My Latest Comfort Rewatches

The last couple weeks, I felt like I was stuck in a rut. I wanted to watch something I’d never seen before, but didn’t have the mental energy. Furthermore, despite my Letterboxd watchlist containing 499 films (thus far), nothing was sticking out to me. Arguably, I could have just selected something from that list, but I always prefer to let the movies find me organically. I don't want to just check them off a list.

And you know what? That’s okay. I don't always have to be discovering new things. So instead, I’ve had some old favorites I’ve spent the last couple weeks rewatching.

These last two days, I’ve been able to look over the horizon and spot some new movies I want to see, which is great. But in the meantime, here are the old reliables I’ve been revisiting.

The Baker’s Wife (1938)

A French film that, when I first saw it, surprised me with the interesting philosophical and theological discussions the characters partake in throughout. Humorous in an often subtle way; but with some unexpected, delightful slapstick-y moments as well.

The Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice (1952)

Beautiful and intimate, this Japanese film explores marriage and relationships through the eyes of two different couples: Taeko and Mokichi, who are married but are having issues; and Setsuko and Noboru, a young couple who begin to date and become closer as the movie progresses. This is one of my rainy-day comfort films!

Stalag 17 (1953)

If you’ve seen Hogan’s Heroes, you’ll no doubt notice many similarities in Stalag 17. (Or maybe for you, it’s the other way around!) Set in a German POW camp during World War II, the members of Barracks 4 become suspicious after a botched escape attempt, believing a traitor is in their midst. The prime suspect is J.J. Sefton (William Holden), a POW known to trade with and bribe the German guards to get what he wants. Suspenseful and intriguing, with wonderful performances by the ensemble cast. And by the way, I have nothing to confirm this, but I wouldn't be surprised if the muppet Animal was loosely based on the Animal in Stalag 17 (played by Robert Strauss).

12 Angry Men (1957)

Director Sidney Lumet manages to keep every moment gripping and fresh, despite all the action happening in the same space for its entire 96 minute run. This is also one of my rainy-day comfort films. (I have weird comfort films.)

Some Like It Hot (1959)

I just showed this to my mom for the first time, and she absolutely loved it. She said even after hearing about it her whole life, she couldn’t get over how funny it was. We’ve also been enjoying watching the special features that come with this DVD (which are not subtitled).

Harold and Maude (1971)

First, a warning: this dark comedy is not for everyone. But it’s one of my personal favorites. I’m a big fan of movies about finding the light in dark times, and Harold and Maude is the very definition of that genre. Whenever I need a pick-me-up, it always proves to be the best medicine.

All the President’s Men (1976)

It’s probably the journalism major in me, but All the President’s Men is so satisfying to watch. (I have definitely attempted to interview someone in pidgin Spanish, so I feel ya, Robert.)

Tootsie (1982)

Pair with Some Like It Hot for a hilarious double feature (bonus points if you add Mrs. Doubtfire and make it a triple feature). Dustin Hoffman should have won an Oscar for his portrayal of stubborn, struggling actor Michael Dorsey, who lands a role on a soap opera disguised as actress Dorothy Michaels. An all-around good time.

Back to the Future (1985)

My all-time favorite. I wrote a more lengthy essay on this a couple weeks ago, which you can read on Cinema Sugar.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

I only saw this for the first time a little over a year ago, but I’ve rewatched it so many times since then that it feels like I grew up watching it! A fantastic, witty romcom that will never get old.

Belfast (2021)

Kenneth Branagh penned and directed this semi-autobiographical story about growing up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Another movie about “finding light in the dark times” that I absolutely adore.

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So what's next?

Two movies I've been eyeing recently:

Brazil (1985)

I actually own the three-DVD Criterion version of this (shoutout to the library bookstore!), but only recently started looking into it. It looks like it’s a little dark (even if primarily in the “dark humour” sense), which I don’t quite feel ready for right now. I think sometimes, whether I like or dislike a movie has as much to do with whether I’m in the right mindset for it, so I’ll probably hold off just a little while longer. But the seed has been planted!

Grease 2 (1982)

Some say it’s sacrilege, some say “the real ones know it’s actually better than the first one.” I figure there’s only one way to find out! I balked against seeing this for a long time, despite knowing about it since I was a kid, because I just assumed it wouldn’t be good and that it would ruin the original. But what the heck—it looks kind of fun.

Thanks for reading! If you’re looking for something to watch this weekend, I hope maybe this helped inspire you!

’Til next time,

Becca