Top Five Films Of 2009
Elizabeth Haley counts down her favorite films of 2009
Elizabeth Haley
Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: Opinion
In a year filled with changes and overwhelming uncertainty many found comfort in escaping for a few hours in a movie theater. Traveling though various worlds of fantasy found on the big screen is one of my favorite pastimes. Over the course of 2009, I went to see many movies. Some good, so not so good, and some so excellent I feel the need to share them.
I have compiled a list of my top five best films of 2009 based strictly on my personal opinion. I rarely read reviews and if do, I read them after I see a movie. It is just a little strategy so I can make up my own mind about something I have seen and not have my opinion clouded by what Roger Ebert has to say. I do however pay close attention to hype about upcoming movies from various magazine articles and blogs. I often choose to see a movie based on who is starring in it, as well.
The top movies I have chosen for this year are all fairly different, but at the same time share common themes of love, friendship, trust, and freedom. For the most part they are character focused movies. Each film left me feeling good and more informed about the way human beings interact and make important decisions in life. At the risk of sounding cornier than I already do, I feel I learned a great deal from these five movies released in 2009.
That said, here are my top five best films of 2009.
5. "Nine"
Directed by Rob Marshall, "Nine" is a truly beautiful movie-musical, with a cast that rivals the Best Picture of 2006, "The Departed". "Nine" is filled to the brim with big and talented movie stars: Daniel Day Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Kate Hudson, Sofia Loren, and Fergie. I was sucked into this movie from the very beginning. The film takes place in early 1960's Italy and follows a very famous director (Lewis) on the verge of creating a highly publicized production, delving into his dramatic relationships with the women in his life. The storyline is entertaining and the musical numbers outrageous. The scenery and the costuming are stunning. "Nine" is one of the best musicals I have ever seen.
I have compiled a list of my top five best films of 2009 based strictly on my personal opinion. I rarely read reviews and if do, I read them after I see a movie. It is just a little strategy so I can make up my own mind about something I have seen and not have my opinion clouded by what Roger Ebert has to say. I do however pay close attention to hype about upcoming movies from various magazine articles and blogs. I often choose to see a movie based on who is starring in it, as well.
The top movies I have chosen for this year are all fairly different, but at the same time share common themes of love, friendship, trust, and freedom. For the most part they are character focused movies. Each film left me feeling good and more informed about the way human beings interact and make important decisions in life. At the risk of sounding cornier than I already do, I feel I learned a great deal from these five movies released in 2009.
That said, here are my top five best films of 2009.
5. "Nine"
Directed by Rob Marshall, "Nine" is a truly beautiful movie-musical, with a cast that rivals the Best Picture of 2006, "The Departed". "Nine" is filled to the brim with big and talented movie stars: Daniel Day Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Kate Hudson, Sofia Loren, and Fergie. I was sucked into this movie from the very beginning. The film takes place in early 1960's Italy and follows a very famous director (Lewis) on the verge of creating a highly publicized production, delving into his dramatic relationships with the women in his life. The storyline is entertaining and the musical numbers outrageous. The scenery and the costuming are stunning. "Nine" is one of the best musicals I have ever seen.