Jean Reno from ‘Leon’ shared his selection of favorite films in a 2009 interview with Rotten Tomatoes. Here’s a rundown of the top five movies that Reno holds in high regard:
5. Apocalypse Now (1979)
Kicking off the list is Francis Ford Coppola’s epic war film ‘Apocalypse Now.‘ This 1979 American classic, based loosely on Joseph Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness,’ transports its setting from the Congo to the Vietnam War. The film’s narrative follows Captain Willard, played by Martin Sheen, on a mission to assassinate Colonel Kurtz, portrayed by Marlon Brando. Despite initial mixed reviews, the film’s cinematography and storytelling received widespread acclaim. With a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 94 on Metacritic, ‘Apocalypse Now’ continues to be a cult classic you should definitely watch.
4. Taxi Driver (1976)
Next on Reno’s list is ‘Taxi Driver,‘ a 1976 film by Martin Scorsese. This psychological thriller, starring Robert De Niro, is about the troubled life of Travis Bickle, a taxi driver in New York City struggling with his mental state post-Vietnam War. The film’s portrayal of a decaying city and its exploration of complex themes led to both critical and commercial success. It won the Palme d’Or at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival and received four Academy Award nominations. Recognized for its importance in film history, ‘Taxi Driver’ was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. It currently holds an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 94 score on Metacritic.
3. Life Is Beautiful (1997)
At number three is Roberto Benigni’s ‘Life Is Beautiful.‘ This Italian comedy-drama film from 1997 blends humor with the backdrop of a Nazi concentration camp. Benigni, who also stars in the film, portrays Guido Orefice, a Jewish bookshop owner. The film was a box office triumph, grossing over $230 million globally, and received three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Benigni. It was also awarded the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and earned a spot in the National Film Registry. With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 81%, the film has been praised for its blend of comedy and drama set against a historical background.
2. The Easy Life (Il sorpasso) (1962)
Second on Reno’s list is ‘The Easy Life,’ also known as ‘Il sorpasso.‘ This 1962 Italian film, directed by Dino Risi and starring Vittorio Gassman, is an important work within the commedia all’italiana genre. The film provides a critical look at Italian society during the economic boom of the early 1960s. It was listed in the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage’s ‘100 Italian films to be saved’ and holds a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Currently, ‘The Easy Life’ is one of the highest-grossing Italian films and a cultural touchstone.
1. La belle et la bête (Beauty and the Beast) (1946)
Topping Jean Reno’s list is ‘La belle et la bête,‘ or ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ a 1946 French romantic fantasy film. Directed by Jean Cocteau, this adaptation of Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s fairy tale is a classic of French cinema. The story revolves around Belle, who takes her father’s place as the Beast’s prisoner. The film’s visual style and innovative effects have received widespread praise, including a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It was also praised for its dreamlike quality, settings, and expressive costumes as a timeless piece of cinematic art.
