Top Ten Movies of 2005
Ok, I realize that it's now exactly HALF WAY through 2006. But, I don't know if you've heard, I've been in AFRICA for the last 6 months, where the telecommunications systems leave something to be desired. (Hence the conspicuous lack of blogging. But I'm hoping to get back into it now.)

This list was inspired by old Premiere issues that my mother didn't have the decency to forward to me in South Africa (hehe, just kidding Mum. Actually, even if you had sent them, they probably would only have arrived "just now"). So I've only gotten to read them since I've been home. There are still a bunch of movies from 2005 that are still on my "To See" list, including significant contendors such as History of Violence, Crash, and Capote. So don't complain that they didn't make my list, cuz I haven't seen them yet. But here are - in my humblest of opinions - the top ten films of 2005:

10. SAHARA: ok, I realize I'm gonna get a lot of flack for this one, but Sahara is the Hollywood action-adventure film at its best. In the spirit of Indiana Jones, it combines a terrific cast with genuinely witty dialogue, exotic locales, and exciting (but not overdone) action sequences. I thought it was a fantastic piece of entertainment.

9. MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS: largely because of the cinematic genius of DAME Judi Dench; honestly, she's one of the most brilliant actresses of our time, and every film she graces with her presence is bound to be nothing less than spectacular.

8. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: yet more proof that Keira Knightley makes good, mature choices in selecting films to star in. It's been wonderful to watch her grow from younger roles in Bend it like Beckham, Pirates, and Love Actually, to this poised, spunky performance as Elizabeth Bennett. Her Oscar nomination for this film was well-deserved.

7. BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN: this is a landmark film; a beautiful, heart-wrenching story that is tastefully executed. Ang Lee has once again demonstrating his brilliance, and I don't think there is another director alive who has directed a more diverse range of genres, and done so with as much success.

6. EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED: this quirky film deceptively possessed great emotional depth, mixing comedy and gravity tactfully and effectively; driven by captivating visuals and hilarious dialogue, as well as truly endearing characters. This film was largely overlooked last year.

5. GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK: David Straithairn's performance as Ed Murrow was absolutely brilliant. You couldn't take your eyes from him, and he mastered the black-and-white medium better than any other technicolor-era actor I've ever seen. The film's message is poignant and relevant, and stands head-and-shoulders above other politically-oriented films, such as the confusing and misguided Syriana.

4. LORD OF WAR: another film that was largely overlooked, written off as being just another dumb action movie. A closer look reveals it to be much more than that - a thought-provoking film that challeges viewers to recallibrate their moral compass, yet without being pedantic.

3. MATCH POINT: Woody Allen once again demonstrates his brilliance for subtlety and artfully crafted dialogue. Matchpoint is darker and heavier than his usual fare, but compelling and daring. Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers delivers his best performace to date.

2. MUNICH: The brilliance of this film lies in the fact that it doesn't pretend to have the answers; it merely raises the questions. It intends to stimulate the dialogue that this country - this world - desperately needs, but has thus far avoided, for whatever reason. To our peril.

1. THE CONSTANT GARDENER: ok, now that I'm back safe from Africa, everyone can watch this film now. I don't know what to say, besides that this may be the very best film I've ever seen. Every aspect is flawless and evocative: acting (nothing made me happier than seeing Rachel Weisz win Best Supporting Actress for this film), dialogue, cinematography and editing (these two crucial elements contributed to and enhanced the plot in a way that I've never seen before - absolutely brilliant and unique), and message. It's the most meaningful, artful, captivating film I've ever seen. After I saw it, it was days before I was able to stop thinking about it.
- posted by Nicole @ 2:08 PM