My personal best of 2021 cinema
My recommended movies seen in 2021. Mainly new releases, seen in cinema theaters (Belgium). Due to the ongoing world pandemic, this 2021 year saw approximately six months of theaters activity. I tried to vary my viewings as much as possible, with a priority on older classics at Cinematek never seen previously. Exceptionally, I added a couple of items seen online, as they were not available in the theaters.
List activity
62 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
21 titles
- DirectorAaron SorkinStarsEddie RedmayneAlex SharpSacha Baron CohenThe story of 7 people on trial stemming from various charges surrounding the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.Having missed the film released in a unique cinema in Brussels a few days in Dec 2020, I had to resolve myself for once watch it on an online platform in early Jan 2021. Great acting, clever storyline and important historical topic for modern democracy in America.
- DirectorChloé ZhaoStarsFrances McDormandDavid StrathairnLinda MayA woman in her sixties, after losing everything in the Great Recession, embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad.A great film with a superb performance by Frances McDormand who worked a lot to look authentic on screen, surrounded by a few people who play their real lives of modern nomads on screen. Mention for the small role of David Strathairn. An adaptation of the eponymous book, focusing on certain aspects only. The film takes great advantage of the big screen, for landscape sequences and wide open spaces.
- DirectorFlorian ZellerStarsAnthony HopkinsOlivia ColmanMark GatissA man refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages. As he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality.Top-notch performance by Anthony Hopkins (Oscar winner), with a flawless performance by Olivia Colman. A difficult subject which should however speak to many people, interspersed with the theme of father-daughter relationships. Do not watch a trailer, and do not read anything, let yourself be carried away by the discovery. The quality of the editing is impressive, and puts the viewer in a certain state of confusion, a sought-after effect which speaks volumes when it comes to the director's mastery.
- DirectorThomas VinterbergStarsMads MikkelsenThomas Bo LarsenMagnus MillangFour high-school teachers consume alcohol on a daily basis to see how it affects their social and professional lives.(original title: 'Druk'; or 'Drunk' in France and Belgium). An original scenario. Some funny scenes, but make no mistake the film is a drama above all. Note the discovery of details of culture and daily life in modern Danish society. Mads Mikkelsen is very good, in a restrained role which shows the extent of his talent, especially the beautiful sequence of the harbor quay which made me discover some hidden talents of Mads (professional dancer as first career).
- DirectorEmerald FennellStarsCarey MulliganBo BurnhamAlison BrieNothing in Cassie's life is what it appears to be - she's wickedly smart, tantalizingly cunning, and she's living a secret double life. Now, an unexpected encounter is about to give Cassie a chance to right the wrongs from the past.Probably the best actress performance of the year. Carey Mulligan carries the film in an amazing performance. A well-developed scenario on current societal themes (patriarchal society), even if some aspects of the plot are a little difficult to believe. The whole thing is wrapped in a neat cinematography. One of the best US movies of 2021!
- DirectorGianfranco RosiGianfranco Rosi's new documentary is an immersive portrait of those trying to survive in the war-torn Middle East.Tough documentary on the difficult conditions of everyday life in the war-torn regions of the Middle East. A few lines of dialogue, with a photography of rare mastery (numerous shots at night or in the spectral light of dawn). This complex film requires a certain knowledge (geopolitics, regional wars) of the viewer to better appreciate the sequences. It makes us think about the terrible consequences of the asymmetric conflicts of our time.
- DirectorAlexandre RockwellStarsLana RockwellNico RockwellWill PattonThe story revolves around two siblings and their struggle to find solid ground in the homes of their alcoholic father and negligent mother. The children ultimately run away and find a temporary life for themselves.A lovely filmic nugget from the American independent scene. It tells the tender and moving story of a teenage brother and elder sister in a dysfunctional family. Mainly in black and white, with a cute idea of using color for two scenes. The young actors are doing well. Unfortunately, this film barely had a chance in the huge volume of releases during the Belgian summer.
- DirectorVincent Maël CardonaStarsThimotée RobartMarie ColombJoseph OlivennesA kid living in Brittany in the 1980s is called up for military service and drafted to West Berlin.[Directors' Fortnight 2021, seen at Flagey] Very nice reconstruction of a bygone era, and a pleasant surprise for a first film! A fairly classic story of two brothers and a love triangle. The film has several qualities and its aesthetic benefits greatly: the reconstruction of the early 1980s; the originality of the script elements, the interest and passion of the main character for the radio medium. The sound element of the magnetic tapes of the time is well rendered on the screen and in the soundtrack. The acting is good, and rings true. The quality of the details is very neat: period technical devices, costumes, sets, hairstyles, language, accessories (cars, cigarette brands, etc.) This is my favorite of French cinema this year, which I am ready to watch again when it comes out.
- DirectorLijo Jose PellisseryStarsAntony VargheseChemban Vinod JoseSabumon AbdusamadA portrait of a remote village where a buffalo escapes and causes a frenzy of ecstatic violence.Offscreen festival, sept. 2021. Mind-blowing editing, and hectic pace for this Indian movie with a quite simple script. A tour-de-force in terms of execution. Excellent editing of the images and the soundtrack (noises, music). Mesmerizing final credits sequence. A true experience to see it on a big screen.
- DirectorArthur HarariStarsYûya EndôKanji TsudaYûya MatsuuraWhen Japan surrenders at the end of World War II, soldier Hiroo Onoda retreats into the jungles of the Philippines to continue the war himself for another 10,000 days.This movie is a great find on a fairly obscure WWII subject of the Pacific War (based on a true story). Unusual film project on paper (French director, Japanese story, film shot outdoors in Laos). Interesting casting choices, with different actors portraying the same characters in different eras. The beautiful wild landscapes look great on the big screen.
- DirectorYann GozlanStarsPierre NineyLou de LaâgeAndré DussollierA young and talented black box analyst is on a mission to solve the reason behind the deadly crash of a brand new aircraft.A subject rarely seen in cinema: the world of aviation and the investigation of the causes of aeronautical accidents. An intelligent, solid scenario, with a well-paced story with a few twists and turns. Excellent work by the main lead Pierre Niney, who is stunning in his role as a perfectionist technician. One of the best thrillers of the year.
- DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsTimothée ChalametRebecca FergusonZendayaA noble family becomes embroiled in a war for control over the galaxy's most valuable asset while its heir becomes troubled by visions of a dark future.Superb adaptation of a complex novel by a gifted director, fan of the Frank Herbert's work, who manages to keep it interesting and engaging for viewers who know little or nothing about the book. It's mainly the introduction of the Dune world we discover in part one; we will have to wait for the 'Dune part 2' to see the destiny of Paul. Impressive soundtrack all the way (raw sounds, tribal music). Fine casting. Must-see on the big screen. Released in various formats for cinemas (IMAX, 3D, etc.)
- DirectorEdgar WrightStarsThomasin McKenzieAnya Taylor-JoyMatt SmithAspiring fashion designer Eloise is mysteriously able to return to 1960s London, where she encounters dazzling wannabe singer Sandie. But the glamour is not as it seems, and the dreams of the past crack and splinter into something darker.The best cinematography and editing of the year. Great cast with a top performance by Thomasin McKenzie. Intelligent script, good pace, gorgeous production (Soho in the 1960s). Note the brilliant low-key special effects (mirrors sequences).
- DirectorJimmy ChinElizabeth Chai VasarhelyiStarsBancha DuriyapuntApakorn YoukongkaewAnan SurawanA chronicle of the enthralling, against-all-odds story that transfixed the world in 2018: the daring rescue of twelve boys and their coach from deep inside a flooded cave in Northern Thailand.An excellent documentary which demonstrates the vitality and richness of the genre. It is based on a recent real news item that shows behind the scenes action of the improbable rescue mission in a perilous environment. We see the human courage and the creativity when it is necessary to act when the odds are against you. We discover in passing some aspects of the role of religion and deities in Thai society. The film is of a classic construction; it is well paced, and the tension is increasing, you are literally sucked into the story until its end. The directors used some computer graphics to explain the complexity of the situation, and some archive footage of the event; most of the scenes are reconstructed, which is absolutely not a problem.
- DirectorCatherine CorsiniStarsValeria Bruni TedeschiMarina FoïsPio MarmaïTwo women on the verge of a breakup, in a hospital, are further stressed on the night of a big demonstration by the overwhelmed staff and by angry, injured protestors who land up besieging the building.Nervous pace, an movie which oozes with energy! Current and very recent issues in the French society (social troubles with the 'Gilets Jaunes' in the background, social class issues, public healthcare, etc.) seen through various characters' lives.
- DirectorPaolo SorrentinoStarsFilippo ScottiToni ServilloTeresa SaponangeloIn 1980s Naples, young Fabietto pursues his love for football as family tragedy strikes, shaping his uncertain but promising future as a filmmaker.Colorful characters, sometimes grotesque scenes, with an unexpected humor. This contains a good amount of autobiographical elements of the director's youth. Difficult subject, emotional movie.
- DirectorAdam McKayStarsLeonardo DiCaprioJennifer LawrenceMeryl StreepTwo low-level astronomers must go on a giant media tour to warn humankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth.A great production, with an all-star ensemble cast (L. DiCaprio, J. Lawrence, M. Streep, C. Blanchett, etc.) and a bunch of other good actors in great performances. The scenario is clever, and gives us food for thought, in a mirror image of our Western societies perverted by individualistic values, omnipresent medias, detestable social networks. The tone is cynical and the script spares no one!
- DirectorTomm MooreRoss StewartStarsHonor KneafseyEva WhittakerSean BeanA young apprentice hunter and her father journey to Ireland to help wipe out the last wolf pack. But everything changes when she befriends a free-spirited girl from a mysterious tribe rumored to transform into wolves by night.A animation movie for all ages from 6y old. Stunning visuals, excellent music. Brilliant hit from the independent scene.
- DirectorLaura WandelStarsMaya VanderbequeGünter DuretElsa LaforgeWhen Nora witnesses Abel being bullied by other kids, she rushes to protect him. But Abel forces her to remain silent. Caught in a conflict of loyalty, Nora tries to find her place, torn between children's and adults' worlds.Exceptional camera work, important social topics treated in an original way on a difficult subject to put on film: kids at school. My Belgian pick of this year.
- DirectorVictor FlemingGeorge CukorSam WoodStarsClark GableVivien LeighThomas MitchellA sheltered and manipulative Southern belle and a roguish profiteer face off in a turbulent romance as the society around them crumbles with the end of slavery and is rebuilt during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods.Nice discovery of this classic (35mm, screened at Cinematek). Magnificent colors (Technicolor), ahead of its time for some sequences (the city in fire, the wounded at the train station). Epic on a big screen.
- DirectorNa Hong-jinStarsJun KunimuraHwang Jung-minKwak Do-wonSoon after a stranger arrives in a little village, a mysterious sickness starts spreading. A policeman, drawn into the incident, is forced to solve the mystery in order to save his daughter.Korean Film festival. Non-typical blend of flavors for a thriller. A mix of differents themes, with some fantastic elements (curses, shamans). The bleak atmosphere of the crime scenes is stunning. Great discovery.