Movies

5 Movies Ryan Coogler, Director of ‘Sinners’, Recommends Watching

BBG News

At the moment, Ryan Coogler is basking in global acclaim. His film, titled “Sinners,” is not only raking in hundreds of millions at the box office but has also garnered appreciation from both fans and critics alike. Prior to this, Coogler had already tasted success with films like “Creed” and “Black Panther.” However, the success of his latest non-franchise film would undoubtedly bring him greater joy because it showcases his original creativity. To top it off, he has secured one of the most lucrative deals in Hollywood, which grants him ownership of the film after 25 years.

To date, Ryan Coogler has consistently excelled as a director, with all his films receiving ratings of 80% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes. He is widely regarded as one of the top New Age directors currently working in cinema. Given his impressive track record, it’s fair to say that his opinions about films carry significant weight. Recently, during a Q&A session at BAM’s Harvey Theater in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, Coogler spoke about the movies he admires most. It’s clear that this filmmaker has exceptional taste in cinema.

Here are the best movies he discussed.

5
‘Fish Tank’ (2009)

The movie “Fish Tank” centers around Mia, a rebellious and socially awkward young woman residing in a dismal housing complex in outer London. Her days are frequently marked by confrontations with her mother and younger sibling. However, she experiences brief moments of joy when she immerses herself in her love for Hip-hop dance. Matters become even more intricate as Mia develops feelings for Connor, a charismatic individual who has recently started dating Mia’s mother.

A Love Triangle within the Family

Director Andrea Arnold skillfully portrays the everyday life of a teenager through diverse cinematic techniques, presenting it in a poetic and impressionistic manner, ranging from leisurely strolls to attempts at comforting an abused horse. The film, Fish Tank, adopts a thoughtful, contemplative tone, serving as a visual exploration of the enduring topics of adolescence, self-discovery, and class conflicts. It also offers some peculiar scenes, such as Mia venting her frustration by urinating in Connor’s apartment.

Ryan Coogler expressed how profoundly the movie affected him, admitting that it was “one of the initial films I ever watched that helped me comprehend women better, made me feel like I truly grasped them,” and further stating that it serves as a “call to action for why the world requires female filmmakers.” The drama garnered the Jury Prize at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival and won the 2010 BAFTA award for Best British Film.

4
‘Boyz n the Hood’ (1991)

The movie Boyz n the Hood starts with Reva (Angela Basset) sending her son Tre (Cuba Gooding Jr) to live with his father, Furious Styles (Laurence Fishburne), in South Central Los Angeles. Furious hopes that living there will teach Tre valuable life lessons. Despite Furious’s efforts to instill good values in Tre, his new friends Doughboy (Ice Cube) and Ricky (Morris Chestnut) constantly draw him into the local drug and gang scene. Will Tre manage to escape before it’s too late?

Dissecting Peer Pressure

Regarding the John Singleton film, Coogler expressed, “For me, it wasn’t just a movie; it was black characters on a grand scale.” At that time, films featuring an all-black cast were scarce when “Boyz n the Hood” premiered. A young Coogler likely felt exhilarated. The coming-of-age gangster film not only proved to be a financial hit but also garnered nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars, making Singleton the youngest and first black director ever nominated in that category.

Why is this ’90s classic so remarkable? It boasts an outstanding ensemble cast, with each member delivering stellar performances. Cuba Gooding, Ice Cube, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, and Regina King all launched their major acting careers here. The storylines covering crime, family, friendship, and personal choice strike a chord. Here’s hoping Ryan Coogler creates another masterpiece like this soon.

3
‘A Prophet’ (2009)

The story revolves around the challenges faced by Malik El Djebena (Tahar Rahim), an Algerian criminal, as he navigates through a French penitentiary. His life undergoes a transformation when Corsican gang leader Cesar Luciani (Niels Arestrup) takes him under his tutelage. As Malik successfully completes various tasks, he ascends the mafia hierarchy. However, with increased influence comes increased hostility. Furthermore, he finds himself in a predicament as he butts heads with his benefactor.

Prison is Hell

In a first-person narrative, here’s how I might rephrase the given text:

This gripping prison crime film, characterized by its slow pace, grittiness, and elliptical editing, captivates primarily due to its superb dialogue and breathtaking visuals. It feels like reading a substantial work of fiction, with rich themes and vivid details that add depth to the evolving narrative. Jacques Audiard’s masterpiece, “A Prophet,” was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Cannes Film Festival and won the Grand Prix. Ryan Coogler, in his words, has admitted that it is the film he revisits most often. He shared this sentiment during his first trip abroad, stating, “It’s the film I go back to the most,” and added, “I saw it during my first time out of the country. It holds significant meaning for me.

2
‘Do the Right Thing’ (1989)

In “Do the Right Thing,” the narrative unfolds throughout a sunny day in the multicultural Bedford-Stuyvesant district of Brooklyn. The tale centers around Mookie (Spike Lee), a pizza delivery guy for Sal’s Pizzeria, a well-known Italian-American establishment situated in a predominantly black community. As the day progresses, disagreements escalate when locals start pondering the peculiarity that Sal’s “Wall of Fame” exclusively features Italian actors, despite the business being based in their neighborhood.

The Dangers of Racial Tensions

Successfully commercial, Do the Right Thing not only garnered nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars, but each actor appears perfectly suited for their part. Both Samuel L. Jackson and Danny Aiello, along with a younger Giancarlo Esposito, deliver impressive performances. The film also delves profoundly into themes of racism and community struggles, prompting viewers to ponder what truly constitutes doing the right thing, as suggested by its title.

Coogler expressed that the atmosphere Spike Lee captured in Brooklyn resonated deeply with him, even though he hadn’t been there personally. Seeing it as a child made him think, “I must visit this place.” It was vivid and familiar all at once. When he decided to make films, his goal was to create a movie that mirrored the authenticity of ‘Do the Right Thing’. This film had an extensive influence. During its 25th anniversary, Barack and Michelle Obama commended it, admitting they watched it on their first date, revealing its lasting impact.

1
‘Malcolm X’ (1992)

The movie features Denzel Washington portraying the iconic figure Malcolm X, a key leader in the civil rights movement. It begins by delving into his turbulent childhood, characterized by law-breaking incidents and incarcerations. Subsequently, it explores his transformation to Islam, becoming an integral part of the Nation of Islam. The movie also highlights his disagreements with the organization and ultimately his tragic assassination. Notably, the film boasts brief appearances from Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale, Rev. Al Sharpton, and future South African president Nelson Mandela.

Celebrating a Legend

The attention to detail in every aspect of Malcolm X, from the music to the cinematography, is simply extraordinary. Additionally, Denzel Washington delivers a powerful performance that suggests he’s driven by a personal mission. His nomination for Best Actor was indeed richly deserved.

Ryan Coogler vividly remembers his youthful excitement during the movie screening. “It was quite a ride: I was so little that I had to sit on my father’s lap since I couldn’t see over the seat.” He continued, “There was a moment in the film where Malcolm X appeared, everyone knew him as he was behind bars with glasses, and my dad exclaimed – ‘Here he is!’ We had been watching the movie all along, but my father had been eagerly waiting for Malcolm’s appearance.” It’s no secret that The Sinners’ director holds Spike Lee in high regard. Today, this film is often considered Lee’s masterpiece.

Read More

2025-05-03 22:33

Previous post Dragon Ball Super: Can the Multiverse Make a Comeback?
Next post Brutal Deaths in Another Simple Favor Ranked From Least to Most Shocking