Decades of Cinema - 10 Best of the 2000's

If you were curious to check out my previous "Decades" lists and other stuff as well, this link will take you there.

Here are my ten favorites released between the years 2000 and 2009.

10. Oldboy

Gosh, if you haven't seen Oldboy, you should, but let me follow that up with a disclaimer: if the content or the direction the narrative takes proves to be disturbing, please don't come back and blame me. I'm sure this Korean revenge thriller would be too much for some, but it's just right for me.

Also, please, don't watch the recently released Spike Lee U.S. remake before seeing the original. Start with the masterpiece, then decide if you want to compare the two. 

9. Memories of Murder

Let's just stay in South Korea with the incredible based on a true story crime-drama Memories of Murder. This one tells the story of the first ever documented serial killer in the history of the nation, and it is an atmospheric, chilling and flat out great film. Have a South Korean movie night and watch the first two on this list back to back. 

8. Zodiac

From back to back South Korean films to now back to back tales based on truth involving serial killers, notice a theme thus far to my favorite films from this decade? Yes, I like my dark and ominous thrillers. They just tend to work for me, especially when they are as brilliant as David Fincher's Zodiac. 

7. The Dark Knight

We stay in the darkness but with a bit more of a fun flair, moving into the superhero sub-genre with The Dark Knight, although really this is just an epic crime drama masked as a comic book movie. Without a doubt the masterpiece of the Nolan Batman trilogy featuring that already pretty iconic performance from the late Heath Ledger. I recall when The Dark Knight was first released there was a lot of "greatest movie of all time" talk associated with it. Unfortunately I can't go that far, but it certainly is one of the finest achievements of its decade.

6. Children of Men

7 years before he won the Oscar for Best Director for his work on Gravity, Alfonso Cuaron gave the world Children of Men and it is a science fiction thriller that works in every possible way. Written, directed and performed with perfection and that glorious photography from Emmanuel "Chivo" Lubezki, this is a movie that literally, and let me stress that word because when I use it, I use it correctly, LITERALLY gave my wife a panic attack as she watched a battle sequence. 

5. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

This is the moment where people think, oh okay, so three of the top five will be the Lord of the Rings trilogy. No, you may be surprised when one, probably considered the greatest installment by the majority is actually left off the list. The Fellowship of the Ring, however, is a totally worthy epic fantasy adventure, and the trilogy as a whole I revisit every single year when fall rolls around and the weather outside gets brisk. It just feels right.

4. Spirited Away

The attention to detail from Hayao Miyazaki in Spirited Away is breathtaking, arguably not only the defining masterpiece from Studio Ghibli but also in the history of animated cinema. Magical, mystical, haunting and beautiful, You might see this and think, but I can't watch animated movies anymore. I'm an adult. Nonsense. The craft of a Miyazaki should be admired by people of all ages.

3. No Country for Old Men

Surely you saw this one coming, right? I named my blog after it! A flawless film with a perfect conclusion, an ending that angered some but for me it was sublime. No Country for Old Men is a Best Picture winner that was worthy of the award.

2. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

What a glorious example of perfect blockbuster filmmaking. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers has always been and will continue to be my favorite installment in the trilogy, a perfectly paced marvel that feels so damn epic, it's more like an event than a movie. The Battle of Helm's Deep is my favorite sequence in the entire saga, which helps elevate this one to the top.

1. Inglourious Basterds

The second time Quentin Tarantino has held the top spot of a decade for me, and Inglourious Basterds happens to me my second favorite of his work behind only Pulp Fiction. The ultimate revenge story, a grand what if tale involving Nazi's and a woman avenging the brutal deaths of her family members. It's clever, it's funny, it's made with astonishing confidence and as usual it has a screenplay that you could close your eyes and just listen to and still love the experience. A few specific scenes, like one that takes place at a basement bar, are so perfectly executed and so deliciously Tarantino. No one else on the planet could make a scene like that work so damn well.

Next list will be the last, my ten favorite films released between 2010 and now. Might sound like a small, watered down sample size, but trust me...this decade has been pretty incredible, including my favorite film of all time.

100 Favorite Films - #30 - #21

A continuation of my list of my 100 favorite films of all time.


30. La Jetee (1962)

My Review of La Jetee

An entire narrative told through still images and voice-over, an entire film lasting only 28 minutes, but it is an incredible science fiction film by Chris Marker. This worked served as the inspiration behind Terry Gilliam's 12 Monkeys, and while I often see people rank that film higher than La Jetee, I am not one of them. If you find an opportunity to check this one out, please do so. You certainly have the time to given its length, and it is a special little slice of cinema.


29. No Country for Old Men (2007)

My Review of No Country for Old Men

My first of two features by the Coen brothers in this very list of ten, No Country for Old Men is a masterful adaptation of the remarkable work of Cormac McCarthy and the film that inspired the name of my blog. An allegorical masterpiece with an ending that infuriated many with its lack of finality, but I not only defend the closing sequence, I think it is truly brilliant. In fact, I can't imagine a more fitting conclusion given it fits with the entire point of the narrative.


28. Cloud Atlas (2012)

My Review of Cloud Atlas

A truly unique, overlooked gem, the Wachowski siblings along with director Tom Tykwer managed to adapt a novel deemed impossible to do so, the work of the same name by author David Mitchell. It would be a shame if this film were remembered as being merely a box office disaster because unfortunately that is viewed as a reflection of its quality. Cloud Atlas is massively ambitious in scope and scale, a master class in the art of film editing as six separate stories are told throughout with fluidity and sublime pacing. Three hours has never moved so quickly, and I hope this is a work destined to gain appreciation with age.


27. Spirited Away (2001)

My Review of Spirited Away

The brush Hayao Miyazaki paints with is one that brings a smile to my face every single time, but none bigger than that earned by his masterpiece Spirited Away. An imaginative animated wonder, so much detail is packed into every single moment of this film that it is impossible to digest it all with one viewing, and not just in terms of storytelling but also the incredible craftsmanship of the animation, some of the finest ever achieved. If you resist animated films because you feel they are designed and directed only at children, stop what you are doing and seek out the work of the legendary Studio Ghibli.


26. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

My Review of Dr. Strangelove

Quite possibly the most accomplished and brilliant satire in cinema history, Dr. Strangelove is yet another film by Stanley Kubrick that has made my list. It's just so damn funny and shockingly relevant even today, as the content remains as clever and meaningful as it did back in the 1960's. Humor is something that can occasionally feel dated, as something that played well long ago may come up dry with a modern audience. Not so for this classic dark comedy.


25. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

At one point years ago, when someone would ask what my favorite movie was, the answer was always The Empire Strikes Back...and The Shawshank Redemption. While no longer right there at the very top of the list, my love for this film still remains, a powerful story about finding hope in a hopeless place and the meaning of freedom beyond the simplicity of whether the prisoners are in serving time or out in a world unknown to them. The last thirty or so minutes of this work will always warm my soul without fail, an experience that never gets old.


24. Take Shelter (2011)

My Review of Take Shelter

One of the finest and most realistic looks at the profound challenges of mental illness, the film Take Shelter by Jeff Nichols showcases a breathtaking lead performance by Michael Shannon along with amazing supporting work by Jessica Chastain in the role of his wife. Much like the previously listed No Country for Old Men, this has a shockingly polarizing ending, and I say shockingly because I find only one interpretation to be valid yet I was surprised to see it debated by many. For me it is a moving moment using intense imagery to demonstrate the importance of comfort and having love by your side when you need it most. One of my absolute favorite closing scenes of a film I have ever witnessed.


23. The Big Lebowski (1998)

Here we are with that second Coen brothers film I eluded to earlier, their comedy classic The Big Lebowski was was just recently selected by the National Film Registry for preservation due to its cultural significance. Well deserved if you ask me, my favorite comedy of all time. So quotable, so memorable, such great characters, such a uniquely perfect script. I could practically watch this film on repeat and never grow tired of The Dude.


22. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Not quite the masterpiece from the filmography of Quentin Tarantino...but close. Inglourious Basterds takes his ingenious script and runs with it, with every performance absolutely on point for the material. Some of the finest moments of this film, from the riveting opening sequence to the showdown in the basement bar, are so perfectly executed and could only be the work of one man. When you see sequences like these, there is never a doubt as to who crafted them. Only Quentin Tarantino could pull it off.


21. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

My Review of The Two Towers

With these fresh in my mind after my recent six film journey through Middle Earth, The Two Towers is still the one that stands atop the rest. I cannot get enough of this installment, as every note is hit with perfection from beginning to end, never a misstep despite its daunting length and epic scope. Just thinking the words "Helms Deep" makes me grin like an idiot.

Only 20 films to go...or perhaps 21. I may just have to include a lame tie as a way to shoehorn in a choice much deserving of the honor. Either way, two more lists to come, and the image above is from a film that will be a part of the next group.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Review

I mentioned in my review of the second installment of this epic trilogy, The Two Towers, my belief that I am in the minority by feeling that the film was the strongest of the three. I often find that the final chapter, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is the most beloved single work of the group, which makes it all the more troubling that I actually rank it at the bottom. 

Don't misunderstand this thought by assuming this is a negative review. In fact, it is a rather glowing and positive one, and for much of the film I love it on the same level as the rest of the trilogy. The sweeping nature of the storytelling, the massive scope, the epic battle sequences, and some of the scenes striving for emotional resonance absolutely hit their marks. My issue with it comes with the pacing near the conclusion, the desire of Peter Jackson (and possibly the source material, I must admit I have never read the books) to NEVER WANT TO END. I am all of satisfying, positive endings, but my goodness, every single time I think alright, this must be the final shot...here comes more. 

After nearly three hours of glorious cinema, you wouldn't think the final twenty or so minutes would be that detrimental to the experience, and really they aren't. This is still an absolutely fantastic film to finish off one of the finest trilogies I have ever seen. I just notice a sour taste in my mouth when for the first time after over roughly nine plus hours of Middle Earth, I find myself looking at the clock and drifting a bit instead of focusing on the film itself.

The Return of the King is the specific reminder of why I embrace the theatrical cuts rather than the extended versions. I am already complaining about pacing, I can't imagine the desire to add more to this final film.

Oh, and the joyous scene where Frodo is reunited with everyone as Gandalf stands at the foot of the bed laughing? Still creepy.

4.5/5

100 Favorite Films - #40 - #31

A continuation of my list counting down my 100 favorite films of all time.


40. Paths of Glory (1957)

Stanley Kubrick was bound to make quite a few appearances on my list of favorite films and here he is again with his devastating anti-war work titled Paths of Glory. The plot of the film focuses on a group of soldiers that refuse to follow through on an attack that would most certainly result in their deaths, and thus their superior officers decide to hand pick three of the men at random and make an example of them, putting them to death for their cowardice. The concept of putting your life on the line for your country only to have them decide you should die is powerful, gut wrenching stuff...and don't get me started on those final moments of the film. Good gravy I could never shake those moments from my cinematic memory, but they are so masterfully done I wouldn't want to.


39. Life of Pi (2012)

My Review of Life of Pi

A film that feels like a miracle to me more than just another movie, I recently revisited it and reviewed it (see the link above) and it is still such a treasure. Ang Lee managed to do something that only one other filmmaker has done in recent years for me: keep me awake at night thinking about the existence of a god. A truly beautiful film in every way.


38. Aliens (1986)

My Review of Aliens

I fell in love with both Alien and Aliens at a surprisingly young age considering the content, and I still recall trying to fall asleep as a child with my bedroom door open after watching Aliens specifically, and I kept imagining the shadows of approaching xenomorphs creeping through the darkness towards my room. I recall the inner debates I had fueled by panic and sheer terror, what to do? Do I get up and close the door as fast as I can, or merely pull the blanket over my head and hope for the best?

A few times I was brave enough to make it to the door, and other times I cowered until the covers and prayed for my safety. Sounds like a terrible experience for a child, right? Probably was, but the fact is I will never forget those nights or the films that inspired the fear. Not often a picture can leave that kind of mark.


37. Memories of Murder (2003)

A decade before the release of his English language debut Snowpiercer, Boon joon-ho released his masterpiece, a korean serial killer film titled Memories of Murder. The story is actually based on the true story of the first ever documented serial killer in the history of South Korea, and it is a chilling, brilliantly executed picture. If you have seen the film, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do. If not, do check it out. It wonderfully uses its setting and mood and the eerie nature of the real life events, and the result is a memorable, fascinating feature.


36. Rear Window (1954)

One of the finest efforts from the all around amazing filmography of Alfred Hitchcock, Rear Window uses a minimalist scenario of a man in a wheelchair looking out his window and the result is absolute perfection. The voyeuristic aspect of the film is fascinating and it makes you wonder, how much do you know the people that live near you? What are they actually capable of? Sublime cinema.


35. Zodiac (2007)

My Review of Zodiac

Watching this film now and knowing the popularity of the man who crafted it David Fincher, it is shocking that this was a complete box office failure. What else could people want from a picture? Based on the real life events of the Zodiac killer, the story of this film actually focuses on the investigation more than the murders themselves, although some sequences showcasing the work of the deranged psychopath are shown. The central character is an unlikely one, as you would assume the police would be the focus when in reality the lead is a man named Robert Graysmith (played expertly by Jake Gyllenhaal), a cartoonist for the San Francisco Chronicle.

Fincher was, of course, the perfect choice for the material, as he sets the gloomy, ominous tone that perfectly suits it. One of the finest efforts from the modern master of thrillers.


34. Children of Men (2006)

Alfonso Cuaron won his academy award for Gravity last year, and deservedly so, but the man was making fine films years before it and one of them is the totally superb science fiction thriller Children of Men. The first time I witnessed this film, I had never seen anything like it. Nearly nine years later, I still have never seen anything like it. Not only is the premise a fascinating one, the concept of a world that can no longer reproduce and thus the death of the human race awaits, but it is so expertly directed by Cuaron and the cinematography from the master Emmanuel Lubezki is lucious and beautiful in a drab and depressing way.


33. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

My Review of The Fellowship of the Ring

When Peter Jackson wants to take me on a tour of Middle Earth, even with his more recent Hobbit films (although I am not seeing the final installment until Tuesday night), sign me up. I love the sweeping, epic feel of the pictures and they feel like events more than just great films. For whatever reason I associate watching them with the holiday season, a time during the year where I want to sit next to the glow of my Christmas tree, put my feet up and watch the story of Frodo and his quest to destroy the ring. This explains the review I linked above coming just recently, as each year, late in the year I feel the need to revisit this world, these characters and the journey they take.

The Fellowship of the Ring is a wondrous way to start the trilogy and it is an excellent demonstration of character development and story and world building inside a massive budget epic film.


32. Cinema Paradiso (1988)

If you appreciate beautiful stories that effortlessly connect to the audience on an emotional level, and also films that celebrate their own medium by making the love of cinema an important aspect of the characters, Cinema Paradiso is just the delightful picture for you. Winner of the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, the story focuses on a man receiving terrible news which forces him to reflect on his childhood, a time when he fell in love with movies while assisting the projectionist at a theater in the village they lived.

A reminder that cinema once was far different than the world we live in now with streaming, Blu-ray players and IMAX theaters, Cinema Paradiso takes us back to a time when people used to cherish the opportunity to see any film on the one screen in the one theater near where they lived. A truly touching, wonderful film.


31. Alien (1979)

My Review of Alien

Listed in the same installment of ten films as its sequel, Alien was a film that taught me just how scary a movie could be at a young age. The review I linked above came after I had the opportunity to see it at midnight at a local, old school theater I live near, one that reminds me of the film I listed above Cinema Paradiso. It was an amazing experience, getting to see the horrific events that take place aboard the Nostromo, and despite the fact that I had seen Alien many times previously it felt exciting and brand new in that setting. One of the finest science fiction and horror films ever made.

Down to the final 30 films. Above is an image from one that will be listed among the next ten.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Review

The Lord of the Rings trilogy is probably my second favorite of all time behind the original trip to a galaxy far, far away, and each year I revisit all three films over a short span of time. As the desire to do so came bubbling to the surface recently with the release of the final Hobbit film due out, something strange occurred to me regarded the timing of my yearly Frodo journey. For some reason I seem to always do so around this time of the year, when the temperatures dip below freezing outside, and I have never really considered why that is.

A part of me wondered if it is merely a coincidence, that due to the daunting nature of navigating through 10 hour of Middle Earth wandering, the fact that I watched it late in the year a few years back meant I would need to wait the full year each time to find the urge to do it again. This is a possibility, sure, but as I sat here tonight watching The Two Towers I happened to hear a noise outside that alarmed me a bit, so I peaked out to take a look. When I did, I felt the cold air hit my face and I immediately appreciated the warmth and comfort of my home, and it might sound silly but I think this moment perfectly describes why I crave these films during these latter months on the calendar.

The Lord of the Rings are the type of grand, epic cinematic experiences that represent comfort to me. I recall as a child, every year on the eve of holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, I would sit down in my pajamas, pull up a blanket and watch a movie, and it was never something small in scope or low budget. Despite merely sitting on the couch like I could any other day, these circumstances felt special, a moment that needed a movie that felt more like an event that something minimalist. The Lord of the Rings films aren't merely great, they are the type of spectacular storytelling that make me feel like that kid again, wanting to shut off the rest of the world and allow myself to be swept away.

Much to the surprise of many, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is my favorite installment of the trilogy. Disregarded by some as merely being "the middle chapter" after the incredible start to their journey and the epic conclusion, I find The Two Towers to be storytelling perfection, beautifully paced with every single second of its running time managing to be meaningful and imaginative. Oh, and my goodness, the Battle of Helm's Deep...I simply cannot look away from the screen during its entirety. It is pure magic.


5/5

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Review - 5/5

As the release of the third and final Hobbit film approaches, which presumably means the final film of any kind by Peter Jackson involving Middle Earth, I decided this would be an excellent time to give my Lord of the Rings trilogy blu rays a spin and go on the grand, sweeping journey with these characters once more...and what a journey it is indeed. The first installment, The Fellowship of the Ring, is a brilliantly paced blockbuster that manages to make every minute of its three hour running time feel vital and joyous rather than ponderous. For me, all three of these films still feel like an event rather than just another movie.

The other day I revisited the film A.I. Artificial Intelligence for the first time since it was released in 2001, and I mentioned that I didn't recall much from that year and that is a very truthful statement, but I do remember the magical cinematic experience The Fellowship of the Ring provided me each and every time I went back to the theater to be swept away into the majestic fantasy land beautifully crafted by Jackson. I am a sucker for work that is this epic in scope, especially those that value storytelling rather than merely an assault on the senses.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is perfectly casted, and thus the performances enhance the magic of the entire experience. It was an ambitious project, adapting such an iconic work by J.R.R. Tolkien, and yet I can't imagine it could have been handled any better with every single aspect working in harmony with one another. The direction of Jackson, the photography of Andrew Lesnie, and the score by Howard Shore that suited the tone of every single scene so well, it is a beautiful film that is worthy of the adoration it still receives to this day.

Viewing these films has become essential for me to do on an annual basis, mostly because I love the feeling of relaxing inside on a cold night and letting the warmth of epic cinema wash over me. My 2014 quest to Mordor is off to a wonderful start.


5/5