5 – Captain Fantastic
Viggo Mortensen surprises in this witty tale of a forest-dwelling communist family’s experience with the outside world. Its message is well delivered, humorously exploring the issues with American society while highlighting the problems with being distant from it.
4 – Kubo and the Two Strings
This is an impressive directorial debut by animator Travis Knight. Laika’s impressive stop-motion animation and arresting visuals lends itself to a dark and thrilling adventure, with decent voice work by Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, and Matthew McConaughey.
3 – Hell or High Water
What sells Hell or High Water to me are the gorgeous shots of the Texan dustbowl, that perfectly capture the down-trodden world inhabited by the Howard brothers. Despite them being on the wrong side of the law, you sympathize with the pair, while hoping for the best with their counterparts, rangers Hamilton and Parker. It’s an enthralling game of cat and mouse, where you hope that neither side will lose.
2 – Arrival
Arrival is the polar opposite to this year’s other alien invasion movie. Rather than a mindless destructive mess, we’re treated to an intelligent exploration of cultural differences, and the importance of communication and co-operation. One of the best science fiction films in recent years, Denis Villeneuve’s piece on the interpretation of language is as relevant as ever, whilst also providing one of the most realistic, and refreshing, takes on the first contact scenario.
1 – I, Daniel Blake
Normally, when the credits roll in a movie, that’s when everyone leaves the auditorium. However, when I saw I, Daniel Blake, this did not happen. That nobody moved a muscle until the house lights came on speaks volumes about its impact. It will make you cry, and it will make you angry. A powerful work of cinema, with heart-wrenching performances by Dave Johns and Hayley Squires, Ken Loach’s latest depicts everything wrong with the UK’s benefits system in a masterful and (worryingly) accurate manner.
Cinemaramarang 