picspam: films of the decade
Let me introduce you to some of my favourite films of the past decade. These are the films that I have enjoyed the most over the last ten years and that got a ridiculous amount of play on my tv or that I feel in love with when I watched them in the theatre. Some how, and don't ask me how, I managed to narrow this list down to 20 after I started with over 60 films. I think the picspam suffered a little while I tried to finish some fic for a couple holiday ficathons, but I finished it.
My honourable mentions that I was too lazy to get images of: Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005), Chocolat (2000), Chicago (2002), American Psycho (2001), Constant Gardener (2005), Love Actually (2003), Secondhand Lions (2003), The Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004), Stardust (2007), Traffic (2000), The Prestige (2006), Casino Royale (2006), Malena (2000), Lucia y el Sexo (2001), Elephant (2003), Juno (2007), Underworld (2003), Tropic Thunder (2008), Before Sunset (2004), Serenity (2005).
CRONICAS (2004)
There is nothing easy about this film, yet it everything about it sticks with you. For all of John Leguizamo's comedic background he really is an amazing dramatic actor and it really shows here. Not a film with a happy ending, it hits you over the head with it's realism and unapologetic attitude about just how far the media is willing to go for a story. Seriously one of the best and underrated films of the past ten years.
THE MOTORCYCLE DAIRIES (2004)
This movie was amazing in the way it played at the subtleness of how one roadtrip affected Ernesto Guevara, the man that would one day become Che Guevara. Paired up with some gorgeous filming and story telling, the tale of this road trip is about the friendship between Ernesto and Alberto and how Ernesto's perspective on life is changed as he is exposed to the daily struggles of the people he encounters.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (2005)
Okay, I gotta admit, I've never read any Jane Austen, not really. I don't know, I've just never been able to get absorbed in the stories, but I love watching Austen films. This one was no exception. Beautifully shot, beautifully acted, there's such a wonderful light and open feeling about this film. You easily get pulled into the world of Elizabeth and Darcy and every scene they share together has this beautiful quite quality about it, where so much is said in silence.
FINDING NEVERLAND (2004)
I first watched this film on an airplane flight, and did not expect to love this film so much, but I did and still just hits me straight in the heart whenever I watch it. I'm the kind of person that hardly ever cries in film but I was bawling like a baby as I watched this--thank god it was late flight or people would have been wondering about me. Kate Winslet and Johnny Depp absolutely slay me with their performances as does Rhada Mitchell (who I love and really does not get enough props--Melinda Melinda anyone?), but it's Freddie Highmore who steals the show. What I love most about it that it's full of laughter and imagination and just so much love.
BOURNE IDENTITY (2000)
I'd almost call this (and the whole trilogy) the action movie of the decade, and I'm a sucker for a good action movie. Completely fantastic and just chock full of kickass action, a spy plotline to make James Bond jealous, and Matt Damon killing as a leading man.
LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN (2006)
Part con film, part noir, this entire movie encompasses some of my favourite things in film: sharp dialogue, intricate plotlines, and rich, flawed characters. I'm not even really that big of a Josh Hartnett fan, but he's is really great in the role, but I think there's something about his voice that is lends well to the the dark, noir-like undertone that the film has. And I love Bruce Willis and Lucy Liu's characters in this film.
UP (2009)
What can I say about this film besides the fact it's heartbreakingly perfect. It completely broke me in its first fifteen minutes and then spent the rest of it's time putting me back together. Of all the films I've seen this year, this has seriously been the best so far--okay, Inglorious Basterds ranks up there too, but just everything about Up manages to be completely touching, humour and full of life all at once. And the go to South America, which just make me happy on purely personal levels. Paradise Falls!
MOULIN ROUGE (2001)
So I have this massive, massive love for musicals, from old Hollywood ones to Broadway-turned-to-Hollywood, but everything about Moulin Rouge just blew me away. I went in with low expectations to be honest, because nothing about felt like it would be able to work on the screen, but boy did it prove me wrong. From the music to the costumes to the sets this entire film managed to five what is really such a heartbreaking tale of love and it's hardships so much life and laughter.
AMELIE (2001)
God, what an utterly charming film! Everything about Amelie is just delightful! It's characters, it's portrayal of Paris, and Amelie herself. I love her outlook on life and how she doesn't let the sad things get her down, always looking towards the light, brighter side of things. Just charming and lovely, it's like candy for your eyes.
SPIRITED AWAY (2001)
This was my first Hayao Miyazaki film and for me it continues being his best. I loved this film so fucking much, it's like Alice In Wonderland but imho so much better. Chihiro is such a wonderful character and while I'll admit it too me a good ten-twenty mintues for me to really warm up to her, but she really does grow on you as she grows and matures during the film. The animation and story telling is out of this world; one of the best animated films ever made.
THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)
This film was so fucking instense! Proved that sequels didn't have to be campy ridiculous things in which things like plot and character are tossed aside for big action scenes and shots of pretty people. Dark Knight managed to have amazing action scenes, shots of pretty people, and a story that blew your mind. Not to mention Heath Ledger OWNED the role of the Joker. COMPLETELY OWNED. In all honesty it felt a little too long when I first watched it, but then you think about it and realise that every scene is so important to the story and it's characters that hey, so what if it's a little long. It's EPIC.
ATONEMENT (2007)
I really wondered about putting this film on the list because as beautiful as it is, it just breaks my heart. It's about misunderstanding, social classes and expectations, love, betrayal, redemption and the want for hope. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy play Cecilia and Robbie so beautifully though, and Saoirse Ronan kills it as the young Briony. What is it with me and sad ending love stories? I really don't like unhappy endings all that much, but in this picspam there's at least four film which end in sadness and my pretty couples not ending up together. I guess it's just the emotion that drives these films which is what gets to me.
KILL BILL (2003)
So anyone that really knows this film and it's sequel can probably tell that I cheated a little and added a couple caps from Volume 2. If you didn't notice, I'm sorry to have ruined the magic for you. At any rate, this film is so badass it kinda hurts. Uma Truman as Beatrix Kiddo aka the Bride is just the biggest baddest ass to come out of the woodwork since Ellen Ripley and Sarah Connor. I've always been a fan of Tarantino (Jackie Brown and Pulp Ficton! Holla!!) The filming for it is amazing-- the little anime bit with O-Ren? AWESOMENESS--as is the dialogue and if you don't find yourself whistling Elle's little song then you need to watch this movie again.
THE PAINTED VEIL (2006)
Me doing a movie picspam and not including an Edward Norton film? It's like me not include a Christian Bale or Robert Downey Jr film (if they should so apply to the picspam in question). Like Atonement, I don't know why I love this film as much as I do, it also breaks my heart, but Walter and Kitty? Only one of the most beautiful love stories I've seen. This film is about them, separate and together, in a way that I feel not many other romances manage to be. They practically share every single scene and every moment between them, whether it be harsh or sweet, is extremely honest and heartfelt.
BIG FISH (2003)
Another completely delightful film! And kinda underrated in my book, but yeah. I dunno why I like this film so much, expect for the fact that when I watch it I get completely immersed in Edward Bloom's world. Albert Finney had such a good narrative voice, and the tales that are woven are so lovely and fantastical, but ingrained in truth and genuine affection for it's characters. You feel the same way about the film. It's a mad world that Edward Bloom builds but one you can't help but love.
CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON (2000)
I seriously wore out my copy of this film I love it so much. Love stories, epic ninja skills, absolutely gorgeous cinematography, and sword fights? GUYS, SIGN ME UP. That's kinda all I need. I love the unrequited love story that Li Mu-bai and Yu Shu-lien have, but the relationship that I love the most is the one between Li Mu-bai and Jen--the master/student dynamic they could have had overlaid with the fact that the fact they were at odds for a good part of the film. Then you add in the last scene and yeah, I'm a total sucker for this film.
IRONMAN (2008)
GUYS, IRONMAN. YOU DO NOT EVEN UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS FILM DOES TO ME. I turn into such an utter fangirl every time I see it and only a little of this has to do with the fact I love RDJ. It's not even about him for me (OKAY, LITTLE LIE! But seriously, when all the haters were all WTF about RDJ playing Tony Stark, I was all "PEOPLE, HE'S GOING TO MOTHERFUCKING OWN THIS ROLE, JUST YOU WAIT!" and he did and it was awesome. HATERS? TO. THE. LEFT.) Look, it just boils down to this: Tony Stark is a motherfucking rockstar, Pepper Potts is Awesome squared then multiplied by INFINITY, and just everything about this movie make me HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY. You can't ask me to be coherent about this film, because I just can't. It overwhelms me.
PAN'S LABYRINTH (2006)
Mindblowingly beautiful. It's the only two words I think can aptly describe this film to me. It's just so gorgeous and rich and touching. Yet, it's a harsh film, blurring the light between the fantastical and real in a very honest way. Set in Spain during during the Spanish Civil war of 1944, where the monsters are not only in dreams. Ofelia is heroine worthy of the name and the world she builds around herself is rich and full of imagination and wonder. The argument of the real vs the fantastical comes into play and let you decided which you like better. It's not a film where everything is neat and easy and the answers are simple, but a film where everything it does and choses to be strikes you and stays with you after you leave it.
THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (2001)
(yes, it's in French. I didn't notice until after I had all the caps and the picspam was ready, so I pondered whether or not to look for the English one. You can clearly see what I chose to do.)
Another film I did not expect to love as much as I did. I don't know who to blame for this one, I think it was Lex or my brother, either way, bless them for introducing me to this wonderful film. I fucking love the dysfunctional mess that is this family and all that they chose to do with their wonderfully messed up lives. This film even has me shipping a brother and sister, and yes, the argument is that she's adopted and they don't share blood, but they were raised as siblings and shouldn't it totally count too? But the film sells it and makes it work and it helps that somehow it's understood that they've been in love with each other their whole lives and never pursued it until the events of the film transpire. Whatever, it works, I love it, let's all deal. Every character is quirky and flawed, but endearing in their own ways. Even Royal, the patriarch of the family, from whom you can clearly see all the grand issues stem from. So yeah, I love this film.
KISS KISS BANG BANG (2005)
ANOTHER ONE I'M INCAPABLE OF TALKING ABOUT WITHOUT CAPS. I SERIOUSLY MAKE EVERYONE I KNOW WATCH THIS FILM. IT'S SO PERFECT. TO ME. EVERY LINE IS QUOTABLE AND EVERY SCENE IS PERFECTION. Harry Lockhart, can I work for you and Gay Perry? VAL KILMER WHY ARE YOU NOT THIS AWESOME ANYMORE. I kinda have a thing for noir-like films full of slick dialogue and plotlines, and even slicker characters. The story feels so convoluted at first but then you get really into and love it all the more for all the twist and turns it gives you. It made me kinda fall in love with Michelle Monaghan, who is such an underrated actress, and her and RDJ's chemistry is off the wall, only beaten by RDJ and Val Kilmer's chemistry. "STOP DOING MATH!" MOVIE PERFECTION.
- please don't steal the caps, they took forever to find (no, really Cronicas and Motorcycle Dairies? a fucking trial to find as many as I did in good quality.) and colour the caps.
HOLY SHIT THIS WAS LONG.
My honourable mentions that I was too lazy to get images of: Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005), Chocolat (2000), Chicago (2002), American Psycho (2001), Constant Gardener (2005), Love Actually (2003), Secondhand Lions (2003), The Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004), Stardust (2007), Traffic (2000), The Prestige (2006), Casino Royale (2006), Malena (2000), Lucia y el Sexo (2001), Elephant (2003), Juno (2007), Underworld (2003), Tropic Thunder (2008), Before Sunset (2004), Serenity (2005).
CRONICAS (2004)
There is nothing easy about this film, yet it everything about it sticks with you. For all of John Leguizamo's comedic background he really is an amazing dramatic actor and it really shows here. Not a film with a happy ending, it hits you over the head with it's realism and unapologetic attitude about just how far the media is willing to go for a story. Seriously one of the best and underrated films of the past ten years.
THE MOTORCYCLE DAIRIES (2004)
This movie was amazing in the way it played at the subtleness of how one roadtrip affected Ernesto Guevara, the man that would one day become Che Guevara. Paired up with some gorgeous filming and story telling, the tale of this road trip is about the friendship between Ernesto and Alberto and how Ernesto's perspective on life is changed as he is exposed to the daily struggles of the people he encounters.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (2005)
Okay, I gotta admit, I've never read any Jane Austen, not really. I don't know, I've just never been able to get absorbed in the stories, but I love watching Austen films. This one was no exception. Beautifully shot, beautifully acted, there's such a wonderful light and open feeling about this film. You easily get pulled into the world of Elizabeth and Darcy and every scene they share together has this beautiful quite quality about it, where so much is said in silence.
FINDING NEVERLAND (2004)
I first watched this film on an airplane flight, and did not expect to love this film so much, but I did and still just hits me straight in the heart whenever I watch it. I'm the kind of person that hardly ever cries in film but I was bawling like a baby as I watched this--thank god it was late flight or people would have been wondering about me. Kate Winslet and Johnny Depp absolutely slay me with their performances as does Rhada Mitchell (who I love and really does not get enough props--Melinda Melinda anyone?), but it's Freddie Highmore who steals the show. What I love most about it that it's full of laughter and imagination and just so much love.
BOURNE IDENTITY (2000)
I'd almost call this (and the whole trilogy) the action movie of the decade, and I'm a sucker for a good action movie. Completely fantastic and just chock full of kickass action, a spy plotline to make James Bond jealous, and Matt Damon killing as a leading man.
LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN (2006)
Part con film, part noir, this entire movie encompasses some of my favourite things in film: sharp dialogue, intricate plotlines, and rich, flawed characters. I'm not even really that big of a Josh Hartnett fan, but he's is really great in the role, but I think there's something about his voice that is lends well to the the dark, noir-like undertone that the film has. And I love Bruce Willis and Lucy Liu's characters in this film.
UP (2009)
What can I say about this film besides the fact it's heartbreakingly perfect. It completely broke me in its first fifteen minutes and then spent the rest of it's time putting me back together. Of all the films I've seen this year, this has seriously been the best so far--okay, Inglorious Basterds ranks up there too, but just everything about Up manages to be completely touching, humour and full of life all at once. And the go to South America, which just make me happy on purely personal levels. Paradise Falls!
MOULIN ROUGE (2001)
So I have this massive, massive love for musicals, from old Hollywood ones to Broadway-turned-to-Hollywood, but everything about Moulin Rouge just blew me away. I went in with low expectations to be honest, because nothing about felt like it would be able to work on the screen, but boy did it prove me wrong. From the music to the costumes to the sets this entire film managed to five what is really such a heartbreaking tale of love and it's hardships so much life and laughter.
AMELIE (2001)
God, what an utterly charming film! Everything about Amelie is just delightful! It's characters, it's portrayal of Paris, and Amelie herself. I love her outlook on life and how she doesn't let the sad things get her down, always looking towards the light, brighter side of things. Just charming and lovely, it's like candy for your eyes.
SPIRITED AWAY (2001)
This was my first Hayao Miyazaki film and for me it continues being his best. I loved this film so fucking much, it's like Alice In Wonderland but imho so much better. Chihiro is such a wonderful character and while I'll admit it too me a good ten-twenty mintues for me to really warm up to her, but she really does grow on you as she grows and matures during the film. The animation and story telling is out of this world; one of the best animated films ever made.
THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)
This film was so fucking instense! Proved that sequels didn't have to be campy ridiculous things in which things like plot and character are tossed aside for big action scenes and shots of pretty people. Dark Knight managed to have amazing action scenes, shots of pretty people, and a story that blew your mind. Not to mention Heath Ledger OWNED the role of the Joker. COMPLETELY OWNED. In all honesty it felt a little too long when I first watched it, but then you think about it and realise that every scene is so important to the story and it's characters that hey, so what if it's a little long. It's EPIC.
ATONEMENT (2007)
I really wondered about putting this film on the list because as beautiful as it is, it just breaks my heart. It's about misunderstanding, social classes and expectations, love, betrayal, redemption and the want for hope. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy play Cecilia and Robbie so beautifully though, and Saoirse Ronan kills it as the young Briony. What is it with me and sad ending love stories? I really don't like unhappy endings all that much, but in this picspam there's at least four film which end in sadness and my pretty couples not ending up together. I guess it's just the emotion that drives these films which is what gets to me.
KILL BILL (2003)
So anyone that really knows this film and it's sequel can probably tell that I cheated a little and added a couple caps from Volume 2. If you didn't notice, I'm sorry to have ruined the magic for you. At any rate, this film is so badass it kinda hurts. Uma Truman as Beatrix Kiddo aka the Bride is just the biggest baddest ass to come out of the woodwork since Ellen Ripley and Sarah Connor. I've always been a fan of Tarantino (Jackie Brown and Pulp Ficton! Holla!!) The filming for it is amazing-- the little anime bit with O-Ren? AWESOMENESS--as is the dialogue and if you don't find yourself whistling Elle's little song then you need to watch this movie again.
THE PAINTED VEIL (2006)
Me doing a movie picspam and not including an Edward Norton film? It's like me not include a Christian Bale or Robert Downey Jr film (if they should so apply to the picspam in question). Like Atonement, I don't know why I love this film as much as I do, it also breaks my heart, but Walter and Kitty? Only one of the most beautiful love stories I've seen. This film is about them, separate and together, in a way that I feel not many other romances manage to be. They practically share every single scene and every moment between them, whether it be harsh or sweet, is extremely honest and heartfelt.
BIG FISH (2003)
Another completely delightful film! And kinda underrated in my book, but yeah. I dunno why I like this film so much, expect for the fact that when I watch it I get completely immersed in Edward Bloom's world. Albert Finney had such a good narrative voice, and the tales that are woven are so lovely and fantastical, but ingrained in truth and genuine affection for it's characters. You feel the same way about the film. It's a mad world that Edward Bloom builds but one you can't help but love.
CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON (2000)
I seriously wore out my copy of this film I love it so much. Love stories, epic ninja skills, absolutely gorgeous cinematography, and sword fights? GUYS, SIGN ME UP. That's kinda all I need. I love the unrequited love story that Li Mu-bai and Yu Shu-lien have, but the relationship that I love the most is the one between Li Mu-bai and Jen--the master/student dynamic they could have had overlaid with the fact that the fact they were at odds for a good part of the film. Then you add in the last scene and yeah, I'm a total sucker for this film.
IRONMAN (2008)
GUYS, IRONMAN. YOU DO NOT EVEN UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS FILM DOES TO ME. I turn into such an utter fangirl every time I see it and only a little of this has to do with the fact I love RDJ. It's not even about him for me (OKAY, LITTLE LIE! But seriously, when all the haters were all WTF about RDJ playing Tony Stark, I was all "PEOPLE, HE'S GOING TO MOTHERFUCKING OWN THIS ROLE, JUST YOU WAIT!" and he did and it was awesome. HATERS? TO. THE. LEFT.) Look, it just boils down to this: Tony Stark is a motherfucking rockstar, Pepper Potts is Awesome squared then multiplied by INFINITY, and just everything about this movie make me HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY. You can't ask me to be coherent about this film, because I just can't. It overwhelms me.
PAN'S LABYRINTH (2006)
Mindblowingly beautiful. It's the only two words I think can aptly describe this film to me. It's just so gorgeous and rich and touching. Yet, it's a harsh film, blurring the light between the fantastical and real in a very honest way. Set in Spain during during the Spanish Civil war of 1944, where the monsters are not only in dreams. Ofelia is heroine worthy of the name and the world she builds around herself is rich and full of imagination and wonder. The argument of the real vs the fantastical comes into play and let you decided which you like better. It's not a film where everything is neat and easy and the answers are simple, but a film where everything it does and choses to be strikes you and stays with you after you leave it.
THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (2001)
(yes, it's in French. I didn't notice until after I had all the caps and the picspam was ready, so I pondered whether or not to look for the English one. You can clearly see what I chose to do.)
Another film I did not expect to love as much as I did. I don't know who to blame for this one, I think it was Lex or my brother, either way, bless them for introducing me to this wonderful film. I fucking love the dysfunctional mess that is this family and all that they chose to do with their wonderfully messed up lives. This film even has me shipping a brother and sister, and yes, the argument is that she's adopted and they don't share blood, but they were raised as siblings and shouldn't it totally count too? But the film sells it and makes it work and it helps that somehow it's understood that they've been in love with each other their whole lives and never pursued it until the events of the film transpire. Whatever, it works, I love it, let's all deal. Every character is quirky and flawed, but endearing in their own ways. Even Royal, the patriarch of the family, from whom you can clearly see all the grand issues stem from. So yeah, I love this film.
KISS KISS BANG BANG (2005)
ANOTHER ONE I'M INCAPABLE OF TALKING ABOUT WITHOUT CAPS. I SERIOUSLY MAKE EVERYONE I KNOW WATCH THIS FILM. IT'S SO PERFECT. TO ME. EVERY LINE IS QUOTABLE AND EVERY SCENE IS PERFECTION. Harry Lockhart, can I work for you and Gay Perry? VAL KILMER WHY ARE YOU NOT THIS AWESOME ANYMORE. I kinda have a thing for noir-like films full of slick dialogue and plotlines, and even slicker characters. The story feels so convoluted at first but then you get really into and love it all the more for all the twist and turns it gives you. It made me kinda fall in love with Michelle Monaghan, who is such an underrated actress, and her and RDJ's chemistry is off the wall, only beaten by RDJ and Val Kilmer's chemistry. "STOP DOING MATH!" MOVIE PERFECTION.
- please don't steal the caps, they took forever to find (no, really Cronicas and Motorcycle Dairies? a fucking trial to find as many as I did in good quality.) and colour the caps.
HOLY SHIT THIS WAS LONG.