25 years on: the cinema gems of 1991

Every year has its cinematic masterpieces (and its flops). Yet, coincidence or not, some years are finer than others for film. Such was the case in 1991, the year which saw the release of such gems as The Silence of the Lambs, Boyz ‘n the Hood, Terminator 2, Les Amants du Pont Neuf, Beauty and the Beast, Fried Green Tomatoes, My Girl, La Belle Noiseuse, Night on Earth, Proof, Raise the Red Lanterns, Thelma and Louise, Delicatessen and My Own Private Idaho. 1991 was a banner year for debut performances, instant cult classics and even Academy Award glory, as SOTL became only the third film in history to sweep Oscar wins across the Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Film categories.

Believe it or not, it has been 25 years since these films’ debut. 25 years on, these articles revisit some of those key films of 1991:

The Silence of the Lambs (“The Silence of the Lambs at 25: It Broke All the Rules“, Rolling Stone)

Boyz ‘n the Hood (“Boyz ‘n the Hood: Approaching 25 Years“, Huffington Post)

Terminator 2 (“How James Cameron is Changing Terminator 2 For Its 25th Anniversary“, Cinema Blend)

My Own Private Idaho (“The Enduring Power of My Own Private Idaho“, Out)

Thelma and Louise (“Thelma and Louise Turns 25“, New Zealand Herald)

Plus a little childish nostalgia for good measure:

Hook (“It’s Been Nearly 25 Years Since Hook Was Released and the Kids Are All Grown Up“, Pretty 52)

What’s your favourite film of 1991?

By Gemma King.

We love to talk about film.

Image credits:
1. The Silence of the Lambs
2. Boyz ‘n the Hood
3. Terminator 2
4. My Own Private Idaho
5. Thelma and Louise
6. Hook