The Rise and Fall of Acclaimed Movies: From Oscars to Controversy

"Traffic" (2000): A Once-Acclaimed Film Now Forgotten

The movie "Traffic" (2000) was once a critical darling, winning four Oscars and boasting a commendable 93% Rotten Tomatoes score. However, over time, it has lost its luster and is now considered preachy and flat, resembling a lackluster episode of "Narcos." While other highly acclaimed films from the same year, such as "Gladiator," "Almost Famous," "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon," and "Erin Brockovich," continue to be celebrated, "Traffic" seems to have been forgotten. (Source: 1)

"Blue is the Warmest Colour": A Groundbreaking Film with Controversy

"Blue is the Warmest Colour" was hailed as a groundbreaking movie for its authentic portrayal of a lesbian love story in an industry with very few such films. However, behind the scenes, the director made the filming experience a nightmare for the lead actors, tarnishing the film's reputation. Additionally, the explicit scenes in "Blue is the Warmest Colour" have been criticized for appearing more like p***ography than a genuine exploration of love. (Source: 2)

"Crash" (2004): From Best Picture Winner to Overrated

"Crash" won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2004 but has since become widely disliked and considered overrated. Many viewers feel that the film relied heavily on racial stereotypes and lacked nuance in its exploration of race relations. Its heavy-handed and manipulative approach to tackling sensitive social issues has also drawn criticism. (Source: 3)

"American Beauty" (1999): A Polarizing Classic

"American Beauty" won five Oscars, including Best Picture, in 1999. However, the film has become highly polarizing over the years. Some viewers now find it pretentious and superficial, with its attempts at exploring suburban life falling flat. The character of Lester Burnham is often seen as a clichéd portrayal of a midlife crisis, diminishing the impact of the film. (Source: 4)

"Birdman" (2014): A Stylish Film with Backlash

"Birdman" received critical acclaim and won four Oscars, but it has faced backlash for its perceived pretentiousness and self-indulgence. Critics argue that the film prioritizes style over substance, relying heavily on technical gimmicks and showmanship. This criticism has led to a divided opinion among viewers. (Source: 5)

"La La Land" (2016): A Divisive Musical

"La La Land" was initially praised for its homage to classic Hollywood musicals. However, it has since become a divisive film. Some viewers feel that it lacks depth and substance, presenting a nostalgic and idealized version of Los Angeles. The controversial ending has also contributed to the film's polarizing reception, with some finding it unsatisfying or unrealistic. (Source: 6)

"The Shape of Water" (2017): A Controversial Love Story

"The Shape of Water" won the Academy Award for Best Picture but faced criticism for its portrayal of a romantic relationship between a woman and a humanoid amphibian creature. Some viewers argue that the film romanticizes a problematic and unethical relationship, overshadowing its other merits. (Source: 7)

"The English Patient" (1996): From Acclaim to Derision

"The English Patient" received critical acclaim and won nine Oscars, including Best Picture, in 1996. However, it is now often derided as overly melodramatic and slow-paced. Despite its initial success, the film has lost favor among audiences who find its pacing and melodrama off-putting. (Source: 8)

the journey of acclaimed movies is not always a smooth one. Films that were once celebrated can fall out of favor due to various reasons, including controversy, changing perspectives, or simply not standing the test of time. The rise and fall of these movies serve as a reminder that critical acclaim and awards are not always indicative of long-term success.