Top Ten Films of 2012

So, it is that time of year again, and while at first, upon contemplating on 2012 in terms of film, I thought this year was rather weak as last year was so strong, on further inspection there have been some truly original and memorable films released. Credit must be given to The Dark Knight Rises for being a superb blockbuster and Prometheus for being a brave summer blockbuster, but unfortunately neither made my Top Ten. Nor did the latest Bond, Skyfall, or The Avengers Assemble. A Royal Affair was a splendid period political drama and The Raid was a blast of ultra-action but these gems didn't make it either. Let's see which films did.

10. Sightseers

Dark humour, violence, the English countryside, a touch of Leigh and a cracking ending, what more could you want from a film? Solid British filmmaking.

9. Moonrise Kingdom

Gorgeously shot in true Anderson style, this is a delightful and stylish film that will charm again and again. 

8. Holy Motors 

Award for the most unusual and bizarre film of the year would definitely go to this strange yet fascinating offering. Each vignette cleverly offers another layer to the indeterminable chaos.

7. Beasts of the Southern Wild

Featuring the performance of the year, this film is fresh and original with plenty of surprises along the way.

 6. Sister

A standout film at this year's Berlinale, Sister depicts another side to a luxury ski resort and its inhabitants. 

5. Alps 

Unique is certainly one way to describe Alps, equally rewarding as it is baffling. 

4. Amour

Devastatingly beautiful, Amour deserves its place in the top five due to its authentic portrayal of love and loss and the outstanding performances from the two leads.

 

 3. Berberian Sound Studio 

Completely original and harking back to a bygone age in filmmaking, this is the only film you will see that dedicates screen time to vegetables and has good reason to! A film all about sound that utilises visual techniques to perfection.

2. The Master  

Featuring two of the finest actors working in Hollywood today, it is a pleasure to see Mr Phoenix back on form in this comprehensive character study.  Fascinating people dominate this period piece, in an era that is equally fascinating. 

1. Tabu 

Nostalgic, beautiful, melancholic. There are many adjectives that can be employed to describe this stunning film, but none really capture the real essence of this captivating work of art, a must see!