Here is my revised list, my first list (here) was for 2004 films seen theatrically within the calendar year. This list includes all 2004 releases I've seen theatrically including those seen in 2005. There also may be some shuffling since the original list, but this should be considered my final '04 list. Only lists that changed appear here, so please be sure to visit my more extensive prior list.
Top 10 Films of the Year
- 10. The Saddest Music in the World.
Here is a movie which surprised me. It is one of the most bizarre films I've seen. I'm not sure I could adequately describe this great movie.
9. A Very Long Engagement. Jean-Pierre Jeunet has crafted a wonderful WWI romance and Audrey Tautou gives a powerful heartfelt performance.8. The Aviator. Scorsese strikes again giving us this look into the bizarre world of Howard Hughes. This is one of the better bio-pics I've yet seen. Leonardo Dicaprio proves that he is a talented actor. Also features fine supporting acts.7. Sideways. Alexander Payne weaves a tale of real people and real situations. Great performances and dialogue highlight this comic drama.6. Garden State. Who knew Scrubs' Zach Braff had this in him? He has come out as a new voice for the big screen. I look forward to what he does next. I can't recommend this enough.5. Hotel Rwanda. Amazing film, Don Cheadle gives one of the best performances of the year. It took me awhile to regain my composure afterwards.4. House of Flying Daggers. An absolutely stunning film to look at, it tells a simple tale that has more epic implications.3. Kill Bill Vol. 2. The completion of an epic revenge tale stands alone as it takes The Bride's quest to an end. Tarantino has taken many of his influences and put his own stamp on it. 2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. This film blew me away. It's visual inventiveness and emotional resonance are second to none. There was no way to predict how this would connect with me. A definite must see for anyone who likes movies, or has known the feeling of lost love.1. The Passion of the Christ. An absolutely incredible experience. Beautifully shot and acted. Please see it before making up your mind.
NOTES:
- I replaced Hero with House of Flying Daggers mainly based on the whole release year thing.
- Bad Education and Spider-Man 2 were dropped from the list, both are still very good films, but they didn't make the final cut.
- Saddest Music in the World dropped from 7 to 10.
- Garden State and Sideways each dropped one spot to 6 and 7.
- Hotel Rwanda inserted at number 5.
- A Very Long Engagement entered at number 9.
Article comments
1 - Joel Caris
Nice list, Chris. Thanks for the heads up on Saddest Music in the World and Born Into Brothels. Have both of those in my Netflix queue now.
I still need to catch up on 2004 movies. There are five movies on your top 10 list that I haven't seen but really want to. Hotel Rwanda and A Very Long Engagement in particular.
And while, granted, I haven't seen all those movies, I'm pretty sure my own list would have made room for Closer. That was one of my favorite films from last year.
2 - Chris Beaumont
I actually just saw Brothels and Engagement this past weekend.
I believe I have Closer on my Runner Up list.
Saddest was a great film, not to all tastes but definitely unique.
3 - Joel Caris
I really need to see Engagement. Loved Amelie, though this seems to be a very different film. Meant to see it in the theater but never got around to it, so now I'm waiting on the DVD. Although, it may still be playing somewhere around here . . .
4 - Chris Beaumont
I too loved Amelie, and Engagement is a very different film, it still has a wonderful charm to it, but it has a much more somber tone which is lit be moments of comedy. It actually opened near me this past Friday at a second run theater! Needless to say, the projection leaves a lot to be desired.
5 - Joel Caris
I just checked and see that it's playing at the Fox Tower here in Portland, where I know it was playing a couple months before. I wonder if it's been running the entire time or came back for a second run. Either way, I'll try to check it out before it's gone.
Yeah, that's the bad thing about seeing them late, though. The print usually has been banged up pretty well. Fox Tower is part of Regal, though, with a focus on indie and smaller films, so their projection and sound systems are just fine. So it should be in decent shape, even though the print will likely be worn.
6 - Chris Beaumont
I plan on doing a column about theatrical experiences (who am I kidding, I've been saying that for a year)
Anyway, the 2nd run theater here will sometimes get these films that don't play at our first run, for that I am happy and it is well worth the 2 buck ticket!
7 - Joel Caris
The price is certainly a draw for second run theaters. There's a great theater run by a brewery that shows films for $3. The night shows are 21 and over only, you can sit in big, comfortable old furniture and have a beer while watching the movie. Granted, the sound system leaves something to be desired, but it's otherwise a great set up--cheap and free of kids.
I think a column on theatrical experiences would be quite interesting. Hope you find the time for it.
8 - Michelle
When you replaced Hero, you didn't change your comments on the movie. Jet Li doesn't actually appear in House of Flying Daggers... but Zhang ZiYi does. Great list by the way... I'll file it away for films to watch on DVD (I was in japan most of last year)
9 - Chris Beaumont
Thanks Michelle, can't believe I missed that! It has been rectified. I hope you enjoyed your time in Japan.