As I navigated a challenging year, I found solace in nine films that left an indelible mark on my cinematic experience. These movies transported me to different worlds, fascinated me with their art and skill, and reminded me why I love the film industry. From French comedies to Japanese dramas, here are the standout titles that resonated with me in 2024.
* “The Crime Is Mine” is a delightful screwball comedy set in 1930s Paris, which offered an absolute blast of froth and fun.
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s film, “Evil Does Not Exist,” was an enigmatic mood piece that breathed music through its beautiful score. It changed viewers as they watched it, making them aware of the smallest details.
Azazel Jacobs’ “His Three Daughters” is a transcendent tale of three sisters tending to their dying father, where the viewer feels like part of the family.
Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man” was an irresistible comedy caper with a sexy film noir twist, filled with joy and humor.
RaMell Ross’s “Nickel Boys” is an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel, told from the perspective of a young Black boy at an abusive Florida reform school. Its inventive camerawork is remarkable and allows viewers to see the world in its beauty and horror.
Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain” follows two cousins on a trip to Poland to reconnect with family roots, exploring themes of home and identity.
The documentary “Sweetheart Deal,” directed by Elisa Levine and Gabriel Miller, tells the story of four women struggling with addiction, leaving viewers with hope and awe.
Tran Anh Hung’s “The Taste of Things” is an utterly delicious love story told through food, set in 1889 at a dreamy French manor. It’s pure beauty from start to finish.
Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” was a cinematic thrill ride, featuring a powerful duo and lavish visuals that defied gravity on screen.
Source: https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/movies/favorite-movies-of-2024-for-our-movie-critic