What films can I watch to ween me off of an all-action diet?

Question

I am an aspiring young film buff slowly building up my knowledge of cinematography (with a very long way to go).

Most of the films I watch have action sequences, purely because as a young man (and an inwardly puerile one) I find these features most entertaining; when I was a little boy I grew up on a diet of westerns and war epics and the 'manly protagonist+guns+megalomaniac antagonist' formula stuck with me; I get bored sitting through a film that doesn't have a good chase or gunfight (although violence is not integral to my enjoyment by any means).

Obviously as a wannabe buff and fountain of cinema-related knowledge I have to move away from this perspective of film and branch out; how can I ween myself off of these old habits though- what would be an ideal genre to start off with to aid my gradual separation from single-mindedness? Any film recommendations would be very gratefully recieved!

Thanks

Favourite films at present:

Zulu
The Great Escape
A Bridge Too Far
Die Hard
Terminator
Alien(s)

All action/ tough guy/ guns or horror, see?

Answer 1

Go get yourself some Asia Extreme (ignore the relationship to the recent massacre, which was a terrible tragedy but I object to "blaming" movies), sometimes hard to watch, but if you want action with a bit more depth and a lot of credit in your film buff scores, this will do it. My recommendations to start with are:-

Infernal Affairs Trilogy (The Departed is based on the first one)
Oldboy
Sympathy for Lady Vengeance

Have a good weekend!

Answer 2

A good transition film would be "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" with Clive Owen. Some violence, some action, but a very strong story and strong acting. I agree with the Amelie suggestion too, VERY funny, but a strong dramatic story. You really should try foreign films. Many Italian and Spanish directors are very adept at incorporating action with a real story - not just "poster quotes" - and might help you shift gears. Check out some Australian films too - there are some real gems, Muriel's Wedding might be too "girly" but it's flat out funny! For US films, I still feel American Beauty is one of the most amazing films on a technical level - lighting, cinematography, etc. If you watch it with the director's commentary, it gives you an amazing perspective on the technical beauty of the film. Good luck - there are so many amazing films out there!

Answer 3

Your question is very interesting. I, too, enjoy a lot of the favourites you quoted. It is tough to break away from one genre.

For me, what bridged the gap were films like:

Forest Gump
Pulp Fiction
X-Men
Donnie Darko
The Deer Hunter

All very worthy movies, each has heart, which I think is essential.

Good luck with your search. And I hope you find some great movies to watch.

Answer 4

I recommend A Very Long Engagement and Amelie directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet (I think he directed the 4th Aliens film). Also, Signs by M. Night Shyamalan and The Others by Alejandro Amenabar. I think you'll enjoy these.

PS I love The Great Escape

Answer 5

Try to bridge with more intellectual thrillers... Memento comes to mind, as does "No Way Out" (early Costner film). These movies combine action with great plots. More currently, I liked "The Prestige". You won't be bored in these films.

Answer 6

try some of the classics i.e : gone with the wind , casablanca etc,