Best Films of the 90s - 35-31

35. In the Name of the Father - (1993)

A recent viewing catapulted this dozens of spots higher mostly because I can now see it through the eyes of both the son and the father. Daniel Day-Lewis is electrifying as the wayward son who grows up in prison and comes to respect his father's quiet nobility. As the father, Pete Postlewaite remains the only DDL co-star who has ever matched his acting ability on-screen, demonstrating an equal (albeit quieter and subtler) intensity. Director Jim Sheridan fills the film with spectacular imagery and music (both score and source) culminating in a moving and rousing last scene.

34. Lone Star - (1996)
The best examination of race relations of the decade is also John Sayles's best film, and the template for all his subsequent lesser films. Chris Cooper rocketed to the A-list after effortlessly carrying the complex story about a modern day border town Texas sheriff investigating a 30 year old murder. There's also a terrific theme about sons and fathers accepting each other as is. Sayles's transitions are inventive and the use of politics adds another layer. The film veers into creepiness at the end, but this adds a Shakespearean element.

33. Three Colors: Blue, White, Red - (1993-94)

Krzysztof Kieslowski left us far too early at the age of 54 shortly after completing this trilogy that explores the three colors of the French flag (liberty - Blue, equality - White, fraternity - Red). Kieslowski works on many levels thematically and visually (the colors in the titles are stunningly splashed around each respective film) and ties the trilogy together beautifully at the end of Red. 3 talented ladies (Juliette Binoche, Julie Delpy, and Irene Jacob) shine in their respective films, each showing strength and vulnerability. The best foreign language film(s) of the decade, with Blue and Red being the stronger entries.

32. A River Runs Through It - (1992)

Beautiful scenery stunningly captured by Oscar-winning cinematographer Philippe Rousselot is just the background for the moving and tragic story of 2 brothers in pre WWI rural Montana. It's a story about fishing but really it's about making connections with those you care about the most. The reverend's arrogance is subtly shown and has a lasting impact on both sons. Craig Sheffer would never get a part this good again and Brad Pitt's movie star charisma is in full swing.

31. Dead Man Walking - (1995)

Director Tim Robbins showed surprising poise examining the death penalty and its effects on inmates and victims' families. The performances are honest and heartfelt all the way around, especially by Oscar-winner Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn. Not surprisingly, Robbins is an actor's director, keeping his observant camera still as they find new emotional depths. If Christianity is a faith of forgiveness and rebirth, then this one seems to hit the spiritual bullseye.

100. Glengarry Glen Ross
99. Dead Again
98. Ed Wood
97. True Romance
96. The Commitments
95. Bound
94. Die Hard 2
93. In the Line of Fire
92. Affliction
91. Shakespeare in Love
90. In the Company of Men
89. Short Cuts
88. Copland
87. The Hudsucker Proxy
86. The Last Seduction
85. The Apostle
84. Burnt by the Sun
83. The Godfather Part III
82. Good Will Hunting
81. Speed
80. Reversal of Fortune
79. Forest Gump
78. American Beauty
77. Dazed and Confused
76. True Lies
75. Nixon
74. Malcolm X
73. Red Rock West
72. Hearts of Darkness
71. Wag the Dog
70. Thelma and Louise
69. Hoop Dreams
68. Quiz Show
67. Reservoir Dogs
66. Total Recall
65. The Hunt for Red October
64. Babe
63. Braveheart
62. Searching for Bobby Fischer
61. Bottle Rocket
60. Jerry Maguire
59. Terminator 2
58. Toy Story
57. Toy Story 2
56. Elizabeth
55. Apollo 13
54. Casino
53. Rushmore
52. Get Shorty
51. Barton Fink
50. Swingers
49. The Matrix
48. 12 Monkeys
47. Out of Sight
46. The Sixth Sense
45. The Limey
44. Hamlet
43. Dark City
42. Leaving Las Vegas
41. Hard Eight
40. The Fugitive
39. Three Kings
38. Waiting for Guffman
37. Beauty and the Beast
36. Hard-Boiled