Good Movies of 2013 - Part 1

The following is a list of films from 2013 that I enjoyed (some may be from earlier, but I saw them in 2013) .   It is a good list to keep near your PC when you are adding movies to your Netflix queue.  Another tip is to keep an eye on Instant Watcher.  They do a nice job of posting when movies are added to the Netflix library.


The Past

I have yet to see Asghar Farhadi's "A Separation," but I have read nothing but excellent things about it.  "The Past" is a look into the lives of those affected when a man leaves his wife and child.  Returning to complete a divorce, he is confronted with his wife's new relationship, the impact on his child and the complexities that surround all of their lives.  The best intentions, it seems, only complicate.

The acting is top-notch, especially from Berenice Bejo who also shined in "The Artist."

Mystery also enters the story, one I found a bit distracting while watching, but one that also makes for a much-discussed ending.

Not an easy film to watch, but one that will resonate long after it is over.  Farhadi's work is complex and intruiging.  I'm looking forward to his next movies - and looking forward to watching "A Separation."


Gravity

I am not a fan of 3D.  Personally, I feel it is a distraction and is completely unnecessary in movie making.  Many advance reviews of "Gravity" made a point to tell readers that it was necessary to see this movie in 3D.  And while the 3D was better than most movies I've seen in 3D, I'm still not convinced any film needs it or that it is necessary to spend the extra money to see a movie in 3D.

That being said, "Gravity" was an incredible cinematic experience (one I believe would be greatly enhanced by IMAX).  The computer generated shots of space are beautiful and they add to the tension and hopelessness of the situation Sandra Bullock and George Clooney are in (there is one other astronaut who quickly becomes space food).

I have been a big fan of Alfonso Cuaron's "Children of Men" and its incredible tracking scenes that often go for minutes without an edit.  His direction in "Gravity" is impressive and he deserves to win the Oscar for best director for his work in "Gravity."

The story (co-written by Cuaron's son) gets a bit thin and Sandra Bullock's character and acting become annoying, but I loved the ending and its symbolism.



The Hunt

What would you do if your best friend was accused of sexually assaulting one of his students?  Would you support him as the entire town turns against him?  What would you do if it was your daughter?  What if you begin to doubt your daughter?

Americans will recognize Mads Mikkelsen as the newest incarnation of Hannibal Lecter on NBC's "Hannibal."  In "The Hunt," he plays a character viewers can empathize with - and as the story reveals his guilt or innocence, the viewer can also understand the perspective of the confused citizens of a town turned on its side.  His performance is certainly Oscar worthy

This is not a comfortable film and will challenge viewers.  The ending is also a bit convenient.  However, the story and the acting are strong and "The Hunt" is yet another 2013 film that will haunt viewers long after viewing.  "The Hunt" has been nominated for a 2014 Oscar for Best Foreign Movie.