ILFers, I need your help

Japon

Matewan

That's kind of an open question--what kind of films have the "knock you on your ass" effect you're looking for?

Dramatic? Suspenseful? Avant-garde? Comedy?

Some of my recent favorites for sheer "wow" effect, I would say the "By Brakhage" criterion disks, Jem Cohen's "Benjamin Smoke", Sam Green's "The Rainbow Man/John 3:16".

I saw a Russian film last night called "The Return" that somewhat intense. It was a bit of a let down though--the box had several comparisions to Tarkovsky, but it was a long way off. It was trying to go for the Tarkovsky mood, but there was not enough starkness or detachment in either the cinematography, the sets or the actors' psychology. It's probably the first "pro-child abuse" film I've ever seen...

River's Edge
McBain

Black Rain / Kuroi ame (the Japanese film)

The Last Minute (unrated directors cut only)

Female Convict Scorpion Jailhouse 41

Lair Of The White Worm

Have you seen Tarkovsky's Stalker? or Umberto D? probably, but they will knock you on your ass. though i must follow up these other films mentioned.

I have seen both Stalker and Umberto D, and love them both.

So far the recommendations have been great. For my first choice, I've gone with jay's advice and got the Brakhage collection. I admit, the avant-garde tends to stir my brain much more than it does my spirit, but I've been pretty impressed by what little Brakhage I've seen so far.

For me, something that's really mind-blowing would be similar to the above-mentioned Matewan or Kuroi ame. I lean more towards political films than anything else.

Thanks for the recommendations so far.

If you like Matewan (so you've already seen it, eh?), then I highly recommend more Sayles. He's totally my latest favorite director. City of Hope is unbelievably good, and just to pre-empt the inevitable question - no, it's not the Patrick Swayze film (which is City of Joy).

"I admit, the avant-garde tends to stir my brain much more than it does my spirit,"

Try to get your hands on a copy of Jem Cohen's "Lost Book Found" for an avant-garde film that moves the spirit more than the mind. Or just contact me offline & maybe a DVD dubbed copy will mysteriously show up in your mailbox...

However, I would argue that Brakhage's work is just as capable of stirring the spirit as it is in stirring the brain, maybe even more so. I always feel somewhat closer to humanity and nature after watching his films--they just feel so much more "human" and personal (as universal) than any studio or indy narrative or documentary I've seen because the pretentions of form/plot/profit are absent. Even the paint films make me feel this way.

Political films....I'm sure you've already seen it, but Godard's "Weekend"? Actually, anything Godard made from 67-74 could fit in this category.

Godard and Sayles are two of my gods. City of Hope is amazing, but unfortunately, I've not been able to find a copy of Weekend ANYWHERE. I will not give up, though. Thanks, guys.

New Yorker Films is the only distributer of "Weekend" that I know of (VHS only). You can buy it direct from their website, I think.

weekend finally announced for a DVD release through new yorker. the street date is june 28th, extras include a commentary track with raoul coutard, mike figgis on weekend featurette, and more. rejoice, etc.

I heart Juliet Berto.