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 A gripping tale unfolds in the small town of ‘American Rust’, where a mysterious death shakes the community, painting a vivid picture of a struggling Rust Belt town. While its meticulous storytelling and strong performances are commendable, some critics argue that the pacing leaves much to be desired, causing it to feel overly slow despite its profound exploration of societal issues.
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’ boldly tackles the intricate dynamic between a prison therapist and a violent serial rapist, showcasing the captivating performances of Carice van Houten and Marwan Kenzari. Despite the film’s frayed edges and moments of confusion, the fearless portrayals kept me engaged, as the film bravely delves into the depths of forbidden desires and complex emotions.
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’ is an electrifying World War II resistance film that grips viewers with its unexpected plot twists and intense narrative. While the controversial storyline sparks debate, the film’s powerful performances shine through, offering a compelling glimpse into the harsh realities of war and the complexities of resistance, making it a must-see for any film enthusiast.
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’ is a meticulous thriller based on the real-life conspiracy to assassinate Hitler. The film is praised for its narrative clarity and the performances of its cast, particularly Tom Cruise. As a viewer, I appreciated the film’s historical accuracy and the moral dilemmas it presented.
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 delivers a riveting look at the rise and fall of WikiLeaks and its enigmatic founder, Julian Assange, highlighting the power dynamics of information in today’s digital landscape. Although it falls short in fully exploring Assange’s inner motivations, Benedict Cumberbatch’s compelling portrayal makes this biographical thriller a thought-provoking watch despite its narrative shortcomings.
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 immerses viewers in a dark, intense Western drama that tackles the heavy themes of revenge and survival. While its grim tone and graphic violence may deter some, the commendable performances from Guy Pearce and Dakota Fanning provide depth to a complex narrative that uniquely captures the harsh realities of life on the frontier.
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 deeply explores the emotional struggles of a woman battling postpartum depression, with Carice van Houten’s powerful performance brilliantly conveying both vulnerability and resilience. The film’s raw and insightful examination of mental health issues resonates deeply, making it an impactful and essential viewing experience.
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’ is a well-crafted period drama that successfully blends romance and war. Christopher Plummer delivers an excellent performance as the aging German monarch, Kaiser Wilhelm II. The film’s narrative is engaging, and the chemistry between the leads, Jai Courtney and Lily James, is palpable. However, the film’s attempt to explore the culture clash between the German and European counterparts feels tiresome.
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’ intricately weaves a narrative that captures the essence of its historical context, thanks to Sophie Nélisse’s moving portrayal of Liesel, a young girl who finds solace in literature during the Nazi era. While the film excels in engaging storytelling and impressive production design, its attempt to amalgamate elements from ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ and ‘Slaughterhouse-Five’ may leave some viewers feeling that the narrative lacks cohesion.
Halina Reijn and Carice van Houten: Navigating the Complexities of Their Craft and Controversies
