2004 to 2046: Fifteen Finest Films of the Year

Jul 31 '08    Write an essay on this topic.


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The Bottom Line I Saw a Crash Sideways in the Garden State, Closer was My Mother with a Ray of eternal sunshine Before Sunset over The Sea Inside.

Fifteen Finest Films of Two Thousand and Four.

Saw reinvented the horror genre a la Scream, yet did not quite make it in the cream of the crop. Besides, Canadian writer/director, Paul Haggis’ modern day masterpiece, Canada showcased a very well-made Quebec drama in Elles étaient cinq (aka The Five of Us) and managed to sneak a comedy in the top 10, along with an american one. Let the fun begin…


Animation for Your Imagination
The Incredibles
Kumo no mukô, yakusoku no basho (aka The Place Promised in Our Early Days)


German Gems
Der Untergang (aka Downfall)
Die Fetten Jahre sind vorbei (aka The Edukators)


Must See Pictures

15. Kill Bill: Vol. 2
14. Ma mčre (aka My Mother)
13. Sideways
12. Shi mian mai fu (aka House of Flying Daggers)
11. Closer


Top 10 Movies of 2004

10. Garden State
Director: Zach Braff
Writer: Zach Braff

Zach strikes a chord as a talented actor/writer/director. Clever, funny and sweet, this one is leaps above your romantic comedy of the week. Not quite clearly groundbreaking, it nonetheless leaves you with a feeling you’d be hard-pressed to be successfully shaking.


9. It's All Gone Pete Tong
Director: Michael Dowse
Writer: Michael Dowse

From laugh-out-loud funny to an interesting character study, this film is much more than the sum of its part. It’s witty, smart with light and dark humour and a dramatically funny story that it convincingly continues to humour. A movie that keeps on giving without so much magic mushroom, speed or ecstasy. Give it a try or you don’t know what you’re missing.


8. Ray
Director: Taylor Hackford
Writer: James L. White

Foxx is Charles, the story is charged with women, drugs, money success and charm. Ring the alarm, this movie is a wake-up call on how to do a biopic at large. Larger than life, but not too far from it. The man, the legend, the summit, the plummet, tumultuous, tragic. Strong acting, directing, editing and sound to make this an all-around magistral classic and expand a little bit on Ray’s magic.


7. Before Sunset
Director: Richard Linklater
Writers: Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy & Ethan Hawke

The sequel to the indie masterpiece, Before Sunrise, this light tale is a labour of love for Linklalter, Delpy & Hawke. It comes off as easy and natural and you feel privilege to share these quirky, intimate moments with them. Simple, subtle and surreal in its realism.
Picking up where it left off, a movie that is moving and gorgeous without the gloss.


6. 2046
Director: Kar Wai Wong
Writer : Kar Wai Wong

Revolutionary, this sci-fi love story spanning many epochs is thrilling, touching and truly visionary. Wong’s themes captivate and his visual flare makes this a fine-looking piece. Talking about looking fine, this also marks Ziyi Zhang’s second appearance in the Top 15.


5. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Director: Michel Gondry
Writer : Charlie Kaufman

Kaufman’s genius should be administered through intravenous devices. Perversities, vices and the likes. After two nominations, this one will get him the Oscar. This story is quirky, beautiful, perspicuous, original, ridiculous and meticulous. Winsley wins our heart and Carrey carries his part.


4. Mar adentro (aka The Sea Inside)
Director: Alejandro Amenábar
Writers: Alejandro Amenábar & Mateo Gil

Recipient of 14 Goyas, this movie is a Spanish masterpiece from the true vision and artistry of Amenábar. Javier Bardem and the rest of the cast and crew put so much intensity and ingeniosity in the room that is the centerpiece of the minimalist narrative. From there starts the inner voyage of deep discovery.


3. Samaria (aka Samaritan Girl)
Director: Ki-duk Kim
Writer: Ki-duk Kim

Perfectly paced, this film flirts with the viewer and encourage the voyeur in us with beautiful, peaceful takes. From a story that keeps your interest, Kim’s art expand with his deft hand. South Korea proves once again that it can produce unique cinema with universal appeal.


2. The Aviator
Director: Martin Scorsese
Writer: John Logan

Scorsese’s best film in my opinion, he makes an epic biopic about aviator and director Howard Hughes. Leonardo DiCaprio plays the role of his still succesful career bringing to life the charismatic and decidedly disturbed protagonist. From art direction to costumes, sound to editing, everyone adds to the panache of a well-made masterpice. The plush cinematography and supporting cast make it all one can possibly ask for.


1. Crash
Director: Paul Haggis
Writer: Paul Haggis & Robert Moresco

There you have it, the year’s revelation that left moviegoers in awe and raised more questions than a four year old. Drama at its best: in your social construct, in your home, in your head. You will not be spoon-fed.


==================
Special Mentions
==================

Best Documentary
Fahrenheit 9/11 // Born Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red Light Kids*

Best TV Movie
Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story

Best Standup Comedy
Chris Rock: Never Scared

*Ex aequo


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Related Reviews
==================

In this 2000 Series
Fifteen Finest Films of 2000
Fifteen Finest Films of 2001
Fifteen Finest Films of 2002
Fifteen Finest Films of 2003
Fifteen Finest Films of 2004
Fifteen Finest Films of 2005
Fifteen Finest Films of 2006
Fifteen Finest Films of 2007

For the 1990s check out :
Top Ten American Films of the 1990s
Top Five Foreign Films of the 1990s

Other related Reviews
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Top 15 Sex Scenes in Film (Part 2: 10-1)

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