Killer of Sheep
In Killer of Sheep, Charles Burnett delivers a true indie darling, worthy of the name, in its raw portrayal of life and characters in Los Angeles’s inner city, the dehumanizing nature of poverty, and the undeniable drive of humanity to maintain their dignity in the midst of what society wants to consider humiliating circumstances.
Perfect Days
With a pitch-perfect leading performance from Koji Yakusho and a message of appreciation for the everyday and taking joy in the very act of living, it’s easy to see how Perfect Days earns its spot among the Greatest Films of All Time.
Sita Sings the Blues
Paley’s blend of animation styles go a long way in keeping the film engaging, but it’s really the actual retelling of the Ramayana that give Sita Sings the Blues the edge that it needs to earn a place among the greats.
You Can Count on Me
In a film driven by its characters, You Can Count on Me is overflowing with human performances that lend themselves to a feeling of realness rarely seen in dramedies like this one, something that Lonergan excels at, and which makes this one of the Greatest Films of All Time.
Eighth Grade
A welcome blend of authentic humor and drama suffuse Burnham’s script that then receives an even bigger boost from the performance of Elsie Fisher, taking the whole film to a place of all-time greatness.
Short Term 12
The ensemble cast of Short Term 12 help make Destin Daniel Cretton’s beautifully real film into something truly great, full of emotion, originality, and humanity, as it earns a spot on this blog’s list.
God’s Own Country
With strong showings from its leading men to bolster its story about loneliness and human connection, God’s Own Country tells a very British romantic story in a fashion worthy of a place among the Greatest Films of All Time.
Stranger Than Paradise
Stranger Than Paradise’s story of ambition and discovery in America is carried by its three leads - Willie, Eva, and Eddie - who take the film’s simple concept and make it something worthy of a place among the greats.
Beasts of the Southern Wild
The uniqueness of the setting combined with skillfully designed and portrayed character development and compelling thematic elements help make Beasts of the Southern Wilds a rewarding watch.
