Best of the Decade 2000 - 2009 - The Decade of Favourites  
| One of the things I noticed putting together a list of my favourite films of the first decade of the 21st century, is that I am a sucker for a love story, especially in a language other than English. In its own way, each film on the list is a testament to love, love of a lover or a family, usually about the loss of that love. The other things that each of these films holds in common is that they are visually beautiful films. The film makers I am most drawn to have unique and dramatic styles. I recognize that I am “watching” a film. This artform is unique from literature or music in that this is a very visual medium. But in addition to this, the films all contain a very human, very honest story that somehow spoke to me.
Overall, the decade from 2000 to 2009 suffered from a lot of bad films and a lot of bad film making trends; torture as entertainment (ie Saw films), excessive commercialization as popcorn fluff (ie Transformers films), indulgent self-absorption in “art” films (ie Charlie Kaufman films) and shopping mall social analysis (ie Crash). Still, a few wonderful films were made and for that I celebrate. Thank you to the film makers who helped keep my favourite pastime such a joy.
10. Bowling For Columbine
Before he was infamous, Michael Moore made this hilarious, sensitive and insightful look into violence in America. He cemented his reputation as an advocate as well as an entertainer, two things a documentary film maker should be. They aren’t journalists! The best doc of the decade, one that will still move me both to laughter and tears.
9. Y Tu Mama Tambien
Alfonso Curon’s most gorgeous film remains one of the sexiest films of the decade. Its love story is hopelessly yet subtly tragic. It set the stage for Mexican film makers to storm the world this decade and is probably the best example of the eye for incredible beauty that Curon has shown in each and every film he makes.
8. Les Invasions Barbares
One of the best film makers of the previous decades, Denis Arcand, returned with this ultimate triumph of intergenerational conflict and reconciliation. As a Gen Xer finally beginning to reconcile myself with the babyboomers and their legacy, this film spoke directly to me and my world.
7. Where the Wild Things Are
My list is heavy with films from the first part of this decade. But this film, released just near the end, has haunted me with its raw emotional power enough to break into the best films of the decade.
6. In The Mood For Love
I discovered Won Kar Wai in this decade and it’s been a very happy discovery. Another insanely gorgeous film, drenched in unobtainable love, leaves such a beautiful aching in the soul of those who watch it.
5. Before Sunset
Before Sunrise was one of my favorite films of the 90s. The story of Jesse and Celine is a story that speaks directly to my generation, our obsessions, struggles and point of view. These characters’ complicated love is truly romantic and in no way glamorized. I can’t wait to see what they will do in the next decade.
4. Brokeback Mountain
Ang Lee is the only film maker to make it on my list twice (although a few others have come close) and both his films are in my top 5. He is a master film maker and this tragic love story is pitch perfect.
3. The Incredibles
The best super hero movie ever! One of the best movies about families ever. Picking just one Pixar film was almost impossible but it came down to this tribute to some of my favourite genres. Brad Bird has shown himself to be one of the best film makers working today.
2. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Ang Lee’s other film on my list. This amazing film has something for everyone and no compromises. Essentially, like the other films on my list, a love story. As gorgeous as any other film on my list and a triumph of story telling.
1. Moulin Rouge!
This is the film that I keep coming back to over and over again! I can’t think of another film made between 2000 and 2009 I would rather watch. I can’t help but sing along, fall in love and marvel at the achievement that Baz Luhrmann created in Moulin Rouge!, my favourite film of the decade!
And in a category all by itself;
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is undeniably the epic of the decade.
Because it is a whole decade you can’t expect me to limit myself to only 10 films, or even 11. Here are the other films that were my favorites of the past 10 years. I am sure I have forgotten some as there were maybe gorgeous films to experience. Here are my honourable mentions in alphabetical order;
28 Days Later, Amélie, Blindness, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Children of Men, The Dark Knight and/or Superman Returns, Juno, Kill Bill, Let the Right One In, Little Miss Sunshine, Momento, Mullholland Drive,No Country For Old Men,Oldboy, Paris Je T’aime, The Proposition, Ratatouille, Waydowntown
and my unpopular choice, Revenge of the Sith (a sentimental favorite that had Lucas finally find his groove and tell the story I had been waiting for most of my life – worth suffering the pretentious whiners for).
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