The Top 10 Films of 2000

1. In the Mood for Love

Widely accepted as one of the greatest films of the 21st century, “In the Mood for Love” is a sweeping romantic masterpiece with two knockout central performances from Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung.  The world-renowned Hong Kong director, Wong Kar-wai, teams up with his amazing cinematographer, Christopher Doyle, to deliver one of the most aesthetically gorgeous movies ever made.  “Yumeji’s Theme” by Shigeru Umebayashi is the single greatest piece of music I have ever heard in a film.  This film is visually, poetically, sonically & romantically perfect.  No film education is possible without “In the Mood for Love”.

2. Requiem for a Dream

I am not sure there has ever been a film that left me as physically affected as “Requiem for a Dream”.  The final sequence had my heart racing, my skin sweating, and my mind freaking out.  It is an emotionally draining brilliancy from director Darren Aronofsky.  The cast consists of Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans — all of whom are superb.  However, the strength of “Requiem” lies in the extraordinary rhythmical editing and the now world famous Clint Mansell score, “Lux Aeterna”.

3. Gladiator

Virtually a definitive ‘guy movie’, “Gladiator” is an epic journey from director Ridlet Scott.  Russell Crowe embodies the ultimate cinematic hero as Maximus Decimus Meridius, the soldier who is forced into slavery and has his entire family slaughtered.  Hell-bent on revenge, he works his way to the Roman Colosseum as a gladiator.  The only weakness in the entire film comes from one of my favorite actors of all time — Joaquin Phoenix gives a misjudged performance as the evil emperor Commodus.  That aside, this is a masterpiece of its genre.

4. Cast Away

One of Tom Hanks’ many incredible performances comes in this harrowing story of a FedEx employee, whose plane crashes and finds himself stranded on a desert island for many years.  If I had to be picky and name one complaint about “Cast Away”, it would be the final act.  I am not sure that the film needs the emotional manipulation that comes in the final 20 minutes.  Nevertheless, it is brilliant entertainment and dramatically realistic.  The crash sequence is terrifying.  

5. Traffic

An astonishingly deep and talented cast ripples through this intelligent and thoughtful film about America’s failing drug war.  Multiple story threads help this stodgy subject become ultimately watchable.  Benicio Del Toro is the standout member of the cast.  Peter Andrews must take special note as the cinematographer here.  And director Steven Soderbergh navigates this complex matter superbly well.

6. Panic

If you are a fan of William H. Macy, here is one of his best performances.  He plays a husband and father who is becoming emotionally troubled by his job… a professional hitman who works for his own father.  So he decides to see a shrink for psychological support.  The premise is darkly amusing and the plot balances nicely on the tightrope between the funny and the horrific.  The supporting cast all deliver — Neve Campbell, Tracey Ullman, John Ritter & Donald Sutherland.  Don’t miss this overlooked gem!

7. Love & Sex

Probably the greatest romantic comedy that no one ever saw.  Criminally unknown, “Love & Sex” stars Jon Favreau and Famke Janssen as an odd couple that start a loving relationship, only to go back and forth between adoration and hate, jealously and affection.  There are so many hilarious scenes and scenes of genuinely observant truths about modern romance.  I guarantee that this movie will sneak into your personal faves… if you can find it.

8. Passion of Mind

Probably Demi Moore’s best role.  In all honesty, there is not too much competition for that title.  Nevertheless, she delivers a dual performance as a woman who is living two separate lives.  When she is asleep in one life, she is a high-powered NYC executive.  When asleep in the other, she is a bookshop owner in a quaint French town.  She has no idea which is real and which is the dream.  She has relationships in both — and seeks counseling in both.  Will she solve the mystery?  It is a lovely fantasy movie with a solid cast.  Definitely seek it out.

9. Unbreakable

M. Night Shyamalan’s film is a mystical examination of a superhero’s origin story.  Somber and thoughtful, we gradually get to see a man come to terms with his extraordinary abilities.  Bruce Willis gives his most nuanced performance here.  Sam Jackson is typically good as the villain of the film, Mr. Glass.  This film has grown on me over the years.  On first viewing, I liked the story, but felt that the movie was too slow and cumbersome.  After having seen it a half-dozen times in the intervening years, I have changed my mind.  Great stuff!

10. Battle Royale

Quentin Tarantino’s favorite film of all time!  That is no small compliment.  I am not sure that I can see that level of greatness in “Battle Royale”, but it is definitely one of the most original, daring and unique movies of the 21st century.  The energy and inertia of the plot is relentless and terrifically entertaining.  However, I am not so sure that the film does anything more than hint at a secondary or tertiary level.  It is delicious cinematic ice-cream.  It tastes great, but has very little in the way of nutrition.  

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