E.T.

What is there to say about a film so strongly imprinted on the mind, of filmgoers across 1982 and 1983? American Film cited it as one of the best American films of the 1980's, putting it at number 2 in a top twenty list, with Raging Bull at number one.

Well then, to refresh the memory. A spaceship stands silent in a forest on the edges of Spielbergs' characteristic suburbia. In the darkness, visitors scour the land for specimens of earth's environment.

The peace is suddenly shattered by government agents who have been alerted to the presence of something unknown.

Anonymous men pursue one visitor in a dramatic chase through the forest, yet never capture it. The visitors' ship leaves the party, having forgotten to wait for a now very lonely travelers.

The film famously charts the little guy's discovery by Elliot and the development of their friendship.

With the federal agents breathing down the neck of suburbia, Elliot's home is invaded, E.T.'s strength begins to weaken while all the time we know a happy ending is in store.

Possibly Spielberg's masterpiece, the film contains many brilliantly executed scenes which unashamedly aim for the heartstrings.

The film is a fusion of performance, direction, technology and music. It is perfect in many ways - highly polished and neatly folded.

When told of the number of parallels the story contained with the life of Christ, Spielberg replied "I don't want to hear this, I'm Jewish"!.

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