For some strange reason, this gem of modern cinema (by Cuban director Tomas Gutierrez Alea) is only available on Amazon in this insultingly expensive VHS version. However, it suffices to hint at one of the best portraits of a man too thoughtful to connect with the surrounding world - but bright enough to reflect about many of its contradictions

Allen goes for the good old three-sisters-parallel-story (à la Cekhov) to again point out how difficult (if not utterly impossible) it is for humans to find a second of satisfaction.

Second film in Antonioni's trilogy. Again it follows the blossoming of an apparently ideal romance - if only life weren't so complicated (and full of embarrassing moments).

The final indispensable Antonioni: a rather bored couple tries to "rescue" their relationship (or just themselves) by attending a high society party (where inevitably they meet some more dozens of desperately bored people).

A sensitive (and arguably sensible) couple of musicians experiences the transformative horrors of war, revealing the core of human nature. With the usual poignant (and bitterly funny) remarks about the nagging disappointmens in man-woman relationships.

Bunuel's hilarious film shows the real bourgeois way of life: full of ennui, immoralities, conspiracies, illegalities and - of course - infidelities.

Fellini's absolutely best, following the trials and tribulations of a film director whose inspiration, fame and supposed joie de vivre gradually dwindle away.

Probably the best Godard, a convincingly unethusiastic look at the nerving petty conflicts of everyday life.

The first and absolute best Jarmusch film - as well as being one of the great masterpieces of modern cinema altogether. A young flanneur's meanderings through New York, meeting the usual bunch of lonely and confused people.

Again only available as VHS on Amazon.com, the first and best Linklater film: a collage of everyday people trying to get by in the chaos of modern urban life.

One of Eric Rohmer's best (he usually is very good but some of his films are actually appallingly bad). A man's conflict between his beliefs and his desires, personified by two women - but are they all that different, in the end?

The usual VHS problem. A wonderful story of a "simple" woman's dilemmas between an idealized ex-lover and her very concrete suitors - who of course can never live up to her dreams.

Saura's portrait of the frail innocence of childhood: a young girl's experience of a complex adult web of (the usual) betrayals.