I like to believe I started to have a conscious look on film after my 17th birthday, in 2002. This means most of my accurate cinematic history will have to be from whatever what was released after 2000. However, lots of catch-up and growing up with plenty of television made me see most of what came out in the 80’s and 90’s, two incredible decades for film. The latest decade has shown a shift to superhero cinema, CGI, economic markets forcing studios to produce less films with lower risk, endless franchises, sequels and more CGI. However, it has also brought out a new stream of original independent cinema. Here are the 10 best films made after 2000:
10. Das Leben der Anderen (the Lives of Others, 2006, Germany)
This German drama about a stasi agent (East Germany’s secret police before the Fall of the Berlin Wall), who secretly listens to people’s conversations as part of a strict surveillance, deservedly won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film in 2007. Incredibly moving and suspenseful, the film taught a sad historic truth of life in East Germany before the fall, and tapped on some current topics regarding invasion of privacy. Shockingly, the film’s promising director went on to make ‘the Tourist’ (dreadful) in 2010.
9. Birdman (2014, USA)
As much as it still has to prove the test of time, this is one of the most daring and original films on this list. Birdman takes on the film industry, fame, our individual perception of significance and narcissism through a tragic yet relatable character, crafted with sheer technical brilliance. It might move up this list once it matures, I love it.
8. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001, USA)
We all got to know Wes Anderson in the 2000’s. His unique style, quirky characters and dry portrayal of family issues (most of them paternal, as a recurrent theme in his films). Never have his films declined in quality or bored through repetitiveness, as they led to the brilliant and most recent Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). Of all his films, the Royal Tenenbaums is his most significant, memorable and flawless. (and the one I’ve seen most times)
7. The New World (2005, USA)
Of all of Terrence Malick’s films, the New World is the most overlooked and perhaps most underrated films in his oeuvre. Love him or hate him, his philosophical, suggestive-rather-than-explanatory films are always of great beauty. If they do touch a nerve, Malick has the ability to put wonders on the screen. In an era full of mind-numbing simplification, the New World was a daring breath of fresh air. Going back to the origin story of Pocahontas, this is the ‘Avatar’ you should actually see.
6. A Separation (2011, Iran)
Another Oscar winner in the list, this time from Iran (Best Foreign Film, 2012). A morally complex drama about a collapse of a relationship in modern day Teheran. It shows the hardships of living in Iran as well as providing a powerful look at the justice system dealing with flawed and decent characters alike, keeping the audience in sheer suspense. The ending left me with a standing ovation.
5. El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth, 2006, Mexico)
Guillermo del Toro’s fantasy thriller set during the Spanish Civil War is a fairy tale for adults. Combining Alice in Wonderland with a grueling war drama, the film is so hauntingly engaging and beautiful, it is somewhere on top of my ‘rewatch’ list. A magical piece of art. Nominated for 6 Oscars (unique for a foreign film). It won 3.
4. There Will Be Blood (2007, USA)
I really thought ‘Magnolia’ would make this list, only to find out it actually came out in 1999. I’ve been a major Paul Thomas Anderson fan ever since. I remember seeing There Will Be Blood at a film festival, and completely forgetting what else I saw that weekend. Daniel Day-Lewis is such a force on screen, the character study of this flawed character was an absolute joy to watch. Stunningly shot and scored (what a haunting soundtrack!), this film is a classic.
3. The Dark Knight (2008, USA)
In an era of countless superhero films, there is one that probably will be considered the best. Although part of a strong trilogy, the Dark Knight stands out with its post-9/11 views, the fight on terror, invasion of privacy and a bleak portrayal of one of the most iconic cinematic villains ever put on screen by Heath Ledger. Dark, realistic, intense and absolutely perfect.
2. Lost in Translation (2003, USA)
It is described as a comedy about melancholy. I see Lost in Translation as the most layered and realistic modern portrayal of life on film. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson have such impeccable chemistry, and their flawed and almost tragic state of being fuels their attraction. The acting is perfect. Balanced with hilarious wit and beautiful settings, its minimal dialogue and simplistic plot create magic on the screen. Should have won the Best Film Oscar in 2004.
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004, USA)
This has to be the most inventive love story to touch on something that remains so close to anyone’s experience of life. We all deal with love, loss, regret, and sorrow. In this story we go into the mind of a man trying to erase his memory of a recent relationship gone wrong, and regretting it along the way. The film goes back and forth between his memory and the real world, and marvels with inventive ways to show how technology can influence our lives yet leaves us with a core feeling of human attraction that ultimately conquers. With unusually daring casting (Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet are incredible), beautiful cinematography and camera trickery, this film engages on every level. Was awarded an Oscar for its screenplay, yet the film and actors should have deserved equal treatment. A masterpiece.
Honourable Mentions (films that almost made the top 10):
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004, Argentina)
American Psycho (2000, USA)
Pixar’s UP! (2009, USA)
The Prestige (2006, USA)
City of God (2002, Brazil)
Les Intouchables (2012, France)
About Film & Stuff 