10. Barbara
I originally didn't expect this film about life in East Germany in 1980 to appear on this list, but for some reason I kept coming back to it, for a number of reasons. Firstly, it's set in the country-side, rather than East Berlin or one of the other major cities, which is rare for films dealing with this period in history. Second, the acting is excellent, especially Nina Hoss as the titular character, and Ronald Zehrfeld as her co-worker, Andre. And thirdly, this is the least sensational film I have seen this year. There aren't sweeping scores highlighting the longing looks that the characters give, there aren't any sentimental goodbyes and I love you's that take 10 minutes. No, instead we get a very honest and realistic look at what it was like to live during a time where you could be arrested at any moment by anyone you know. And it's that honesty that has made the film stick with me.
9. Gentlemen of Fortune
This Russian film is so unknown that not only does it not have a Wikipedia article, but from what I've seen it doesn't have a IMdB page either. Which is a shame, because this is a hilarious film. A remake of a classic 1972 Russian caper movie, we follow children's party entertainer Lesha (Sergei Bezrukov) as he gets mistaken for a notorious criminal, Smiley (also Sergei Bezrukov). Shenanigans and mistaken identity fun stuff ensue. Again, a film that I had fun watching gets on this list. All praise should go to Bezrukov for pulling off two completely different characters so well. And if you're looking for a funny little movie to pass the time, then this should do nicely.
8. The Hunt
Mads Mikkelsen has had an excellent year. Not only with the incredible TV version of Hannibal, but also this film from Thomas Vinterberg that spent months at Nova. The premise might turn some people off (trigger warning: suspected child abuse) but once you go see the film, you realise that it's actually about something else; the prejudice an entire town can create around one person. I don't want to say much more about it, because this is one film where you don't want to know too much. I will say this though, while most people might consider The Conjuring to have the biggest scares this year, this is the film that had me exclaiming in the cinema. And not because it's scary, but because it comes out of nowhere. Horror directors should watch this film and take notes.
7. Kill Your Darlings
Anyone who thinks that Daniel Radcliffe can't act needs to see this film. After the great disappointment that was On the Road in 2012, this film was needed to restore my interest in the beat generation. If you don't know anything about the beat generation, then this is as good a film as any to introduce you to the key players and their ideals, whilst also showing how the group almost fell apart due the actions of Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan). Again, I don't want to give too much of the plot away, but needless to say it is an interesting look at that time in America, and how society reacted to certain things as well as a look into how one of the most influential movements started.
6. 20 Feet From Stardom
A celebration of the women who probably worked the hardest in the music industry and yet got hardly any recognition. This documentary looks at a few key back-up singers from the past 60 years or so and how they all tried to break away from being at the back, but few of them find any success at the front. The talent in this movie is incredible, from the unstoppable Darlene Love, who is now 70-ish, to the incredible Lisa Fischer, who has a voice that could rival both Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. It doesn't paint a particularly pleasant light on the record industry and how they treated these women, but the way each of them get back up to perform again and again is inspiring. A must watch for anyone interested in music.
5. Broken
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I already did a review of this! This film is excellent, Tim Roth and Rory Kinnear are two of my favourite actors, Cillian Murphy is the cherry on top. But of course, all the praise and awards should go to Eloise Laurence who creates a character that is a joy to watch and completely sympathetic as well. Seriously, read the review I did on this one, my brain is melting. Fucking weather.
4. First Position
So, not only was this a year of excellent genre films but it was also a year of excellent documentaries. And this one was my favourite. This is a very well put together film, following 6 young dancers as they compete in the Youth America Grand Prix. You get so drawn into each of these characters worlds and why they are doing what they doing. All the passion that each performer brings is inspiring and you want them all to succeed so badly. It's rare that a film can draw you in so much, but this film does. If you like dancing, then I'd recommend this film. Hell, if you like watching films in general, I recommend this. It's inspiring, beautiful and unforgettable.
3. Compliance
This was one of the first films I saw in 2013. Considering that I can still remember chills running up and down my arms after almost a year later, I'd say that automatically puts this on the best of list. Again, this is one of those films where the less you know the better. But to give you some idea of what it's about, the film centres on how easy it is to manipulate people into carrying out whatever it is you want. The acting is superb, and the pacing is also really good, moving the film forward just quickly enough, but neither rushing nor going to slowly. If you're looking for a good thriller, then this is the best that last year had to offer.
2. Blancanieves
Pablo Berger must've kicked himself when The Artist came out only a few months before this film was finished. But in all honesty, I would call this the better film. The Artist was good, but it was a very Hollywoodenised movie. Blancanieves on the other hand is more artistic and a lot more interesting. It's the only adaptation of Snow White that I've seen where I've actually felt threatened by the stepmother (played wonderfully by Maribel Verdu) and the only one brave enough to not include a handsome prince character and instead make the romantic relationship between Snow White and one of the dwarves. The acting is incredible, it's so good that you can almost watch the film without the intertitles. And it looks absolutely gorgeous. Seriously, do yourself a favour and checkout this underrated gem. It is twice the film The Artist ever hoped to be.
1. National Theatre 50 Years on Stage
Nup. Don't care if you say this doesn't count. This was amazing. It was the best thing I saw last year, period. And it deserves to be number one. So, if you don't know what this was, the National Theatre of Great Britain turned 50 last year, and they decided to put on a showcase of the best works performed with the best actors performing them. If you have any interest in theatre at all, then it is a crime not to see this. Performers like Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Derek Jacobi, Ralph Fiennes, Helen Mirren, James Corden, Michael Gambon, Rory Kinnear and countless others performing works like Shakespeare, Stoppard, Guys and Dolls, The History Boys... I can't remember them all!!! There were too many glorious moments!! See this thing, if you don't see anything else from these lists then see this. Needless to say, I was tears by the end. To see such an ensemble of talent gathered together to perform some of the greatest written works. It's truly spectacular, and I unashamedly choose it as my number one for Best Non-Mainstream film of 2013.
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