My 50 Greatest Films of the 21st Century
Selecting my 50 Greatest Films of the 21st Century – the effort turned out to be a deeper than expected enquiry into myself. The introspection was far lengthier than I perceived and the exercise led me into thoughts, emotional realms of the period. A challenging exercise it was. My set is a rather modest proposal that, for me, struck a stimulating balance between timelessness, creative value, artistry, imagination and entertainment quotient (and my own biases towards aspects such as good cinematography).
The bias towards older films is understandable — it’s only in the passage of time that I absorb what carries enduring artistic value, recall factor and in a way, meaning that transcends the moment that it was made in or fit into. I also feel apologetic towards not lending any column space to Hindi cinema – a stream I’ve paid limited attention to; probably due to my own shortcomings with the language. And I must also admit that while compiling this list of 50, I haven’t paid serious attention to the ranking (barring the top 5)
Without further ado….
- Wind that Shakes the Barley
Ken Loach, 2006
I’m a huge fan of Ken Loach. Fiercely independent, distinctly humanistic and understated activist. There may not be a better fabricator of social issues into film today. I had to pick a Ken Loach film on this list and the one that left the biggest impact on me was the Irish civil war epic – The Wind That Shakes The Barley. The film is a hard-hitting portrayal of two brothers who join the Republican Army in the early 1900s to fight for Irish freedom. If this was counted in the War genre, this could be amongst the most heart-wrenching of them. The torture, ideological conflict, repression and the eventual tragedy makes this a difficult watch and not for the faint hearted. The memories it evokes are melancholic yet pleasant!
- Ocean’s Eleven
Steven Soderbegh, 2001
Steven Soderbergh might just be Hollywood’s most versatile, multi-faceted personage. The 1st of his two films on this list was the rehash of the rat-pack classic Ocean’s Eleven. The ensemble cast helmed by Clooney delivered an effortless thriller. This Ocean’s Eleven is elegant, workmanlike, funny and almost austere. In all, a slick and most entertaining watch.
The famous heist scene from Ocean’s Eleven
- Pirates of the Caribbean – The Curse of the Black Pearl
Gore Verbinski, 2003
Swashbuckling, over-the-top, unfettered…few of the phrases that come to mind while recalling this film. This film features in this list as I immensely enjoyed it. Jack Sparrow lives!
- Premam (Malayalam)
Alphonse Putheran, 2015
This will be a controversial choice for many a reader. A cliched love story with an inconsistent hero and amnesia hit heroine makes it to the Top 50?
But there’s merit to this madness – the film split in three section has a distinct originality in its telling and a sweet flavour in its flow. The script is tight, Nivin and Sai Pallavi deliver magnificently, the songs are mellifluous, the pace is perfect and there is an effortless brilliance in its unravelling as the characters age.
Ps – while discussing this effort, my father politely asked if Premam makes the cut. I can’t disappoint him!
- Kill Bill I and II
Quentin Tarantino, 2003/05
Is there a better exponent of the revenge and exploitation genre than Quentin Tarantino? – definitely not. The most entertaining exhibition of these was in his Kill Bill. The film for me was less about the plot than about the characters and their quirks; less about the story and more about storytelling…Beatrix Kiddo – the betrayed blonde single-mon-assassin, the Hattori Hanzo sword, Pai Mei’s uncompromising tutorship, Bill – the conversationalist suave killer or O-Ren – the impatient Yakuza chief. Gore and satire were unleashed in large measure, 80s Kung-Fu flicks received their loving homage, Robert Richardson expertly blended high contract colour scheme with BandW anime and in all an effortlessly memorable watch.
- Ship of Thesus
Anand Gandhi, 2013
More than a film, this is an visual exploration of the human existence, meaning / wonder of life, death, subsistence, identity and near unsolvable dilemma. Watching this film is not an easy experience and substitutes our aim to be entertained with an almost meditative experience. A blind artist who gains her sight, a monk who bats vehemently to ban use of animals in pharma testing battles the question of using such modern medication when he is faces with terminal illness and the dilemma faced by a wealthy organ recipient from an poor donor. This film is hard to explain – I recommend you experience it for yourself.
The poster of Ship of Thesus represented the thought provoking nature of the film
- O Kaadhal Kanmani (Tamil)
Mani Ratnam, 2015
I’m sure I’ll be at the receiving end of bricks hurled by ardent Mani Ratnam fans for choosing OKK over Alaipayuthey. While the latter’s courtship sequence was epic and the music was scintillating, the discord in the latter part affects me enough for it to be shelved from this list.
OKK features clean-linear storytelling, delightful juxtaposition of the prudent elderly on youthful exuberance, enthralling work from Rahman, PC Sriram (favourite Indian DP). Unlike most Indian films (mainstream and parallel) – this film has just four characters – each of them delivered fantastically; Dulquer-Nithya as exciting couple and the endearingly restrained Prakash-Leela duo. This movie is neither cult, complex nor a critique’s favourite, but in Dan Kahnemann speak – Affirmation Bias lets me hoist this energetic piece onto this elite list.
- Children of Men
Alfonso Cuaron, 2006
This wonderful film was built on an ingenious construct. In a dystopian world where humans have stopped reproducing for few decades and governments of the world are collapsing, the last hope for humanity are an immigrant couple (ironically in a place where immigrants were being hunted down). I’ll go watch a film shot by Emmanuel Lubezki irrespective of its genre-language-rating. His creativity is central to this excellent film. Precisely written and expertly acted out by a cast helmed by Michael Caine and Clive Owen – Children of Men is a study in belief and courage.
It’s rare for authors to go on record as loving movie adaptations of their own work esp. if they played no part in the production. PD James is such a rare case – she professed her love for the film adaptation of her work – Children of Men
- Gladiator
Ridley Scott, 2000
I am a huge fan of Ridley Scott and completely amazed by his prolific career. Gladiator may not better his Aliens or Bladerunner, but it is a rollicking blend of a brilliant soundtrack, production design, emotive writing and soulful performances. Russel Crowe delivers a truly gladiatorial performance – probably the principal reason to this film’s existence on this esteemed list!
- Moonrise Kingdom
Wes Anderson, 2013
“Anderson-esque”, “Anderson-y”…these are recognized phrases to identify creative work… high praise for Wes Anderson who may have just created his own genre of film. His fantastical, cartoonish, brightly lit universe full of goofy characters are a signature. Moonrise Kingdom is set in one such realm based loosely on Road Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox. A quirky, coming of age tale of teenage elopement was charming and an unabashed blast.
- Yuddham Sei (Tamil)
Myskkin, 2011
I love Mysskin’s work. So choosing a film from his amazing repertoire was difficult. Anjathey – true to its name was a daring ride, Onayum Aatukuttiyum was feverishly gritty but my choice is Yuddham Sei. The film is an unusual revenge story – exquisitely crafted. Cheran, JP are fantastic and veteran actor YG Mahendran (whose spent a career as a comic sidekick) delivers a career high as the vengeful protagonist. Krishna Kumar’s background score is splendid. Mysskin brings his singular style to the fore – low camera angles, the dithering hero, rich dose of philosophy (Victor Frankl being the last of many featuring in the flick), unarmed duels, generous night shots…. the most exuberant aspect of this film is how its layers peel like an onion. An absorbing film!
- The Prestige
Christopher Nolan, 2006
This film about dueling magicians did render magic for the viewer. Pfister-Caine-Bale-Jackman-Bowie-Johansson-The Nolans come together to create this intricate, suspenseful, deceptive and dazzling extravaganza. This is the 1st of three Nolan films on this list. Did those bubbles in the tank at the end mean Angier is alive?!?!
Daivd Bowie absolutely nailed the character of Tesla in The Prestige
- Infernal Affairs (Cantonese)
Andrew Lau, 2002
I greatly enjoyed Scorsese’s Departed and it would have featured on this list. That was until I saw the original a few years – Infernal Affairs. Simply put, its leading men of diverging paths are a policeman who has spent ages masquerading as a gangster and a gangster hiding under the garb of a cop for years. and the movie is the electrifying ride until these characters rendezvous at a sun-bathed roof of a Hong Kong sunrise. The film was dense, simple yet ingenious, racy and the character development was Tarantino-esque. The main premise of the film was based on the feeling of guilt and this film brought that aspect out in a more refined way (in comparison to The Departed).
Infernal Affairs was a far superior fare when pitted against its Hollywood remake, The Departed
- Vikram Vedha (Tamil)
Gayathri-Pushkar, 2017
A modern retelling of Vikramaditya folk tale i.e. a great monarch who unwittingly ends up having to carry an intelligent ghost that throws intellectual posers with the king’s life at stake. Vijay Sethupathi as the ghost/gangster is full of swagger, power and Madhavan as the king/cop is full of earnest aggression. The scene where Vijay enters the police HQ is probably my best entry scenes in Tamil cinema. The set design, collective performance of a large crew and brilliant narrative made this a first-rate watch. VV – Suspenseful, audacious and thrilling.
- Eastern Promises
David Cronenbern, 2007
The brutal telling of the Russian Mafia’s doings in London forms the canvas for this film. For me, this was a movie about conflicted men and their manipulative ways – masterfully and brutally told. David Cronenberg makes complex films about difficult people; this one was relatively straightforward and distinctly un-Cronenberg. Armin Mueller Stahl, as the gang overlord, sizzles opposite an understated yet extra-ordinary Viggo Mortensen. The unravelling of their conflict amidst all the blood and gore was electrifying. This promise was provocative and daring!
The gruesome sauna fight sequence from The Eastern Promises
- Maheshinte Prathikaaram (Malayalam)
Dileep Pothan, 2016
Maheshinte Prathikaram, a revenge story, finds itself on this list amongst epic stories of this genre and I find it has a comfortable place. It’s an unusual film for this genre – realistic, funny, charming, light and intensely relatable – all this with a seemingly resolute yet powerless hero. I’m a fan of Fahad Faazil and his portrayal of the titular Mahesh, was a most compelling one.
- Amores Perros or Love’s A Bitch (Spanish)
Alejendro Iñárritu, 2000
Celebrated Mexican director Alejandro Iñárritu’s made a grand debut with this feature. Inarritu’s creativity to use Hyperlink – Multi-linear narrative was path breaking and so was Rodrigo Prieto’s raw – handheld visceral camerawork. The mayhem and intensity unleashed by the film is numbing and sensational at the same time; but unforgettable it was – which is why it features 19 yrs after its release and ahead of Inarritu’s more famous works – Babel and The Revenant.
- Mad Max – Fury Road
George Miller, 2015
I didn’t know of George Miller before this film. I was more surprised after it – could this dystopian chaos be brought to life by the same guy who made Babe and Happy Feet! Miller’s minimalistic world of outldish felons, unpredictable violence and assortment of insane vehicles would make Gotham seem a retirement home. Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron were a most effective pair. Mad Max – a cinematic dynamite that can hardly be described!
- La La Land
Damien Chazelle, 2016
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone sang, danced, gazed, romanced and swept me away in this epic musical. The narrative so delicate, the plot so elegant and the performances so charming that I walked out of the theater feeling as bright as the sun-bathed locales of La La Land’s California – this despite a less than storybook ending.
Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone sizzled on screen in the elegant La La Land
- Aadukalam (Tamil)
Vetrimaran, 2011
The much feted Aadukalam is the most layered Tamil film I’ve seen in this period. The development of the characters is given prominence; the level of detailing is exceptional and complex sentiments (greed, passion, envy) are distilled for us to digest effortlessly. Karuppu could have been an investment banker and Pettaikaran could have been a financial mogul – this film would have still fit right into that scheme. Such high craft is rarely seen in Tamil cinema in recent years and Vetrimaran is India’s fledging Scorsese.
- The Unbreakable
Manoj Shymalan, 2000
To beat the brilliant debut that was The Sixth Sense needed something extra-ordinary – The Unbreakable bested it. Good cinema starts (and ends) with great writing, M Night Shymalan delivers this punch that kept me riveted and I’ve since watched this epic several times. Scholarly studies have since sprung up about this film’s themes of identity, infallibility, the balance between good and evil. This film is a staggering achievement.
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Niels Oplev, 2009
Lisbeth Salander would be my choice as a favourite leading lady of this century. The adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s film was an intense and unsettling thriller. Naomi Rapace delivers a performance of unrestrained fury. A feature to watch out for the excellent cinematography – the minimalist backdrop of the Scandinavian landscape is in stark contrast that the gore this film unleashed. Such is the impact of this film on me, that even today, I recall this ever so slightly I reach a bridge across a river.
- Thanmatra (Malayalam)
Blessy, 2005
Truth be told, this film was a difficult watch. Mohan Lal’s depiction of Alzheimer afflicted degradation is traumatic, almost brutal. Yet, as the film progresses, I almost became a fly on the wall of his endearing family – a fly that unreservedly prayed for his recovery. No film has portrayed the fragility and vulnerability of a middle-class Indian so poignantly. Lal delivers a towering performance and the storytelling is sensitive. But I admit, I can’t watch this film again!
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Cantonese)
Ang Lee, 2000
This film is nothing short of a magisterial accomplishment. The set design, scale of the production, first rate cinematography, costume design and great story telling underpinning all of this. Ang Lee combines form and function with such creativity and efficiency that CTHD is not just be the greatest martial arts movie ever but a celebration of the medium at large.
- The Social Network
David Fincher, 2010
David Fincher is amongst my favourite directors and owns some of the best craft in filmmaking today. I choose this epic retelling of Facebook’s rise over his other compelling work, The Zodiac. The Social Network is made in signature Fincher style – every scene intricately detailed, ominous climate, characters walking the line between righteous and failing morality. Aaron Sorkin’s writing was brilliant, Jesse Eisenberg was powerful, Andrew Garfield as Saverin was even better and JT does a delightful star turn. The most memorable aspect for me was the intensity the film builds gradually into a seething crescendo as Zuckerberg and Facebook go from scrapping in the Harvard dorm to ruling social media. A hard hitting yet articulate film!
- Munich
Steven Spielberg, 2005
Ranking Spielberg’s films is a minor scholarly exercise. I loved the energy in Catch Me If You Can, the complexity of A.I, the humanism personified in War of the Worlds or the creative plot of Minority Report, but none surpass Munich; a most under-rated film. It poses unsettling questions and rakes complex issues (that are relevant even today) while still being eminently entertaining – can violence fight fanaticism? can reprisal eliminate revenge? The film while being an ode to Israel delicately shuns taking sides and as Roger Ebert said “by not taking sides, Spielberg has taken both sides”. The film is thrilling, the attention to detail is magnificent, Januz Kaminski capture of the 70s and John Williams understated score are delightful, Avner Kaufman’s vulnerability amidst supreme determination just fascinated me. A complex and haunting film!
Eric Bana delivered a spellbinding performance in Spielberg’s Munich
- American Hustle
David O’Russell, 2013
This film is as audacious as its plot. O’Russell brings together an ensemble cast that does a brilliant job. With a tight script and fantastic recreation of 70s sleaze, American Hustle was a highly entertaining watch.
- No Country for Old Men
The Coen Brothers, 2008
Is the bolt-gun wielding Anton Chirgurh the most compelling villain of this period – quite possibly. Javier Bardem’s portrayal of this seminal bad man took over a technically perfect film. The silence, the surreal landscape, the helplessness, the slaughter – watching this was a chilling experience. A lot has been spoken of the precise editing in The Coen’s films and their epic collaboration with the masterful Roger Deakins – this film is the epitome of such genius.
- Virus (Malayalam)
Aashiq Abu, 2018
A gripping story covering the Nipah virus outbreak was a case of exceptional film-making. The only film made this year to feature in this list, Virus is a study in how a non-liner story of a less than understood event can be told effectively. A tight script, fantastic acting and great pacing made for a memorable watch.
- Pan’s Labarinth (Spanish)
Guillermo del Toro, 2006
I recall reading a review at the time of this film’s release that it was “Alice in Wonderland for grown-ups”. The question I have to this day is whether the motivations behind the film…..the Spanish Civil War maybe? Either way, this film is a grand panorama of an fantastical world. A most stunning film that can only be conceived by a greater creative mind like Guillermo del Toro – a work of genius this one.
The faun from Pan’s Labyrinth
- Traffic (Malayalam)
Rajesh Pillai, 2011
A film that brought in the new wave of Malayalam films and made hyperlink cinema mainstream in India. Efficient, powerful and superbly written – I loved this film for its daring to question the norm and ushering in a new era of storytelling in Indian cinema.
- Kanchipuram (Tamil)
Priyadarshan, 2009
A creator is starved forever of his creation – what happens when he aspires for it and breaks the norm? The consequences of this epochal question is most brilliantly yet painfully explored in Priyadarshan’s Kanchipuram. Silk weavers bring their artistry, honed over generations, to create not just clothing but fine art – their conflicted lives and aspirations played out in the realm of communism and cruel bosses is the canvas where this difficult story is tellingly set.
- The Big Short
Adam McKay, 2015
Michael Lewis, amongst our fine contemporary authors, pieced together a sprawling yet personable depiction of the sub-prime crisis. Adam McKay’s film based on this book was a great piece of filmmaking. Christian Bale – Brad Pitt – Ryan Gosling – Steve Carell dazzle opposite each other, bring their own unique and powerful persona to their roles. The narrative was a perfect amalgam of the Hyperlink Cinema and the Rashomon style (atleast that’s what I thought of it).
The ensemble cast of the The Big Short
- Soodhu Kavvum (Tamil)
Nalan Kumaraswamy, 2013
There are great films and then there are great films that kick start an entire genre. Soodhu Kavvum, featuring a relatively unknown cast and made on a modest budget, can take credit for bringing the dark comedy with neo noir tones into South Indian cinema. I love this flick
- Casino Royale
Martin Campbell, 2006
Truth be told, its incredulous to expect anyone (let alone the Brocolli family) to invest in a $150mil art film. The masses come to see a Bond film with a certain expectation, albeit with a narrow and largely stereotyped one. Martin Campbell delivered a slick, riveting and a hugely entertaining film that invigorated this storied franchise. And Daniel Craig, might possibly be the greatest Bond ever.
- Birdman
Alejandro Inarritu, 2015
Inarritu’s 2nd entry on this list is as audacious as its hero, the unforgettable Riggan Thompson. Birdman was memorable for its cracking drums-only score, the irrepressible Edward Nortan and Emma Stone, the lush New York scape. And what do we make of Michael Keaton as Riggan Thompson? – a sublime performance of vulnerability and passion. With all this said, can a 2-hour film be made to look as if it were shot in a single, continuous take – Chivo delivered this near impossible feat!
A scene from The Birdman – one of the three films on this list shot by the virtuoso cameraman, Emmanuel Lubezski aka Chivo
- Her
Spike Jonze, 2013
Her left me with a sort of a numbing experience; a feeling of emptiness. In Her, Scarlett Johansson taught us she could captivate us with just her voice, Hoyte van Hoytema’s cinematography was subtly fantastic (the recall worthy bright red shit of Phoenix on the dull backdrop reminiscent of the paintings from the Flemish Golden age) but most of all the way story metamorphosizes is absolute genius. Probably the finest romantic tragedy of this century – just the Juliet is an AI based Virtual Assistant!
Joaquin Phoenix in Her. A visually stunning film based on a most relevant premise.
As someone who dabbles with AI as part of his day job, Her painted an ominous view of our future.
- Inception
Christopher Nolan, 2010
An excellently written film that handled with élan the challenge of keeping an intense and complex story, coherent and entertaining. At first viewing, I thought Nolan’s vision of manipulating dreams is too straight thinking, the corporate intrigue seems pushed into the story to provide the foundation, lack of an emotional connect and several aspects of the story stereotyped (like Cobb’s team). Notwithstanding this, my opinion of the film has vastly improved after a couple of repeat watches and as time has passed. With its multi-layered plot, the usual Nolan chronological ploys and several parallel storylines told with clarity – Inception was a very intelligent film featuring an ensemble star cast on a subject that could have easily self-destructed at lesser hands.
- Grand Budapest Hotel
Wes Anderson, 2014
A 2nd Anderson films on this list. This was a fantastic story of a once legendary abode falling into disrepair and the costs of keeping up its appearance. For me, the most telling achievement (of many) of this film is to fit a terrific ensemble cast into Anderson’s goofy scheme. For instance, the unforgettable concierge, Gustav. Being Anderson’s loyal fan, I thought his peculiar brand of filmmaking reached its refined best here. An inspired creation.
- Kannathil Muthamittal (Tamil)
Mani Ratnam, 2003
The 30-year civil war in Sri Lanka had garnered little attention from the movie world despite having the most moving, tragic stories to tell. Mani Ratnam’s 2002 film was a most poignant telling of this catastrophe amidst separation, grief, dilemma set against the canvas of a long term unfolding human tragedy. This was a most amazing and emotional watch.
A scene from the poignant Mani Ratnam film Kannathil Muthamittal
- Drishyam (Malayalam)
Jeethu Joseph, 2013
Scintillating piece of writing and acting! Considering the amount of times it has been remade in India, I’ll say no more about this fantastic film; except that Drishyam rewards you for the attention it demands.
- There Will Be Blood
Paul Thomas Anderson, 2007
Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood was a masterful creation. If there’s a 21st century retelling of the convoluted intrigue of Polanski’s Chinatown, the greed of Stone’s Wall Street, the sparseness of Lawrence of Arabia and the maniacal ambition of Wells’s Citizen Kane – this film is yours to savour. While every aspect of this film is superlative and feted, my memorable experience stems from the superbly crafted father-son relationship. And to quote the oft-quoted – Daniel Day Lewis landmark performance set new standards for acting; possibly the greatest ever performance by a leading man this century.
Daniel Day-Lewis as the oil prospector Daniel Plainview with his Jr. in There Will Be Blood
- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Thomas Alfredsson, 2011
This retelling of the John LeCarre classic was a most enjoyable watch. The ensemble cast featured Gary Oldman (who I thought was better than in The Darkest Hour), Firth, Cumberbatch, Hardy, Strong and a quiet cameo by Le Carre himself. The effective recreation of 70s England (and Turkey, Czechoslovakia), the pacing of the story and the feeling of intrigue, suspense that engulfs you thru this film is superb. This movie also features an epic opening credit sequence – possibly the best of this list. And, a fantastic score by Alberto Iglesias. Also, has there ever been a better story of office intrigue?
- The Dark Night
Christopher Nolan, 2009
Hans Zimmer – Wally Pfister – Christian Bale – Heath Ledger – Christopher Nolan…..a stellar film that was the zenith of a movie franchise that changed the way comic book super heroes manifest on screen.
- Tree of Life
Terrance Mallick, 2011
I must admit, on each of the occasions I’ve got friends (all literate film connoisseurs) to watch this film, I’ve only received negativity (sometimes mild abuse) of varying degree. But Mallick’s creation is high art, beyond just film – a larger exploration of life and relationships, faith, creation, our place in the Universe and our interaction with the elements of this planet. Chivo’s work is stunning and personifies what is known as visual poetry. Kubrick’s visual effects designer was brought out of retirement to create epic scenes.
Explaining this film is impossible, it’s a complex experience to be felt – bewilderment, agony, existence, grief and a sort of inner torment. You can’t just watch this film, you have to feel it.
A range of emotions that even superlative films fail to evoke. You must let the movie affect you.
- Kandukondein Kandukondein (Tamil)
Rajiv Menon, 2000
Rajiv Menon beautifully adapted Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to an Indian setting in this 2000 flick. Menon’s collaboration with the still fledgling Ravi Chandran yielded a visual treat; I recall every song in the film being set to a stunning colour tone. Aishwarya’s ambition, Mammooty’s self-pity, Ajith’s pursuit, Tabu’s strength – all unforgettable. This was my favourtite AR Rahman album ever. And 20 years since its release, the film continues to be eminently watchable – you can’t say this of many Indian commercial films. It’s just a pity that Menon made just one film after this worthy contribution to Tamil cinema.
- In the Mood for Love (Cantonese)
Wong Kar-Wai, 2002
I wouldn’t be far fetched if I called this a smoldering volcano of romance – I could feel the embers myself each time the lead couple met or even passed each other on the streets! Building such anticipation with so little action can only be accomplished by a master – and Wong Kar-Wai is amongst the greatest (Chunking Express, The Grandmaster). The colour palette and the overall design were remarkable. This is a truly epic film. Its quality can hardly be written about – watch this breathtaking romantic epic to believe its worth.
Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung were stunning in the romantic epic, In the Mood for Love
- Lincoln
Steven Spielberg, 2012
This sprawling and brilliant film documenting the final months of Lincoln’s life was a masterpiece. Spielberg’s biopic entertains and educates as it peeks into Lincoln’s fears, flaws and feelings. Daniel Day-Lewis brings alive Lincoln in all his patriotism, stubbornness, eloquence, passion, irony and of course his oratorical genius. With the dismal state of international politics, there’s no better time than this to watch this film!
- Boyhood
Richard Linklater, 2014
Linklater’s touching and deeply sensitive film is a monumental achievement — tender, funny, thoughtful, warm and strikingly humane. Linklater has literally taken Mason, the boy and turned him into a man, in front of our very eyes. A 12-year artistic undertaking that unravels beautifully in under 3 hrs!
Mason literally up in front of our eyes in Boyhood
- The Lord of the Rings trilogy
Peter Jackson, 2001 – 2003
The choice the finest film from this century was an difficult one. But taking a step back…films in my view serve myriad purposes – to make us think, let us experience artistic excellence while telling good stories, raise important issues, let us imagine and wonder….but with all this, the critical aspect is for films to entertain us. While there were better cinematic endevours in these individual aspects, The Lord of the Rings series brought all these together while being supremely entertaining. Like the Ring itself, LOTR was forged in grit and majesty. Tolkein’s magical epic was so vast in scale, imagination and complexity that no one dared adapt it cinematically until Peter Jackson took the plunge. He also shot three films simultaneously making this feat and associated risks even more staggering. Every aspect of this film was stunning – the score by Howard Shore, the CGI, the acting helmed by a virtuoso performance by Ian McKellen and the writing that stayed true to its origins. A magisterial creation – my best of this century!
Thank You!
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Worthy Mentions (the ones that nearly made it)
Michael Clayton, Tony Gilroy
City of God (Portuguese), Fernando Meirelles
Dasavatharam – Tamil, Kamal Haasan (de facto)
Traffic, Steven Soderbergh
In Bruges, Martin McDonagh
Anti Christ, Lars von Trier
Hugo, Martin Scorcese
Catch Me If You Can, Steven Spielberg
Vinnaithandi Varuvaya – Tamil, Gautham Menon
Alaipayuthey – Tamil (Mani Ratnam)
Ustaad Hotel – Malayalam (Anwar Rasheed)
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Image Credits:
The Guardian, Getty, The Independent, Associated Press, Empire magazine, TIME, Indiewire, Vox
Madan Thinks 