'One of the best biopics ever' streaming on Prime Video director says is greatest war movie

The acclaimed director was choosing some of his favourite films
An Oscar-nominated director has revealed his pick for one of the greatest war films ever produced.
Earlier this year, Denis Villeneuve had the opportunity to visit the Criterion Closet and share his favourite films and recommendations with fans. His selection included films that have inspired him as a filmmaker, as well as his favourite works from renowned directors.
‌
Villeneuve is recognised for directing films such as Sicario, Arrival, Prisoners, Blade Runner 2049, and Dune Parts One and Two. His work has earned him numerous Oscar and BAFTA nominations, including a Best Director nod for Arrival, reports the Express.
‌
The Criterion Closet is a physical or sometimes mobile space created for events, housing every title distributed by The Criterion collection. Reportedly home to at least 1,700 films, celebrities are often invited to select their favourites while being filmed.
During his visit earlier this year, Villeneuve's picks included The Three Colours trilogy directed by Krzysztof Kielowski, Lars von Trier's Europa, Akira Kurosawa's The Seven Samurai, Satyricon by Fellini, and Henri-Georges Clouzot's The Wages of Fear.
The director also expressed his appreciation for documentaries, recommending Le Mystère Picasso from Henri-Georges Clouzot. Additionally, he highlighted a film about a historical figure which, in his opinion, ranks among the best war movies.
He remarked: "Che, with the great Benicio del Toro. For me, it's by far one of the best movies about war, about what it is to be a leader of men."
‌
Expanding on his thoughts, he stated: "The research behind this movie is astonishing, and I absolutely adore the directing. I think it's a movie that is underrated. Honestly, it's a masterful work by Soderbergh. My favourite movie from Soderbergh."
Intriguingly, he hinted as well at a possible source of inspiration for his own monumental interpretation of the Dune novels when examining the double DVD boxset, noting: "Part one, part two. Maybe there's an influence there. I don't know."
The 2008 epic biographical flick Che unfolded the story of Argentine Marxist revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara and came in a nearly five-hour-long two-part format. For those intrigued to delve into what Villeneuve extolled, they will be pleased to find both chapters available for streaming on Prime Video.
‌
Under the directorial prowess of Steven Soderbergh, the film starred Benicio del Toro as Che and strayed from the conventional linear storytelling, instead opting to weave together various segments from Che's life journey.
One enthusiast hailed the film, asserting: " One of the best biopics ever. It should have won Oscar."
A separate individual praised it further saying: "Gorgeously shot, superbly acted, and poignantly relevant." For those inclined to watch, 'Che Parts One and Two' are streamable now via Prime Video.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Herald Scotland

36 minutes ago

• The Herald Scotland

EastEnders actress Laila Morse has famous film star brother

She was introduced in 2000 as the matriarch of the Slater family and appeared for 16 years before departing initially. It wasn't long before she returned, though, as she was reintroduced in 2018 before being written out again in 2021. However, after a stint of a few episodes in 2022, she was permanently brought back in 2024, alongside great-grandson Freddie (played by Bobby Brazier). With Mo having been a presence on EastEnders for so long, many fans might be aware her actress Laila Morse has a very famous film star for a brother. EastEnders actress Laila Morse has a very famous film star brother Laila's younger brother is Gary Oldman, who won the Oscar for Best Actor back in 2018 for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. The 67-year-old has appeared in many major films over the years, including in The Fifth Element, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, the Harry Potter series and Oppenheimer, among many others. Gary was also recently knighted as part of the King's Birthday Honours. Some might not be aware that Laila's break into acting is in part thanks to Gary, as he cast her in his 1997 film Nil by Mouth. This was Laila's first foray into acting at the age of 51, and Gary's debut as a filmmaker. She featured alongside Ray Winstone, Kathy Burke and Charlie Creed-Miles. Laila's performance as the character of Janet won her the award of 'Most Promising Newcomer in any Category' at the British Independent Film Awards. Another interesting fact is the link between Gary and the stage name 'Laila Morse', as the actress's real name is Maureen Oldman. When Gary was in a relationship with Isabella Rossellini, she suggested to Maureen to use 'Laila Morse' as a stage name. It is an anagram of 'mia sorella', which translates from Italian as 'my sister'. EastEnders fans love that Laila Morse and Gary Oldman are related The unique bit of trivia surrounding Laila and Gary being siblings always provides a lot of interest to EastEnders fans. In a recent post on the EastEnders Reddit page, one person shared images of the two side-by-side saying: "Mo and Gary Oldman being siblings with [sic] never not be funny too me." One person joked in response: "One is the greatest actor of our generation who has inspired millions and is beloved by all. The other is Gary Oldman." Another shared: "I always forget. Then I remember. And it always makes me laugh. I don't know why I find it so funny. But I do." Some people have expressed hope that Gary might make a brief appearance in EastEnders one day due to the link. Recommended reading: One person on the post commented: "Could Gary Oldman be the Squares ultimate villain? (If all his other acting work dries up)". Another replied: "It would be so elite, honestly I would love him to appear just for one episode." A third concurred, writing: "It would be awesome if he turned up on the square as Mo's long lost brother."

Daily Mirror

an hour ago

• Daily Mirror

Iran told shutting down oil 'choke point' would be 'economic suicide'

The US has warned Iran that closing the Strait of Hormuz in response to American strikes on its nuclear sites would be 'economic suicide' as the UK is warned it could be hit hard Iran has been warned that shutting down a crucial Middle East oil "choke point" following US strikes on its nuclear facilities would be tantamount to "economic suicide", as reported by The Telegraph. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on Iran's allies, including China, to exert pressure on Tehran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, stating that any closure would be a "terrible mistake". ‌ "I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil," Mr Rubio said during an interview with Fox News. ‌ "If they do that, it will be another terrible mistake. It's economic suicide for them if they do it. And we retain options to deal with that, but other countries should be looking at that as well. It would hurt other countries' economies a lot worse than ours," he continued. In retaliation for US strikes, Iranian lawmakers have voted to obstruct vital shipping routes through this key waterway after Donald Trump decided to engage in the conflict between Israel and Iran, reports the Express. However, the vote by the Iranian parliament is not definitive, and state television has emphasised that the ultimate decision lies with Iran's top security officials, Reuters reports. The narrow strait, situated within Iranian territorial waters, is considered the most critical oil transit choke point globally, with approximately one-fifth of all worldwide oil supplies and a third of liquefied natural gas passing through it. Any efforts to disrupt maritime traffic by deploying mines or missiles could trigger a global oil crisis, skyrocket inflation rates and potentially plunge the economy into a downturn. ‌ On Sunday, specialists cautioned that such a move to shut the strait might also elicit "a significant military response" from both the United States and its allies. Eurasia Group, a leading consultancy in political risk, advised clients: "The US has amassed a massive military presence in the Gulf and surrounding region, and a move by Iran against the strait would almost certainly trigger a significant military response." ‌ Ami Daniel, CEO of maritime data company Windward, noted that even the mere "perception" of an Iranian assault on shipping could reduce maritime traffic to a mere trickle. He further remarked: "People are talking about whether they block the Strait of Hormuz, but how about if they just make it very dangerous to go through?". "Commercial shipping is not the Navy. They don't have to go. So actually, even just increasing the risk to go there will gradually make a big difference versus blocking it completely." As anxieties mount regarding a fresh oil emergency, countless drivers could be hit with soaring fuel costs at the filling stations. The UK, which relies on imports for roughly half its oil supply, stands to be particularly exposed. Following President Trump's ultimatum giving Iran two weeks to start talks, crude oil settled around $77 a barrel last Friday, as market players speculated that any immediate conflict was likely to be averted. Amidst escalating tension, market analysts are bracing for a surge in prices come Monday, as the "risk barometer" skyrockets. There's chatter that we could be looking at $100 a barrel or even higher on the horizon.

Scottish Sun

13 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

Love Island's Harry reveals surprising encounter with A-list actress, boasting ‘I think I had a chance'

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island's Harry has revealed a surprising encounter with a huge A-list actress. On last night's Unseen Bits on ITV2, the islanders were going through their celebrity crushes in the Beach Hut Bonanza segment. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Footballer Harry Cooksley told viewers about his celebrity crush in the beach hut 5 He admitted on the show that he met the Oscar nominee on a plane Credit: Getty Farnham Town footballer Harry Cooksley, 30, was delighted to recall an encounter on an airplane with a very famous movie star. He admitted on camera: "The incredible Margot Robbie. "And I'll tell you exactly why, I sat next to her on a flight, we chatted the entire way." He added: "And I actually thought I had a chance with her." Margot, 34, is best known for her huge roles as Harley Quinn in the Suicide Squad movies. She also starred alongside Brad Pitt in films such as Once Upon A Time in Hollywood and Babylon. This was after she had her mainstream breakthrough for her role in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. The Barbie actress is also well known to be a superfan of the long-running ITV reality series. For her 31st birthday she celebrated with her nearest and dearest with a Love Island themed party. She has also met various former contestants including Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Davide Sanclimenti. Maura Higgins does SHOTS with Margot Robbie as Hollywood's biggest Love Island fan invites her out for lunch The Oscar nominee also previously invited Maura Higgins out for a boozy lunch. They both did shots together after they ordered a whole bottle of Margot's own gin, Papa Salt Coastal gin to the table. In 2020, Chris Taylor met the superstar actress at the afterparty of Birds of Prey which led to him getting a cameo in Barbie as a human Ken doll. The reality personality previously told Cosmopolitan: "She's just really down to earth and cool. She's one of the nicest people I've ever met." 5 The reality star thought that he 'had a chance' with the actress as they chatted for the whole flight 5 Margot rose to A-list status after starring in The Wolf Of Wall Street with Leonardo DiCaprio Credit: Getty 5 She has since appeared in huge productions alongside the likes of Brad Pitt, Will Smith and John Cena Credit: Getty Love Island continues on ITV2 and is available to stream on ITVX.