It’s that time of the year and while the site has been quite silent for a while (I’ve been swamped by Masters reading), I’m putting up my Top 5 films of 2017. It’s been great to watch and review so many different types of film and I hope to continue in 2018, with lots of intriguing on the bill for next year.
My review for several films are pending this year: It , God’s Own Country, The Party, I Am Not a Witch, Killing of a Sacred Deer and, of course, Star Wars: The Last Jedi. I’m hoping to do a precise of these reviews next year with a full review for Star Wars in the next few weeks.
Without further ado, here’s my Top 5 of the year (in no particular order):
INSYRIATED: A Tense Chamber Piece That Locks Us Into A Familial (and Societal) Collapse.
Director: Philippe Van Leeuw / Screenplay: Philippe Van Leet
My Verdict: ★★★★☆
“The claustrophobic atmosphere that permeates Van Leeuw’s film is not only heightened through the intense confinement he places us into but also in being so close to the hopes, fears and despair of those residing inside. Insyriated is a taut, elegiac piece of cinema, that handles its subject matter with uncompromising, painful honesty.
I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO: Baldwin’s Moral and Intellectual Spirit Reveals The State and Soul of America.
Director: Raoul Peck – based on James Baldwin’s unfinished work ‘Remember my House’ and uncollected work ‘The Cross of Redemption’.
My Verdict: ★★★★★
“Peck’s I Am Not Your Negro is not only an exponent of Baldwin’s thoughts and experiences, but a critical examination of America itself. Through Baldwin’s moral and intellectual spirit, it implores all of us to look at ourselves and our society with unwavering honesty and commitment, especially for those like myself and other white viewers who have privilege based in fantasy and subjugation.”
LADY MACBETH: Florence Pugh’s Chilling Lead Performance Puts Lady Macbeth Centre-Stage.
Director: William Oldroyd / Screenplay: Alice Birch – based on the 1865 novella ‘Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk District’ .
My Verdict: ★★★★☆
“From Leskov’s 1865 novel, Oldroyd and Birch bring out the essence of one of Shakespeare’s infamous women yet the real revelation is the young actor in the leading role. A deceptively manipulative and chilling Florence Pugh, whose quiet, subversive energy makes Lady Macbeth a darkly riveting watch.”
MOONLIGHT: Love and Survival in Jenkins’ Tender, Aching Masterpiece.
Director: Barry Jenkins / Screenplay: Barry Jenkins – based on Tarrell Alvin McCraney’s unperformed play ‘In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue’.
My Verdict: ★★★★★
“Moonlight has compelling nuance and insight into the struggle of identity with a sense of conviction in both its writing and performance. It is a beautiful but difficult work that left me not only reflective but deeply moved.”
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA: Affleck and Hedges Shine in a (Mostly) Subtle Study of Grief.
Director: Kenneth Lonergan / Screenplay: Kenneth Lonergan
My Verdict: ★★★★☆
“Kenneth Lonergan’s ‘Manchester by the Sea’ offers an honest insight into the difficulties men face not only in coping with grief, anger and healing, but in struggling with these together. While its premise appears to navigate familiar waters, the film defies sentimental conventions that demand easy resolution for its lead characters.”
4 EYES ON THE SCREEN + EVEN MORE EYES: a cinema blog & podcast 