This does not necessarily reflect my actual Top Ten film choices, but all of these would have a great chance for position on that list. If you want to read about the movies in question or know more, I'd suggest you do so after your initial viewing as some sites can ruin very powerful plot twists or delicately erected relationships which should be allowed to develop in an organic way, as you watch with a fresh mind. These are more than just movies to me. They are like old friends, each valued for their particular and unique blend of power and pathos. They grow more treasured with time and with repeat viewing. Most of my movie choices are heavily influenced by my own spiritual exploration. I've kept what I say about each to a minimum for a reason. They should be allowed to speak for themselves, on their own terms.

1. The Butcher Boy

This is not a movie for the simple-minded person who loves nothing more than Cameron Diaz half nude and rude punch lines. None of these choices are. You have to have a mind and a heart and be willing to have them twisted. I'm not going to get into directors and styles or highbrow discussion of film for this article. I will simply speak from my soul and try to tell you what has entertained and touched me. This movie would be at the top of that list. The boy who plays the lead (Eamonn Owens) is incredible. This is one of those stories, like those of HBO's The Wire, where heros aren't golden and the most evil acts can be understood as coming from bitter and tragic life experience. Yet it is also a heartbreakingly beautiful story with hope and secret messages and moments of transcendence. I'd suggest you read as little as possible about the film. Just see it. It is like a mind-expanding substance. There are visual thrills and there is wrenching human drama. Features incredible music by Sinatra and Sinead O'Connor. Bring tissue.

2. The Maltese Falcon

They're called classics for a reason and this one features some of the best actors of the day. Definitely the most entertaining and exciting Humphrey Bogart film there is. Intrigue and in-jokes, plot twists galore. Has a look and a feel all its own.

3. No Country for Old Men

The Coen Brothers make some of the best films in existence. This is one of the best of the best. I haven't liked everything they've made, but it's close. There are stars in this one, but everyone, known or not, stands side by side in their performance. It is a quiet movie, reflective, even though it is an action/chase movie. I found it reminded me incredibly of another great film The Getaway. When I saw this in the theater, by the end, I was in tears. There is an understanding you have to have to get what the movie is trying to say. Unfortunately I was mostly alone in that understanding, as the other handful of moviegoers stood immediately and declared that they didn't get it. You have to be willing to look at a larger moral picture, one where things aren't necessarily black and white, maybe the criminals don't always pay, maybe the best you can do is do for yourself. It's deep, but it's also lovely, both in scenery and in watching men's minds work. It is also violent, a violence possibly more disturbing because of the lack of emotion accompanying it. One of the many issues the viewer is left to decide for him/herself.

4. Miller's Crossing

Another film which captures the feel of a time and place, a way of living, a code of ethics. This is also a Coen Brothers film. Harsh and hilarious, there are moments of fimmaking brilliance contained here. The scene where Leo is at home and his quiet evening is interrupted, action set to the song Danny Boy...I have seen that scene a dozen times and it is put together so artfully and it is at once so basic and straightforward yet masterfully descriptive that it makes me cry. Another stellar cast where everyone pulls their weight, every character and line seem to be spot on. Lots of symbolism, which lends to the beauty of the story if you are aware enough to catch it, perhaps on your second or third need to see it just one more time.

5. Lawrence of Arabia

Stunning. This film is art in motion. The landscapes are harsh and alive and captured and delivered to us. You MUST watch this and all films in their letterbox/widescreen format. You do not want to miss details that the creators sought to include. Small moments, small visual morsels, are a part of the enjoyment of the whole. This film is the emotion of the main character spilled across the landscape of the desert and World War I and if you have a brain in your head it will resonate as you consider Lawrence and his interaction with the Arab tribes compared to the Iraq war and the lack of cultural understanding. What one man can do to influence the world and what toll that influence can take on the man.

6. Fight Club

I actually liked the movie interpretation of Chuck Palahniuk's book more than the book itself. Violent, anarchistic, dirty and incredible to watch. A movie that makes you think and question (and hope). Black humor, sex, and some slick writing. Another pick which asks you to consider that what you know isn't necessarily the whole truth.

7. Dark City

Surreal and disturbing, a cult detective story. Anything that tries to teach us that we are more powerful than we think, that there is more to Everything than we believe, effectively done is going to reach me. The truth of memory, distrust of our senses...This came out before The Matrix, and while it includes similar ideas, it is a distinct and different movie. Haunting.

8. The City of Lost Children

Another surreal and distinct vision. You should see it in its original French. Innocence and maturity exist in each of the characters, adults as well as children. Children are called upon to grow up quite quickly in a hostile environment, yet they are children and require adult help and protection. Adults are involved in whimsical and elaborate plots, create unique and crazy devices; They act out from the pressures of unfulfilled needs, ghosts of their younger days, wear their lack of actualization on their sleeves. The movie is like a visit to a dark carnival. I'd dare you to argue with even the most questionable elements of story. Imaginative fantasy for the adult child. A fairy tale about the importance of dreams and the subconscious through an auteur French lens. It can be risky to choose a foreign film. Sometimes the nuances don't translate cross-culture. This is definitely one that affects the viewer on many levels and delivers its message.

9. The Philadelphia Story

A classic romantic comedy with a mind and rapid fire dialogue. Wit and barbed humor abound; It is smart and sarcastic. While this film is a black and white from 1940, the story is one easily recognized today in the tabloid-crazed American society constantly hungry to see wealth/fame personified and soiled. Cary Grant and James Stewart as sexy as he can get spar with Katharine Hepburn. Movie heaven.

10. Dead Man

I've saved the best for last. Johnny Depp should be known for work of this caliber, not that dreck pirate crap. Jim Jarmusch doesn't get a lot right, though he tries, but this is a fantastic piece of work. Perfect casting, dark humor, some hilarious scenes for sick minds like mine. Existential issues, a look that will trick your mind into thinking you're tripping, there is deep symbolism throughout and accompanyment by haunting guitar work by Neil Young. Get ready for an experience unlike you will find in any other film. This movie will ruin you. It might even wake you up.