In America
Honesty about the grieving process, powerfully emotional adult performances, and surprisingly well-done child acting are the building blocks that make In America a great film.
The Band’s Visit
The Band’s Visit’s unique blend of comedy, family drama, and romance creates an exceptional film, worthy of its place among the Greats.
Places in the Heart
Ultimately, Places in the Heart serves as a flawed vehicle for some excellent performances, which make it one of the Greatest Films of All Time.
The Song of Bernadette
Skillful acting from its young lead and a message of personal faith overcoming societal pressures make The Song of Bernadette worth watching.
Seven Days in May
A classic political thriller, Seven Days in May triumphs through its skillful acting and consistently resonant themes of hope in democracy and peace over fascism and militarism.
I Lost My Body
I Lost My Body’s unique structure and premise are what make it so great. Simple narrative, basic themes, and a mildly problematic attempt at romance keep it from rising higher on this list, but originality makes it a film that still bears watching.
Boiling Point
Stephen Graham’s skilled performance as Chef Andy and the film’s genuinely stressful one-shot cinematography help the audience see past Boiling Point’s lack of major statements about the many issues that dance around its periphery.
The Breadwinner
The Breadwinner serves as a reminder of the importance of story to a world in crisis and an encouragement to those living under extremism and oppression that resistance is possible and a good thing to do.
East of Eden
The universal nature of East of Eden’s story, its fresh take on the biblical Cain and Abel narrative, and the phenomenal performances of James Dean and Jo Van Fleet establish the film as a truly Great Film.
Julia (1977)
Award-winning performances help keep Julia among the ranks of great films despite a convoluted story and lack of thematic cohesion.
A Simple Plan
Compelling themes and solid story-work create the framework for a Great Film in A Simple Plan, despite hit-and-miss acting and a tough-to-stomach story
Steve Jobs
An impressive script combined with skillful acting performances throughout help create a unique biopic that does more to explore the character of Steve Jobs than to give a summary of his life or to pass judgement on the man who made Apple what it is today.
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.
The Lunchbox
Comedy, unique storytelling, and solid side characters build The Lunchbox into a great film, worth watching despite its lack of conclusive ending and its potentially problematic central relationship.
The Master
The Master’s visuals, acting, and the symbiosis of its leading performances make it worth watching.
The Hate U Give
The Hate U Give does its best to present an honest picture of modern issues for modern audiences, featuring solid performances as it does so.
Imitation of Life (1959)
Imitation of Life’s positive notes might not be enough to vault it onto everyone’s must-watch list, but the performances of its supporting actresses keep it in the list of Greatest Films of All Time.
