Just a few weeks ago we were wondering how we were going to come up with ten films for our critical and personal best lists for the year.
We were also lamenting the lack of that one beguiling film, the one that captures our cinematic hearts and imaginations (think The Grand Budapest Hotel in 2014 or The Artist in 2012). Then the onslaught of award season began and we were given an array of contenders, and we were given that special film, Youth. Paolo Sorrentino’s reflection of love and life and old age is without a doubt the most exquisitely creative film of the year.
In the end, it was difficult to narrow the field down to just ten films. Other contenders that could easily be on either or both of our lists include: ‘71, 45 Years, The Assassin, Bridge of Spies, End of the Tour, I’ll See You In My Dreams, Love & Mercy, While We’re Young, and others.
Where our lists converge, these are must-see films for 2015. Where our films differ, it’s more a matter keeping things interesting for our readers. We would both be likely to recommend most of the titles on each others lists. You will be well aware of some of these films, but others may be a revelation.
Chip Kaufmann’s Top Ten
(In Alphabetical Order)
The Big Short – This well made, eccentric look at the economic collapse of 2008 is both wickedly funny and seriously depressing when you consider the consequences. Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, and Christian Bale give standout performances.
Brooklyn – A beautifully realized story of a young Irish woman’s sojourn to America in 1952, what she finds there, and what happens back home in her absence. It features gorgeous production design, great photography and a star making turn from Saoirse Ronan.
Crimson Peak – Guillermo del Toro’s take on the Victorian Ghost story is a throwback to the Euro-Gothic horrors of the 1960s with outstanding art design and stunning cinematography. Unlike those films it features a courageous heroine played here by Mia Wasikowska.
Far From the Madding Crowd – Another movie with gorgeous production design, this remake is superior in every way to the 1967 Julie Christie film. It’s shorter, more focused, and Carey Mulligan is a much better Bathsheba Eberdeen.
Mr. Holmes – My personal favorite among this year’s releases, this creative imagining of an elderly Sherlock Holmes is simply remarkable. Ian McKellan is magnificent with stellar support from Laura Linney and young actor Milo Parker.
Suffragette – Carey Mulligan is back as a fictional protagonist in this story of the real life struggle for women’s suffrage in pre-World War I Britain. Helena Bonham-Carter co-stars and Meryl Streep makes the most of her cameo as suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst.
Trumbo – The story of Dalton Trumbo (Ryan Cranston), a screenwriter in the 1950s, who along with nine others, was jailed and then blacklisted for refusing to testify before the House Un-American Committee. Louis C.K. scores as a disillusioned compatriot.
When Marnie Was There – Animator Hayao Miyazaki’s last film is one of his very best. While not aimed at children, it tells the story of a young girl who encounters a strangely familiar spirit while vacationing in a coastal community. The animated visuals are breathtaking.
Woman in Gold – Virtually forgotten because of an early 2015 release, Woman in Gold tells the story of one woman’s attempt to recover a famous family portrait stolen by the Nazis. Helen Mirren is superb as always but the real revelation is Ryan Reynolds as her lawyer.
Youth – Words cannot describe how exquisite and creative Italian director Paolo Sorrentino’s reflection on life, love, and coming to terms with old age really is. Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel are flawless with strong support from Rachel Weisz and Paul Dano.
Michelle Keenan’s Top Ten
(In Alphabetical Order)
The Big Short – A scathingly brilliant, dark comedy about the economic collapse of 2008, the eccentric few who predicted it, and those who profited from it. The filmmaker’s clever and creative approach makes the seriously disturbing subject matter meaningful and palatable entertainment.
Brooklyn – Beautifully filmed and lovingly yet unflinchingly told, the story of a young Irish woman torn between her new life in 1950s New York and the heartstrings of home, Brooklyn is easily one of this year’s best films and very pleasant entertainment.
Far From The Madding Crowd – The classic novel by Thomas Hardy is wonderfully distilled for a new generation. Gorgeous photography and compelling performances make this film appealing and accessible for filmgoers, with or without familiarity of the original source material.
Jimmy’s Hall – This fact-based, political drama about Jimmy Gralton and his community center in 1932 rural Ireland, is a warm and compelling film about a fairly unknown chapter [to Americans] in Irish history.
Kingsman: The Secret Service – This film (along with the lesser but still fun The Man From U.N.C.L.E and Spy), was just spy spoofing fun, with Colin Firth as an veteran British elite super spy who takes a young recruit under his tutelage to battle a tech genius-turned-global threat.
The Martian – Matt Damon is terrific in Ridley Scott’s smart, suspenseful and wonderfully entertaining film adaptation of the story of an astronaut, mistakenly left on Mars, and his harrowing journey to stay alive. The Martian shows that there’s something to be said for wit, ingenuity and paying attention in science class.
Phoenix – An intriguing tale of a disfigured concentration-camp survivor, unrecognizable after facial reconstruction surgery, who returns to her beloved husband, who may have betrayed her to the Nazis. (in German with subtitles)
Spotlight – Tom McCarthy’s Spotlight is hands down my vote for Best Picture of the Year. The fact-based drama tells the story of the Boston Globe investigative news team that uncovered the pedophilia scandal in Boston arch diocese of the Catholic Church. Spotlight is articulate, meaningful, and incredibly compelling.
Trumbo – A biopic about blacklisted Hollywood screenwriter Trumbo which, like the man himself, transcends standard Hollywood biopic fare. Bryan Cranston gives a standout performance as Trumbo.
Youth – Paolo Sorrentino’s Youth centers around Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel as two old friends on vacation at a health spa in the Alps France. Visually and emotionally arresting, Youth is a symphony for the senses that should not be missed.