Best Movies of the year 2013

1) 12 years a Slave

12 Years should be an obligatory viewing experience for every person in America, or any place in the world for that matter. It is unforgettable, brutal, yet elegant. Steve McQueen (director) has crafted a beautifully rendered punch to the gut to the most shameful chapter in American history. 12 years is one of the best and most courageous films I have ever seen.

2) Inside Llewin Davis

The Coen Brothers add another impressive work to their repertoire. An intriguing look at depression, art and the struggle to find purpose in life. For all its grim pessimism, Inside Llewyn Davis is almost romantic in its own way, giving you a timid and strange sense of hope at the end.

3) All is Lost

There are 5 lines in the whole movie, one actor, one setting and no back story, but somehow the movie feels like an internal monologue, a conversation between one man and himself. Robert Redford deserved a best actor nomination for his incredible work on this film.

4) Short Term 12

I have seen many rehab movies, but Short Term breaks the mold with effortless realism, by turning something generic into something moving and intimate. Short Term is a powerful exploration of empathy and vocation.

5) Her

Her is a melancholic film, beautifully directed, that manages to be satirical, poignant and sentimental all at once. An introspective look at love in a digital, distracted age. Spike Jonze (the director) takes a remarkably honest look at the evolution of human emotions, human needs and personal interactions.

6) Fruitvale Station

Believable real quality performances and a sensitive yet confident direction make this a powerful film with visceral impact. Fruitvale Station refuses to turn the incident into a statement on race and divisiveness; instead it focuses on the characters, their struggles and OUR hopes as viewers for redemption.

7) Gravity

An absolute technical marvel in every way possible, Gravity is not a film of ideas, emotions, or life lessons, but a physical experience – one that engages all your senses. This is groundbreaking work, and hopefully will turn the tide on the industry’s dull and monotonous CGI movement.

8) The Wolf of Wall Street

I have no idea how Martin Scorcese continues to make films that resonate with modern audiences. He did Taxi Driver in the 70’s, Ragin Bull in the 80’s, Goodfellas in the 90’s, Gangs of New York in the 2000’s and now, with the Wolf of Wall Street, he can probably rest for the next 6 years (please don’t!!)

9) Nebraska

Nebraska is a gem of a film from master filmmaker Alexander Payne, who has come back to form after making the “not so great” Descendants. It's ideal material for Payne, a director with great insight on the American Midwest. Nebraska looks into America's soul and finds a troubling emptiness, a ruthless social satire, that describes the mood of “small town America”.

10) The Hunt

The Hunt is an engrossing, profoundly disturbing psychological drama - with a devastating conclusion. A terrifying story of a modern-day witch hunt. An intense drama, of a man's life torn apart by his fellow citizens.

Oscar Predictions

Best Picture

Who is going to win: 12 years a Slave

Who should win: 12 Years a slave

Best Director

Who is going to win: Alfonso Cuaron

Who should win: Alfonso Cuaron

Best Actor

Who is going to win: Matthew McConaughey

Who should win: Leonardo Dicaprio

Best Actress

Who is going to: Cate Blanchett

Who should win: Cate Blanchett

Best Supporting Actor

Who is going to win: Jared Leto

Who should win: Jared Leto

Best Supporting Actress:

Who is going to win: Lupita Nyongo’s

Who should win: Lupita Nyongo’s

Best Original Screenplay

Who is going to win: Her

Who should win: Her

Best Adapted Screenplay

Who is going to win: 12 Years a Salve

Who should win: Before Midnight