1993 was an iconic year in film. A list of critically adored movies as long as Lebron’s arm was released throughout the year that Beanie Babies first went on sale, Colombian drug baron Pablo Escobar was killed by Search Bloc, Bill Clinton became President of the United States, and Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their third NBA championship in consecutive years.
Yet, it was the film industry that stole the headlines in ‘93 with classics like Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, and Groundhog Day, so let’s take a look at some of the great movies having their 30th anniversary this year.
Schindler’s List
Universal Pictures
Steven Spielberg’s multi-Academy Award-winning war epic, Schindler’s List, presents the true story of Nazi Party member and industrialist, Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), who capitalizes on his status as a key manufacturer and distributor to the war effort in order to shelter and protect his Jewish employees facing extermination at the country’s death camps. While Neeson delivers a masterclass in empathy, it’s antagonist Ralph Fiennes who is most memorable as the deranged SS official, Amon Goeth, one of the most abominably evil characters in movie history.
In the Name of the Father
As one of the best films that features the Provisional IRA, based on a true story, Jim Sheridan’s In the Name of the Father is a horrifying picture of a gross miscarriage of justice. In typically vehement fashion, Daniel Day Lewis portrays Irishman Gerry Conlon, a man accused of being one of the main perpetrators of the IRA’s bombing of a pub on the outskirts of London.
Sentenced to life, the falsely accused Conlon and his father Giuseppe fight to clear their names, exposing the life-changing deficiencies of the British justice system. The film was nominated for seven Oscars and features a rousing soundtrack.
Carlito’s Way
After the success of Scarface, Al Pacino and Brian De Palma reunited for Carlito’s Way, with the story taken from Judge Edwin Torres’ novel After Hours. Desperate to keep his nose clean after a recent stint in a state penitentiary, Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino) finds himself embroiled in yet more trouble when he becomes involved in a drug-trafficking scheme, and with the corrupt lawyer, Kleinfeld (an amazing Sean Penn).
Groundhog Day
Columbia Pictures
Based on Richard A. Lupoff’s short story, 12:01 P.M., Harold Ramis’ screen adaptation Groundhog Day is a Déjà vu-inducing dramatic comedy that has been a source of cultural reference since its release, inspiring a whole wave of movies about being stuck in the same day.
Starring the irrepressibly sarcastic Bill Murray as weather reporter Phil Connors, Groundhog Day begins with his forecasting assignment in the town of Punxsutawney to cover Groundhog Day with his producer (Andie Macdowell) and cameraman (Chris Elliot). Phil subsequently becomes entrapped in a perpetual time-loop, whereby he repeats the same day repeatedly. Groundhog Day is an uproarious, truly hysterical philosophical comedy that rightfully earns its place in cinematic legend.
Three Colours: Blue
MK2 Productions
The first of director Krzysztof Kieslowski’s Three Colours Trilogy, Three Colours: Blue, is equally heartbreaking as it is heartwarming. The visually stunning film follows protagonist Julie (Juliette Binoche), who experiences extreme loss and love while grieving the deaths of her husband and daughter following a car crash. Depressed, lonely, and withdrawn, Julie becomes reclusive and isolated from the outside world. Yet, the irresistible pull of the Parisian streets gives the widow a new shot at potential love.
Philadelphia
TriStar Pictures
In Philadelphia Tom Hanks plays a gay man suffering from AIDS who is unlawfully dismissed from his job as an attorney following his devastating diagnosis. His attempts to enlist the help of a lawyer, Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), are seemingly quashed when the public defender’s inherent homophobic prejudice renders him unwilling to help.
Through persistence, and a process of educational and moral reform from Miller, Andrew (Hanks) acquires his services as the deathly ramifications of his disease begin to take their toll. A film that won Hanks the first of his two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor, Philadelphia is an LGBTQ+ classic for some.
Manhattan Murder Mystery
Tri-Star Pictures
From the mind of Woody Allen, comes 1993’s Manhattan Murder Mystery, an enthralling whodunit set in the midst of, you guessed it, New York City. Concerning the tale of Carol and Larry Lipton, an ordinary husband and wife who begin to suspect foul play after a neighbor in their apartment block dies under suspicious circumstances. This is as distinctive a Woody Allen movie as one can get, with its subtle dark comedy and delightful performances from Diane Keaton and Alan Alda.
Jurassic Park
Grossing just over $1 billion in the past 30 years, Spielberg’s Jurassic Park was 1993’s highest-earning movie by a long stretch. The blockbuster of the year gave birth not just to genetically modified dinosaurs, but to a franchise that still garners billions of dollars and the attention of millions of eyes worldwide.
The first installment chronicles John Hammond’s (Richard Attenborough) opening of a national park home to cloned dinosaurs — what could possibly go wrong? Due to a security breach, the dinosaurs make haste and wreak havoc on mankind in the vicinity.
A Bronx Tale
Savoy Pictures
Robert De Niro is a name revered in the film industry, lauded as one of the best actors of his generation. Yet, the actor also has two directorial credits to his name, with his 2006 movie The Good Shepherd and his debut, critically acclaimed picture, A Bronx Tale, adapted from the novel of the same name.
A coming-of-age story that follows the childhood and adolescence of teenager Calogero, who runs errands for Mafia boss, Chazz Palminteri against his father Lorenzo’s better judgment (Robert De Niro), A Bronx Tale is an underrated film that will hopefully get more attention as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.
