You have got to see Citizen Kane

I'm a big fan of old movies, especially those in black and white, with special effects that kids my age now like to make fun of. They have an enduring quality, a timeless message, and a deep portrayal of humanity—things that are hard to find in today's Hollywood flicks.

Citizen Kane (1941) is one of these movies. Directed by Orson Welles, it ranks number 1 in the American Film Institute's (AFI) list of 100 Greatest Movies of All Time. And unquestionably so.

The feature film details the life and career of Charles Foster Kane, a newspaper tycoon who wanted to change the world. At the opening scene, he struggles with death and utters the word, “Rosebud,” before he breathes his last.

But who or what is “Rosebud”?

The answer is ultimately the key in unlocking the mysterious person of Mr. Kane, a larger than life figure of American society in his time. The movie centers on finding that answer. It traces his beginnings, his rise to power, his ruthlessness, and his death.

Mr. Kane's character depicts how one's past can influence one's future, how experiences can shape character, and how power can corrupt.

Citizen Kane is officially on my List of Favorite Movies. I'm not kidding. Go see it.