So as 2009 is now over I decided to compile my top 10 films of the year. Choosing from all the films released in 2009 was quite a task, especially as I actually saw quite a few of the 2009 Oscar contenders over a year ago in late 2008 before their official releases.
1 In the Loop
This is definitely my favourite film of the year so far but then I was a big fan of the original BBC TV Series The Thick of It, and pretty much everything else Armando Iannucci is involved in. This British political comedy is filled with side splitting jokes and satires that never tire, and PR guru Malcolm Tuckers (Peter Capaldi) profanity filled insults and comebacks are simply pure genius.
2 Up
Pixars 3D animation is a heartwarming tale, and I defy anyone not to cry in the opening wordless montage sequence. Its combination of bright colours, gentle 3D effects and the charmingly simple adventure narrative make it suitable for viewers of all ages. I saw it in both 3D and 2D and its magic touches work well in either.
3 Antichrist
Critics were divided between admiration and disgust with Lars Von Trier’s latest film, a tribute to the stunning films of Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky. Although it plot is quite dark and depressing the beautiful imagery easily outweighs the upsetting scenes and I believe Antichrist is a stunning work of art.
4 Inglourious Basterds
Tarantino’s latest offering of Nazi hating bandits during the second world war takes great liberties with history but is a so fun to watch it had to make the list. Filled with intertextual references to Tarantino’s own films as well as other classic tributes playing spot the reference is great fun for any film fan.
5 Slumdog Millionaire
Although I actually saw this in 2008 it was released in 2009 at UK cinemas and its still such a great film that I have to include it in the list. British filmmaker Danny Boyles tale of rags to riches is another emotional film but it’s the powerful way Boyle builds up the tension and paces the film that really captivated me that got it into my top ten.
6 Anvil
The first documentary in the top 10, Anvil is another film that’s made it in the for both its enjoyment and humanist factors. The story of the bands everlasting struggle for success could be about anyone or anything, and seeing the band get some deserved press with the films release was perhaps more satisfying than the film itself.
7 Milk
Another film I first saw in 2008, Milk gets in mostly for the charismatic performance of Sean Penn. It beautifully juxtaposes themes of discrimination alongside humorous scenes and a romance plot to throw together a diverse and moving film.
8 Nowhere Boy
Granted, I only saw this for the first time last week but I enjoyed it so much that it instantly become a favourite of the year. A full review is coming soon but I’l tell you know it’s the first film that’s made me cry since Up.
9 BurmaVJ
The other documentary in the list, BurmaVJ is a relatively unknown documentary that’s incredibly revealing about the state of Burma and its policing of the media. The risks that the Burma VJs go to to get their video footage from inside Burma out to the wider media are extreme and it really brings home to you how lucky we are to live in a place where we have such freedom in the media.
10 – Let the Right One in
This beautifully crafted swedish horror was a joy to watch, even though normally horrors not my thing. The fantastical child vampire plot is told in such a touching humane way that it is much more of an emotional drama than a purile horror film, and the cinematography is simply superb.
So whats you top ten? Here’s a list of all the films released this year in the UK so you can make your decisions –
