Why not a top 10 for 2008 while we're at it:
In somewhat no particular order (means I haven't made up my mind yet
)
Slumdog Millionaire
Already discussed, plus I'm a huge Boyle fan.
La Graine et le Mulet (France)
Being old doesn't mean you can't have dreams. A beautiful film about dignity, sacrifice and family love.
Probably too slow and too "artsy" for most.
Waltz with Bashir (Israel)
Just won Best Foreign Film at the GG and a bunch of other awards in other festivals. I'd be very surprised if it doesn't win the Oscar as well (politics might sadly play a role here). Plus in my mind, it's also the best animated film of the year. Particularly relevant in the context of the current Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
The Wrestler
Great film even for non wrestling fans and great performance by Rourke. Aronofsky ("Pi", "Requiem for a Dream", "The Fountain") shows once again that he's a brilliant director.
Milk
Underrated in my book. I can't fathom why this didn't get a nomination for Best Film at the GG. To me this might very well be the best film of the year. Penn will be Rourke's main competition at the Oscars.
The Fall (India/UK/USA)
Technically a 2006 film but was only released in the US in 2008. This is only Tarsem Singh's second film (he directed "The Cell" with Jennifer Lopez in 2000). In a hospital on the outskirts of 1920s Los Angeles, an injured stuntman begins to tell a fellow patient, a little girl with a broken arm, a fantastical story about 5 mythical heroes.
As in "The Cell", you get breathtaking visuals, plus an astute mix of fantasy and reality that will make you laugh and cry simultaneously. Plus a wonderful performance by Catinca Untaru, the little girl who plays Alexandria. Note that this is already out on DVD.
The Dark Night
Not just a great superhero film but a very good film period, dominated by Ledger's performance.
Let the Right One In (Sweden)
Oskar, a bullied 12-year old, dreams of revenge. He falls in love with Eli, a peculiar girl who turns out to be a vampire. Don't be fooled, this is not just your run of the mill vampire story. It's a unique coming-of-age story, both horrifying and tender, that defies categorization. The kid actors are brilliant.
The Chaser (Korea)
Gripping action/crime drama with an asian twist that will keep you riveted to the edge of your seat until the very end. Based on the true story of a serial killer in Korea which kidnapped, tortured and murdered prostitutes and random old men and women before... eating them. Apparently a US remake is already in the works, from the same team who made "The Departed" ("Infernal Affairs" trilogy in HK).
...Benjamin Button
Curious indeed, from David Fincher who shows he hasn't lost his touch. Epic yet elegant and simple with wonderful performances by Pitt and Blanchett. Great film albeit not for all tastes.
