10 Noteworthy movies of 2010

Before the Oscars, I thought I'd pick several movies that caught my attention in 2010, since I'm still working my way through some of this year's nominees. I came up with 10 movies, in no particular order:

1. The Social Network (USA)

2. Black Swan (USA)

3. True Grit (USA)

4. The King’s Speech (UK)

5. Never Let Me Go (UK)

6. Hereafter (USA)

7. How I Ended This Summer (Russia)

8. Inception (USA)

9. Centurion (UK)

10. The Book of Eli (USA)

1. The Social Network (USA)
Directed by: David Fincher
Written by: Aaron Sorkin
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield

The Social Network is truly the movie of its time, masterfully capturing the internet-socializing craze of our world. Whether it is good or bad is for the viewer to decide. Brilliant dialogue and acting definitely help.

2. Black Swan (USA)

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky

Written by: Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz, John J. McLaughlin

Cast: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel

This movie is very difficult to describe, with everything that is going on every second and with all the psychological and emotional layers. It has to be experienced. The visuals and camera work are stunning. In my opinion, Natalie Portman's best role yet.

3. True Grit (USA)

Directed by: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Written by: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Cast: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Hailee Steinfeld

I am usually indifferent about Westerns. This one, however, captured me from start to finish. Extremely well-executed and acted. Special mentioning goes to Hailee Steinfeld who, without question, dominates the screen.

4. The King's Speech (UK)

Directed by: Tom Hooper

Written by: David Seidler

Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter

The King's Speech truly deserved all of its 12 Oscar nominations, with its exceptional execution and powerful performances. The friendship between King George VI and Lionel Logue is wonderfully and truthfully portrayed.

5. Never Let Me Go (UK)

Directed by: Mark Romanek

Written by: Alex Garland

Cast: Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, Andrew Garfield

As hard as it was to watch this movie at times, it was well worth it. A beautifully and carefully crafted atmosphere is one of the best things about Never Let Me Go. This one will definitely keep you contemplating long after the end credits are over.

6. Hereafter (USA)

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Written by: Peter Morgan

Cast: Matt Damon, Cecile De France, Bryce Dallas Howard

Hereafter is one emotional roller coaster which never takes a break. There are very few movies that made me feel so many emotions over such a short period of time. The theme of afterlife is handled in a very unique and subtle way. Very strong performances from the whole cast.

7. How I Ended This Summer (Russia)

Directed by: Aleksei Popogrebsky

Written by: Aleksei Popogrebsky

Cast: Grigory Dobrygin, Sergei Puskepalis

A film of two actors with nature as a third character. Very interesting dynamics between the two main characters in a very isolated environment of a station on the Arctic ocean island. Beautiful nature and cinematography.

8. Inception (USA)

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Written by: Christopher Nolan

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page

Inception is a mind twister from the very first scene. Make sure to pay attention to every single detail, as everything is connected in the most intricate ways. The idea of breaking into somebody's dreams is unsettling enough, but combined with the state-of-the-art visuals, it is mind-blowing.

9. Centurion (UK)

Directed by: Neil Marshall

Written by: Neil Marshall

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Dominic West, Olga Kurylenko

I have to warn that Centurion is exceptionally violent and bloody, and terribly realistic at both of those things. This is completely unavoidable though, when portraying the war between Roman soldiers and Picts. However, the charismatic cast and quality execution make it worthwhile.

10. The Book of Eli (USA)

Directed by: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes

Written by: Gary Whitta

Cast: Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis, Gary Oldman

The plot is simple: Eli possesses a very important book which he must protect at all costs, as he travels through a futuristic dystopian world. What attracted me were the style of the visuals and the rewardingly deep ideas along the way.