Darrel's Dozen

I’ve sometimes struggled with the cut off in my choices for a Top Ten. So I decided to give myself a bit of extra room (like I need in my jeans) and have Darrel’s Dozen. Plus I’ll add some lists of other films other than just the pick of the litter this year. (And I should note that “litter� is a good word. There’s been some trash this year. The best stuff has been very good, but it’s way too rare. My overall grade for this year is a pathetic D+.)

Here’s Darrel’s Dozen (with links to my reviews when available):

1. Crash – Paul Haggis’s look at racism and violence in our society.
2. A History of Violence and
3. Munich – two films that focus on violence and revenge.
4. Millions – a lovely story of a child’s faith and sainthood.
5. Brothers – Wonderful Danish film about grace and redemption.
6. Born into Brothels – Amazing documentary about children in Calcutta’s prostitute families who learn to create art – and possibly find a new life.
7. Brokeback Mountain – it’s far more than a “gay cowboy movie.�
8. Capote – outstanding performance by Philip Seymore Hoffman showing the conflict of the creative process.
9. Good Night, and Good Luck – a look back at political oppression. Why does it seem so familiar?
10. Hustle and Flow – If an old, white guy like me thinks it’s a top film, it must be special.
11. Paper Clips – A junior high school in rural Tennessee learns about the Holocaust by trying to collect six million paper clips.
12. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – That it just barely makes the list is something of a disappointment. But it’s here.

Favorite discoveries from earlier years:

Ikiru – probably the best film I saw this year
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Play Misty For Me
The Mayor of Sunset Strip
Koyaanisqatsi

Some highlights from film festivals:

The Hobart Shakespeareans
West Bank Story (short)