Edward Scissorhands (DVD 2000)

Edward Scissorhands is, in my opinion, a modern fairytale; the story is one to be re-told and remembered for decades to come. The core of the story is (as with all lasting stories) love, but more so, our capacity for love. Edward Scissorhands was created by an aged inventor who had surrounded himself with miraculous machinery, but could not love and care for them as much as he wished so created Edward. Tragically, Edward is left unfinished with crude and absurd blades instead of fingers.
Edward eventually is brought into a world far removed from that he was created in (or perhaps for). This really is where you need to see the film to appreciate the story fully. Tim Burton manages to create a cartoon world of pop-propriety where to be considered decent, there must be a film of conformity or pick from a determined range oddities (sexual promiscuity, religion, fatness, rock music). Edward is just too odd and his initiation into this world is filled with humour and pain. It is hard not to empathise with Edward, so sharply played by Johnny Depp, as he struggles to be accepted and deal with the consumerist attitudes of his new world.

Tim Burton does a stellar job, combining a magnificent visual feast (that hasn't dated) with a truly touching story, all of which is superbly acted.