Top Movies of 1990 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Kevin Costner

I think it's fair to say that nobody expected Kevin Costner (a popular actor to be sure but not imagined to be an auteur) to give birth to such a wonderfully filmed masterpiece, as 'Dances with Wolves' happened to be. With Kevin being joined by actors such as Graham Greene, Mary McDonnell and Rodney Grant, the film cleaned up at both the box office and the Oscar ceremony the following spring, taking home awards for both Best Picture and Best Director.

Answer: Gérard Depardieu

Like or dislike Mr. Depardieu, one cannot deny that he makes a fitting Cyrano in this film. Alongside the inimitable Gérard appear Vincent Perez as Christian and Anne Brochet as Roxane. Incidentally, Cyrano de Bergerac is a real person who lived and wrote beautiful poetry during the 17th century.

Answer: Goodfellas

For many, 'Goodfellas' is simply the greatest crime drama of all-time (I have it in my top five). The film, essentially a biographical story of mob informant Henry Hill, features some of the best lines in film history. Particularly amusing are Joe Pesci's rants, including the famous 'You think I'm funny?' scene.

Answer: Stephen King

Rob Reiner masterfully directed this film that features an excellent screenplay by William Goldman. The movie contains some of the most utterly disturbing moments in cinematic history, particularly the scene where Kathy Bates wields a sledgehammer and...I can't even go on! See the film at your own peril!

Answer: Tremors

'Tremors' may not come to mind when one thinks of the greatest film classics of all-time, but certainly it deserves some recognition as one of the most inventive horror films ever produced. If Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward don't amuse you with their slapstick performances, try Michael Gross (of 'Family Ties') and Reba McEntire (yes, the country singer) as a couple holed up in a survivalist compound in the middle of nowhere. Please don't be intimidated by the 'horror' label, this film is funny, good natured and even contains a light-hearted love story.

Answer: The Coen Brothers

Surperb acting by Albert Finney, Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden and John Turturro really makes this film work. Oh yes, let's not forget the fabulous direction of the Coen Brothers, and the lovely cinematography of Barry Sonnenfeld. The film was loosely based on a pair of novels by Dashiell Hammett called 'Red Harvest' and 'Glass Key'.

Answer: Poland

Directed by Agnieszka Holland, 'Europa Europa' is about a young Jewish man who, thanks to his perfect German, is able to pass as German during the darkest days of the Nazi occupation of Poland. The film features some rather funny moments, if you like gallows humor, along with some darkly disturbing scenes. Fans of Julie Delpy will especially want to have a look.

Answer: China

'Ju Dou' is one of Zhang Yimou's earliest films. It displays the director's wonderful penchant for color and lighting, and shows off the acting skills of Li Gong, among others. It's the story of an illicit love affair between an unhappy wife of a dye-factory owner and the factory-owner's nephew. The rest of the plot I will leave for you to discover.

Answer: Edward Scissorhands

Okay, so this question was relatively easy, so be it!

Johnny Depp supplies one of his typically quirky performances, only uttering 169 words in the entire film. Wynona Rider is compelling, Dianne Wiest is motherly and Anthony Michael Hall is surprisingly menacing in this very strange but effective film by the mercurial Tim Burton.

Answer: Sean Connery

If Sean Connery isn't your cup of tea, try Alec Baldwin, or Scott Glenn, or perhaps Sam Neill, or maybe James Earl Jones. Okay, you get the point. Combine an all-star cast, a reliable blockbuster-producing director, a story by Tom Clancy and you will likely have the recipe for success. Even the supporting cast, including Tim Curry, Peter Firth, Jeffrey Jones and Stellan Skarsgård provide additional flair.

I hope you have enjoyed this quiz. Let me know which choices you agreed or disagreed with. Provide me with your personal choices, I'm always in the mood. Thanks for playing!