By Jared Free
As we begin this new decade, I’d like to draw attention to some films that you may not have seen. Most of these movies I saw for the first time in 2019, and they highlighted just how amazing the 21st century has been for increasing access to diverse styles and modes of filmmaking. Although I still have a long way to go with my personal film knowledge, I’d like to share this selection of films that made me even more excited to see where this new decade will take us. Tune in for the second half next month!
Summer Wars (2009) dir. Mamoru Hosoda
For many, this is Hosoda’s signature work. For me, it was the only movie of his I hadn’t seen. I knew that it drew strong parallels with his work in the Digimon cinematic universe, but I didn’t expect it to be a tender portrait of family affection and mutual support. The atmosphere deftly switches between nostalgic, romantic, and hilarity, and the narrative threads and juggled just as deftly. For an invigorating, heartwarming adventure, you’d be hard pressed to find better.
Easter Parade (1948) dir. Charles Walters
If the second half of the 20th century taught us anything, it was that Judy Garland could charm the pants off anyone. This film sees her struggle to impress a demanding Fred Astaire in their only collaboration, and it’s so romantic its damn near deadly.
Shadow (2018) dir. Zhang Yimou
There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a beloved master return to form. After a string of instant classics in the early 1990s, Yimou’s directorial output became somewhat hit or miss. But his latest (released) film is a gorgeously stylish action thriller with political intrigue, romantic tension, and jaw dropping fight scenes to spare. Lead actor Deng Chao turns in an especially impressive double role as a scheming military commander and his double.
Love Jones (1997) dir. Theodore Witcher
Another potently romantic film, the debut (and to date, only) film from Witcher is doused through with the melancholy of realistic relationships. There aren’t any easy rom com solutions here, but the gorgeous music and maturely drawn characters make this a love story you won’t want to miss.
Over the Garden Wall (2014) dir. Patrick McHale
As you probably have guessed by this point, I love cartoons. But even when I consider all the animation that I hold near and dear, Over the Garden Wall is in a class apart. This mature fairy tale holds a myriad of lessons and mediations on self-confidence, family, and hope. The deeply macabre Americana setting provides a great jumping off point for the stunning musical set pieces, all of which combine to make this something you’ll want to watch again and again.
