10. Cameraperson
This is an autobiographical documentary film from director and cinematographer Kirsten Johnson brings together a collection of footage collected over the years of her career behind the camera. 'Cameraperson' premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and has received critical acclaim, including winning several international awards.There are several haunting scenes and the resulting feeling for the audience is that they’ve been given a poetic insight into a bit more of the world.
9. Little Men
The movie follows two boys living in Brooklyn, whose friendship is put to the test when their parents’ have a disagreement over money. The cast is great and includes acting stalwarts such as Alfred Molina and Greg Kinnear. But relative newcomers, Theo Taplitz and Michael Barbieri, who play Jake and Tony respectively, are brilliant. Jake is a quiet introvert, and Michael is a charming extrovert, and no matter your age, you can relate to one of them.
8. I, Daniel Blake
This film won the Palme d’Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. It follows the story of Daniel Blake, an unemployed widower, who is denied employment and support allowance and must fight against bureaucracy to maintain his dignity, and the dignity of those around him. It is a damning portrayal of the United Kingdom’s welfare state, and an eye-opening look at life on the poverty line. It is a simple film in terms of its style and narrative, but it is deeply complex in its raw emotion.
7. The Light Between Oceans
The film is an adaptation of the novel of the same name. Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander take the lead roles, and they have great chemistry together. They both put in strong performances, with Alicia Vikander being especially noteworthy, as a mother desperate for her own child. It received mixed reviews upon release, with many criticising its oversentimentality. Although 'The Light Between Oceans' does tend to tug on the heartstrings, it is a well shot, well-acted and incredibly moving film.
6. Midnight Special
This science fiction film from Director Jeff Nichols was inspired by Steven Spielberg’s 'E.T' and 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', and you can see these influences when you watch it. There are some great central performances, Joel Egerton, Michael Shannon, Kirsten Dunst and Adam Driver are all brilliant. But Jaeden Lieberher is exceptional as eight-year-old Alton. He is wide eyed and innocent, yet also deeply mature and wise. The story is not particularly new, but 'Midnight Special' feels original and fresh. It is definitely a film that sci fi fans should check out.
5.Paterson
The synopsis for this film may not sound like it would be riveting to watch, but there is something oddly beautiful and engrossing about watching the minutiae of everyday life being played out in front of you. Paterson is a film which quietly observes and invites the audience to quietly observe too. There are repeated shapes and symbols, which are never quite explained, leaving the audience as intrigued with them as Paterson himself is. Played by Adam Driver, 'Paterson' is a film for dreamers and realists alike.
4. American Honey
The movie offers a window into life on the road for teenager Star, who has run away from her troubled home. The narrative is sprawling, and sometimes seems directionless, but as is life when you are coming of age and learning about the world. 'American Honey' is an homage to so many things, life on the road, and being young and hopeful. It is also a road movie, and the audience is treated to an honest view of Middle America, its landscape, and the divides that exist there.
3. The Handmaiden
This South Korean thriller from Director Park Chan-wook has twists and turns and it'is drenched in eroticism and passion, being inspired by the novel ‘Fingersmith'. Director Park Chan-wook’s style is incredibly distinctive. There is an element of depravity, and perverseness in this film, but the cinematography and visuals are engaging and satisfying. The film is reasonably long at 147 minutes, but you want to keep watching, sometimes in awkward disbelief, other times in shocked realisation.
2. Kubo And The Two Strings
Animations often have universal appeal, and 'Kubo And The Two Strings' definitely falls into this category. It has something to offer all ages and audiences, and will leave an impression on everyone who watches it. The stop motion is brilliantly done, and fits in so well with this richly told tale.The movie feels like storytelling at its most wonderful, it is captivating and captures the imagination. From the opening scene, and throughout, 'Kubo And The Two Strings' is engrossing and engaging.
1. Captain Fantastic
The title of this film may sound like another comic book blockbuster. Viggo Mortensen was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, for his role in this film as a father who is raising six children in the wilderness, when they are forced to reintegrate back into society. What is most wonderful about this film, is that ultimately it is about being true to yourself and the importance of family. This message resonates more as the film progresses, so by the conclusion 'Captain Fantastic' has a feel-good and heart-warming effect.