Like every year, cinema has played a huge role in our lives. In 2016 we have seen an huge wave of film releases, many of which have been well received due to their emotional effect and/or their technical quality. Here at Movie'n'co, we have put a whole range of films from every type of genre on the table and have come up with a top 10 list that reflects the strong, and diverse, position the seventh art finds itself in.
The year started with the Oscars, which we still haven't forgot about, and throughout the year the ante was upped thanks to powerful movie titles that fascinated viewers at the likes of the Cannes and Venice film festivals. Both commercial and independent films have been included in our list, since both these areas have certainly made an impact on the world of cinema in the last 365 days.
At the same time, animated films have made their presence clear, with productions that don't just be appealing to the younger generation. With regards to the genres, thrillers, dramas and science fiction are all included in the variety of films. Of course, it is inevitable that some highly respected films will miss out as we want to show the diversity in relation to genres of films throughout the year. However, the list is a respectable representation of what has beena memorable year in the world of cinema:
10 'Kubo and the Two Strings'
The list starts off with the latest Laika production, one of the animation studies that poses as big competition to the likes of Ghibli and Pixar in terms of originality. 'Kubo and the Two Strings' is a fantastic story of acceptance of human nature with the inevitable judgements which it brings. A young boy who tells stories using origami figures to local villagers must defeat an evil spirit from the past. One of the more imaginative films of the year has the potential to be a memorable and full of life film.
9'Nocturnal Animals'
On a directing debut which seemed to be based more on the aesthetics than on the content, Tom Ford has proven himself as a director with 'Nocturnal Animals'. An outstanding cast has been Ford's best tool to show he is taking this directing malarky seriously. The three layers that make up the film, which combine both fiction and reality, enrich a story full of shocking characters. From the cold artist who is played by Amy Adams, to the sincere police detective played by Michael Shannon. Ford is not as lost in relation to the narrative in this production, and his reward is a tense and poisoned gift for the viewer.
8 'Paterson'
Jim Jarmusch released two of his projects in cinemas during 2016. Just as we were recovering from his documentary 'Gimme Danger', the independent director gave us one of his best pieces to date. 'Paterson' shows the repetitive daily routine, which is mixed together with the distinctive factor of poetry. A bus driver, played by the brilliant Adam Driver, who understands that life surrounds him, basically like his creator, one of the best directors who knows how to convey human sensitivity in film. Furthermore, in this movie we find one of the more natural couples in film, and with an overwhelming edge to the creativity that invites the spectator to stop and reflect on channelling their feelings.
7 'Elle'
The next jury president of the Berlinale, the dutchman Paul Verhoeven, released one of the best productions of his career with the film 'Elle'. This intense thriller is made better by the acting of Isabelle Huppert, one of the best actresses of contemporary cinema who plays one of the characters of the year. The 'Showgirls' director, despite not having many foreign films at the Oscar's, has managed to produce one of the more gruesome films of 2016.
6 'A Monster Calls'
The Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona continues to make his mark on the cinema industry, especially with his latest project 'A Monster Calls'. The film received 12 Goya nominations, which is the Spanish national cinema awards, and includes famous stars in the form of Felicity Jones, Sigourney Weaver and Liam Neeson.
5 'The Witch'
Beyond the predictable frights and the well-worn sound effects, exists a defendable horror film. This year representing the horror genre, 'The Witch', an immersive production that leaves no respite for the viewer. The latent presence of an evil Christian in a 17th century family living in New England marks the evolution of a film with an impeccable formal voice as well as a fascinating insight into the use of Anglo-Saxon language.
4 'Zootopia'
Disney hasn't had it's best year, however 'Zootopia' has managed to get the studio its dosage of love from kids and adults alike, thanks to its entertaining plot and necessary message of social inclusion, which is certainly more necessary than ever. Leaving Shakira's performances to one side, this animated movie manages to engage the viewers based on character differences, inviting us to look differently at social structures, rid ourselves of prejudice and live in harmony.
3'Spotlight'
The award-winning drama that won the Best Motion Picture and Best Original Screenplay award makes it onto our podium. 'Spotlight' has not fallen into an oblivion after the eleven months that have passed since its premiere. Tom McCarthy opts for a smooth approach, which puts the spotlight on some characters in the investigation and is carried out with a professionalism that rarely we see today.
2'Room'
Brie Larson became an American independent cinema icon with the film 'Short Term 12' and with 'Room' she deservedly received her first Oscar. Although it was Jacob Tremblay who stole the limelight as the young actor managed to convey his passion with each look.
1 'Arrival'
The top spot is given to Denis Villeneuve's latest arrival. The Canadian has accustomed us to his genius skills behind the camera and 'Arrival' is certainly a masterpiece. With the likes of 'Incendies', 'Enemy' and 'Prisoners' having a very characteristic and addictive style, the director has exploited a different type of drama this time around. With a taste of science fiction and playing with time, Villeneuve uses the dilemma of communication as a weapon to resolve possible conflicts. This results in the character of Amy Adams trying to keep in verbal contact with the aliens who have recently landed on earth. 'Arrival' allows us to think about our conflicting and contradictory nature, a valuable aspect to find in a cinema.