It's such a privilege to be living in Malaysia as our cinema tickets are still one of the cheapest (if not the cheapest) in the world; It cost only about RM15 (USD3.50) per admission to be entertained, educated and challenged. Of course one has to pay a loading for IMAX, 3D and other immersive experiences but the standard cinemas are good enough for me. The seats are comfortable, the sound is good and the air-conditioned temperature is always perfect.
On a side note, although none of the the locally produced movie this year which I've watched made it to my Top 10, I must say this year's quality collectively has improved. The one that left an impression on me was Jagat. If the industry continues to move towards this way, our film industry will progress slowly but surely.
What I like about this movie: Important characters get killed off in this unrestrained Star Wars movie. It wasn't done to manipulate the heartstrings of the audience but it was necessary for the plot and it serves an important "moment" in the Star Wars saga. The effects were believable and of course, that last scene...it reminded us all, why Darth Vader is the most bad ass villain ever created on the silver screen.
What I like about this movie: This performance driven movie is haunting. Eveything about it was good; the pacing, the cinematography, the sound. It's also educational especially what a prisoner on death row will go through on the day of his hanging. It's deeply unsettling.
On a side note, although none of the the locally produced movie this year which I've watched made it to my Top 10, I must say this year's quality collectively has improved. The one that left an impression on me was Jagat. If the industry continues to move towards this way, our film industry will progress slowly but surely.
OK! Enough of the commentary and on with the Top 10!
Note: Some of these films were released last year in the US but it only found its way to our shores early this year, especially the more non-blockbuster type of movies.
#10 STORKS (8.5/10)
What I like about this movie: Many will be wondering how did this movie ended up in my Top 10. It's silly and absurd with its random over-the-top humour. And that's probably the reason why I LOL in the cinema hall, so loud that the audience around me were looking at me. It just hit all the right spots for me. This movie made me very satisfied and happy.
#9 ZOOTOPIA (8.5/10)
What I like about this movie: A very timely movie on the theme of "unity in diversity" and "self-acceptance". There are many thought provoking moments where adult viewers will be moved to confront the kid in them. It's also funny and of course, has alot of heart. And the expressive cute EARS!
#8 ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (8.5/10)
#7 THE JUNGLE BOOK (8.5/10)
What I like about this movie: Probably the best CGI movie of the year. That's the main star. We're talking about full on motion capture layered into CGI trees, river and mountains. It is mind boggling and more importantly, it's beautiful and believable.
#6 TRIVISA (8.5/10)
What I like about this movie: Probably one of the best authentic Hong Kong movies in recent years that didn't sell out to the pressures of Big Brother. A smart 3 films in 1 movie that sets up to be a sociopolitical commentary by weaving in the popular HK gangster genre into its narrative. Each film has its own strength especially the story starring Gordon Lam. But the actor that stood out the most to me is Richie Jen; the once popular heartthrob from Taiwan. He is unrecognizable and totally badass in this movie (yup, that's him in the singlet).
#5 KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS (9/10)
What I like about this movie: A powerful story about the power of storytelling. It was an inspired choice to use stop motion + CGI to tell such an epic fantasy because the results are organic and 'human'. The voice cast is spot on while the soundtrack is just perfect especially during the tender moments. I teared during some of these scenes T_T
#4 EYE IN THE SKY (9/10)
What I like about this movie: If there's one thing I remember about this movie is its tension. I definitely remember squirming in the cinema seat during some of its sequences. This intelligent 'talky drama' provides an almost real-time comprehensive inside look on the bureaucracy and humanity of a drone strike. The acting is damn believable.
#3 THE BIG SHORT (9/10)
What I like about this movie: One of those rare movies where comedy and drama are used so seamlessly to educate us on a complicated subject; the 2008 housing credit bubble burst which triggered a devastating global financial meltdown where tens of thousands of people lost their homes and jobs. Even with an ensemble of a power cast, all the characters (both lead and supporting) are fleshed out well. I remember feeling a sense of deep anger towards the greed of men when I walked out of the cinema hall.
#2 APPRENTICE (9.5/10)
#2 APPRENTICE (9.5/10)
#1 THE WAILING (10/10)
What I like about this movie: This psychological + thriller + horror Korean flick messed up my mind pretty good during the movie and after it concluded, as it continued to haunt me for days with its satisfying ambiguous ending. Everyone involved in the production (actors, cinematographer, sound, score, editor, costume, set design etc) delivers beyond what was expected most likely due to the leadership of its director and screenwriter, Na Hong-jin - a visionary and also a perfectionist in the details.
Lastly, here's looking forward to 2017!
Lastly, here's looking forward to 2017!
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