19. Andrei Rublev
MosfilmThe concept of "pure cinema" is epitomised in Andrei Rublev, Andrei Tarkovsky's seminal movie in which the medium of movies became transformed into something never seen before. Ostensibly based on the life of the eponymous painter, it amounts to something far more broad and ambitious than the sum of its parts. Tarkovsky is a director often considered "difficult" to appreciate, since he eschews cinematic conventions in favour of tonality and sweeping impressionistic gestures. While Andrei Rublev is certainly challenging, when viewed as a sprawling portrait of medieval Russia and the nature of art in the context of a rich historical tradition and allowing the awesome imagery to wash over you, its raw authenticity and power can't fail to impress. The final explosion of colour on the screen, as Tarkovsky reveals Rublev's paintings in all their glory, is one of cinema's most luscious and striking moments.