Legendary Lines from Global Cinema

25 lines from 10 films (American, Hong Kong, South Korean, Chinese, French). We list only lines we could confirm as dialogue from each film.

American Films

12 Angry Men (1957)

IMDb Rating: 9.0/10

Directed by Sidney Lumet, this courtroom drama follows twelve jurors debating the fate of a young man accused of murder, exploring justice and prejudice.

It's always difficult to keep personal prejudice out of a thing like this.
We're talking about somebody's life here. We can't decide in five minutes.

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Directed by Elia Kazan, this drama adapts Tennessee Williams’ play, focusing on Blanche DuBois’ fragile psyche as she clashes with her brother-in-law, Stanley.

I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.
Stella! Hey, Stella!
I don’t want realism. I want magic!

The Godfather (1972)

IMDb Rating: 9.2/10

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this crime epic follows the Corleone family’s mafia empire and Michael’s rise to power.

Leave the gun, take the cannoli.
I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.
It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.

Forrest Gump (1994)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this heartfelt drama follows the extraordinary life of a man with a low IQ but a big heart.

Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.
Stupid is as stupid does.
Run, Forrest, run!
Mama always said, dying was a part of life.
I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

IMDb Rating: 8.9/10

Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this nonlinear crime film weaves stories of hitmen, boxers, and gangsters.

That’s when you know you’ve found somebody special.
English, motherfucker, do you speak it?
I’m trying real hard to be the shepherd.
Zed’s dead, baby. Zed’s dead.

Hong Kong Films

Chungking Express (1994)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Directed by Wong Kar-wai, this quirky romance follows two cops and their fleeting encounters with love.

Every day, we brush past so many people.

South Korean Films

Parasite (2019)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this Oscar-winning thriller explores class disparity through a poor family infiltrating a wealthy household.

You know what kind of plan never fails? No plan.
Money is an iron. It smoothes out all wrinkles.
They’re rich, but they’re still nice.
This is so metaphorical.

Oldboy (2003)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Directed by Park Chan-wook, this intense thriller follows a man seeking answers after 15 years of mysterious imprisonment.

Laugh, and the world laughs with you. Weep, and you weep alone.

Chinese Films

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Directed by Ang Lee, this wuxia epic follows warriors chasing a stolen sword and forbidden love.

A sword by itself rules nothing.

French Films

Amélie (2001)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, this whimsical tale follows Amélie’s quest to bring joy to others in Paris.

I’m nobody’s little weasel.