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top 10 movies of 2003 |
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1. Lost in Translation This movie is absolutely stunning. Two people at different stages of their lives are feeling the same sense of loneliness, isolation, and confusion during their stay in Tokyo. These feelings not only come from being in a foreign city, but also from their personal contacts and relationships. The first third of the movie demonstrates this by showing how neither character is able to communicate effectively with anyone else, until they finally meet up in the hotel bar and share a connection. Sofia Coppola, the director, balances the quiet introspection these two share with each other against a backdrop of the bright and cacophonous sounds of downtown Tokyo. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson give masterful performances as the aging actor and young wife, and the friendship that develops transcends the usual Hollywood trappings. It's simply one of the best films of the last 15 years.
2. Big Fish Another great story from the mind of Tim Burton. A son comes back to learn the truth behind his dying father's larger-than-life stories. The father's stories come to life, and we learn that sometimes truth can be subjective but the important things are never left out. Burton provides lush, beautiful visuals to a heartwarming story about love, faith, and family.
3. In America Jim Sheridan, along with his two daughters, wrote this film partially based on events in his own life. The result is a deeply personal and emotionally satisfying movie about the power and importance of letting go. A strong performance by Djimon Hounsou as a terminally ill neighbor who befriends the daughters and becomes a key part of the family.
4. Finding Nemo Pixar turns in their strongest film yet, and that is certainly saying something considering their impressive track record. The visuals are amazing as the vibrancy of the ocean washes over you. The writing and story are strong, too, while Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres add the right blend of comedy and heart.
5. American Splendor I have to admit to not knowing too much about comic book writer Harvey Pekar going into this movie. But, that's the beauty of it. Writers and directors Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman paint a wonderfully complex and engaging portrait of Pekar using many different visual and narrative styles.
6. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 The most exhilarating time I had at the movies this year. There isn't much emotional heft to the story, but Tarantino dazzles with the most exquisitely filmed fighting sequences I have seen in a while. There is a story here, and it is an interesting one, but the joy is just sitting back and letting yourself get wrapped up in The Bride's road to revenge.
7. City of God A film from Brazil that tells the true story of gang warfare in the slums of Rio involving boys no older than most college, or even high school graduates. It is a harrowing look at how the children that grow up in those areas of Rio don't have much choice, and how the lifestyle of dealing drugs can be such an attractive way to become "successful."
8. The Station Agent Why can't more people make movies like this, instead of constantly trotting out retreads of the teen comedy? Here is a movie that is both funny and heartwarming and poses real problems and obstacles for the characters. Fin is a dwarf who has lived every day of his life as an oddity that people like to gawk at. His resulting guardedness leads to a life of loneliness until he meets up with two people in his new town. Great acting all around in this movie.
9. Mystic River Wonderful acting by everyone involved in this film about three childhood friends whose lives take different paths into adulthood only to intertwine again as a result of a tragedy. Sean Penn and Tim Robbins especially give powerful performances, and Clint Eastwood's direction maintains the important deliberate pace to build up the tension.
10. Shattered Glass A great movie based on the true story of New Republic reporter Stephen Glass who fabricated many of his articles. Hayden Christensen does a good job as Glass. He's energetic and well-liked, but worries constantly about what other people think of him. Peter Sarsgaard is the star here, though, as the editor who peels away at the truth and is forced to become the bad boss who brings down the popular co-worker.
honorable mentions Capturing the Friedman's A fascinating documentary about Arnold Friedman and his son Jesse who were arrested and charged with sexual assault of young boys. 21 Grams Naomi Watts, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro give amazing performances as their lives intersect as the result of a horrific tragedy. Seabiscuit The true story of an underdog horse who became the biggest story in America in the first half of the 20th Century. The horse racing scenes alone are worth watching the movie for. House of Sand and Fog You wouldn't think you could get much of a story out of two people wanting the same house. But it's an absorbing story that ultimately deals with the consequences of the choices you make. Girl With a Pearl Earring A fictionalized account of the origin of Johannes Vermeer's famous painting. It's a beautiful film to look at and Scarlett Johansson gives another great performance as a soft-spoken maid. Her intelligence, beauty, and understanding and appreciation serve as inspiration.
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Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson in Lost in Translation
Alison Lohman and Ewan McGregor in Big Fish
Paddy Considine with Sarah and Emma Bolger in In America
Finding Nemo
Hope Davis and Paul Giamatti in American Splendor
Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson, and Bobby Cannavale in The Station Agent
Naomi Watts and Clea DuVall in 21 Grams
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