1. American Rust 2021，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 11771, ID: 1532495 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘American Rust’ tells a gripping story of a small town shaken by a mysterious death, delving into the challenges faced by a depressed Rust Belt community; however, while the series boasts meticulous storytelling and strong performances, critics label it as hopelessly boring. As a movie lover, I experienced the series as a profound commentary on societal issues, yet I couldn’t help but think that a more brisk pace would have enhanced its impact.
2. Instinct 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.0, IMDB Votes: 2889, ID: 8386898 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘Instinct’ presents a bold Dutch drama that dives deep into the fraught relationship between a prison therapist and a violent serial rapist, showcasing commendable performances from Carice van Houten and Marwan Kenzari; despite this, the film is critiqued for its rough edges and moments of confusion. Personally, I found myself engrossed by the audacious performances and the film’s fearless exploration of taboo desires.
3. Zwartboek 2006，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 80910, ID: 0389557 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘Zwartboek’ stands out as a riveting World War II resistance film that draws viewers in with its unexpected plot twists; even though it stirs controversy with its storyline, it earns praise for its outstanding performances and its raw depiction of the harsh realities of war. As a cinema enthusiast, I feel that this film delivers a powerful representation of the intricate dynamics of war and resistance.
4. Valkyrie 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 261160, ID: 0985699 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘Valkyrie’ offers a detailed thriller that recounts the real-life conspiracy to assassinate Hitler with precision and clarity; the film garners appreciation for its coherent narrative and the strong performances of its cast, especially that of Tom Cruise. From my perspective, I valued the film’s commitment to historical accuracy and the moral questions it raises throughout.
5. Game of Thrones 2011，IMDB Rating: 9.2, IMDB Votes: 2321692, ID: 0944947 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY 2.0 ‘Game of Thrones’ is a well-acted, smartly written drama that has captivated audiences with its intricate storytelling and dark themes. Despite its complex plot and large ensemble, the series has been praised for making viewers care deeply for its characters. As a viewer, I was drawn into the series’ immersive world and emotionally invested in the fate of its characters.
6. The Fifth Estate 2013，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 42874, ID: 1837703 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY 2.0 ‘The Fifth Estate’ is a biographical thriller that chronicles the dramatic rise and fall of WikiLeaks along with its enigmatic founder, Julian Assange, presenting a captivating look at the influence of information in our digital world; however, it misses the mark in thoroughly exploring Assange’s complex character. Even with its shortcomings, I found that Benedict Cumberbatch’s compelling portrayal of Assange makes this film a worthwhile watch.
7. Brimstone 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 45669, ID: 1895315 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Brimstone is a dark, intense Western drama that explores themes of revenge and survival. The film’s grim tone and graphic violence may not appeal to everyone, but the performances, particularly those of Guy Pearce and Dakota Fanning, are commendable. The film’s narrative, while complex, offers a unique perspective on the harsh realities of frontier life.
8. De gelukkige huisvrouw 2010，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 2997, ID: 0920459 Photo by mfdb.eu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 De gelukkige huisvrouw is a poignant drama that delves into the emotional turmoil of a woman struggling with postpartum depression. Carice van Houten delivers a powerful performance, capturing the character’s vulnerability and resilience. The film’s exploration of mental health issues is both raw and insightful, making it a compelling watch.
9. Jackie 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 83814, ID: 1619029 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Jackie is a deeply moving biographical drama that offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Jackie Kennedy following the assassination of her husband. Natalie Portman’s transformative performance is the highlight of the film, capturing Jackie’s grief, dignity, and determination with remarkable authenticity. The film’s exploration of personal loss against a backdrop of national tragedy makes it a compelling cinematic experience.
10. The Glass Room 2019，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 1086, ID: 8255890 Photo by honf.org, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 The Glass Room is a visually stunning film that tells the story of a unique house and its impact on the lives of its inhabitants. While the film is aesthetically pleasing, it lacks depth in its storytelling. The narrative could have benefited from a stronger focus on character development and emotional resonance.
11. Red Sparrow 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 203194, ID: 2873282 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under PDM 1.0 Red Sparrow is a gripping thriller that explores the life of a Russian spy, Dominika Egorova, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence. The film showcases her physical and psychological fortitude in the face of shocking and violent sequences. However, the film’s tone and unnecessarily long running time make it less thrilling. The film’s depiction of spycraft is limited, reducing it to a series of sensual manipulations.
12. Race 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 41605, ID: 3499096 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Race is a biographical sports drama film about African-American athlete Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. The film is praised for its cerebral storytelling, despite its lack of visceral sports action. It provides a detailed account of Owens’ life, his struggles with racial discrimination, and his triumph against all odds.
13. The Letters 2014，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 1122, ID: 1445208 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 The Letters is a biographical drama film that explores the life of Mother Teresa through letters she wrote to her longtime friend and spiritual advisor, Father Celeste van Exem, over a nearly fifty-year period. The film reveals a troubled and vulnerable woman who grew to feel an isolation and an abandonment by God.
14. Incarnate 2016，IMDB Rating: 5.3, IMDB Votes: 14249, ID: 3216348 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 In ‘Incarnate’, Aaron Eckhart delivers a performance that is both intense and captivating. The film’s premise of a man who can enter the subconscious of the possessed is intriguing, but the execution falls short, resulting in a film that feels more like a cheap ‘Exorcist’ knockoff. Despite its shortcomings, ‘Incarnate’ offers a unique perspective on demonic possession that could have been more effectively explored.
15. The Postcard Killings 2020，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 16175, ID: 4106514 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘The Postcard Killings’ is a film that promises an intriguing mystery but fails to deliver. The plot, which revolves around a detective investigating his daughter’s murder, is filled with convenient clues and lacks suspense. Despite the strong performances, the film’s narrative is frustratingly disjointed and the editing is scattershot.
16. The Exception 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 15665, ID: 4721124 Photo by cyberculture.ro, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0/a> ‘The Exception’ masterfully intertwines romance and warfare in a well-crafted period drama, featuring a standout performance by Christopher Plummer as Kaiser Wilhelm II; the film’s engaging narrative and the undeniable chemistry between leads Jai Courtney and Lily James contribute to its allure. Yet, I felt that the attempt to highlight the cultural clash between German and European counterparts occasionally came off as tedious.
17. The Book Thief 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 142997, ID: 0816442 Photo by m.cdn.blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘The Book Thief’ resonates with its poignant capturing of the time period, with Sophie Nélisse delivering a powerful portrayal of Liesel, a young girl finding refuge in literature amidst the chaos of the Nazi era; the film’s engaging narrative and meticulous attention to costume and set design truly stand out. However, I noticed that its effort to blend elements from ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ and ‘Slaughterhouse-Five’ results in a narrative that occasionally feels disjointed.
Halina Reijn and Carice van Houten: Navigating Artistic Challenges and Controversies Together
