware of such movies. May be some of them will get a fan following like fight club did much after its release.



Kingdom of Heaven
An epic by Ridley Scott that bombed at the box office. Its probably the best period movie. There are a number of reasons that make this movie outstanding. Lets compare it with Gladiator, a smash hit movie by the same director. Kingdom of heaven has all the elements that made Gladiator a hit. The same production values, cinematography, music, direction, action scenes etc. The hero is of a different kind here, a more sophisticated kind.

Movies are usually not preachy. Audiences sure don't expect to get a morality lesson when they pay $ for a movie ticket. But I appreciate this movie for doing exactly that. The director and producers definitely showed they have a lot of balls when they released a movie showing Salahuddin as a Honorable king. Contrast that with Leonidas proclaiming that the Spartans were humanity's last hope against oppression and tyranny by Xerxes who is portrayed as a devilish dictator in 300. The movie strives to be politically correct with respect to the contemporary culture spectrum. Its message is very pertinent to todays international politics. It does all this and is an entertainer as well.



Idiocracy

The movie is set 500 hundred years in the future. It portrays a bleak time when mankind's future is threatened. The lead pair has to save humanity from certain extinction. Sounds like the usual science fiction fare? Well, this one is no science fiction. Its a comedy set in the future but is more of a satire of today's society than anything else. It shows a terrifying though unlikely vision of what might happen to us if things continue to be the way they are. I don't think it was intended to be a block-buster hit. It is a low budget movie and does not have a note worthy cast. No special effects or anything. What it does have is a fantastic storyline. And lots of toilet humor. Picture the US president as a tommy gun wielding wrestler and gatorade replacing water for everything everywhere and you will get an idea of what to expect.

Solaris
Another movie by a well known director with a star cast that flopped. It is called science fiction, but is more of a love story set in the future. Deeply philosophical and moving at times, it wonderfully portrays the emotions of the lead character. Should be watched when your mind is totally free so that you can get into the mood of the film.



Dark City
If you want proper science fiction this is probably it. Comparable even to The Matrix (not in SFX), with an equally enchanting and sophisticated story the movie did not find any audience. Its a very good movie and probably the most under appreciated in this list. All Sci-fi fans do yourselves a favour a watch it.



Iruvar
This is a Tamil movie. Directed by Mani Rathnam starring Mohanlal, Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Rai and Tabu among many others with music by AR Rahman and a story about MGR and Karunanidhi. You would think that with all these qualities it would be a sure shot hit. But somehow that didn't happen. Not even the excellent acting by Mohanlal, its melodious music and superb direction could make it more than a semi-hit. The performance by the entire cast including Rai is commendable. It should be regarded as one of the greatest Indian movies.

Other movies that deserve more attention:
Office space - Faithful portrayal of a modern day office and every office man's fantasy.
Big Lebowski - Everyone likes the Dude.
Before Sunrise - Superb script and a touching love story.
Rounders - An entertaining movie in which Matt Damon plays a gifted poker player.