It’s 2014 now (hello, new year!) and thus, time to reflect on the year in film. Below I present what I considered to be best films of 2013 from my perspective, presented my way, and that way is by genre. As I am an independent film advocate, expect to see a lot of them on this list which may go beyond what is mainstream. However, I feel you won’t be disappointed in any of these films if you choose to take this as film recommendations. Here we go:
–> Best of Film 2013 in pictures
Best Film of the Year (which dared you to make it through without breaking down crying): 12 Years a Salve
No one can deny that this movie was probably the most emotionally affecting one this year. It was also one of the best triumphs in filmmaking. Director Steven McQueen was back in true form after directing the equally brilliant Hunger and Shame to craft an unflinching journey of a man driven to the brink of being broken & despaired even after he vowed to remain hopeful. In that darkness he connects with people around him whose plight were never unknown to him but went unfelt. The film triumphs in its uncanny grasp of all the psychological underpinnings of slavery and how the past touched all our lives. Also, it is with this movie that we get to see what an acting talent Chiwetel Ejiofor is and welcome actress Lupita Nyong'o to Hollywood.
Best Drama (which could move you to be a foster parent one day): Short Term 12
This film focused on troubled youth in a foster care facility and the lives of those who work there to give them some semblance of stability. All have some internal brokenness, which often clashes and draws them together at the same time. This give and take creates an affecting dramatic cinematic experience, headed by a moving performance by Brie Larson, a promising young actress.
Best Comedy (which reminded you that comb-overs are methodical and (still) intrinsically funny): American Hustle
I would like to mention that This is the End was very close to being named here (it’s more smartly funny than critics would admit), but I got to go with American Hustle as it worked on some many levels beyond traditional comedy. The movie doesn’t really work as the crime drama it sets you up for, but really is an over-the-top, screwball, 70s-flaired film the exploits the vast dimensions of lunacy… and it cleverly excels at it. In addition, you get to see Hollywood’s finest hamming it up. You have a badly permed, bug-eyed, drunk-on-power Bradley Cooper, a cocky, comb-overed Christian Bale, and an unpredictable, manic Jennifer Lawrence. This is all while Amy Adams (in the film’s best performance) is there to provide the dramatic (and sanity) balance.
