Best of 2011

Here is my favourite movies in 2011 so far. In no particular order.

The Tree of life

If you are even slightly more interested in cinema than the average Joe, The Tree of Life is a must watch for you. Director Terrence Mallick has created a world which has divided the audience into extreme opposites with worshippers who hail the film as one of the greatest ever creations of art at one end; while the other extreme consists of bored and frustrated viewers calling it a pseudo- intellectual wasteful effort.
Notwithstanding the immense hype and hate surrounding it, the film is an educational experience. The layered surrealities, the total abstractness, the complex tone and stunnning visuals found a fan in me. What about you?


I Saw the Devil

Not for the squeamish, this korean thriller is extremely dark, unforgettable, obscene and violent. Making it an excellent film. Kim ji Woon, the master craftsman of this genre that he is, handles all the aforementioned negative excesses with such fine dexterity that turns the film into a very engaging, relentless and satisfying experience.


50/50

A cancer movie that is funny! And not the cringe-inducing unintentional type of hilarity, but the genuine kind. 50/50 is one of those rare relatable life stories ( real life too, it is infact loosely based on the life of screenwriter Will Reiser) that weaves together all the elements of drama, seriousness, emotions and humour effortlessly, creating an impressive film. With terrific performances by Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 50/50 is a poignant and honest film with a lot of heart.



Incendies

Strongly recommended, this Canadian masterpiece (meaning scorching) is a stunning and haunting piece of work that stays with you long after it is over. Intense and horrific, it will shake you to the core. A story of a family drama in essence, but whose meaning goes far beyond the events of the surface narrative. Watch.


Mentions:

X-Men: First Class - The best superhero movie of the year, and a fantastic reboot of a deteriorating franchise.

Bridesmaids - Hilarious. Unexpectedly funny.

P.S.- Haven't seen Drive yet.

This post is an entry to the Reel-Life Bloggers contest organized by wogma.com and reviewgang.com

Ignored Brilliance

A largely ignored and under-appreciated category, animation films are a treasure trove of gems for young and adults alike. Here are my 3 recent favourite animation movies. Kung Fu Panda movies could not be included despite being a favourite because i'm assuming that the adorable Panda has made its way to everyone's heart already! If not, include those 2 and make this a pick of 5, all you non-animation lovers!


Rango (2011)

An ode to the classic Westerns, Rango is a delightful surprise. It is smart, full of western references, has an incredible score and is a 2-D wonder in the days of horrible 3-D. The level of detail and the atmosphere of this film are simply magnificent. Every single frame of this film is a work of art, especially the beautiful "ugliness" of all the characters which makes them appealing and fascinating. The Actor- Director team of Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp deliver yet another entertaining film with Rango.


The Illusionist (2010)

A British-French film directed by Sylvain Chomet and based on a script written by French mime, director and actor Jacques Tati, it is a must watch for all animation lovers. The Illusionist is a beautiful and melancholic film about the coming-of-age of a young girl and the end-of-an-era for a type of entertainer. The storyline is a little vague and has that french film feel, where not much happens but it captures your attention. The film is incredibly artistic and detailed with gorgeously stunning visuals and provides food for thought and reflection even after it's over.
This film, however, may confuse or bore those who are looking for the usual Pixar/ Hollywood narrative.


Up (2009)

No list about animation movies can be complete without the mention of Pixar studios and with Up, we know why. Visual brilliance? Check. Adorable characters? Check. Emotion stirring storyline? Check. Up is all this, and much more. A poignant 4 minute montage early in the movie which is probably one of the best ever, is testimony to that. A movie straight from the heart, see it to warm your own.


This post is an entry to the Reel-Life Bloggers contest organized by wogma.com and reviewgang.com