You made it! I know I left you on a cliffhanger last time and I am sure you have eagerly awaited the second installment. Well, patience is a virtue and you have been rewarded with the second half of the top 10 movie list and whiskey pairings. Let's dive in!
Number 5: Princess Mononoke
Picture this if you will. You are in 7th grade sitting in English class which is most definitely not your favorite subject. The teacher tells the class that we are going to watch an animated movie today. Pure excitement right? She continues, it is a Japanese movie from the famous Hayao Miyazaki. Your joy is extinguished. You don’t want to watch a foreign film, it will probably be boring. Just over 2 hours later you are hooked. Animation can be so much more than Looney Tunes or Disney movies, in fact, there is a whole other world out there to be explored. It wasn’t until I was much older when I truly appreciated the beauty of the animation and the complexity of the story. In the years since I have sought out his other movies and they are just as gorgeous and deep. It is no wonder he is so revered. This discovery also led me to search out other types of Animes. I don’t think I would have watched some of my favorite series like Full Metal Alchemist or 7 Deadly Sins, without Princess Mononoke. If you have never seen a Miyazaki film I strongly recommend treating yourself to a view of his movies, and I strongly recommend Princess Mononoke is on that list.
Whiskey: Hibiki Harmony on ice. A classic Japanese whiskey paired with a Miyazaki film sounds like a great night.
Number 4: Walter Mitty
This movie was a huge surprise for me. When Lindsay and I started dating we had a fun deal where we would trade movies to entice each other to watch our favorites even though it might not be what they normally like. For example, I gave Twilight a chance if she gave Star Wars a chance. I lost that deal. Lindsay however, won all of everything for this choice. I don't even remember what movie I traded with her to watch this because it doesn't matter because it isn't this movie. Walter Mitty is a story about a shy man that works in the photo development department of Life magazine. He has big dreams but never acts on them. Well, this movie forces those actions and you get the rush of following a man who is doing something crazy for the first time in his life. It is a simple movie but so moving. Every time we watch it I feel like I should and could be doing more. It is very motivating and I highly recommended it.
Whiskey: Jefferson’s Ocean neat or a few drops of water. Just as Walter journeyed across oceans for his adventure Jefferson's bourbon did the same thing. Aging at sea does at a unique salty finish that is a perfect pairing.
Number 3: 12 Angry Men
This was one of the first black and white movies I truly watched and it was amazing. I had obviously seen others but this one I was enthralled with even though there are no set changes or anything. We watched it in high school and instead of sleeping (like a normal high school kid during movie day), I was glued to the screen. They packed so much drama into only one room. It was such a simple movie by today's standards but the characters and the plot are incredible. 12 Angry Men also made me branch out to others such as Casablanca (which almost took this spot), Citizen Kane, and The Twilight Zone. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and go watch it.
Whiskey: Johnnie Walker Black on ice. Simple and smokey just like this movie.
Number 2: V for Vendetta
The perfect thought-provoking movie on what it means to have freedom. Using Guy Fawkes' day as inspiration, this movie really forces you to look more carefully at the world around you and a government's place in it. While the movie is based on a comic book, it was interesting looking more into more of who Guy Fawkes was. V for Vendetta is the perfect writing of a flawed anti-hero and really makes you question what you would do if you were there. I used to watch it every single fifth of November and still try to as much as possible.
Whiskey: Lagavulin 16. A revolution without good whiskey is a revolution not worth having. I couldn't think of a whiskey to better fit the Gun Powder Treason and Plot narrative more than the smokey scotch from a country that celebrates Guy Fawkes' day.
Number 1: Godfather 1 & 2
This was another toss-up so I decided to combine the two again. This is one of the greatest character arcs of all time and all sequels are compared to Godfather 2. While on the surface it is just another mafia movie it turns out to be so much more. A story about family and sacrifice. Betrayal and loyalty. Action and drama. Godfather 1 and 2 have it all. I love how the second movie shows Vito's rise to becoming the Don compared to Michael's descent into the role. These two have to be considered two of the Top 10 movies of all time.
Whiskey: Pappy Van Winkle (Any year). Expensive, strong, and complex. Just like all the best Mafia dons. Put on your best suit, pour yourself a glass, leave the gun, and take the cannoli.
Well, that is some of my favorite movies that I always recommend and a whiskey pairing for each. I would love to hear what you think!
Cheers!
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