Top 10's Flashback: 2006

10. Babel

A very effective, emotional, incredibly well-shot ensemble piece about understanding beyond language barriers. The stories span three different parts of the globe, yet they all fit together like pieces to a puzzle. The acting is incredible from start to finish, particularly from Adriana Barraza and Rinko Kikuchi.

9. A Prairie Home Companion

Robert Altman's final film, as well as a very appropriate send-off for the veteran director. A Prairie Home Companion very much maintains Altman's unique directorial style in a wonderful, Nashville-esque ensemble piece. Don't be scared off by the fact that Lindsay Lohan is in this movie. This is the last good thing she was ever in (unless you count her involvement with Machete). She also joined by a spectacular cast, including Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, Woody Harrelson, John C. Reilly, Kevin Kline, Tommy Lee Jones, and so on and so forth. It is a smart, funny film that was designed to make you feel right at home whenever you watch it.

8. Little Miss Sunshine

Another quirky "indie" comedy? You bet. Little Miss Sunshine does indulge in the fact that it feels like an indie flick (in spite of having an all-star cast), but it does have an extremely well-written screenplay, and is also one of the year's funniest, most heartwarming films.

7. The Proposition

An under-appreciated masterpiece of Australian cinema, The Proposition has the distinction of being an "Outback Western". No detail was spared in making the film look as authentic as possible - from the constant presence of flies regardless of where the characters are to the fact that none of them look like they've ever seen a toothbrush in their lives (which would be accurate, considering the time in which the movie takes place), The Proposition thrives in its authenticity and the fact that it's just an all-around great film.

6. Dreamgirls

Easily the best non-animated thing Eddie Murphy has done in the last decade. Dreamgirls might not be an intellectual flick, but it certainly is a beautiful, entertaining film with some surprisingly breathtaking performances - namely from Eddie Murphy and newcomer Jennifer Hudson. It's simply a marvel to look at - cinematography, sets and everything. Great songs, too.

5. The Queen

Peter Morgan brings himself to the forefront as one of cinema's best screenwriters, and Helen Mirren gives one of the most iconic performances ever captured on camera.

4. United 93

I'm aware this is the third list in which United 93 was featured. That just goes to show how great of a movie it is. Paul Greengrass had to walk a thin line when making this film, as it was released only five years after 9/11. But he very effectively captured the seriousness of the situation without upstaging it or over-dramatizing it. Simply incredible.

3. Letters from Iwo Jima



The second part to Clint Eastwood's Iwo Jima saga, and easily the better of the two. Letters from Iwo Jima explores the Historical battle from the perspective of "the enemy". Especially when it's put together with its predecessor Flags of Our Fathers, it tells a wonderful story about the pain and horrors of war. Although unlike Flags of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima holds its own ground as a great film - as opposed to just a good one.

2. The Departed

One of the few Hollywood remakes that's so good no one seems to know (or even really care) that it's a remake. Martin Scorsese proved yet again why he's one of the greatest directors in Hollywood with an extremely well-written screenplay by William Monahan.

1. Children of Men

It's dark and depressing, but there is a constant aura of hope that holds the movie together and keeps us watching. Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography is phenomenal - seriously, this film has some of the best camera work I've ever seen. Clive Owen is amazing as always, as is the rest of the cast. From start to finish, Children of Men is just a great film.

Honorable Mentions:

The Prestige
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
Pan's Labyrinth
Happy Feet
Cars