The Golden Era, Here are the Classic 90s Films You Must Watch Once in a Lifetime!

Kapanlagi.com - Hollywood classic films always have a nostalgic side through their depiction of atmosphere. Not only bringing back memories of the past, classic films also have characteristics that later become a 'textbook' in the film industry. The classic film era is even hailed as the 'Golden Age of Hollywood'. Moreover, the 1990s era was a rapid development period for Hollywood films worldwide, as it influenced pop culture.

Genres such as cannibalism, psychological-thriller, crime-thriller, and mystery dominated the Hollywood film industry. Also, the depiction of iconic characters adds value in the eyes of the audience. Clearly, the quality of classic films will never fade over time.

Curious? Here is the complete list.

1. The Usual Suspect (1995)

(Credit: imdb.com)

Talking about the crime genre in films, THE USUAL SUSPECT might come to mind first. Roger "Verbal" Kint (Kevin Spacey) delivers a stunning performance as an 'impostor' who successfully deceives the audience. It starts with five suspected criminals being interrogated together to find out who the real culprit is in a truck hijacking case. Keaton (Gabriel Byrne), McManus (Stephen Baldwin), Fenster (Benicio del Toro), Hockney (Kevin Pollak), and Verbal (Kevin Spacey) are then released due to lack of evidence. Keaton is not satisfied with the accusations involving him and the five of them agree to seek revenge. They plan to rob smuggled goods in an NYPD car. Unfortunately, their plan is discovered by the mysterious criminal Keyser Koze, and he invites the five individuals to work together to be freed from Koze's cruel consequences.

THE USUAL SUSPECT is presented as a neo-noir film with a fairly complex plot. Produced with a budget of only $6 million or equivalent to IDR 83 billion, this film is able to compete with other famous films, such as TOY STORY. Even the actors are willing to be paid below their salary level. Writing script by Christopher McQuarrie, which perfectly becomes the weapon of this film, can be so legendary in its time. The plot twist is also worthy of being the prima donna to appear as one of the best films in the 90s.

2. The Scent of A Woman (1992)

(Credit: imdb.com)

It is an adaptation of the novel by Giovanni Arpino Il Buio E Il Miele, THE SCENT OF A WOMAN tells the story of Charlie Simms (Chris O'Donnell), who works part-time as a nurse for Frank Slade (Al Pacino). Slade is a blind, depressed, and sharp-tongued veteran. The story begins with Slade and Chris going to New York for Thanksgiving vacation. They do many things for fun even though Charlie has to go to school. The problem arises when Slade tries to commit suicide because of his guilt about the past. The climax is when Slade unexpectedly becomes Charlie's guardian on charges given by his friends.

THE SCENT OF A WOMAN is a big project that collaborates with Al Pacino, who is famous for THE GODFATHER. It is not surprising that many actors are competing to participate in the casting, such as Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and even Brendan Fraser. The presence of Al Pacino makes anyone nervous. Even the director, Martin Brest, wanted to separate Pacino and O'Donnell to create a tense atmosphere but failed because they became close friends behind the scenes. Apart from the memorable script, the Tango dance scene in the restaurant is the highlight of the film that led Pacino to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. There is no doubt that Al Pacino's performance as Frank Slade is the best in his career.

3. The Silence of The Lambs (1991)

(Credit: imdb.com)

Tells the story of Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), a young FBI trainee who is searching for the serial killer 'Buffalo Bill' who skins his victims. Starling tries to seek the help of a psychiatrist and cannibalistic killer who is already imprisoned, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). Starling must interview Hannibal in his cell to find a breakthrough in the case she is handling. Hannibal, with all his intelligence, manages to exchange information with Clarice. Unknowingly, this triggers Starling's past trauma. Full of tense scenes with splashes of blood, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS becomes one of the iconic films of its time. Anthony Hopkins delivers a legendary performance and successfully wins Best Picture. Her aura and acting ability that can make your skin crawl also once made Jodie Foster terrified to the point where she couldn't look at Hopkins for a few moments. As an anti-hero film, it's clear that the audience will be swayed by Hannibal's manipulation to justify his actions. This is what makes the film even more interesting to watch. In addition, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS is touted to incorporate feminist narratives with the characterization of Clarice Starling as the only female FBI trainee trusted to handle her first major case. Not only that, the low regard for women and sexual harassment carried out by 'Buffalo Bill' also indicates feminist values in the film. It's no wonder this film is the first to win four categories at the Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Film. Watching classic films is indeed enjoyable and provides a general overview of how life in the 90s unfolded. On top of that, classic films are the type of films that you can never get bored of watching repeatedly. Come on, watch it quickly! Written by: Adelia Dewi Masita

(kpl/mag)