Guardian readers have shared their personal connections to Steven Spielberg's films, revealing how movies like ET, Hook, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind have left lasting impressions. The responses range from childhood memories to adult reflections, showcasing the director's ability to evoke deep emotions.
ET the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Andrea, 51, from Manchester, UK, recalls seeing ET at age eight in Bolton Odeon. It was the first film that made her cry, leaving her confused by the mix of happiness and sadness. She watched it with her mother and friends from the Gingerbread Club, a single parents' organisation. The film's portrayal of a single mother resonated with her own reality. More than 40 years later, she still considers it her favourite film, and John Williams's score brings tears to her eyes.
Hook (1991)
Rhea from Melbourne, Australia, defends Hook as a comfort film despite its reputation as a flop. She quotes dialogue from it daily and watches it at least once a year for nostalgia. The casting of Robin Williams as a grown-up Peter Pan and the warm haze of the film are key to its appeal.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Scott Harrison, 54, from north Wales, UK, describes a serendipitous viewing: his father dropped them at the wrong cinema, and his mother chose Close Encounters despite fears it might scare him. After 15 minutes, his tummy stopped shaking, and he became absorbed by the film's scale and wonder. That night, he asked his mother to leave the curtains open so he could see the stars, crediting Spielberg with opening his mind.
Always (1989)
Karen Cusick, 61, from Devon, UK, calls Always her feelgood movie, praising Holly Hunter and Richard Dreyfuss's chemistry. She finds it funny, heartbreaking, and reaffirming of faith in people, though it is often overshadowed by Spielberg's blockbusters.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Niall Laverty from Dublin, Ireland, highlights the film's propulsive energy and giddy excitement. He notes Spielberg's homage to 1930s serials and Tintin, and the chemistry between Indy and Marion as reminiscent of screwball comedy. The opening shot transitioning the Paramount logo into a Peruvian mountaintop sets the tone.
Empire of the Sun (1987)
Matthew Vandermeer, 50, from Brisbane, Australia, was hooked by the opening scene of coffins floating down the Yangtze. He praises Christian Bale's performance and John Williams's score. The film explores imagination, resilience, and choices, with scenes like the Cadillac of the skies still vivid in his mind.
The Fabelmans (2022)
Nathan Ossmann, a high-school teacher from Appleton, Wisconsin, US, uses The Fabelmans as the capstone film in his film studies class. He calls it a meditation on growing up with movies and a magic trick revealing Spielberg's secrets. The final shot made him leap out of his seat, echoing his reaction to ET's glowing heart 40 years prior.
The Color Purple (1985)
Mandy Purcell, 54, from Melbourne, Australia, praises the film for showing the strength of women supporting each other. She highlights the gospel, jazz, and blues soundtrack, and the scene where Shug sings gospel demanding her father's forgiveness.
Duel (1971)
Mike Abbott, 83, from London, UK, first read the short story in Playboy and later saw the film on TV. He is mesmerised by the menace of the anonymous truck driver and the clever cliffhanger ending, calling it impressive for a directorial debut.
