By Nadia Ranaputri
2019 gave us great films, from Sam Mendes' World War I epic about two comrades heading into enemy territory, to Taika Waititi's satire about an imaginary Hitler. As the 2020 Academy Awards is right around the corner, it's time to take a look at some of this year's nominees for Best Picture. With the exception of Martin Scorsese's The Irishman, which I have not gotten to around to watching; I've done a little marathon and re-capped my thoughts on most of the films in the running for Best Picture. Let's get started.
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Margaret Qualley, Timothy Olyphant, Al Pacino, Dakota Fanning, Luke Perry.
This is going to be a little controversial but....I don't think Once Upon a Time.....in Hollywood is as great as many have said it is. No, it has nothing to do with the fact that it altered the history of Hollywood. It is fun, no doubt about it. The amount of dedication put into the production design and costumes in order to fit into the Golden Age of Hollywood is insanely good. The pallette of 60's Hollywood, the billboards and the streets, they scream Hollywood's Golden Age. What makes this film are really the performances. Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt make the film what it is. Without them, it would have probably fallen flat on its face. Thankfully, DiCaprio and Pitt are exceptional and have this riveting chemistry between the two. Both provide incredibly hilarious performances, particularly Pitt. The issue with this film was that I personally felt as if there wasn't much going that fully engaged me during the first two acts, although I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Pitt and DiCaprio. The first act had many interesting setups, but once it got to the second act, it didn't draw me in as much as when the film first began. It felt as if it had several different arcs that didn't really mesh together. The third act, however, felt unashamedly Tarantino, in the best way possible, and that's where it finally caught my attention again. In the end, Once Upon a Time....in Hollywood was enjoyable and it's a film that I would watch again and hope to appreciate more with each viewing.
Stars: 3.5/5
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shi, Park So-dam, Lee Jung-eun, Chang Hyae-jin
Believe it or not, this was the first Korean film I ever saw in cinemas, and it's definitely one that makes me realize that Korean filmmakers are at the top of their game. Parasite is a masterpiece, a thrilling and engaging drama with some house invasion sprinkled on top. Bong Joon-ho is a goddamn genius, I have admired some of his works, particularly 2013's Snowpiercer. But Parasite is on another level, it's a brilliant piece of drama that knows how to build suspense in a very subtle way. They could even make a scene involving the sprinkling of peach fuzz engaging, and part of that is from visual execution. And the performances are absolutely riveting, from the naive mother of the Park family to the surprising turn from Lee Jung-eun as the Park family's former housekeeper. This is also a brilliant piece of visual storytelling. The cinematography is simply incredible, it tells a deeper story that elevates what is being said by the characters by emphasizing its importance visually. This is also due to its immaculate production design, from creating an entire neighborhood as a way to convey the differences from the wealthy at the top of the hill, to the poor living below them, exposed to floods and poor wi-fi signals. Its subject matter on social class, and family bonds are masterfully crafted to the point where you have no idea what's going to happen next. While it had obvious foreshadowing, Bong Joon-ho turns the tables around before anyone has a say on it, and it becomes a thrill-inducing drama that keeps the audience on their toes with its brilliantly nuanced story.
Stars: 5/5
Director: Noah Baumbach
Cast: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Julie Hagerty, Merritt Wever, Azhy Robertson.
This film is quite the roller-coaster of emotions. Yes, it's a depressing subject matter, but Baumbach knows how to make it investing enough for us to keep our eyes on the journey of the two central leads. As heavy as the topic is, I did not expect it to have many humorous moments, though it is most certainly welcome, since it's done well. Marriage Story feels as if it was directed like a stage play, much like how Adam Driver's Charlie Barber is the director of a theater company in the film. It's even elevated by its two lead performances in the like of Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. Johansson and Driver both deliver perhaps the peak performances of their careers. Watching the two on screen is utterly fascinating, as they're able to draw you in with their fallen and eventually, chaotic chemistry. It's especially helped by Baumbach's script, which hits the sweet note between hard-hitting dialogue and realistic yet still incredibly engaging dialogue. This film could be perceived in many different ways, especially when it comes to choosing sides. Some may be sympathetic to Johansson's Nicole for constantly becoming the shadow under her own husband's rise to fame. Or some may feel more to Driver's Charlie, who has to spend most of the theater's earnings just to get a decent lawyer to oppose Nicole's already intuitive yet fiercely opinionated lawyer (brilliantly played by Laura Dern). Marriage Story might be slow, but it relishes in developing the characters and their journeys to the point where they feel as if you've known them for years. You'd think that a two hour film about the process of a divorce shouldn't be so lively, but Noah Baumbach's drama is exactly that.
Stars: 4.8/5
Director: Taika Waititi
Cast: Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin Mackenzie, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Alfie Allen.
Taika Waititi certainly has not lost his touch. Even with a bigger budget and even bigger names on his latest film, Waititi does what he simply does best: make the film so....devilishly Waititi. Meaning, it has all the elements that make it a Taika Waititi film, as Waititi's style of film-making just as memorable and unique as those of Wes Anderson or Quentin Tarantino. It's a charming comedy that also knows how to pull the strings and reveal a darker side without losing its essence. You can perhaps say it's like one of Waititi's earlier films, Boy, but with Nazis and instead of Waititi playing a father figure, he's a goofy dictator who also happens to be imaginary. Despite boasting familiar names on its cast such as Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell, it's newcomer Roman Griffin Davis that's given the spotlight, and Davis plays the lead with that childlike quality that never strays to the point of making the audience feel annoyed with his naivety and innocence. Other than Davis, both Johansson and Rockwell gave fine performances that are just as humorous as they are charming. The humor is absolutely spot on, giving the film an eccentric style and genuine heartwarming moments. Jojo Rabbit could have easily fallen into the trap of being tasteless satire with nothing to say, which makes me even happier to say that it's the complete opposite. It's hard to imagine anyone coming up with the idea of having Hitler as their imaginary best friend, but if anyone could perfectly execute such an idea, it's Taika Waititi.
Stars: 4/5
Director: Sam Mendes
Cast: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Andrew Scott, Mark Strong, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq.
1917
is a captivating film, adding one incredibly tense
sequence after another. Every one of these scenes are meticulously and
intricately choreographed, elevated by its technique of continuous
shots. Its two lead actors, MacKay and Chapman; bring powerful and
nuanced performances as Schofield and Blake respectively. Whilst Chapman
exudes charisma and empathy, MacKay's performance is a subdued one,
hence both are able to complement each other as their characters bond
throughout the film. In terms of cinematography, there is no doubt that
Roger Deakins is a masterclass, and 1917 yet another example of
Deakins' master work. The use of one-shot technique isn't exactly new
anymore, having already been used in present day films in the likes of Alejandro Iñárritu's Birdman and most recently, The Revenant; but 1917 is able to bring something new to the table by applying it in the subject of war. Every shot in the film, despite being shot as one continuous take; is gorgeous, showcasing the horrors of the trenches. Through its runtime, 1917 was able to showcase the consequences and the horrific battles that men had to face during the First World War. In the end, 1917
is a masterful film that should be seen in the biggest screen possible,
expanding beyond its already impressive technical aspects. While 1917 has a simple story, it's able to make use of its vast setting and create a poignant and riveting tale of war, sacrifice, and brotherhood.
Joker doesn't take much of a
focus on the elements of a comic book film, but rather in a similar beat
of an arthouse film. In fact, it's taken a far leap from its source
material by a completely different re-imagining that differs from most
comic book films. Joaquin Phoenix is a revelation in this role, turning
everyone's eyes on him and keeps them glued for the entire film. With
Phoenix, the film boasts an impressive supporting casts with the likes
of De Niro, Beetz, and Conroy. But in the end, it's Phoenix that steals
the show. While perhaps it may not take the reign from Ledger's iconic
take, Phoenix's performance is a close second, if not equally masterful
to Ledger's. Its minimal action makes for a bigger focus on character,
on the crumbling society that affects the characters. It focuses on the
hard matters that other comic book films would probably never discuss. Joker
takes an intriguing view of how society plays into the shaping of a
person, of how things can lead them to certain actions that make them
who they are; without hailing those actions as heroic. It's far from a
standard comic book film, but it's a brilliant choice for Joker, especially when it nails the execution. Joker is without a doubt, a masterpiece, both as a comic book film and as a film in general.
Stars: 4.7/5
You can read my full review of Joker here
Director: James Mangold
Cast: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Caitriona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Noah Jupe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas.
Ford v Ferrari manages to be accessible to anyone, be it a racing fan or not. Contrary to its title, it isn't exactly a story that revolves entirely around the corporation rivalry between Ford and Ferrari itself, but rather about the people working behind the company to make what seems to be impossible into something truly possible. It's really an underdog story about two people with a strong bond. It's also a story about loss, redemption, and family. Ford v Ferrari may be all about the races, but it's also about the characters and their process towards victory. The chemistry between Christian Bale and Matt Damon are one of the main driving forces that really took the film to its home-run. Their constant banter and shared passion over racing added much needed heart into the story. The racing sequences are excellent, it really knows how to take audience on a thrilling ride from start to finish. It doesn't feel dragged out, rather you feel the tension of every second of the race. These sequences are brilliantly shot and with little CGI present, it makes the sequences all the more thrilling. Yes, it might feel as if Ford v Ferrari ticks most of the checks from Racing Biopic 101, but it's the execution that makes it so much more.
Stars: 4.5/5
You can read my full review of Ford v Ferrari here
Director: Greta Gerwig
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep.
Greta Gerwig's adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's iconic novel is heartwarming and simply a breath of fresh air. It's a classic tale of the bond of sisterhood and of the struggles of the working class. Despite their financial struggles, these little women have big dreams, whether it is to be a writer, to be married, to be the greatest painter in the world, or to lay low and indulge in the love of music as if no one's watching. And yet, they're capable of giving back to those with lesser conditions, such as in moments where the March sisters give their Christmas breakfast to a family in need. Saoirse Ronan gives yet another fierce performance as the film's lead, Jo March. Ronan carries the film as well as being the glue that holds everything together, and she does so magnificently. Florence Pugh is also divine as Amy March, adding more layers to the supposed childish character, but in the hands of Gerwig and Pugh, Amy is just as fierce, if not a little more wise; than her fellow older sister Jo. Together with Emma Watson and Eliza Scanlen, the four make a lovely ensemble of the March sisters. While it sticks to its original narrative for the most part, Gerwig adds some fresh insights that gave the film its illustrious charm. One of them is the addition of a non-linear narrative, going back and forth between the present day and the events seven years prior. Greta Gerwig's version of Little Women has more bite to it, re-packaging the story into one that manages to be relevant in the modern age.
Stars: 4.5/5
And there you have it. Which of these films do you think should win Best Picture at the Oscars?
2019 gave us great films, from Sam Mendes' World War I epic about two comrades heading into enemy territory, to Taika Waititi's satire about an imaginary Hitler. As the 2020 Academy Awards is right around the corner, it's time to take a look at some of this year's nominees for Best Picture. With the exception of Martin Scorsese's The Irishman, which I have not gotten to around to watching; I've done a little marathon and re-capped my thoughts on most of the films in the running for Best Picture. Let's get started.
1. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood
 |
| Image source: IMDB |
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Margaret Qualley, Timothy Olyphant, Al Pacino, Dakota Fanning, Luke Perry.
This is going to be a little controversial but....I don't think Once Upon a Time.....in Hollywood is as great as many have said it is. No, it has nothing to do with the fact that it altered the history of Hollywood. It is fun, no doubt about it. The amount of dedication put into the production design and costumes in order to fit into the Golden Age of Hollywood is insanely good. The pallette of 60's Hollywood, the billboards and the streets, they scream Hollywood's Golden Age. What makes this film are really the performances. Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt make the film what it is. Without them, it would have probably fallen flat on its face. Thankfully, DiCaprio and Pitt are exceptional and have this riveting chemistry between the two. Both provide incredibly hilarious performances, particularly Pitt. The issue with this film was that I personally felt as if there wasn't much going that fully engaged me during the first two acts, although I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Pitt and DiCaprio. The first act had many interesting setups, but once it got to the second act, it didn't draw me in as much as when the film first began. It felt as if it had several different arcs that didn't really mesh together. The third act, however, felt unashamedly Tarantino, in the best way possible, and that's where it finally caught my attention again. In the end, Once Upon a Time....in Hollywood was enjoyable and it's a film that I would watch again and hope to appreciate more with each viewing.
Stars: 3.5/5
2. Parasite
 |
| Image source: IMDB |
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shi, Park So-dam, Lee Jung-eun, Chang Hyae-jin
Believe it or not, this was the first Korean film I ever saw in cinemas, and it's definitely one that makes me realize that Korean filmmakers are at the top of their game. Parasite is a masterpiece, a thrilling and engaging drama with some house invasion sprinkled on top. Bong Joon-ho is a goddamn genius, I have admired some of his works, particularly 2013's Snowpiercer. But Parasite is on another level, it's a brilliant piece of drama that knows how to build suspense in a very subtle way. They could even make a scene involving the sprinkling of peach fuzz engaging, and part of that is from visual execution. And the performances are absolutely riveting, from the naive mother of the Park family to the surprising turn from Lee Jung-eun as the Park family's former housekeeper. This is also a brilliant piece of visual storytelling. The cinematography is simply incredible, it tells a deeper story that elevates what is being said by the characters by emphasizing its importance visually. This is also due to its immaculate production design, from creating an entire neighborhood as a way to convey the differences from the wealthy at the top of the hill, to the poor living below them, exposed to floods and poor wi-fi signals. Its subject matter on social class, and family bonds are masterfully crafted to the point where you have no idea what's going to happen next. While it had obvious foreshadowing, Bong Joon-ho turns the tables around before anyone has a say on it, and it becomes a thrill-inducing drama that keeps the audience on their toes with its brilliantly nuanced story.
Stars: 5/5
3. Marriage Story
 |
| Image source: IMDB |
Director: Noah Baumbach
Cast: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Julie Hagerty, Merritt Wever, Azhy Robertson.
This film is quite the roller-coaster of emotions. Yes, it's a depressing subject matter, but Baumbach knows how to make it investing enough for us to keep our eyes on the journey of the two central leads. As heavy as the topic is, I did not expect it to have many humorous moments, though it is most certainly welcome, since it's done well. Marriage Story feels as if it was directed like a stage play, much like how Adam Driver's Charlie Barber is the director of a theater company in the film. It's even elevated by its two lead performances in the like of Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. Johansson and Driver both deliver perhaps the peak performances of their careers. Watching the two on screen is utterly fascinating, as they're able to draw you in with their fallen and eventually, chaotic chemistry. It's especially helped by Baumbach's script, which hits the sweet note between hard-hitting dialogue and realistic yet still incredibly engaging dialogue. This film could be perceived in many different ways, especially when it comes to choosing sides. Some may be sympathetic to Johansson's Nicole for constantly becoming the shadow under her own husband's rise to fame. Or some may feel more to Driver's Charlie, who has to spend most of the theater's earnings just to get a decent lawyer to oppose Nicole's already intuitive yet fiercely opinionated lawyer (brilliantly played by Laura Dern). Marriage Story might be slow, but it relishes in developing the characters and their journeys to the point where they feel as if you've known them for years. You'd think that a two hour film about the process of a divorce shouldn't be so lively, but Noah Baumbach's drama is exactly that.
Stars: 4.8/5
4. Jojo Rabbit
 |
| Image source: IMDB |
Director: Taika Waititi
Cast: Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin Mackenzie, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Alfie Allen.
Taika Waititi certainly has not lost his touch. Even with a bigger budget and even bigger names on his latest film, Waititi does what he simply does best: make the film so....devilishly Waititi. Meaning, it has all the elements that make it a Taika Waititi film, as Waititi's style of film-making just as memorable and unique as those of Wes Anderson or Quentin Tarantino. It's a charming comedy that also knows how to pull the strings and reveal a darker side without losing its essence. You can perhaps say it's like one of Waititi's earlier films, Boy, but with Nazis and instead of Waititi playing a father figure, he's a goofy dictator who also happens to be imaginary. Despite boasting familiar names on its cast such as Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell, it's newcomer Roman Griffin Davis that's given the spotlight, and Davis plays the lead with that childlike quality that never strays to the point of making the audience feel annoyed with his naivety and innocence. Other than Davis, both Johansson and Rockwell gave fine performances that are just as humorous as they are charming. The humor is absolutely spot on, giving the film an eccentric style and genuine heartwarming moments. Jojo Rabbit could have easily fallen into the trap of being tasteless satire with nothing to say, which makes me even happier to say that it's the complete opposite. It's hard to imagine anyone coming up with the idea of having Hitler as their imaginary best friend, but if anyone could perfectly execute such an idea, it's Taika Waititi.
Stars: 4/5
5. 1917
 |
| Image source: IMDB |
Director: Sam Mendes
6. Joker
 |
| Image source: IMDB |
Director: Todd Phillips
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Shea Whigham.
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Shea Whigham.
Stars: 4.7/5
You can read my full review of Joker here
7. Ford v Ferrari
 |
| Image Source: IMDB |
Director: James Mangold
Cast: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Caitriona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Noah Jupe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas.
Ford v Ferrari manages to be accessible to anyone, be it a racing fan or not. Contrary to its title, it isn't exactly a story that revolves entirely around the corporation rivalry between Ford and Ferrari itself, but rather about the people working behind the company to make what seems to be impossible into something truly possible. It's really an underdog story about two people with a strong bond. It's also a story about loss, redemption, and family. Ford v Ferrari may be all about the races, but it's also about the characters and their process towards victory. The chemistry between Christian Bale and Matt Damon are one of the main driving forces that really took the film to its home-run. Their constant banter and shared passion over racing added much needed heart into the story. The racing sequences are excellent, it really knows how to take audience on a thrilling ride from start to finish. It doesn't feel dragged out, rather you feel the tension of every second of the race. These sequences are brilliantly shot and with little CGI present, it makes the sequences all the more thrilling. Yes, it might feel as if Ford v Ferrari ticks most of the checks from Racing Biopic 101, but it's the execution that makes it so much more.
Stars: 4.5/5
You can read my full review of Ford v Ferrari here
8. Little Women
 |
| Image source: IMDB |
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep.
Greta Gerwig's adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's iconic novel is heartwarming and simply a breath of fresh air. It's a classic tale of the bond of sisterhood and of the struggles of the working class. Despite their financial struggles, these little women have big dreams, whether it is to be a writer, to be married, to be the greatest painter in the world, or to lay low and indulge in the love of music as if no one's watching. And yet, they're capable of giving back to those with lesser conditions, such as in moments where the March sisters give their Christmas breakfast to a family in need. Saoirse Ronan gives yet another fierce performance as the film's lead, Jo March. Ronan carries the film as well as being the glue that holds everything together, and she does so magnificently. Florence Pugh is also divine as Amy March, adding more layers to the supposed childish character, but in the hands of Gerwig and Pugh, Amy is just as fierce, if not a little more wise; than her fellow older sister Jo. Together with Emma Watson and Eliza Scanlen, the four make a lovely ensemble of the March sisters. While it sticks to its original narrative for the most part, Gerwig adds some fresh insights that gave the film its illustrious charm. One of them is the addition of a non-linear narrative, going back and forth between the present day and the events seven years prior. Greta Gerwig's version of Little Women has more bite to it, re-packaging the story into one that manages to be relevant in the modern age.
Stars: 4.5/5
And there you have it. Which of these films do you think should win Best Picture at the Oscars?
