Paman Fajar & Film

Here’s my top 10 movies (plus one favorite) in an interesting year of movie in 2011:

#11 The Muppets/2011/USA/109 mins/dir. James Bobin

Jason Segel, the man who lived in his dreams, brings the old and new fans into one picture and captured our innocence. The Muppets is a joyness. You’ll smile, laugh, and cry at the same time. My favorite.

#10 The Raid (Serbuan Maut)/2011/Indonesia/101 mins/dir. Gareth Evans

The Raid might be the most ambitious Indonesian action movie of 2011. It gained buzz since its very first premier in 2011 TIFFF and a night sensation as a closing film in 11iNAFFF. It’s not that perfect (blunt dialog) but gives hope to Indonesian movie industry.

#9 We Need to Talk About Kevin/2011/UK/USA/112 mins/ dir. Lynne Ramsay

Horror can shown in blood-less but still haunts you. And We Need to Talk About Kevin is the real deal. It is the most horrifying picture in 2011. The horror speaks for itself in loneliness and human fear.

#8 X-Men: First Class/2011/USA/UK/132 mins/dir. Matthew Vaughn

Superhero can be such a serious case since Nolan’s Batman. X-Men: First Class came with much intensity with political issue and serious stuff but still fun. Michael Fassbender, one of this year’s MVP actors, brings the depth as frenemies Magneto.

#7 Catatan (Harian) Si Boy/2011/Indonesia/98 mins/dir. Putrama Tuta

Sometimes the idea of remake or reinvention of iconic and classic movies can be a nightmare. But, it didn’t happens to Catatan (Harian) Si Boy. With fresh-new story and bonding to the old flicks, Boy sucessfully mix it into recent social culture of Jakarta without patronizing. This year’s Indonesian best movie.

#6 Hugo/2011/USA/128 mins/dir. Martin Scorsese

2011 is the year of homage. From spaghetti western to silent cinema to B-movie. But Scorsese’s first PG rated in 18 years wins it all. Hugo is lovely cinema experience about early cinema. It’s truly fascinating, lovely, and wild. Both Scorsese and Méliès are cinema’s treasure. No kids stuff in here.

#5 Midnight in Paris/2011/USA/94 mins/dir. Woody Allen

When we talk about city and romance, Woody Allen is the person. In Paris, Allen draws his adventure about being a man with his wild fantasy and live with it. Midnight in Paris is the basic form of the woodman. And i believe, Allen’s mind is the sexiest thing.

#4 The Tree of Life/2011/USA/139 mins/dir. Terrence Malick

Either you hate it (hello, walkout) or love it, The Tree of Life is the main reason why 2011 is such an interesting year. No one can understand Malick’s mind. His ode about life and death mesmerize people. Both Pitt and Chastain might have a shot for another movie, but in The Tree of Life probably their most honest and pure performance.

#3 A Separation (Jodái-e Náder az Simin)/2011/Iran/123 mins/dir. Asghar Farhadi

A Separation is the rare case for 2011. This movie defines about movie magic. Instead of va-va-voom explosion or dazzling set, Farhadi spells the audience only with the simplicity. Strong script and powerfully act, A Separation tells the truth about human relationship. It will hurts you good.

#2 Warrior/2011/USA/140 mins/dir. Gavin O’Connor

Cliche movie is cliche. You can’t wipe it out from Warrior. But, it turns Warrior into great, powerful dramatic experience about father-and-son, dignity, and losing. Bravo to the main trio, it will not make a cut for any awards recognition.

#1 Drive/2011/USA/100 mins/dir. Nicolas Winding Refn

No, not because Ryan Gosling. Drive is this year’s best movie. It’s bold, stylish, cult, and pure cinema pleasure. You just stare to the screen, see all the characters, and brings your own perspectives. Beautiful, just beautiful.