January 28, 2010 — This will be a day when all of you indie and international film lovers (that includes all of us at BestFlick) will wax nostalgic, and probably be understandably sad — Disney pulled down the curtains on Miramax Films, seemingly for good. After thirty-one years, during much of which the label started by Bob and Harvey Weinstein dominated the American indie scene, Miramax is no more.

And so BestFlick.com picks 10 of the best films Miramax put out over the years. As sad the thought is for us, we can and we will still hold on to the Miramax memories. ere are the movies they did which we recommend, in the strongest of terms, that you keep in your collection – be it in Blu-ray or DVD.

#10 – The Crying Game (1992)

While the film is mostly known for that twist, the entire film is a thing of beauty. Stephen Rea and Forrest Whitaker give wonderful performances, and this film grabbed 6 Oscar nominations (including Best Picture). More than just a pop culture reference, the entire film should be in any film lover’s collection for its intensity and social commentary on race and gender issues.

#9 – Beautiful Girls (1996)

We fell in love with Natalie Portman over and over, but this was probably the first time — in her fresh but Lolita-esque turn as the cute neighbor girl. The movie is warm, funny, and packs a solid ensemble cast — Matt Dillon, Uma Thurman, Mira Sorvino, Rosie O’Donnell, Timothy Hutton, Lauren Holly, and the aforementioned Natalie Portman. See how we mentioned Natalie Portman twice? Err… thrice?

#8 – sex,lies and videotape (1989)

This was THE movie that introduced director Steven Soderbergh to the world — he of the minimalist camera techniques. I bet some of you can still remember when he was that good. This fantastic flick won the Palme d’Or back in 1989, and launched Soderbergh’s career in earnest. If you were looking for the film that really started the indie movement’s commercial success – look no further than a film about James Spader’s sexual dysfunction.

#7 – The English Patient

The English Patient (based on Michael Ondaatje’s prizewinning novel of love and loss during World War II) was a critical success for Miramax. Winner of nine Academy Awards and almost every critic’s heart, this is easily one of the most acclaimed films of modern times. Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes give standout performances, and the lazy, romantic, agonizing pace that the movie sets upon is indeed a masterclass in control, beauty, and inspired cinematography. We dare you to NOT get this film for your collection.

#6 – My Left Foot (1989)

How many of you film lovers out there are not convinced of the genius of Daniel Day-Lewis? Right, I see no hands raised. If you’re looking for a way to solidify that belief, check out his first Academy Award win in this story of a young man who can only control his left foot. The logical next joke is of course, Daniel Day-Lewis having more acting talent in his left foot than most actors have in their entire bodies out there.

#5 – Chasing Amy (1997)

Chasing Amy is really Kevin Smith’s best film to date, bar none. It’s personal and sweet — all that talk about fisting was just pretense. This won a few Indie Spirit Awards, but you can mark this as the point where Ben Affleck’s career started in earnest. With the film’s low budget, you will be surprised that this small movie has captured the hearts of film lovers all over. The film has long since paid for itself, and about 500 times over too.

#4 – Heavenly Creatures (1994)

This was vintage Peter Jackson, before all the visual effects and monsters. His most realistic and grounded film is still one of his best. Two girls in 1950’s New Zealand live in a fantasy world, and they plan a murder in the real world. It’s all the more affecting when you realize it’s based on a true story and one of the girls grew up to become Anne Perry, bestselling writer of mysteries and thrillers.

#3 – City of God (2002)

This Brazilian gem is a small, gritty, and surprisingly human look at one of the nastiest cities on Earth. Violence and dreams collide as young kids growing up in Rio de Janeiro’s most dangerous slum make choices with profound effects. It’s currently #16 on IMDB’s Top 250 Movie list which is damn impressive for a film with no known stars.

#2 – Trainspotting (1996)

This film has been voted the Best Scottish film of all time, as well as being included in the Top Ten of British films. One of Danny Boyle’s first films, it takes a strange look at a group of heroine addicts. It rocked Cannes in 1996, and was picked up by Miramax for distribution in the states – giving us just a glimpse of Boyle’s talents and the talents of Scottish filmmaking. As brilliant as this film is, I’m with Ewan MacGregor in hoping that a sequel doesn’t get made. *crossing fingers*

#1 – Pulp Fiction (1994)

Not only did it launch Quentin Tarantino even further into the cultural stage, it also relaunched John Travolta’s career. It also made a bunch of violent film fans finally memorize Scripture. How cool is that? And who would ever forget the dance scene, now part of violent movie folklore? Oddly enough, Harvey Weinstein wanted Daniel Day-Lewis (who you’ll remember from a previous entry) to play Vincent Vega instead of Travolta, and Sid Haig was the original choice for Marcellus Wallace (Sid Haig?!?!?). But this is all history now, as Pulp Fiction tops our list of All Time Best Miramax films.

Now, bring out your Blu-ray drives or external DVD drives, get those blu-ray discs out and commiserate with us.

Filed under: Movie Reviews