9) A Separation
Director: Asghar Farhadi
Release Year: 2011
A Separation is a successful masterpiece across various mediums and is cherished worldwide, from its country of origin (Iran) to other nations such as the U.S. and Israel.
The film presents a straightforward narrative centered around the divorce of a couple, Nader and Simin. Although the situation is simple, the complexities of life in contemporary Iranian society are vividly portrayed. Director Asghar Farhadi employs the principle of “documentary realism” to reflect real-life experiences in this film.
8) Yi Yi: A One and a Two
Director: Edward Yang
Release Year: 2000
Yi Yi (A One and a Two) is a nearly three-hour-long film by director Edward Yang, detailing the life of a middle-class family in Taiwan through three interconnected generations. Yi Yi offers a profound and realistic portrayal of the daily lives of its characters.
With Yi Yi, director Edward Yang won the Best Director award at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival. USA Today, The New York Times, Newsweek, and the National Board of Review labeled Yi Yi as one of the best films of 2001. In 2002, the Sight and Sound magazine of the British Film Institute recognized Yi Yi as one of the most significant films of the past 25 years.
7) The Tree of Life
Director: Terrence Malick
Release Year: 2011
Upon its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2011, The Tree of Life – Terrence Malick’s fifth feature – generated mixed reactions from audiences. Some praised its simplicity with its 139-minute runtime, while others found it overwhelming due to its emotional depth and stunning visuals.
Ultimately, The Tree of Life was awarded the Palme d’Or and continues to spark discussions about its artistic merit. Many believe that awarding the top prize to this film has raised the status and credibility of the Cannes Film Festival, although many viewers consider its win to be wholly deserved.
6) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Director: Michel Gondry
Release Year: 2004
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a psychological film released in March 2004, directed by French filmmaker Michel Gondry based on a screenplay by Charlie Kaufman. The film stars Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, and Tom Wilkinson.
The film follows the story of Joel Barish (Carrey) and Clementine Kruczynski (Winslet), who decide to erase memories of each other after a painful breakup. However, Joel soon realizes he cannot live without Clementine and seeks to recover his lost memories of her.
Upon its release, Eternal Sunshine received widespread acclaim, particularly for Kaufman’s innovative screenplay and the performances of Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. For this work, Kaufman won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, while Winslet was nominated for her performance, marking her fourth Academy Award nomination.
5) Boyhood
Director: Richard Linklater
Release Year: 2014
Filmed over 12 years, Boyhood reflects everything that director Richard Linklater devoted to capturing his own childhood experiences. The film, shot between 2002 and 2014, features a real cast that ages naturally, documenting the growth of Mason from childhood through adolescence.
Boyhood offers a unique perspective on the relationship between parents and children. The film’s story is subtle, relatable, and can resonate with anyone. It captures Mason’s journey through mundane experiences while also addressing significant life events that shape his identity. Through Mason, the audience sees reflections of their own childhood, filled with curiosity and a mix of hope and anxiety about the future.
4) Spirited Away
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Release Year: 2001
Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi is a Japanese animated film released in 2001, produced by Studio Ghibli and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The story follows Ogino Chihiro (voiced by Rumi Hiiragi), a 10-year-old girl who becomes trapped in a world of spirits and gods.
The film was released on July 20, 2001, and became a landmark in Japanese cinema, grossing up to $289 million. It surpassed Titanic in Japanese box offices to become the highest-grossing film in Japan, reaching 30.4 billion yen. Critics worldwide praised Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, ranking it among the best films of the decade and one of the most significant animated films of all time.
The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 75th Academy Awards and the Golden Bear at the 2002 Berlin Film Festival, and it is listed in the top 10 of the British Film Institute’s list of 50 films to watch by age 14.
3) There Will Be Blood
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Release Year: 2007
There Will Be Blood is based on Upton Sinclair’s 1927 novel Oil, detailing the life of oilman Daniel Plainview. The film explores Plainview’s journey from discovering oil in a drilling site in 1898 to his rise to power.
The film portrays Plainview’s relentless pursuit of wealth and power, which ultimately leads to moral corruption. As he achieves his dreams, he faces the consequences of his actions, illustrating the dark side of ambition.
2) In the Mood for Love
Director: Wong Kar Wai
Release Year: 2000
In the Mood for Love is a Hong Kong film released in 2000 by director Wong Kar Wai, starring Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung. The film’s title is derived from a 1946 song by Zhou Xuan. The English title is inspired by Bryan Ferry’s song “I’m in the Mood for Love,” which is also featured in the film.
In the Mood for Love is the second installment of a trilogy that also includes Days of Being Wild (1990) and 2046 (2004). It is considered one of the most romantic films of the 21st century.
1) Mulholland Drive
Director: David Lynch
Release Year: 2001
Mulholland Drive was released at the end of 2001 and is often viewed as a profound commentary on Hollywood’s commercial nature. Director David Lynch skillfully intertwines complex narratives, leaving audiences captivated and puzzled.
Mulholland Drive explores the intricate relationships between characters: an aspiring actress named Betty, who meets Rita, a woman suffering from amnesia, and Adam, a director grappling with his own challenges. Lynch masterfully blends multiple narratives, creating a surreal experience filled with intrigue and mystery.
As the film progresses, seemingly inconsequential details gain significance, solidifying its status as a cinematic masterpiece. “Mulholland Drive” provides a haunting glimpse into the underbelly of Hollywood, a world where dreams become nightmares and reality blurs into illusion.
