Top Ten Motion Pictures of 2019: Loyalty, Friendship, and Family

I had the opportunity to watch 64 movies from 2019 over the past 13 months. To me, the recurring theme was all about loyalty, friendship, and family. In honor of Oscars weekend, here’s my eighth annual Top Ten list. Which ones were yours?

Honorable Mention: The Kingmaker and Just Mercy. 

The reviews below are from my Letterboxd account, and were written after I watched each movie. Click here if you'd like to keep up with my movie viewing from now on. 

10. The Nightingale (Dir. Jennifer Kent) 

One of the toughest films I've had to watch in a while; an imperative one though, especially in these times where misogyny, racism, and the exploitation of mother earth seem to be the norm by many of our leaders and "men" in power. I highly recommend this piece by the woman behind "The Babadook." Also, congrats to Aisling Franciosi for a phenomenal performance.

9. Jojo Rabbit (Dir. Taika Waititi) 

I found this to be more sad rather than funny. It worries me that we, as a generation, seem to be forgetting about the consequences of the past. What an original cautionary satire. Go see it!

8. Ready or Not (Dir. Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett) 

A fun ride that feels like an homage to home board games. It felt like I was seeing my family or friends during a game of Monopoly or Trouble, as everyone has different motives, goals, and reactions. I believe that in order for this film to be enjoyed to the fullest, it must not be taken literally and you should just go along with it... the drama, the gore, the comedy, and the absurd. The cinematography and edit were a delight, and it looks like it was made for double the budget it was made for. However, I am a little biased, since my boyfriend developed this for Searchlight. I encourage everyone to go watch it with a big group. Congrats to the filmmakers, the cast, the crew, and team at Searchlight.

7. Ford v Ferrari (Dir. James Mangold) 

A ride of a movie that is fun, engaging, immersive, and moving. This was a nice break from cars that claim to be fast and furious... This is the type of movie that is just cool to watch in a theater. I truly enjoyed it from beginning to end.

6. The Two Popes (Dir. Fernando Meirelles) 

Life is like a soccer match! We may root for opposing teams, but it's the love and passion for the game that unites us. Great film! I wish I could've caught it in theaters. I want to watch it again.

5. The Farewell (Dir. Lulu Wang) 

As a product of two countries, I was completely immersed in this story about family, the human spirit, and the similarities we all share as humans, whether we're from China, Mexico, etc. It's subtle, funny, interesting, and effective. There are some amazing shots with multiple people in confined spaces, which is difficult to achieve. There are conversations about identity and culture that anyone who comes from a different country or is a second generation American can relate to. There's so much information on screen that allow the viewer to walk the shoes of our main character; from certain terms, food, "family-isms," etc. I want to watch this again and hope that many people (especially in this country) do. I'm aware it's only July, but as of now, this is my favorite movie of 2019.

4. Pain and Glory (Dir. Pedro Almodóvar) 

A story of forgiveness, reconciliation, and overcoming through cinema and the life of Almodovar, through the character "Salvador," through a vulnerable and different Antonio Banderas. This film has everything you love about Almodovar films: pops of color, dry humor, movie references, "taboos," and a full circle payoff. The provocateur is back!

3. Waves (Dir. Trey Edward Shults) 

Get ready to swim through waves of ups and downs, and everything in between, as you experience this unique cinematic experience that breaks the rules and doesn't apologize for it.

This film reminded me of movies I enjoyed such as "Mommy," "American Honey," and "Moonlight," due to some stylistic and music choices; however, it doesn't feel like a copycat version of those and it has a director's stamp. Such stamp though is shared with the cinematographer, sound designer, music supervisor, and composers, all of who make "Waves" the true emotional experience it is, allowing it to flow seamlessly. From bold colors, interesting music choices, and camera movements that feel risky, the movie would've felt flat (even boring) without this collaboration.

"Waves" is truly a visual, auditory, and emotional experience that demands you hang tight, as if a wave was coming towards you, but also let loose as if floating gracefully after the wave disassembles. A beautiful movie about family, tough love, opportunity, growing up, fucking up, and forgiveness. One of the best of the year.

2. Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (Dir. Quentin Tarantino) 

Wow! What a fun and exquisite homage to the city of Angels, below the line crew members of Hollywood, and the making and experiencing of movies. I got to watch it in beautiful 35mm and I want to see it again immediately (this time in 70mm). It made me happy live in this amazing city. This might be my favorite Tarantino movie! Tarantino has a gift of storytelling and attention to detail that is respectable and a testament to his love of the craft. This movie is eye-candy and a gem. The way he re-wrote history a la "Basterds" was also a neat move, which leads one to wonder, "What if?" "What is Sharon had lived?" "What if Hollywood wasn't once upon a time?"

1. Parasite (Dir. Bong Joon Ho) 

Fresh off Cannes. We need more movies like this. I'm so full of anxiety and wonder, and I'll probably have this movie linger in my head for a few weeks. I HIGHLY recommend this thriller that explores social classes, privilege, and the will to succeed. Thanks PGA for the pre-release screening.