FILM RECOMMENDATIONS: DRAMA (2007-19)
Regency Enterprises, Film4 Productions, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Age Certificate: 15
IMDb: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 95/100
Plot
Solomon Northup, a free African-American, is promised a fortnightly job by Brown and Hamilton. However, after arriving in Washington DC, he realises that he has been sold into slavery.
Review
I watched this film for the BFI Film Academy and was astonished from beginning till end. The first 15 minutes had so much depth that it took an hour analysing the mise-en-scene, the editing, the narrative etc. A truly emotional story with an amazing cast; especially Chiwetel Ejiofor, the main lead. This story captures the true essence of what it was like for the victims of slavery in 1853, giving us the view of how the black community were treated during the time. Films are made for our knowledge and understanding; this film does more than just portray the lives of black people; it brings awareness to people of different race.
My rating: 8.5/10
StudioCanal, Working Title Films
Age Certificate: 15
IMDb: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 83/100
Plot
Thirteen-year-old fledgling writer Briony Tallis irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister's lover of a crime he did not commit.
Review
Another favourite film from Joe Wright starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy. I've been a fan of these two actors since childhood; watching Knightley in 'Pirates of the Caribbean' (2003) and 'Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace' (1999), and McAvoy in 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' (2005) and 'X-Men: First Class' so it was odd seeing both actors in a romance film together. At first, I was not sure whether I would like the pairing but after watching the film, I have been turned into now thinking their characters are perfect for each other. I have watched Knightley in 'Pride and Prejudice' (2005) and so it was already apparent that she was going to be great in another romance period piece. The story is great but tragic; you will feel angry at the character of Briony as she is what I would call a villain in the real world. The aesthetics for the film is close to light academia (at least the first act) with a touch of darkness towards the ending of the film. I've read somewhere that "the first part of Atonement was shot with Dior stockings stretched over the camera lens to give it that soft dreamlike focus" which I find interesting and creative.
My rating: 7/10
IFC Productions, Universal Pictures
Age Certificate: 15
IMDb: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 97/100
Plot
Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, a ground-breaking story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason. Snapshots of adolescence from road trips and family dinners to birthdays and graduations and all the moments in between become transcendent. A nostalgic time capsule of the recent past and an ode to growing up and parenting.
Review
A unique film that took over 12 years to make. The determination and dedication shown by director Linklater should aspire the younger generation of filmmakers. Shot on film; Linklater used a variety of cameras, from Moviecam compact camera to Panavision. What I admire about the film is how the camera's perspective changes as the main character, Mason, grows up to signify the constant change. The story is very much watching a young boy grow into adulthood; watching the ups and downs during home life with family and school life with friends. It is not as dramatic as you would expect in a film but watching the experiences people go through on a normal day makes the film worth watching; it is relatable and honest. The family dynamic between the actors works well especially after working together for 12 plus years.
My rating: 7/10
Fox 2000 Pictures, 20th Century Fox
Age Certificate: PG
IMDb: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 87/100
Plot
Pi Patel finds a way to survive in a lifeboat that is adrift in the middle of nowhere. His fight against the odds is heightened by the company of a hyena and a male Bengal tiger.
Review
First off, the cinematography for the film is beautiful. The reflection of the sunset on the ocean is worth seeing as well as the numerous scenes filled with the night sky. Some of the best visuals I have seen in film. At first, I was adamant on not watching this film even after watching the trailer and seeing adverts on tv and on buses. These were signs to watch it but my conscience was saying that it will be a boring film. I was wrong when I was having a movie marathon before starting college and I put 'Life of Pi' on the list for some reason. I always thought I should broaden my range in films that I watch. The film was moving, I did not expect there to be a bond between the main character, Pi, and the tiger. The idea that having to survive the ocean in a lifeboat is hard but when there is an animal, a tiger, on board, that is a whole new level of experience. After everything Pi has lost (from the beginning on the film to the end), his story is truly emotional.
My rating: 8/10
DreamWorks Pictures, Amblin Entertainment, Walt Disney Studios
Age Certificate: 12A
IMDb: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 75/100
Plot
Young Albert enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. Albert's hopeful journey takes him out of England and to the front lines as the war rages on.
Review
As much as I love the sci-fi and action genre of films, war films are probably some of the best productions out there in the industry. They are very underrated even I sometimes forget that I enjoy watching war films. Before 'Dunkirk' (2017) and '1917' (2019), 'War Horse' was my standard of a good war film but see events through an animal's perspective. The story is about the relationship between man and horse but are separated by war and how they meet again during and after the war. There are upsetting moments but it makes the film emotional and dramatic. The film includes some of my favourite British actors; Tom Hiddleston and Benedict Cumberbatch who also stars in '1917'.
My rating: 7.1/10
Working Title Films, Focus Features, Universal Pictures
Age Certificate: 12A
IMDb: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 80/100
Plot
Stephen Hawking, an excellent astrophysics student working on his research, learns that he suffers from motor neurone disease and has around two years to live.
Review
The biopic of the famous physicist, Stephen Hawking, portrayed by award winner Eddie Redmayne. Redmayne co-stars with Felicity Jones who plays ex-wife, Jane Hawkings. This film won best performance, best adapted screenplay, it has won Redmayne best actor award and may more along with nominations. It is one of those films that looks like an Oscar worthy film and it is. I have never watched Redmayne before this film and after I have, I had to watch more of his work because it is admirable and inspiring to see the dedication, he puts in all his roles. The film serves dramatic moments but the story of the love the lead characters had during their time as married couples. My favourite scene was their first meeting as Stephen made the acquaintance of Jane, their short introduction: "Hello... Hello... Science... Art" will always be iconic.
My rating: 8.1/10
Fox 2000 Pictures, 20th Century Fox
Age Certificate: 12
IMDb: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 47/100
Plot
Liesel lives with her foster parents Hans and Rosa Hubermann in Nazi Germany. She finds solace from the horrors around her by stealing books from the mayor's house to learn new words.
Review
A lot of war films that centres around Nazi Germany have a similar trope of 'a German family hiding a Jew from the government because they have good morals' and I am beginning to think this is becoming a popular trope in war films. Nonetheless, they are a trope because the stories are actually touching. Based on the book of the same title, the story focuses and follows the life of a young German girl who teaches herself to read books and learn what is right and what is wrong from reading. The message from the film is heart-warming through the dark and sad environment it is set in. The message is to show kindness and spread love even at the hardest of times. However, I did wish they could show more scenes and a developed relationship between the main lead, Liesel, and the Jewish refugee who is being sheltered by the family, Max.
My rating: 6.7/10
BBC Films, Miramax Films
Age Certificate: 12A
IMDb: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 64/100
Plot
Bruno is the eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp during World War II. His friendship with a Jewish boy he meets across the fence leads to unexpected consequences.
Review
A classic film that will break many hearts. This movie is truly emotional and heart-breaking. It doesn't matter how many times you watch it; you expect a different outcome because you are so invested in the story, you want so much more and so much better for the characters and that is what filmmaking is about - bringing out emotions through a story. The film focuses on two children and the growing relationship they have with one another. Both living two completely different lives, they are met through a wired fence. Watching two young boys interact with each other whilst they are unaware and naive to the situation that they are in; the feeling of watching something without having the ability to stop it makes it even more upsetting. The film shows the consequences of war, the actions of mankind that lead to a tragic end of two innocent lives.
My rating: 8.8/10
New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures
Age Certificate: 12A
IMDb: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 48/100
Plot
Anna, a young girl, seeks a lawyer's help to earn medical emancipation from her parents when they force her to donate organs, blood and tissue to her leukaemia-stricken elder sister and help her live.
Review
This was quite a hard topic to base a movie around but the end result was moving and heart-breaking. The film centres around a family, specifically one of the sisters as she has learned that she was born to provide organs for her older sister who has leukaemia. The film brings up many difficult questions and difficult decisions to make, for example, would you give up your freedom to save a life of a family member?
My rating: 6.7/10
Heyday Films, Netflix
Age Certificate: 15
IMDb: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 94/100
Plot
Director, Noah Baumbach's, incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together.
Review
Two of my favourite actors brought together in a family-centred film. I believe this film really brings out Scarlett Johansson's talents in acting; her iconic long take scene with Laura Dern's character proves just little of what she is capable of. The scene talks about her struggles in her relationship with Charlie (Adam Driver's character) who has been neglecting her over time. I wish to see more long takes in cinema and more real-life drama films. Her chemistry with Adam Driver also proves the great decision making by the casting directors.
My rating: 7.1/10
Plan B Entertainment, Netflix
Age Certificate: 15
IMDb: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 71/100
Plot
Hal, wayward prince and heir to the English throne, is crowned King Henry V after his tyrannical father dies. Now the young king must navigate palace politics, the war his father left behind, and the emotional strings of his past life.
Review
My first time watching the rising star, Timothée Chalamet, in a film and I was impressed. Though his performance does reflect him in a good light, the film is just a glimpse of his acting range. I had watched 'Little Women' which was released the same year and the role was the opposite to his King Henry role. This film has a stellar cast, from Robert Pattinson to Joel Edgerton but one actor stood out the most apart from Chalamet and that was Lily Rose Depp. Though and unfortunately, she had very few scenes, appearing only towards the end of the film, her presence was noticed as soon she came up, not to mention the importance of her character as what she said was what King Henry V had to consider in his final decisions.
My rating: 7.8/10
Barunson E&A, CJ Entertainment
Age Certificate: 15
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea
IMDb: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 98/100
Plot
Greed and class discrimination threaten the newly formed symbiotic relationship between the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim clan.
Review
My first look at the trailer left me confused; I was not sure whether it was comedy or thriller but after watching the film, it was a mix of both with lots of dramatic moments. At first, I did not know where the film was going; I understood the themes such as capitalism and class but towards the end, I assume the film was about achieving a dream, the hope of living a better life. The film mainly focused on the ideology of class; one family representing the poor, lower class and another family representing the rich, higher class. There are a lot of twists and the cinematography looks beautiful.
My rating: 7.9/10
Columbia Pictures, Regency Enterprises, Sony Pictures
Age Certificate: U
IMDb: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 95/100
Plot
Jo March reflects back and forth on her life, telling the beloved story of the March sisters - four young women, each determined to live life on her own terms.
Review
Compared to other period pieces, this was a good film but not as good as Joe Wright films ('Pride and Prejudice', 'Atonement'). The dialogues and interactions between the sisters especially Jo and her good friend, Theodore, was interesting and kept the story going. What I love about the film is Jo March's personality. She knows exactly what she wants and the scene when she rejects Theodore was relatable; she knows she cannot love him and will not accept his love for her because she will not make him happy. I also admire Florence Pugh's characters, Amy, because you can feel for her and know she deserves someone who loves her for her and not as a second choice to Jo.
My rating: 7/10
TSG Entertainment, FilmNation Entertainment, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Age Certificate: 12A
IMDb: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 73/100
Plot
Frank, a single man raising his child prodigy niece Mary, is drawn into a custody battle with his mother.
Review
I love the pairing of Chris Evans ('Captain America' series, 'Snowpiercer', 'Knives Out') and Mckenna Grace ('Captain Marvel', 'I, Tonya', 'Annabelle Comes Home') since I've watched most of their films and I can say they are some of the best in the business. Mckenna is very talented for her age especially after this film as well as 'I, Tonya' (2017). There are heart-warming moments between both characters as they very much show their love for one another, even though they are uncle and niece, you can see how much Frank wants to protect Mary and look after her. There are heart-breaking moments; the scene when Mary has to leave her uncle but is not willing to because the change is too big for her that it scares her. The relationship they both have is like a father and daughter relationship.
My rating: 8/10
LuckyChap Entertainment, Clubhouse Pictures, Neon
Age Certificate: 15
IMDb: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 90/100
Plot
Competitive ice skater Tonya Harding rises amongst the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, but her future in the activity is thrown into doubt when her ex-husband intervenes.
Review
Margot Robbie once again proves she can play any role in a film. After watching 'Suicide Squad' (2016) (in which she portrays Harley Quinn, the best character to come out of that film), I knew I would love pretty much all her films if given the chance to have watched them all. For the character of Tonya Harding, I was unaware of the real-life story the film was based on since the incident happened in the 1990's when I was not even born plus, I'm not a fan of figure skating. However, I like dark humour and a bit of drama which this film does. I also like the fact that the two main characters are unreliable narrators yet we get to hear their sides of the story but it does not mean we have to believe what they say or side with any of them.
My rating: 8/10
Fox Searchlight Pictures, TSG Entertainment
Age Certificate: 12A
IMDb: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 80/100
Plot
A young boy in Hitler's army finds out his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home.
Review
I'm actually surprised that this film got a 12A age rating considering the black comedy aspect as well as the script overall. Nonetheless, the film is led by a Roman Griffin Davis who was 11 years old during the shooting of this film and so the age certificate seems appropriate. It is quite unique to think that anyone would make a film centred around Nazi Germany and have young teenagers as the target audience (assuming young teens are the target audience as the two young characters are the focus of the story). The film is naturally hilarious but that was already expected by director Taika Waititi who is known for his use of comedic relief within films, as seen in 'Thor: Ragnarok' (2017). Behind the comedic aspect of the film is the dramatic story of a young Jewish girl and her interaction with a German boy who grew up in a life where he thinks Hitler is his idol, and goes to the point of creating an imaginary best friend who resembles Hitler but is more childlike (portrayed by director Waititi). In the end, the film is about love and friendship; the love between a mother and her son and the friendship between Jojo and Elsa.
My rating: 8.8/10
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A lot of films that are either heart-warming 💓 or heart-breaking. 💔
Next up, I want to look at music videos that are of film production quality:
👉 Top 10 JPOP music videos
👉 Top 10 KPOP music videos
Sabina 🦁
