LISTS! Shinji's Best 20 Foreign Films of 2007! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Just before teh year ends, I will now post my list of 20 Best Foreign Films released this 2007 and my 7 Best Local flicks released also this year. Hmmm… What would they be? Hahaha! I’ve seen almost a hundred films this past year may it be a classic on DBD, or something new and experimental.
Because I basically live in third-world country where films are released months away from the original release date (some doesn’t even make it, they get butchered and banned by the local Film classification board.), I haven’t seen all the (quote)Good flicks(unquote) that was released during Oscar Season. So yes, here you go 20 foreign flicks that was shown in theaters or bought at Quiapo and 7 Local films that are… well very much Pinoy.
ON WITH TEH LIST!
20 Best Foreign Films of 2007
(in no particular order)
1. 300
I remembered that before 300 was ever shown, Francis and I would drool at every trailer of this adaptation of Frank Miller’s epic comic book. Those stunning visuals, teh epic violence, Gerard Butler’s ass… haaaay. When it was finally released here, R-13 and uncut, I skipped all my classes. I just had to see this little baby. And my god, it did not disappoint. Blood, guts, severed head… cheesy warrior lines like: “THIS IS SPARTA!” which sounded awfully like “RED SAUCE WITH PASTA!” but whatever. 300 did not fucking disappoint my craving for everything that a MAN craves for. (hot sweaty bodies of other men, haha!)
300, You are the Ultimate Man Movie of 2007.
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2. Zodiac
Oh god, a three-hour plus movie with everyone talking and talking instead of shooting and shooting. It’s so slow, nothing ever really happens, oh god. But I loved it. Haha. Really, it’s an engaging thriller that takes you one step at a time in solving a mystery. It’s meticulously written and wonderfully acted by the three main stars (Gyllenhaal, Downey Jr., and Ruffalo). The mystery clouds your head for three-hours and along with the characters in the movie, you unfold it slowly but surely. Just like your first anal penetration.
I just wouldn’t suggest you watching this with your housemates at 10 in the evening. Come 12 o’clock, they’ll be begging you to turn it off because it’s killing them with boredom.
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3. Lust, Caution (review here)
Thank god I reviewed this movie. Much of the hits that I’m getting here at my blog is coming from Google searches like: “tang wei hairy armpit” or “tony leung balls” or “lust caution sex scene” Awesome.
Lust, Caution is an epic love story that’s full of intrigue, deceit and a whole barrage of simulated but woah-fully realistic sex scenes. Tang Wei and Tony Leung were amazing in this movie. Naked, but truly amazing.
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4. Eastern Promises
Have you seen Borat and Azamat’s naked fight scene at Borat? Well, that is nothing compared to the Viggo Vs. Evil Henchman with Knives fight scene that Eastern Promises holds. It might be a bit less exciting than Cronenberg’s last offering (A History Of Violence), but what Eastern Promises lacks in excitement makes up with an engaging story that unfolds beautifully, a pretty good subplot, and awesome performances coming from Viggo and Vincent Cassel.
Pretty disappointed with Naomi Watts’ performance (or at her character), but she’s really pretty, so hooray to you Mr. Cronenberg!
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5. Transformers
I wasn’t a really big fan of Transformers. I’m more of Disney Magic and Cheesiness than giant robots. This is what you get by growing up with your dad working abroad. Instead of basketball, you’re taught how to cook. But enough about my childhood dilemmas. Transformers, is hands down the most eye-popping eye candy movie that was ever released. Period.
Story’s isn’t entirely tight, but it’s there. The human characters were irritating except for Meagan Fox. If only they’d written Josh Duh-mel off and written moar of Meagan Fox using the giant robots as her personal electric bull, now that’s a story that I’d follow for 2 or maybe 3 hours. Haha, but honestly. Just because of that wonderful special effects, it’s making my list.
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6. Paris, Je’taime
What happens when you take 21 of the world’s finest directors and allow them to create their own vision of the streets of Paris? Well, you get 18 different shorts that tells of Love, Loss, and yes repressed homosexual love (thanks to Gus Van Sant, of course).
I really really love The Coen Brother’s Tuileries short. Steve Buscemi was just pitch perfect for that role of a troubled American Tourist traveling alone in the streets filled with couples. Walter Salles’ Loin du 16e is so Inang Yaya-Paris style. Sylvain Chomet’s epic mime love story set against the backdrop of the Eiffel tower was a joy to watch. And Vicenzo Natali’s vampire love story with Elijah Wood is just awesome.
Since Paris, Je’taime had been a huge success let’s look out for New York, Je’taime this 2008 with directors like Zach Braff, Mira Nair, and yes… Park Chan-Wook! PARK CHAN-WOOK! FUCKING AWESOME!
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7. Sicko
I was moved to tears by Michael Moore’s latest documentary. Sicko, is at parts hilarious (because mainly of the US Government’s lack of care) and at parts deeply moving. For me, it is Michael Moore’s best film to date. I don’t know, maybe it was because of the fact that he cared more (to the viewers) as he unfolds the different forehead-slapping mistakes of the Government when it comes to the health care system.
You’d have to give props at how Michael Moore traveled around the world investigating the different Health Care Systems of different countries, just to give people a view on what they’re missing-or what their government lacks. And that scene taken from a security camera in which an old lady who can’t pay her hospital bills was left on the street… that is powerful imagery mah fren. It invokes all sorts of emotions that only leads to one question: What the fuck?
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8. A Mighty Heart
I think 9 songs was full of shit. Even if that movie was fuck, fuck, fuck, music, and moar fuck, I never liked a minute of it. Thank god Mr. Winterbottom was able to correct his mistake with The Road to Guantanamo and this-A Mighty Heart.
At one point around 2003, my cousin made me watch this man who was being executed. I was repulsed by it (initially, he told me it was porn) and threw up on his pants. A couple of months later, I-rewatched it and enjoyed the brutal killing of this American Man. Well, fuck me right in the face. That was me being insensitive and childish. It was only while I was watching A Mighty Heart that I realized that the video that I watched back then was that of Daniel Pearl’s execution.
That made me deeply affected with Angelina Jolie’s superb acting. That scene where she broke down when she learned that her husband was executed, god that was heartbreaking. The pace was perfect too, it never becomes boring and Mr. Winterbottom handled the material very well. I’m not so sure about that flashback where Marianne and Daniel Pearl is having sex. The guy just died man?! Don’t show me their sexual escapades!
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9. Ploy
The thing about Pen-Ek Ratanaruang is that he likes fucking with people’s minds when he makes a film. Ploy is absolutely the most mind-fucking film of 2007. Most of the decisions made by the characters are whuuut-inducing. A bartender and a hotel maid have sex. Whuuuut? Oh no! The bitch kills Ploy! Whuuuut? The bitch was raped! Whuuuut?
But really, all of those Whuuuut moments leads to something. What’s that something? I don’t want to spoil the entire movie. But there is only one thing that’s sure if you watch Ploy: Apinya Sakuljaroensuk is so fucking hot.
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10. Smiley Face
Gregg Araki gave me the first Queer-themed movie that I terribly loved: Mysterious Skin.With him directing the definitive stoner movie of 2007, I love him even more. The core of this movie belongs to Anna Farris’ solid performance as a pathetic stoner who consumed a shitload of magic cupcakes, and then smoked more pot, then went on to a riotous journey towards the beach that made “Smiley Face” something to laugh about.
Anna Farris holds this film, really. It also has a goodamn crazy plot that takes Jane in a series of unfortunate events like a terrible audition, obtaining a copy of The Communist Manifesto, and ultimately… Roscoe Lee Brown.
Word of advice though: This film is best watched while high.
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11. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
While others complain that this movie is boring, boring and really downright boring, I say that HPatOftP is HANDS DOWN the best Harry Potter movie out there. While the other Potter flicks are good, nothing could compare to the awesomeness that HP5 brought. And it’s not only because of the fact that I saw it on IMAX 3-D. No sir! I think it’s the engaging storytelling that, although not complete (it still is condensed heavily), still managed to bring the spark and the whole darkness of the novel.
The acting could be better, but at least our three main protagonists improved so well. It’s engaging, fast paced, has magical special effects and yes… the sole reason to watch this movie: Emma Watson’s advancement to becoming a woman. Puberty’s a bitch, but HP5 makes it magical than ever.
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12. Waitress
It’s sad at how Director Adrienne Shelly was murdered just before her film “Waitress” was accepted at Sundance and was critically acclaimed. But what she left is a wonderful black comedy about pregnancy, love affairs and standing up for your dreams.
Keri Russel is pitch perfect for her role as Jenna, an abused pregnant waitress who wants to escape from her evil evil husband (Jeremy Sisto, whom I voted as The Best Asshole in a Movie for his character Earl) so that should could join a Pie-baking contest and ultimately form a new life. But with a baby inside her, a choking husband, and an affair with her doctor (played by the awesome Nathan Fillion) how could she ever escape?
The film somehow reminds me that I shouldn’t be a bad husband, and that every woman should be appreciated for who they are (and not through their dick-taking abilities). It’s a straight on female empowerment film, not overly feministic, but it’s there.
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13. Hot Fuzz
If you liked Shaun of the Dead, then you’re sure to love Hot Fuzz. If you haven’t seen both, then you’re missing out on two of the best films that pays homages to Zombie flicks and Buddy Cop movies respectively. Hot Fuzz works like a parody, but you can’t outright consider it as one. It has a serious plot, but since it’s done so ridiculously it ends up so funny. But that doesn’t mean that this movie shouldn’t be taken seriously. For something that wants to pay homages, it turns out to be just like the movie it tries to be and even manages to succeed its predecessors.
Much is owed to the brilliant chemistry of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Mix it with Edgar Wright’s awesome direction and a whole barrage of supporting characters ranging from Jim Broadbent to Bill Nighy. Hot Fuzz is gruesome, arresting, and downright fun.
Oh, and try to look for cameos from Cate Blanchett and even Peter Jackson! Apparently, they’re huge fans of Shaun of the Dead that they agreed to appear in small roles for this one.
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14. Control
Try to watch Joy Division’s performance as it was portrayed in the film, and then search for it in YouTube. It is fucking mindblowing how Anton Corbjin meticulously detailed his faithful recreation of one of the most brilliant bands of the generation. Even Sam Riley looks and acts like Ian Curtis for godssake!
Control tells the tale behind Joy Division’s most enigmatic vocalist, Ian Curtis. It’s more than just backstage groupies and drugs, Control looks at how a man deals with all of it. The wonderful visuals from Mr. Corbjin, brilliant acting from the cast, and the music of Joy Division made Control, the best, if not, one of the best biopics of recent time.
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15. Ratatouille
You can never go wrong with a Disney-Pixar production. Ratatouille is a living proof at how these two giants of the industry manage to make an animated movie that is equally engaging and moving than that with Human actors. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Paris, this is about Remy a rat who has a taste for culinary masterpieces. Although he is a great chef, the fact that he’s a rat already throws everything out of the window. But when he encounters Linguini, a bumbling janitor at a high-class restaurant, everything changes.
This movie tells everyone that no matter who you are, or what you are for that matter, you can do anything as long as you put your mind and heart to it. Disney Magic, people! Disney Magic!
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16. Enchanted (review here)
Let’s wallow a bit in that Disney Magic and enjoy it a lot. Enchanted quickly became my favorite before even the movie rolled into theaters. Very few movies manage to have a good trailer, and be a good movie itself. With Enchanted, Disney goes metaphysical by throwing one of their Princesses to a world where Happily Ever After never exists.
Amy Adams is the human equivalent of all Disney Princesses. From the twitching of her fingers to that crazy wonderful singing voice. Though she looks as if she consumed a whole batch of pot-cupcakes the entire movie, without her Enchanted wouldn’t be, well… Enchanted!
This movie is what I’ve been looking for in a long while. A feel-good movie that has the right balance of humor, cheesiness, and musical numbers. Believe it or not, that performance of “That’s How You Know” left me with goosebumps. It’s because I missed it so much that I giddily devoured the movie during its 100-minute run.
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17. Superbad
Superbad captures the high school experience that I never had, and the wonderful moments I had with my best friend during high school. The premise is fairly simple: Three high school seniors look for alcohol and sex before they graduate. The simple premise is then made awesome by certain random instances that happen along the way. Using a fake ID, being hit by a moving car, running from the police: Superbad eventually comes off as most probably one of the most honest, and downright funniest high school movie there is.
Just like any other movie stamped with Judd Apatow’s name on it, Superbad had a whole barrage of interesting characters which are wonderfully acted by Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse (the best newcomer of the year. period.), Seth Rogen and Bill Hader. It may be a series of unfortunate events, but it eventually leads to one of the best bittersweet endings EVAR. You’d have to see it to understand what I mean.
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18. Grindhouse: Planet Terror and Death Proof
I may not have felt the whole GRINDHOUSE experience granted that I saw the two movies on two separate occasions: Planet Terror, during it’s run at Olivarez Cinemas & Death Proof, during it’s Philippine Premiere when Quentin Tarantino’s visited Manila.
While others might say that Planet Terror is awfully a lot better than Death Proof, I beg to disagree. They are two entirely different movies that captures its goal of achieving the crazy feel of old Grindhouse movies. They're on equal footing.
Planet Terror has zombies and gruesome disgusting things written all over it while Death Proof has Tarantino’s signature talkativeness, misogyny, and then tumbles at the end to become a women revenge flick. Serious fun indeed.
From bad acting, bad lines, bad camera movements, Grindhouse captures it all. And it’s not a bad movie: it’s pretty fucking awesome. The only thing is, aren’t grindhouse movies serious at what they’re doing? Oh, and old grindhouse movies doesn’t have multi-million dollar budgets. But anyway, fuck it. Grindhouse is a seriously good time inside the Cinema.
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19. Once
Once is just one of the two best films of 2007 (according to me, at least), so it has my FTW!/Yataii mark on the picture.
This short, but definitely sweet love story about two strangers meeting and eventually, making wonderful music succeeds on many levels: One, as a musical. With beautiful songs that were written by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (the two actors who played the two characters in the movie), you can’t help but feel the lyrics dig deep within you and feel the emotions that they feel.
Two, as a love story. It’s probably the most subtle love story that I have seen in a long while. Much is attributed to Glen and Marketa’s performances, the moment they stepped inside that Music store and started playing “Falling Slowly” you know there’s something magical there.
I wouldn’t want to give you the ending because that would ruin the entire movie. But really, it’s one of those movies that you don’t want to end that way, but then again it would be pointless if it ends in any other way. It’s a wonderful little film that achieves the marriage of music and film. It’s one of those films that wouldn’t be complete without the music, because the music serves a lot of purpose for the movie.
Once, just may be the best musical film out there. And mind you, its not big-budgeted and it doesn’t have show stopping performances and wonderful costumes. It’s just good ole’ love, a guitar, and wonderful lyrics that evokes deep emotions.
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20. KNOCKED UP | FTW! (review here)
Yes, mah frens. You have guessed it right. Knocked Up is HANDS DOWN the best, most awesome, fucking brilliant film of 2007 FOR ME (and I exaggerate for me, because we are entitled to our own opinions).
This is the movie that I have watched over, and over, and over, and over again but it doesn’t ever turn sour. It’s a comedy, it’s a love story, it’s about making decisions, it is about everything that you need to learn as you enter adulthood. And I love this film because instead of casting Tom Cruise, or Matt Damon. NO! It casts Seth Rogen, who has man-boobs just like me! This is the ever-living proof that GUYS LIKE US ARE AWESOME and that we could manage to bait a hot blonde just like KATHERINE HEIGL.
Yes, I will treasure this movie as I traverse the long walk of life. It’s funny, it has weed, it’s got a hot lady, awesome performances from the entire cast (especially Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann), a ton of quotable lines and gags, and most importantly: A HEART.
Thank you, Mr. Apatow. I am truly thankful for you made this awesome piece of film. KNOCKED UP, FTW!
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Honorable Mentions:
The Simpsons Movie, Ocean’s Thirteen, Disturbia, Hairspray, 30 Days of Night (though I’m still waiting for a cut that isn’t brutalized by MTRCB), Hostel 2 (yes, I liked it because of that dick-cutting scene at the end!), The Lookout, and Om Gud Vil (God Willing)
Biggest Disappointments:
Spider-man 3 - GOD, Why was this threequel ever made?!
Shrek 3 - Totally unfunny. They should hire a batch of new writers.
Pirates of the Carribean 3 - I was awesomely bored with this.
Halloween - Mr. Zombie, never will you again remake a classic.
Hannibal, Rising - WHY DID WE EVER WATCH THIS?!
There you go! I’ve made the list just in time! So before the sky explodes tonight, this will serve a reminder that 2007 was an awesome year for movies. BUT HONESTLY, It doesn’t stop right there. There’s a whole barrage of films that I haven’t seen yet:
Into The Wild, The Darjeeling Limited, Atonement, There Will Be Blood, Juno, Sweeney Todd, American Gangsters, 3:10 to Yuma, No Country for Old Men, Southland Tales, The Savages, The Assasination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford, and of course… Walk Hard.
Tomorrow, as we usher in the New Year, I’ll post my Best Local Film Releases of 2007. It’s a bit short, but well, that’s it. Oh, and I’ll make a year-end report of my life so far. HAPPY NEW YEAR, bitches! Kukunin ko lang ang lotion at magpapaputok na ako!