Top Ten of 2015

It is that time of the year and admittedly, I am cutting this quite fine.

It has been a mixed bag this year, with the better/more memorable films coming out with 2016 just around the corner.

But after a lot of procrastination, here is my top ten of 2015 – in no particular order:

1. Ex-Machina

A stunning debut from Alex Garland, this thriller has a brilliant story with amazing performances from its leading trio.

2. Mad Max: Fury Road

Exciting, beautifully shot, and has great performances from Hardy and Theron.

3. Inside Out

Easily Pixar’s best film since WALL-E, it is charming, funny and imaginative; everything an animated film should be.

4. Carol

Beautifully told, sensitive and compelling, this love story has Oscar-winner all over it, due to Blanchett and Mara’s amazing performances.

5. Brooklyn

Saoirse Ronan shines in this coming-of-age story that is beautiful to watch.

6. Tale of Princess Kaguya

Style-wise, it is different to Miyazaki’s work, but this Studio Ghibli film is as beautiful and emotive as the studio’s classic features.

7. Steve Jobs

Fassbender’s unforgiving yet compelling performance is complemented by Aaron Sorkin’s frenetic script and Boyle’s clever direction, making this an all-engrossing dramatisation.

8. Birdman

A simple story that is made extraordinary by its direction, cast and concept.

9. The Martian

Brilliantly entertaining and educational at the same time, Ridley can almost be forgiven for the mess that is Prometheus.

10. Whiplash

Compelling, stunning and exhilarating, J.K Simmons won an award for a reason: his uncompromising Terence Fletcher.

Special mentions:

Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens

A late entry, J.J. Abrams restored my faith in the franchise.  I can only pray that Rian Johnson and Colin Trevorrow deliver the goods in Episodes 8 and 9 respectively.

Song of the Sea

Admittedly, I watched this in 2014 as part of the London Film Festival, but this beautiful animated film deserves to be recognised.

Thanks for reading.