Dune

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."  A film about humanity, highlighting our ability for survival and warning against dogma. Dune sets the bar for any current sci-fi films, and in my opinion is one of the best of the genre I've ever seen... Despite its slow pace and how it throws you in the deep end with its complicated terms and systems, I found it all the more rewarding once you flow with the film, which for me required a second watch. Being immersed in its scale and world building was extremely gripping, with a rich extensive history underlining religious powers exploiting fanaticism, the corruptive feudal system, all the while balancing it with a constant personal struggle of free will vs fate for Paul Atreides. Paul Atredies was a protagonist I wasn't overly fond of on first watch, but now, after watching the second film and currently reading the book, I completely see Paul in a different light on rewatch. Wonderfully acted by Timothée Chalamet, his journey is so grand and of universal importance whilst also being surprisingly human. Wondering our purpose in the universe is one many can relate to, although not seeing our futures through psychedelic prophetic visions (I hope anyway). With superb supporting characters pushing and pulling him towards his path, it was a story arc that i fully did not see the first time and has now become the highlight of the film. Everything feels intensional, a both technical and narrative achievement. It provides a stellar introduction to the world of Dune, gives a wonderful contained film whilst also feeling like the beginning of something even bigger, which may leave some wanting more. Nevertheless, Dune is an underrated masterpiece and a modern classic in every way, that perfectly sets itself up for its even better sequel whilst still managing to be a spectacular stand alone film.