Diamonds In The Rough - Underseen & Underappreciated Films

15,392 IMDb ratings

To me, this is easily among the greatest revenge films ever made. It's not all action, it has a lot of story and a lot of depth, but that is a big part of what makes it so special.

Go see it in the theatre!

My rating... 9/10

37,848 IMDb ratings

Mike Leigh is a highly respected filmmaker by many critics and many of his filmmaking peers. You could pretty much watch anything he's done and be impressed by it. If you like gritty dramatic comedies. You won't find many better than this one.

My Rating... 8.5/10

347 IMDb ratings

Apparently this can be tough to find. Under 350 ratings on here is truly nuts!

If you somehow come across the full TV version of this, which runs about 2 and a half hours. Watch it! For any real film lover, this is a must see. This is sort of like a David Lynch film, before there ever was a David Lynch feature film. It's very unique, very mysterious, and yet entirely engaging. A gem to be sure!

I have heard and I would imagine that the 2 hour cut movie version is a confusing mess. I wouldn't bother with that one if it's all you can find.

My Rating... 8.5/10

870 IMDb ratings

What Is Wrong? What Exactly Is It? And Who Decides?

More people need to see this film. It's an important one. Voltaire would love it.

This film was nominated for a number of awards and won the Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television, and somehow, it only has 870 ratings on here. What!?

The right to personal freedom is something that many have given their lives for over the course of history. This film really helps people understand that our freedoms are constantly under attack, continuously in jeopardy. You don't have to agree with what your neighbor may enjoy, and they you. This is the necessary understanding it takes to defend and uphold personal freedom. In allowing your fellow citizens to be free in their choices within the law, you are also defending your own freedom. This understanding, this knowledge of respecting your fellow citizens right to chose, even if you do not like their choice is the very basis of the 1st Amendment of the Untied States. Freedom of speech and beliefs, and the right to free expression itself, is essentially protected under this very idea/amendment. Nonetheless, everyday, in one way or another it's very relevance, value and existence is challenged in society.

As it is said in the film, we lose our freedom only a little at a time. If people do not fight for it continuously. The closed minded, scared and the obsessive control freak type of people, will eventually little by little take away all the freedoms that so many have given their lives for. People have fought wars to maintain the freedom we have to do what we want within our own homes, and to say and believe what we want in a public space. Not only the fearful, but also the ruthlessly greedy are constantly on the march to rob human beings of these very important aspects of life. At this point, most of us take it for granted, and if too many of us do. We will inevitably become like many other countries around the world, where your right to what you do in private is not nearly so valued, nor your right to free public expression. Instead of being looked at as a human being of unknown potential. You could be looked at as a possible threat to societal order. Many countries function not a lot differently than prisons in truth. From courageous historical figures, to modern soldiers and the children of today and tomorrow. We all owe it to them, those who value our personal right to grow as we see fit within the normal confines of the law to appreciate what we have. To stand up for your fellow neighbors right to be who they are and do what they do, as long as it's within the law of course. Law itself in the countries that value personal freedom, is truly built mostly upon an old sacred understanding. If a person is doing something that forcefully goes against another person's will, and if it effects them beyond reason, then it is illegal. Reasonable boundaries are set at what people can do to another in any circumstance. This is essentially the basis of law between human to human interactions in reasonably free countries. The importance of these things is brought to great light in this film about a true story in the American art world. If you can stand the 'dirty pictures', this is a very important film to see.

As a film, it's not perfect. It feels somewhat like a film in parts, because there are a few fairly typical clichés/scenes, and it is somewhat predictable a person could even say. Nonetheless, the story itself is so important and in my view very well told, in that it hits almost every important point about it's main topic. In this way, the film is great. I always base the vast majority of my film ratings upon the stories first and foremost. I don't need to see a perfectly lit and shot film in order for me to highly rate it. The film overall just needs to be effective in what it's setting out to say or do. Some films defy standard formulas entirely, and even reason itself, but nonetheless story for me is the main and most important ingredient in the vast majority of films. Here, we have mostly a very strong story that needs to be seen and talked about by mature adults. Chaplin is actually a great example. He was a very standard film director, almost everything was just point and shoot. But one of the things that made him special, is that he was an extremely talented and effective storyteller. The way his films look matters little, because the stories themselves are often so brilliant, relevant and/or important.

One last point, James Woods gives a great performance here.

8.5/10

21,054 IMDb ratings

Peter Weir is a strong Director and in recent years I've really come to believe that this film of his has long been greatly underappreciated. It's a mysterious and thrilling piece of cinema. 8.5/10

6,342 IMDb ratings

More people have seen this film in recent years. I know I for one have been helping to popularize it on this site for quite a few years now. This is one of the most unorthodox Christmas films you can find. A little known gem, but not for the faint of heart. It's a little sleazy at times and violent too. Even the late great John Candy has a small role in this still under-seen Canadian cult classic.

My rating... 8.5/10

2,321 IMDb Ratings

I'm not really into pinball or anything, but the film here is just fun, interesting and overall, quite great. A low budget standout in my view. Currently from what I've seen, this is actually my 4th favorite film of 2022.

My rating... 8/10

4,801

As of late January 2024, this is easily my favorite film from 2023, and it seems very few people have yet to see it.

My rating... 8/10

5,758 IMDb ratings

This is more of a human drama really than a sports film. Though it definitely is a baseball film to some degree as well. Anyway, I'm a big fan and I'm really surprised that more people don't know this De Niro film.

My Rating... 8/10

5,935 IMDb ratings



A Strong Film, But Not For Everyone

The film is a little offbeat, definitely not your standard Hollywood fare. It's gritty, and fairly uncompromising. It takes place in Las Vegas and Paris, and the reason I mention that is because this sort of feels more like a French film than the American film that it actually is.

It is an American film that was selected for Sundance, and then was picked up by a Hollywood distributor.

For a person like myself who has literally seen thousands of films from all over the world, I understand and appreciate the rarity of realist films like this with very human characters and very real feelings.

I enjoyed the film entirely, and I definitely plan to watch it at least one more time in my life. It's a good film at the very least, and perhaps even better. I suspect that I may even rate this film a little higher upon a second viewing. It's one of those types of films that may be enjoyed even more with a less surprised viewer, because yes, the film like real life is a little unsettling at times. There was no doubt at the end of the film however that I definitely enjoyed it a lot.

I must mention that I thought both Shannon and Poots were nothing short of tremendous.

To end, let me just say that if you want something not so standard, or you're a huge film buff who's seen tons, definitely see this film.

My Rating... 7.5/10

2,721 IMDb ratings

To me, this is a beautiful artistic landmark. It is in fact one of my all time favorites. In my view, it's one of the most perfect films that I know of. I think this Luis Buñuel work has long been misunderstood by most viewers however. If you love classic films, give this gem a try and see what you think.

My Rating... 10/10

1,706 IMDb ratings

A very good indie film from Canada. Growing up in the movies rarely feels so real. A superb cautionary tale for young and/or troubled teens. At the same time, the film is a good watch for people of all ages who like strong indie films.

My rating... 8/10

1,481 IMDb ratings

This has definitely become somewhat of a cult film. It flat out must be one of the best virtually unknown and unseen films of the entire 1970's. I recommend this to any film lover who can handle this type of twisted fare. The film is unique in multiple ways and the story is actually quite competent; That in itself is rare for low budget films of this sort and era. I don't want to say too much about this film and give any of the great surprises away. If you like cult films, do yourself a favor and check this out.

My Rating... 7.5/10

641 IMDb ratings

Little Known Good Late 70's Crime Drama

English Director Michael Apted has received a good bit of attention for a few films over the years, most notably Coal Miner's Daughter, Gorky Park and Gorilla's In The Mist. He's also directed a number of TV episodes of many well known shows. Of all of the films I've seen of his, two of them stand out to me as quite underrated or underappreciated generally. This one which is actually so underseen it seems, and 1992's Thunderheart with Sam Shepard, Graham Greene and Val Kilmer. I definitely recommend checking them both out if you like crime drama.

My Rating... 7.5/10

15,619 IMDb ratings

The dialogue is so good in this film. Much like The Shinning, it becomes more of a comedy with multiple viewings.

My Rating... 8.5/10

859 IMDb ratings.

Wow, so few have seen this! People need to check out this film, I'm sure many will enjoy it. If you're a big fan of Pulp Fiction, I suggest trying this film out. It is by no means a copy of PF, but it does have some similarities, and the style of filmmaking also has some similarities.

My Rating... 8/10

299 IMDb ratings. Wow! 299?

We Must Cultivate Our Garden

Based loosely on Voltaire's satirical novella Candide:Optimism, this wild Italian sex comedy is a film like no other. It is funny, thought provoking, and somewhat Felliniesque in its circus like atmosphere/scenes. This must be one of the most truly interesting silly films in all of the world. It's silly, yes, but also quite brilliant in my estimation. Definitely well worth watching for most fans of European film.

Voltaire's original work which today is considered his greatest masterwork was essentially an attack at the passivity inspired by Leibniz's philosophy of optimism. Like other philosophers of the day, Candide also contends with the problem of evil. Though Voltaire's approach to this and many other subjects was far from typical and certainly far more humorous than most. Voltaire is an extremely important historical figure due to his fearlessness in challenging ideas and authorities of all kinds. He was an outspoken and controversial figure who fought for civil liberties, freedom of speech and freedom of religion, as well as against censorship. In much of his work, through both directness and humor Voltaire ridicules religion, theologians, governments, armies, philosophies and philosophers alike. Voltaire was in fact among the world's first ever authors to become famous and commercially successful internationally. It is fairly widely believed that Voltaire did not hold to an optimistic, nor to a pessimistic view, but rather to a belief that we must act or work to help create the world around us. Some have summed up this practical belief noted in Candide's conclusion as "We Must Cultivate Our Garden.".

My Rating... 8/10

8,061 IMDb ratings

This Norwegian film has earned a lot of awards around the world, but it still seems to be somewhat underseen in North America at least.

My Rating... 8/10

546 IMDb Ratings

And currently rated a 5.8!? Pure nonsense! For the right audience, this film should've found a bigger following by now.

Not everyone will like this. However if you're into wacky, trashy, cult type films, give this near complete unknown a go. It's funny, and the soundtrack is fun too.

My Rating... A very solid 7/10 for me.

5,987 IMDb ratings

If you like funny thriller/horror films, I recommend a look at this. It's more brilliant than some may expect, especially given its current rating of 5.5 here. Oliver Stone, Michael Caine.

My Rating... 7.5/10

2,601 IMDb ratings

One of my favorite little known Canadian films. Some people will love it, some people will probably hate it. Take a chance if it seems of interest to you.

My Rating... 8.5/10

2,249 IMDb ratings

A Down To Earth Low Budget Gem

If you like very down to earth films, this one is an absolute must see! Honestly, I have to say that I like this film even a touch more than The Deer Hunter, which in its own right is a great picture, (Both films were released in 1978.). This is low budget arthouse filmmaking at its very best. When the words arthouse filmmaking are used, some automatically conclude that the film is slow. That's not at all true however, those two things do not always go hand in hand. I'm really not sure why more people haven't seen this film by now, and why it isn't more widely regarded as the great film it truly is. Claudia Weill only wrote and directed one feature film in her enitre career and this is it. This is in all honesty, one of the greatest film debuts in history. This is an amazing little film. Even Stanley Kubrick called this film, "Wonderful.". I for one, couldn't agree more. Artistic women especially will likely love this. In all truth however, any serious film lover will most likely find this to be something quite special.

My Rating... 8.5/10

2,799 IMDb ratings

In an odd way, one of my favorite horror films. There is a great dark dreamlike French romanticism that is wonderfully captured here, especially considering the budget. The overall feel of the film is something quite great. If you like old low budget horror and don't mind some French style nudity, check this film out.

My Rating... 8/10

34,032 IMDb ratings

This really isn't an unknown film, it has been widely documented as a great film by many people over the decades. Still, well under 35,000 ratings on here is down right criminal in my mind. Watch this film! 1960 was a big year for the cinema...Psycho changed things...one of my all time favorites, Buñuel's The Young One was also released along with this very widely talked about underground classic Peeping Tom. There are many film lovers out there who feel that Peeping Tom is actually a far superior film to Psycho. I would mostly agree with them. This film is in fact, if you can put your prejudices aside, one of the most thought provoking films ever made.

My Rating... 8.5/10

1,833 IMDb ratings

A beautiful & mind blowing film to some degree. If you're in the mood for something unconventional, try out this little Hungarian gem.

My rating... 8.5/10

1,514 IMDb ratings

If you're looking for a fun boys coming of age comedy/drama, this little film should do the trick. Directed by George Costanza himself, Jason Alexander. I think some critics took the film too seriously or something, it's a lighthearted fun film in my view. Some may get offended, but most people will probably enjoy it at least a good bit.

My Rating... 8.5/10

14,152 IMDb ratings

Now often titled 'Frequencies'. It's a low budget sci-fi and as far as they go, this is quite an interesting and thought provoking film. If you're into that kind of film, try it!

My Rating... 8.5/10

10,500 IMDb ratings

Brando and Jack and only 10,500 ratings so far? Wow! I enjoy this film quite a lot. There are so many interesting things happening in this film, including the acting of course.

My Rating... 8.5/10

8,446 IMDb ratings

This isn't for everyone perhaps. If the film sounds interesting to you however, I strongly suggest a watch, and all big Sarandon fans should also see this for sure. In my view, this may in fact be the 2nd greatest performance of Sarandon's career. And let's face it, she has many memorable performances over the years, so this is saying something. There are a few overly standard writing bits in the film that may make your eyes roll. I know mine did. Nonetheless, there is enough in this film for many to still enjoy it quite a lot.

My Rating... 7.5/10

639 IMDb ratings

This Hong Kong film certainly deserves to be seen by more Westerners.

My Rating... 8/10

11,442 IMDb ratings

Recently more people have been seeing this film on streaming sites I believe. It should still be seen by more people in my view. They've changed the genre of this film on IMDb a few times now I've noticed. It use to be listed as a crime, drama, horror, but then as crime, drama, thriller, and now it's back to being a crime, drama, horror. Anyway, I would say that this is first and foremost a horror film, but not in any sense comparable to many of the gorefest films with nonsense stories that are shoveled out month after month these days. This is a realist type film revolving around the subject of kidnapping, and man did this pack a punch in my view. 2015's Room took home an Oscar or two I believe but honestly, I feel this similarly themed film is a far superior piece of cinema. I never really understood the mass praise for Room. The kid was great and Joan Allen was truly outstanding, but otherwise the film was very forgettable in my opinion. Larsen gets an Oscar? For what, being outshone by both the kid and Joan Allen? Ridiculous, then again, when are the Oscars not ridiculous? Anyway, the thing that makes this film, Hounds of Love great is that it feels so real. The characters, settings and scenarios all seem very authentic/plausible. That realism is what makes it truly a pretty horrifying film. This is a great achievement for a little known director. If it sounds interesting to you, definitely check this out!

My Rating... 7.5/10