5. Pan's Labyrinth (2006, Mexico)
AKA: El laberinto del fauno Guillermo del Toro's magical horror story set amidst the conflict of the Spanish civil war is by far one of the most aesthetically pleasing and arresting films there has ever been. A young girl - as is always the case - escapes her horrible home life by entering the fantastic world of Pan the Faun who comes to her at night. Once in Pan's world she encounters all manner of mythical creatures that both amaze and terrify her. But none are as terrifying as the hideous Pale Man who stumbles after her, blind except for eyes in the palms of his hands. It's hard to sum the plot up and I'd rather you witnessed the magic yourselves. Just remember this isn't your typical fairy tale. It's a fairy tale from the twisted mind that brought you Hellboy, The Orphanage and Don't be afraid of the Dark. so expect scares, jumps and outright terror as you journey through Pan's Labyrinth.
4. Seven Samurai (1954, Japan)
AKA: Shichinin no samurai Akira Kurasawa's greatest opus comes in at number 4 on my list. It is the blueprint for countless ensemble pieces and cowboy films throughout the last 60 years of film making and cemented Kurasawa's reputation as one of the greatest director's in the world - not just Japan. Seven out of work, run down Samurai warriors are hired to defend a small village when it comes under attack from bandits. For a while it seems that the Samurai will be sufficient enough to look after the townsfolk and all they want in return is three square meals a day. But soon there is big trouble on the horizon and one of cinema's greatest showdowns ensues as the Seven Samurai square off against 40 angry bandits. For a 1954 film Seven Samurai is brutal in its violence but it was enough for Hollywood and the world to stand up and take notice of what was coming out of Japan at the time. Kurasawa provided the basis for some of the best loved American Western's known to man and even today his work shines through in many a Blockbuster.
3. Once Were Warriors (199, New Zealand)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NV45ZuepZo Rena Owen and Temuera Morrison star in this acclaimed drama about what it means to be a Maori in modern day New Zealand. Morrison shines as the brutal, wife beating, beer drinking son of a bitch father whose pride and warrior nature bring out the absolute worst in him. As his marriage and his temper spin out of control neither he nor his wife (Owen) notice the warning signs coming from their young daughter. But by the time the truth comes out it is already too late - and their world is shattered beyond repair. Presenting the Maori struggle in this way is nothing new but Lee Tamahori manages to take such a volatile story and turn it into a bitter, moving commentary on family life. Je is a master at playing with out emotions as just when we think things might start to get better he snatches away and and all hope with the heart breaking final moments. This is superb film making and it's just a shame that the sequel could not live up to Once Were Warrior's gigantic reputation.
2. Léon (1994, France)
AKA: Le Professionnel The inclusion of Léon in this list make cause the most contention amongst the readers. Not because Léon isn't worthy of being on any list of films anyone should watch before they die but because many of you will not consider it to be an example of 'World Cinema'. If you speak to the film's director Luc Besson he will be all too happy to tell you that this is a French film partly shot on location in New York City. Léon is a quiet, unassuming man who lives alone in an apartment block. When he witnesses the slaying of his neighbours he somehow finds himself lumbered with their young daughter. At first the pair have nothing in common but before long it becomes apparent they were meant to find one another and it isn't long before Léon lets Matilda into his secret world as a hired assassin. I've never met anyone who doesn't love this film. Jean Reno is fabulous, Gary Oldman is awe inspiring and a very young Natalie Portman was the best she's ever been. Film's don't come much better than this folks.