favorite classic american films

Last night, after riding a pony at work (more on that later), J and I broke out the old Netflix instant queue and decided to check out A River Runs Through It. I’d never seen this old-ish (1992) classic set in the 1920s, but I loved it. The story line was well told, the relationship between the characters was touching, young Brad Pitt was captivating as always, but the scenery is what truly caught my attention. The story takes place in Montana, and as far as I know, that’s where they filmed as well. I was blown away by the the sheer greatness and splendor of the landscape – sky-scraping forests, ferocious rivers, rich meadows and towering mountains. What was once perhaps the last place on Earth I’d want to visit is now close to the top of my list. Is this one of those secret awesome places in America that people put on as being awful and boring but in reality, is gorgeous, peaceful and amazing? Hm.

Watching this film also made me realize that this genre of American dramas are probably one of my favorites of all-time. This weekend being Independence Day and all, I thought it might be a fun time to think about some of my favorite films that embrace America’s extremely diverse culture and history (the good and the bad) and spin it into a beautiful two-hour trip back in time. Tell me your favorites, too, please! We don’t have cable (by choice), so movies are kind of our thing.

Some of my favies, in no particular order:

Cold Mountain
Fried Green Tomatoes
Legends of the Fall
Shawshank Redemption
The Last of the Mohicans
Forrest Gump
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
The Cider House Rules
The Notebook
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (ok, not the best movie but an awesome book!)
Catch Me If You Can
The Bridges of Madison County
To Kill a Mockingbird
Changeling
Gangs of New York

Clearly this list is lacking. I didn’t include any films I haven’t seen myself, despite them being guaranteed awesome (i.e., Gone With The Wind, Rudy and Dances With Wolves, one of my Dad’s favorites). What are your favorite American films?!