Since the start of the new millennium, countless movies have been watched, favored, and judged. Amongst the sea of viewers, a prominent group of over 500 well-respected actors, directors, and other film enthusiasts of both Hollywood and beyond have taken the task to decide on the top films of the century. This rather difficult job required them to sift through decades of cinematic production, creating a definitive ranking of the greatest films debuted after January 1, 2000.
Movie consumption in the last 25 years has experienced significant transformation. From the eruption of streaming platforms to the global phenomenon of superhero films, the manner and context in which we engage with film have redefined our collective cinematic experience. One might wonder: in the midst of so much change, which movies have managed to sustain their significance over time?
To unveil the timeless classics born in the new era of cinema, an ambitious project was initiated. Calling upon the judgment of more than 500 members from the film fraternity, as well as admirers of the cinematic arts, a poll was conducted. The criteria for selection: the finest ten films post January 2000, interpreted as they individually saw fit.
Gathering their collective responses, a prestigious list of the 100 best movies of the 21st century was assembled. This compilation extends across genres, themes, and culture, unified merely by their general acceptance as the finest pieces of cinematic art of the time.
Each generation’s unique experience and culture is often encapsulated in a defining teen comedy, signifying their challenges and triumphs. The 21st century has been no different, with the movie ‘Superbad’ resonating with audiences as this representation. Crafted with a comedic yet empathetic script by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the plot follows high school friends Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera) navigating their way through teenage life.
Diving into non-fiction, a distinctive documentary stands out from the crowd. A product of Werner Herzog, the film explores the life of Timothy Treadwell, a man who devoted his summers living amongst the brown bears of Alaska. One might expect such a film to be educational, but Treadwell wasn’t a run-of-the-mill expert, transforming his film into a unique discourse about a man’s place in the world around him.
Treadwell’s tragic tale is further fleshed out with his self-documented videos, several hours worth of footage revealing his intimate interactions with the wild. In a heartrending twist, the demise of Treadwell and his girlfriend in 2003 was evident with the accidental recording of their tragic encounter, adding another layer of profundity to the film.
In the realm of action, Alfonso Cuarón has contributed one of the greatest thrillers of the 21st century. A tale of survival against all odds, follows the journey of an astronaut (Sandra Bullock) abandoned in space. Over the course of the narrative, the protagonist must not only navigate the dangers of the cosmos but also grapple with her buried traumas.
Cuarón’s film is more than just a space-faring adventure. It’s a poignant exploration of identity, history, and responsibility intersecting in dramatic circumstances. It creates a spectacular view of our very existence and the connections we forge with the world around us.
Venturing into the realm of superhero movies, one excels above others – Wakanda’s story, a visionary tale spun in the Afrofuturistic setting. It’s not just a run-of-the-mill superhero thrill, but a profound narrative that discusses identity, history, and responsibility.
The women characters of Wakanda (played by Angela Bassett, Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong’o, and Letitia Wright) are a force to be reckoned with – portrayed not merely as background characters but as essential figures of the tale. Michael B. Jordan’s role as Killmonger is particularly noteworthy, evoking sympathy for the antagonist. Chadwick Boseman, in the titular role, delivered one of his best performances, unfortunately, one of his last before his untimely death.
Lastly, the debut feature by Celine Song leaves an indelible mark on the viewer. The movie unfolds with a particularly enchanting opening scene set in a New York bar which engulfs the viewer in an air of mystery. Central to this scene are a woman (played by Greta Lee) and two men (Teo Yoo and John Magaro) whose intertwining relationships invite intrigue.
The film, straddling both New York City and Seoul, weaves an intricate narrative of love, fate, and reinvention. The closing scene of the film: a one-take shot with the initial three characters, staged on a sidewalk, promises to leave the audience with an emotional impression.
These redefined classics of the 21st century have not only captivated audiences but have also stood the test of time and technological change. Selected by the influential figures in the industry and beyond, they have proved their significance and continue to inspire generations to come.
The post Defining Films that Shaped the 21st Century appeared first on Real News Now.
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