Unlike the other list, this is a lot more predictable. However, it still contains films that were technically released in 2013 everywhere else except here (stupid Australian release dates). Also, a lot of films that other critics have listed are not on here. Most likely because I didn't have to money to see them. But enough introduction, let's begin!
10. The Lego Movie
This was a tough one to decide on. Originally, I was thinking of putting either St. Vincent or Gone Girl in the number 10 slot. But neither of those films gave me as much joy watching them as The Lego Movie. A lot of top 10 lists that I've read have put Guardians of the Galaxy on their list as the film that gave critics pure and simple enjoyment. But for me, it was this one! While Guardians of the Galaxy was a fun film, for me there were just a couple too many plot holes and inconsistencies for me to include it on this list (sorry!). The Lego Movie, while being fun and silly, also took the tired 'hero with a destiny' trope and changed it to make a more intelligent story for both children and adults. And while the ending may have alienated some people, for me it brought back many nostalgic feels, and it elevated the film for me from just another kids film. One of the best family films to come out in years, and one of the most excellently animated films I have seen in a while. Especially for CG animation!
9. Saving Mr Banks
This film still conflicts me in some ways. I'm not sure what I think about the way Walt Disney is presented, I'm not sure if I like how the aunt is built up only for to appear for less than five minutes of screen time, I'm not sure if I like the end shot of PL Travers crying during the premiere. But what I do like about this film is so strong that I can't help but put this film on the list. I love Emma Thompson's portrayal of Travers, I think it was one of the biggest crimes that she wasn't considered for Best Actress at last years Oscars. I love the inclusion of Paul Giamatti's Ralph. And I love the "Let's Go Fly a Kite" scene! The strength of what I love alone makes this film excellent in my mind, despite my doubts about some aspects of it. But the best thing about this film, is that it doesn't diminish my love of Mary Poppins, it makes me love it even more!
8. My Old Lady
Kevin Kline is one of those actors who I never think of as great, until I see him act. And this is one of his best films, playing a man who is plagued by feelings of inadequacy and disappointment thanks to how he was treated by his now deceased father. Sins of the father is one of the themes of this film, and how it can greatly affect the children even after they are grown up. This was one of the most underrated films of the year, not that widely released and not given much fanfair. But I am so glad that I saw it. Kline gives an excellent performance, and is marvelous to watch in his scenes with Maggie Smith, who is excellent as always. Just to add icing on the cake, Dominique Pinon appears in a small role as well! It is a fairly slow film, and one that is focused on character rather than plot, and can be very French at times. But I loved the acting, and the themes that film explores. It makes it stand out from your usual Parisienne romantic dramas.
7. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Ralph Fiennes and Wes Anderson are a match made in heaven! Again, this is just a completely enjoyable film from start to finish, and it just gets crazier and crazier every minute! The cast is awesome, like some sort of dream cast collected from all over the world. I love the set design, and the plot structure, and everything! The love story is suitably sweet and tragic. All the traditional Wes Anderson touches are there, in beautiful bright primary colours. This is one of those films I will have to watch a couple more times to gather everything in, since it is so lush and full of hidden meanings, and objects in every frame! Plus, the contrast between the dark moments of the plot mixed with the bright colours of the set gives me no end of thrills! One of Anderson's best, and one of the most enjoyable films of the year!
6. Her
I love strange and different love stories, and this was the strangest love story that I love this year. I feel the need, after watching Her, to watch some more Spike Jonze films. I like the way he uses his films to think through ideas that are relevant to our evolving society, but also that he does it in a funny, and quite heart-breaking way. I also like how Scarlett Johansson's Samantha grows from just a tool, a piece of technology that is subservient to Joaquin Phoenix's Theodore, into a sentient being with a capacity for thought that exceeds her human companion's. It's great! And it's shot in such a simple way, you feel everything that Theodore is thinking through how shots are framed! If you haven't seen it yet, and you like unconventional rom-coms, then I would definitely give this a watch!
5. Pride
British comedy-drama films based on actual events are my favourite cinematic sub-genre! And Pride is one of the best! The thing I really love about these films is the way that they can take little known events and let the whole world know about them! It's awesome! The story that Pride tells is of how a small group of LGBT activists during Thatchers Britain band together and raise money to support a small Welsh mining town. I wish these stories were the sorts of things we were taught in school! Pride mixes humour and pathos, as only the British can, to make a film that will make you laugh and cry! The cast is great, with Imelda Staunton stealing every scene she's in! This has really been George MacKay's big break-out year, and after this and Sunshine on Leith I hope to see a lot more of him. An excellent little film in the tradition of Kinky Boots and The Full Monty, if you like British comedy, then you need to see this film!
4. Belle
Speaking of films about little known historical events. Just to bring my feminist ways to front for a moment, this has really been an excellent year for female directors and writers! Especially when it comes to interesting female characters, both fictional and historical. Belle is based on Dido Elizabeth Belle, a woman of colour who was brought up in late 18th century British society. Instead of sticking to explicit facts, director Amma Asante and writer Misan Sagay instead focus on how someone in Dido's position would feel during a time when other people of her race live the lives of slaves, while also looking at how women in general were treated at that time and the expectations that were put upon them. It's also a very good look at how the beginning of the Abolitionist movement may have had its beginnings in England. If you're into historical films that aren't just period romances, then this is one that I have to recommend.
3. Paddington
While The Lego Movie was an excellent family film, I don't think it was the best one that came out this year. Paddington just had that little extra spark in it. Call it nostalgia, or a bias for British over American films, but I like to think it's because of the excellent direction from Paul King, who people may remember as the director of The Mighty Boosh. King's Paddington is not a direct retelling of the children's books. There are little differences here and there, but the basic story remains the same. Paddington arrives from Peru looking for a home, and gets taken in by the Brown family (who are resided over by Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins). But it's not a cutesy little film about a bear, no, things get quite dark, especially because of Nicole Kidman's taxidermist villain (guess what her wants Paddington for?). There are also small parts played by other well-known British actors (Peter Capaldi, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, and Simon Farnaby to name but a few who pop up). It's just such a feel good film! And the set-ups are excellent, the way the story is told in some scenes is genius, Ben Whishaw is the perfect voice for Paddington. If you grew up with the character, then your heart will melt into marmalade over this adaptation! And if you didn't, then it also serves as an excellent introduction to the characters!
2. 12 Years a Slave
And now we come to the most difficult film to watch out of the entire year. This is a very confronting film, but one that can also be very rewarding. A film about slavery that doesn't rely on any of the usual sentimental tropes to get its point across. Instead, it just shows you how brutal the experience was. Chiwetel Ejiofor is one of the best actors out there, so it's also nice to see him finally get some recognition. This film will have you on the edge of your seat with worry over his character, Solomon Northup, and what he goes through. The acting all round is excellent, especially from Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender. Like I said, it's hard to watch some of the things that happen, but I'm glad this film exists. There are too many fairytale versions of slavery out there, and hopefully this film will change that. Also, I dare you not cry during any scene with Lupita Nyong'o in it.
1. The Lunchbox
I bet that not many people saw this film. Which is a shame, since it's one of the most underrated films of the year, and one of the most ambitious. A love story where the two main characters never meet on screen, that explores how people can connect over food and through words only. And it's told in the least sentimental way possible, letting the characters wants and thoughts come naturally through the acting rather than clunky dialogue or voice-over narration. I don't want to give too much away, since this is the sort of films that works best when you don't know what it's about, or only kinda know what it's about. But I love this film, I love the characters, I love the story and I love how many rules it seemingly breaks with what it achieves! One of my favourite characters doesn't even appear onscreen! We just hear her voice! I say it's an underrated film for another reason, and that's because the acting is so natural. There's nothing melodramatic in any of the performances! This little, hidden gem is number on my list because it tries to do things that other films are afraid to. And it succeeds! And that makes it stand out, and makes it memorable, and incredible!
So, there you have it. The last of the year end lists. Sorry it took so long! I have some ideas for what I want to talk about next, but I won't give anything away! You'll just have to wait and see! Until next time, readers.
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