Spring has officially sprung and you can see it all across Atlanta. Rainy afternoons, the chitter chatter of the insect world and cars that look more pollen than vehicle. All of these await our near future. But most important, are the movies.
There are a lot of upcoming releases to get pretty excited for. However, at most they merely whisper spring. Nothing is giving us a resounding roar to get us in the seasonal spirit. So, here’s a short list of films that feel like appropriate watches. These aren’t the only acceptable choices, but they definitely deserve more recognition for being as iconic as they are. We must give them the tulips and pansies they deserve.
The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is the story of the highs, lows and mystical happenings of our titular character: Kaguya. Narrated like a fairy tale, this film feels like the Disney Princess story for people seeking to cry in a field of cherry blossoms. There’s elegant beauty in the calming brush strokes of the animator. Which contrast superbly with the jagged emotional line work of the more somber scenes. That, along with it’s easily digestible story, makes it the perfect watch for a quiet spring morning.
Practical Magic (1998)
If you aren’t immediately hooked by this poster, than we are living we very different lives. It’s Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman playing witches in a 1998 rom com. What more could you ask for? This pick is for anyone who just wants a fun ride, a few laughs and some killer looks this Spring. This film is popular online for the costumes and it’s not hard to see why. The actresses are great, the characters are great so the movie is great.
Twilight of the Ice Nymphs (1997)
The name of the game here is vibes. The visual love story this film paints for all things whimsical and natural is infections. I enjoyed the acting, but I found myself getting lost in the dream of the sets and let it carry me through the scenes. It’s better experienced on a day you have the time and with little expectations going in. Just allow the film to float you to the credits.
The Garden (1990)
Similarly, to the last picture, this film has a lot going on in the visual department. However, a lot of the scenery is quite bare. Giving more attention to the story and characters. Not only does this film has a truly stellar performance from Tilda Swinton, but also a strong grip on how to frame its tale of relationships and emotional dependency. A header flick, but still worth the watch.
The Garden of Words (2013)
This film is the epitome of stunning. Gorgeously rendered on a series of rain days, the way this movie conveys nature is beyond enchanting. The most interesting aspect is how it visually traps the characters in the best trap a person can ask for. The Garden of Words is the perfect meditative flick, and we all should study it as soon as possible.
Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
Mel Brooks is an interesting name to end this list on. But Robin Hood: Men in Tights has always been a Spring revisit for me. Something about its biting comedy clashing against these outdoor scenes makes me want to explore my own outdoors. It’s good for anyone seeking a chuckling this season, and honestly we could all use one of those after these past few years.
