2007-12-19 03:14:38

WONDER-FILLED: TOP TEN FILMS OF 2007

Filed under: Film
Posted by: Craig

With so many reasons to despair, the most hope-filled films of 2007 took on added resonance. Into the Wild invokes the spirit of Thoreau, Kerouac, and Easy Rider—all American originals. It is an invitation to hope. Sadly, this broad, generous space created by Sean Penn has been met by mostly indifference. We’re a loooong way from the Spirit of 1968 that infuses this transcendent picture. But I am grateful for the chance to ascend Salvation Mountain.

Once finds such simple beauty amidst the allegedly dreary Dublin. What a testimony to a micro-budget and a two-part harmony. Ongoing inspiration for independents everywhere. In The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Julian Schnabel transforms a poetic, internalized book into an experiential, transcendental film. Can we find reasons to carry on despite crushing realities? Jean-Do Bauby’s life proves that the Spirit moves even when we cannot.

The most enduring film of 2007 actually won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film of 2006. The Lives of Others starts in the dreary darkness of communist Germany. While spying on a playwright and his girlfriend, a Stasi agent gradually has his humanity restored. Love, honor, and sacrifice bloom even amidst a repressive government The Lives of Others forces us to examine our own choices. Would my private life inspire a “Sonata for a Good Man”? What legacy will we leave? Tragedies are inevitable. Will we respond with faith and hope despite haunting circumstances? The finest films of 2007 challenge us to flee from darkness and embrace the light.

1. The Lives of Others—Would people weep from the beauty of your hidden life?
2. Into the Wild—Nature, freedom, purity, and costly individualism.
3. Once—The sound of music leads to transcendent, enduring love. Pure joy.
4. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly—Can our spirit escape this mortal coil? One blink at at time.
5. Lars and the Real Girl—A Christian community rallies around a beloved son and his blow-up girlfriend. Utterly sweet.
6. Juno—Ironic detachment takes a holiday with the arrival of a fetus with fingernails.
7. Rocket Science—From stuttering from fear to debating with confidence and style.
8. Black Snake Moan—Biggest bait and switch of the year; trades sex for spirituality.
9. Rescue Dawn—Sheer determination to survive against all odds. Riveting.
10. Away From Her—What does long term love and commitment look like?

Awe-Filled Docs:

War/Dance—Finding reasons to dance and sing even amidst civil war.
Nanking—Courage under fire. A model of conscience for us all.

Two wonders to make the kid in all of us smile: Ratatouille and Enchanted

Thank you moviemakers for offering us gravity and levity when we truly needed both….

Comments (4)

4 Comments »

1. The Lives of Others is that solid huh? Okay, it’s going on the must-see. I thought Lars would be higher on your list? And Rescue Dawn!? Wow. Are you sure Ratatouille shouldn’t be in it’s place? Now that would be quite ironic. I wonder if the Dawn crew hit up Gusteau’s after production…

   Comment by Todd — December 21, 2007 @ 12:47 pm

2. craig….i live and die by this list. if you don’t have “wake up for work” on this list, i sleep through my alarm. that’s what we’re talking about here.

   Comment by Bryce — January 3, 2008 @ 7:17 pm

3. Thanks for weighing in, gents.

   Bryce, I don’t know if that is tragic or touching or both…:)

   Comment by Craig — January 4, 2008 @ 5:35 pm

4. All good picks! I’d like to add Saawariya to the list. It’s an American produced Bollywoood story that tells the magical yet bittersweet love story of two people set in Red Light District of India. The costumes, set design, dance numbers and cinematography are stunning.

   Comment by SolShine7 — February 26, 2008 @ 11:03 pm

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