(As with every year...Films listed in the top ten meet at least one of the following criteria: from a film festival that I attended in 2008, had a Canadian theatrical release in 2008, or is listed on www.imdb.com as released in 2008.)
1. Slumdog Millionaire (UK)
2. The Dark Knight (USA)
3. Wall-E (USA)
4. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (USA)
5. Sexykiller (Spain)
6. Rocknrolla (UK)
7. $5 a Day (USA)
8. Tears for Sale (Serbia)
9. Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist (USA)
10. Milk (USA)
Just missing the cut : Pontypool (Canada)
Slumdog Millionaire tops this list for so many reasons, least of which because it’s the winner of 8 Oscars. This is the spectacular little film that could, destroying the moulds of bollywood/genres/target audiences, winning hearts despite all odds, just like its main character. This is also the 2nd year in a row that one of Danny Boyle’s films has made my top 10.
If not for Slumdog, the Dark Knight surely would’ve triumphed, it’s some of the best Hollywood writing (superhero based at that) I’ve encountered in a long time supported an endless string of incredible talent. RIP Heath, I’m so glad you won the Oscar.
What a race for the best love story of the year! I would cross the universe to be with Wall-E. Who said robots had no feelings?
No one does a sexy irreverent tale like Woody Allen, Vicky Cristina Barcelona puts him back at the top of his game. And speaking of the vivacious sexy Spaniards, Sexykiller is a cheeky horror musical staring the delightful Macarena Gomez. Think blood and Barbie dolls.
I guess it’s true that Madonna was bad for Guy Ritchie’s career. As soon as their marriage got rocky he produces the wild and rollicking Rocknrolla, stylish storytelling at breakneck speed, but what’s even more amazing is that you understand it! (I’m still waiting for someone to explain Revolver to me…)
Christopher Walken is my hero, especially so in this film. It’s a little indie gem that teaches you about family, relationships, and of course, how to live on $5 a day. And while very different in content, Tears for Sale from Serbia is also about the bonds of family, that and a village of man-hungry females. Did I mention this is a love story? (among other things…)
Oozing with commercial appeal of course is Nick and Nora, but damn Kat Dennings and Michael Cera are just so sweet and genuine you can’t help but love them. And I’m going to say the same about Sean Penn as Harvey Milk.
Just missing the top 10 is Pontypool made by Canadian director Bruce McDonald, which is coming out soon in theatres actually. It’s an intelligent horror film that infringes on the lines of psychological thriller, much scarier that your average decapitated head.
Honourable mention goes to Daniel Day Lewis and jaw-droppingly amazing There Will Be Blood, had I had the opportunity to see it in 2006 it would’ve have been in the Top 10 for sure (possibly even at #1!) Three hours long and I sat through it twice in theatres, and you still could’ve easily convinced me to see it a third time.
4 month, 3 weeks, 2 days was also very affecting. Though I’m not sure I’d be able to see it again. One viewing is enough for it to stick with you for a long time.
And of course there’s Ashes of Time Redux, the delicate and masterful restoration and recreation of his 1994 period epic by the great Wong Kar Wai. Though Redux had a 2008 release, I still consider it to be from 1994 based on the original’s release.
Trends of note: There wasn’t a single asian film on my top 10 this year, which is a rare occurrence. Also English-speaking titles appear to be heavily favoured, the most ever since I started providing a top 10 list I believe.
When I came up with this list I was somewhat surprised that more films didn’t jump out as genius to me given that I’ve really enjoyed most of the new films I’ve watched in 2008. I concluded that I saw a lot of good movies in 2008 but not a lot of great ones.
Highlights include seeing There Will Be Blood the first time; getting into the press screening of Slumdog Millionaire at TIFF so I got to see it before any public screening; being dumbstruck by confusion after Plastic City at TIFF but then being able to get the director to explain his entire intention with the film with one well-worded question :D ; Charlie Kaufman’s Q&A after Synecdoche, New York at TIFF; getting to Ashes of Time on the big screen for the first time in my life; seeing 6 films in a day on the final day of TIFF (personal record I think) topped off by winning the Chocolate poster for asking the best question at the midnight madness Q&A then getting it autographed by director Prachya Pinkaew and photos with him.
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