AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies
To commemorate the first century of American filmmaking, the American Film Institute embarked on a celebration of America's greatest movies from the first 100 years of American cinema — 1896-1996.
Overview
To commemorate the first century of American filmmaking, the American Film Institute embarked on a celebration of America's greatest movies from the first 100 years of American cinema — 1896-1996.
Episodes
1. Against the Grain
The most basic form of American heroism — the individual in lonely, dangerous situations, inspiring opposition to the oppressive, often deadly, system. All these guys are mad as hell and aren't going to take it anymore. Films include: MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, EASY RIDER, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, DANCES WITH WOLVES, SCHINDLER'S LIST.
2. Beyond the Law
Crime may be the subject closest to the melodramatic heart of the movies. Filmmakers have always loved to show us how organized crime gets itself organized to corrupt society. They have loved even more showing us the ways of disorganized crime — crimes of the dysfunctional heart and the disheveled spirit. Public enemies and private nightmares — they are equally the subjects of the show. Films include: THE MALTESE FALCON, THE FRENCH CONNECTION, BONNIE AND CLYDE, THE GODFATHER, GOODFELLAS, PULP FICTION, FARGO.
3. Family Portraits
The family is our most treasured institution and our most vulnerable one. It is constantly threatened internally by generational fractiousness, externally by dislocating events. When it fails, people — especially young people — recreate it in surrogate forms. When it surmounts its challenges, it warms our hearts. Films include: THE JAZZ SINGER, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, GIANT, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER, THE GODFATHER: PART TWO, AMERICAN GRAFFITI.
