It has been quite some time since my last review (december 2010). I was kind of laid back and did not feel like to write up anything. There were so many many movies came up since then and of course i never intended to discuss most of them due to the fact that i am not a professional film reviewer or critic. But of course the segment "Top Ten film of the year" is a list that must not be missed every year. Usually people list up their top ten of the year in January or the latest february. But due to unfortunate circumstances that our cinemas were unable to show highly qualified Hollywood movies of 2010, I waited a bit longer for the DVD to came out and watch it before i can decide which can join my list of top ten best of the year. The following films in my list are those which are released theatrically from January 1st 2010 to December 31st 2010 in their country of origin. e.g. if a film is originated from China, it was released on the prescribred date above. And the same goes for movies from other countries.
10. Detective Dee and the Mystery of Phantom Flame (B)
Superstar Andy Lau again shows his supremacy in Hong Kong cinema along with some veteran performers make this film the Sherlock Holmes of Tang Dynasty with a mystery that keep me on the edge of my seat until the end credit rolled. Visual showcase with enjoyable plot deserves for recognition on Hong Kong Film award in which Tsui Hark won the prestigious top honor in directing and Carina Lau won best actress award. Starring: Andy Lau, Carina Lau, Tony Leung Kar Fai. Directed by: Tsui Hark
Superstar Andy Lau again shows his supremacy in Hong Kong cinema along with some veteran performers make this film the Sherlock Holmes of Tang Dynasty with a mystery that keep me on the edge of my seat until the end credit rolled. Visual showcase with enjoyable plot deserves for recognition on Hong Kong Film award in which Tsui Hark won the prestigious top honor in directing and Carina Lau won best actress award. Starring: Andy Lau, Carina Lau, Tony Leung Kar Fai. Directed by: Tsui Hark
09. Afterschock (B+)
A story about separation, a long arduous separation of family due to natural disaster based on true events in Tang Shan China in 1976. Perhaps the several minutes earthquake scene will not be so staggering as the emotional drive in the aftermath. In movies like this, audiences mostly anticipate an immediate reconciliation, but director Feng Xiao Gang was able to prognosticate that (for a good reason) to ensure the audiences are emotionally drawn as well. The result is an uplifting human tragedy and how natural disaster changes life. Starring: Zhang Jing Chu. Directed By: Feng Xiao Gang
A story about separation, a long arduous separation of family due to natural disaster based on true events in Tang Shan China in 1976. Perhaps the several minutes earthquake scene will not be so staggering as the emotional drive in the aftermath. In movies like this, audiences mostly anticipate an immediate reconciliation, but director Feng Xiao Gang was able to prognosticate that (for a good reason) to ensure the audiences are emotionally drawn as well. The result is an uplifting human tragedy and how natural disaster changes life. Starring: Zhang Jing Chu. Directed By: Feng Xiao Gang
08. The Fighter (B+)
This is another boxing saga a reminiscent of Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull which is also based on real life boxer, Micky ward played here by Mark Wahlberg and his half brother Dicky Eungland played by oscar winner Christian Bale. The story might not be too engaging or particularly inspiring but the way the movie flow is entertaining from start to finish. A decent and well made sport movie Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale. Directed by David O'Russell.
This is another boxing saga a reminiscent of Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull which is also based on real life boxer, Micky ward played here by Mark Wahlberg and his half brother Dicky Eungland played by oscar winner Christian Bale. The story might not be too engaging or particularly inspiring but the way the movie flow is entertaining from start to finish. A decent and well made sport movie Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale. Directed by David O'Russell.
07. Ghostwriter (B+)
As a thriller fans, I always loathe cheap thriller with some fake suspense shredded with mild (and yet cheap) action to distract the main show. When you are in theatre playing Roman Polanski film you can rest assured that would never happen. The seemingly simple plot and theme do not degrade the supremacy of this film. From start to finish you would keep guess what actually happen. The twist ending probably not a big surprise but the reel for reel journey reaching the ending is what i admire so much from a director who brought 1974's Chinatown and yet still as skillful as he was. Starring: Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan. Directed by: Roman Polanski.
As a thriller fans, I always loathe cheap thriller with some fake suspense shredded with mild (and yet cheap) action to distract the main show. When you are in theatre playing Roman Polanski film you can rest assured that would never happen. The seemingly simple plot and theme do not degrade the supremacy of this film. From start to finish you would keep guess what actually happen. The twist ending probably not a big surprise but the reel for reel journey reaching the ending is what i admire so much from a director who brought 1974's Chinatown and yet still as skillful as he was. Starring: Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan. Directed by: Roman Polanski.
06. Scott Pilgrim vs The World (A-)
One of the best stylistic teenager action movie. The plot or the story itself is actually stale by any Hollywood standard but the style of the movie was too mammoth not to include this film in this list. The whole chronicle surrounding fighting 7 evil Exes told in a visually stunning comical style, definitely one of the best this year. Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Directed by: Edgar Wright.
One of the best stylistic teenager action movie. The plot or the story itself is actually stale by any Hollywood standard but the style of the movie was too mammoth not to include this film in this list. The whole chronicle surrounding fighting 7 evil Exes told in a visually stunning comical style, definitely one of the best this year. Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Directed by: Edgar Wright.
05. Toy Story 3 (A-)
15 years ago, Pixar released one of the pioneer of animation computer Toy Story. Now the third and final part of the film is released last year and I thought it would lost its charm after 11 years. To my surprise it was still as fresh as the original with the uplifting farewell scene and more dramatic tone for an animation movie. Not in the caliber of last year's Up and Wall-E, but still one of the best film of the year. Starring: Tom Hanks, Woody Allen, Joan Cusack. Directed By: Lee Unkrich.
15 years ago, Pixar released one of the pioneer of animation computer Toy Story. Now the third and final part of the film is released last year and I thought it would lost its charm after 11 years. To my surprise it was still as fresh as the original with the uplifting farewell scene and more dramatic tone for an animation movie. Not in the caliber of last year's Up and Wall-E, but still one of the best film of the year. Starring: Tom Hanks, Woody Allen, Joan Cusack. Directed By: Lee Unkrich.
04. Let The Bullet Fly (A-)
When the first time I saw this film, it does not look great, in fact i was perplexed by its convoluted plot and dialogue. The second time i saw it, i was totally blown away by its magnificent story telling and its plot. The movie tells about one local mafia and one fake governor (in reality he is a thief leader) waging war as to who take control the city and of course who are smarter and more cunning when it comes to destroying their nemesis. This does not feel like any interesting film at all, but how great this movie is cannot be described by any powerful review. You have to experience it yourself. Director Jiang Wen who also co stars in the movie have created a masterpiece that will turn the cinema of China in a way no other filmmaker in China ever had. Chow Yun-Fat also stars as the local bandit. His witty yet downright serious performance is a reminiscent of how great an actor he is when he is not in Hollywood movies that make him look like a clown. Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Jiang Wen, Ke You. Directed By: Jiang Wen
When the first time I saw this film, it does not look great, in fact i was perplexed by its convoluted plot and dialogue. The second time i saw it, i was totally blown away by its magnificent story telling and its plot. The movie tells about one local mafia and one fake governor (in reality he is a thief leader) waging war as to who take control the city and of course who are smarter and more cunning when it comes to destroying their nemesis. This does not feel like any interesting film at all, but how great this movie is cannot be described by any powerful review. You have to experience it yourself. Director Jiang Wen who also co stars in the movie have created a masterpiece that will turn the cinema of China in a way no other filmmaker in China ever had. Chow Yun-Fat also stars as the local bandit. His witty yet downright serious performance is a reminiscent of how great an actor he is when he is not in Hollywood movies that make him look like a clown. Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Jiang Wen, Ke You. Directed By: Jiang Wen
03. Inception (A-)
Inception is a film of ideas and concept. It tells the story of a man haunted by his mistake that taking its toll by the death of his significant others. All of this happen in a world when people can infiltrate to other people's dream and in a way control it accordingly. The man has to do one last job of incepting an idea into a powerful man's mind in his dream. The reward is that he will be reunited with his son and daughter. Christopher Nolan has created an unparalled masterpiece that ignited talks and discussion for people who already saw the movie. It was a smart script and only Nolan can execute his vision from his own pen to the screen when audiences experience the same gung ho for movies in the similar way Steven Spielberg wowed moviegoers in 1980s when he created a string of engaging blockbuster movies. As the leading actor, Dicaprio once again delve into dark roles regime, a comfort zone for him as the actor keep playing the similar roles again and again that i question his acting talent versatility. That said, when in his comfort zone (dark roles) he really delve deeply and shows a strong and enjoyable perfomance.
Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Ken Watanabe, Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard. Directed By: Christopher Nolan
Inception is a film of ideas and concept. It tells the story of a man haunted by his mistake that taking its toll by the death of his significant others. All of this happen in a world when people can infiltrate to other people's dream and in a way control it accordingly. The man has to do one last job of incepting an idea into a powerful man's mind in his dream. The reward is that he will be reunited with his son and daughter. Christopher Nolan has created an unparalled masterpiece that ignited talks and discussion for people who already saw the movie. It was a smart script and only Nolan can execute his vision from his own pen to the screen when audiences experience the same gung ho for movies in the similar way Steven Spielberg wowed moviegoers in 1980s when he created a string of engaging blockbuster movies. As the leading actor, Dicaprio once again delve into dark roles regime, a comfort zone for him as the actor keep playing the similar roles again and again that i question his acting talent versatility. That said, when in his comfort zone (dark roles) he really delve deeply and shows a strong and enjoyable perfomance.
Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Ken Watanabe, Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard. Directed By: Christopher Nolan
02. The King's Speech (A)
When King George III died, his son the duke must replace him. The elder son choose not to become a king due to his love for a foreign lady. So the younger must take the crown. The thing is he stutters and stammers when it comes to giving speech. As a king , he has to give speech on a regular basis, but his shortcoming put a big barrier to his job. His wife then asked for professional help from a quirky doctor immediately befriended the King as the two work hard to cure this disease. Colin Firth performance was magnificent, he truly embodied The King's physical as well as emotional persona and his chemistry with Geoffrey Rush was perfect and this become the main drive behind the succesful film that now is the runner up for my best picture of 2010. Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter. Directed By: Tom Hooper
When King George III died, his son the duke must replace him. The elder son choose not to become a king due to his love for a foreign lady. So the younger must take the crown. The thing is he stutters and stammers when it comes to giving speech. As a king , he has to give speech on a regular basis, but his shortcoming put a big barrier to his job. His wife then asked for professional help from a quirky doctor immediately befriended the King as the two work hard to cure this disease. Colin Firth performance was magnificent, he truly embodied The King's physical as well as emotional persona and his chemistry with Geoffrey Rush was perfect and this become the main drive behind the succesful film that now is the runner up for my best picture of 2010. Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter. Directed By: Tom Hooper
01. The Social Network (A)
The story behind the phenomenal Facebook founding based on the non-fiction novel The accidental Billionaire and adapted with the gretest craftmanship by Aaron Sorkin has made The Social Network best picture of 2010. But it is the superb and brilliant directing of David Fincher working behind the camera has made this movie The Citizen Kane of this decade, and it is a major crime that he did not win oscar for best director which went so unfairly to a relatively new director Tom Hooper for The King's Speech. Dissed by the Oscar like Kane, the movie will be talked about for generations to come as one defining moment of motion picture phenomenon of our generation. Jesse Eisenberg not only has Mark Zuckerberg sign all over his face, but the actor managed to bring the character into a more dramatic and humane side. The Oscar might went to Colin Firth for Best Actor, but I think he is truly the best actor of 2010. Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Jsutin Timberlake. Directed By: David Fincher
The story behind the phenomenal Facebook founding based on the non-fiction novel The accidental Billionaire and adapted with the gretest craftmanship by Aaron Sorkin has made The Social Network best picture of 2010. But it is the superb and brilliant directing of David Fincher working behind the camera has made this movie The Citizen Kane of this decade, and it is a major crime that he did not win oscar for best director which went so unfairly to a relatively new director Tom Hooper for The King's Speech. Dissed by the Oscar like Kane, the movie will be talked about for generations to come as one defining moment of motion picture phenomenon of our generation. Jesse Eisenberg not only has Mark Zuckerberg sign all over his face, but the actor managed to bring the character into a more dramatic and humane side. The Oscar might went to Colin Firth for Best Actor, but I think he is truly the best actor of 2010. Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Jsutin Timberlake. Directed By: David Fincher