[ tMF Film Focus on The Edge of Heaven ]

#10: Auf Der Anderen Seite, The Edge Of Heaven: Poignant, tragic, and memorable.

At #10 is Fatih Akin’s latest movie about relationships, one man’s struggle towards self-discovery and a young woman’s journey from tragedy to bliss. The way it deals with the joys and curses of a dual culture is exceptionally poignant and heart-warming. Without forcing the issue of Turkey and the apparent reluctance of Europe to embrace this multi-racial culture, one is reminded that it is the people who suffer and that while there is an invisible divide between East and West, we need to embrace our uniqueness as individuals and as citizens of a global community. It might sound like a heavy theme but it’s been delivered in a refreshing and colorful manner.

[ Official Movie Site ]

#9: The Lookout: To Rise Again

There are three young actors today who have shown tremendous talent - Ryan Gosling, James McAvoy and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. In The Lookout, Levitt outperforms himself once again (after Mysterious Skin and Brick). As Chris Pratt, Levitt gives a gut-wrenching performance as the reluctant lookout in a bank heist which goes wrong. Jeff Daniels, who stars as Levitt’s blind companion also contributes to make this film a first-rate thriller. “Whoever has the money has the power” says Chris. It sounds pathetic, but when it's Levitt saying this, with force and desperation, it’s not.

[ tMF Film Review of Eastern Promises ]

#8: Eastern Promises: The Art and Politics of Violence

David Cronenberg’s follow up to his acclaimed History of Violence is a fascinating look at …. violence, Russian-mafia style. Viggo Mortensen speaks flawless Russian and has a nude scene to boot, while talented French actor Vincent Cassel and the great Armin Mueller-Stahl provide bravura supporting performances.

Mueller-Stahl is chilling as the Russian godfather while Cassel is fascinating as the idiotic and insecure son. Naomi Watts is annoyingly good as the prying nurse who wants to discover the truth behind a murder.

[ tMF Film Review of Michael Clayton ]

#7: Michael Clayton: Redeeming Value

George Clooney will always be the ultimate leading man. In this high-powered legal thriller, Clooney plays an in-house "fixer" at one of the largest corporate law firms in New York. While he’s very successful at doing his job and helping clients, he is almost always at a loss when dealing with his son.

But this film is more than just a legal thriller with a father-son theme and a serious message. Tilda Swinton is simply fabulous as the ‘Condoleezza Rice inspired’ legal counsel in a moral dilemma. Tom Wilkinson also gives an amazing performance as the brilliant and guilt-ridden attorney.

[ tMF Film Review of 3:10 to Yuma ]

#6: 3:10 to Yuma: A Great Western
Of all the Western movies released this year, 3:10 to Yuma is the one with the biggest heart. The young and talented Christian Bale plays a rancher who struggles to support his ranch and family during a long drought. In desperation, he takes an assignment to transport a notorious felon (played to perfection by Russell Crowe) to Yuma for imprisonment.

What makes this movie exceptional is the chemistry between Crowe and Bale, plus the outstanding performance by Ben Foster as Crowe's heartless sidekick.

[ Official Movie Site ]

#5: Ratatouille: Of Rats and Gourmet Food

How would you react if you found out that the food served to you had been prepared by a rat? Imagine a rat as a French chef in a famous restaurant in Paris, of all places? Sounds icky, right? Ratatouille is the story of a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a great French chef despite his family's wishes and the obvious problem of being a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession.

Of all the movies in my list, this is the one that I kept watching over and over. Ratatouille is simply the most enjoyable film this year.

[ tMF Film Review of Zodiac ]

#4: Zodiac: Obsessions and Murder

I’ve always been a big fan of director David Fincher - Fight Club and Se7en really rocked my world and so I’ve been waiting for his next movie. During the waiting time, I saw The Zodiac, a 2006 film by Alexander Bulkley. I enjoyed it immensely and in this mood, I watched Fincher’s Zodiac a few days later. There is simply no comparison! I cannot recall any other filmmaker who can create a cinematic mood that jumps in on you, that alters even the way you look at a movie. From the 70's setting (clothes, cars, and the works) to the very texture of the film, Zodiac is unforgettable as the multi-layered story of obsessions and personalities.

[ tMF Film Review of No Country for Old Men ]

#3: No Country for Old Men: Blood, blood and more blood

If you liked Fargo, you’ll love this Coen brothers film even more. For sheer pleasure, watch Javier Bardem as the ultimate villain, using a weapon that is as devastating as it looks. No Country is relentless. And the blood! There is no other movie that features so much gore, but every bit of it is essential to the film.

But the substance and form of No Country will remain the subject of speculation and heated discussion long after the last reel is shown in theatres.

Fantastic performances from all the players.

[ tMF Film Review of Atonement ]

#2: Atonement: Devastating, Gorgeous, Perfect!

I had feelings of utter despair and helplessness when I read Ian McEwan’s novel, Atonement - the same feelings I had when I watched the film adaptation by British director Joe Wright. The magnitude of certain war scenes are beyond compare. I thought some of the war scenes in A Very Long Engagement were impressive, but when compared to Atonement, they simply pale!

Keira Knightley is definitely one of the most talented young actresses today and in this movie, she delivers one of her most unforgettable performances.

#1: There Will Be Blood: The best of the year!

Definitely a masterpiece from one of the most innovative filmmakers of our time. PT Anderson’s There Will Be Blood is an epic of giant proportion. It’s not enough to just watch it once or even twice, for it possesses such beauty that it’s almost painful to leave the theatre afterwards.

I was already impressed by Anderson’s previous movies - Magnolia, Punch Drunk Love and Blow - but this film is his ultimate. If Punch Drunk was described as ‘restrained’, There Will Be Blood can only be described as magnificent. Oh, and yes, it has Daniel Day Lewis!