BEST FILMS OF 2013

1. Gravity

Gravity

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón

It's a great survival story set in the most dangerous of places, outer space. But the meta-narrative only makes it better. Director Alfonso Cuaron spent years developing and making the movie, refused to compromise his vision, pushed the boundaries of filmmaking technique. This is the great aspect of the film. Kill me, but I am not a fan of Sandra Bullock, she was OK, I can’t get over her pseudo comedic attitude, she plays herself in every movie, compromises I guess.  

2. Blue Jasmine

Blue Jasmine

Directed by Woody Allen

This is another great film by Woody Allen, who  shows no sign of slowing down This is "dark" Woody. Cate Blanchett playing a former idle-rich socialite in the verge of a serious mental breakdown. She is absolutely superb, loved the character’s clothes. You believe who she is. The rest of the cast is perfect.

3. Inside Llewyn Davis

Inside Llewyn Davis

Directed by the Coen Brothers

This is a simple and bleak story about a struggling folk singer in 1961 New York City. But it's also reverential to the music, so integral to the artist's tale of woe. Its slashing, deadpan humor and Oscar Isaac's superb performance works to put it near the top of the Coens' impeccable canon.

4. American Hustle

American Hustle

Directed by David O. Russell

This is a really fun film. A remake as a farce: the FBI’s late-70’s Abscam investigation of political corruption, which led to the conviction of a U.S. Senator and seven Congressmen, becomes this headlong tale of romance and recklessness. In director third consecutive movie about mismatched couples and their crazy families, after The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook. This portrait of the ’70s revels in the decade’s extravagant sensibility, its disco dancing and casino dreams. The five stars form a fabulous ensemble cast.

5. Frances Ha

Frances Ha

Directed by Noah Baumbach

I confess myself as a great fan of Noah Baumbach. This is a joyous and full of life movie while simultaneously being surprisingly sad. Greta Gerwig as Frances is great! She embodies a kind of likable, complex girl.  The film per se is about finding yourself today in a city like New York.