Movies Came Out In (1996)
Winner:
The English Patient – Never saw originally, just watched it recently, I thought it was just “ok”. Wasn’t really moved by it, one way or another. The story is told in flashback format and the basic plot is a badly burned pilot during World War II who gets involved in a love affair.
Fargo – Really didn’t like this movie when I first saw it, I rewatched a few years ago, and had a new appreciation for it. Quirky and enjoyable to me now. The plot involves a poorly planned crime by a bumbling buffoon and a persistent nose-to-the-grindstone pregnant police officer cross paths in a series crazy incidents.
Jerry Maguire – Surprised this was nominated. It was good, just good. Not great. Does have some memorable scenes often quoted in pop culture. The basic premise of the movie is a sports agent loses all but one of his clients and his entire future is held in the hands of that one sports figure.
Secrets & Lies – Never heard of this movie until recently. Kind of a quirky story (set in London, young black lady looks for her biological mother, and finds out she’s white and a bit on the trashy side & has a somewhat ‘crazy’ family). I have to say, at first I thought it was a bit boring, but it started to pick up and in the end I was in tears over the situation/movie. Quite moving.
Shine – Never saw this when it originally came out, watched recently and rather enjoyed it. Very sad and a little inspiring at the same time. Really enjoyed the acting and the story (a pianist has a mental break at a young age, derailing his promising career) was pretty good. Really liked the restaurant scene when he stunned everyone.
Brian’s Winner:
This is a tough one. None of the films are outstanding, but I think I would pick Fargo with Shine being a close second.
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#1996
Ceremony Year (1997) – Movies Came Out In (1996)