I won't be able to put out a real list until 2012, by when I'll actually see the 2011 premieres. But of the first half of the year, I've been able to make a list of at least 13 I'd put on a year's best list. That's good news for movies this year, considering that I have yet to see many, many films that I think will surely be added.
Here are thirteen great ones that deserve to be on a top 20 list.
1. Melancholia
Breathtaking latest from mastermind Lars von Trier. Recommended in this post.
2. Certified Copy
A wondrous ride from Iranian brilliance Abbas Kiarostami. Recommended in this post.
3. The Turin Horse
Stirring beauty from Hungarian thriller Béla Tarr. Recommended in this post.
4. The Tree of Life
Stunning visuals from the film-poet Terrence Malick.
5. 13 Assassins
Perfectly paced action-artistry from Japanese thriller-artist Takashi Miike.
6. Pina
A mesmerizing dance ode from German veteran great Wim Wenders.
7. Film Socialisme
Engaging film essay from veteran French intellectual-artist Jean-Luc Godard.
8. Meek's Cutoff
Thought-provoking beauty from emerging bright filmmaker Kelly Reichardt. Recommended in this post.
9. The Future
Light but moving comedy-drama at its best from the sharp experimentalist Miranda July.
10. Beginners
Family drama done well and refreshingly from Mike Mills. More here.
11. Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past LIves
Contemplative mystery from the wonderful mind of Apichatpong Weerasethakul. Recommended in this post.
12. Le Quattro Volte
The celebration of life and the image from Italian Michelangelo Frammartino.
13. Moneyball
American baseball perfectly told from Bennett Miller.
What are your favorite movies of 2011? Comment!!!
Silvia
January 16, 2012
Hi: "The Cave of Forgotten Dreams" by Herzog as a poetic essay about the importance of art in human life could be a good addition to your thoughtful list.
Take care.