In 35 Words Or Less: Wrap Up And Favorite Films Of My 2011 Movie (Re)viewing Year

Part 1: WRAP UP

Highlights of My Movie (Re)viewing Year In 2011 (in chronological order)

1) Hugo Gor's Turning Point: Joining Twitch
Before I joined ScreenAnarchy in May, I was actually very close to giving up writing. But the publication of my first post here and positive responses that followed reignited my passion to write about films.

2) Coverage of the Sydney Film Festival in June
I saw some amazing films, and met many nice but also a few arrogant film critics in the media room. Yet despite the personality differences, we shared one thing in common: a love for cinema.

3) Writing the E-newsletters for the JFF
In November, the Japanese Film Festival organisers invited me to write their E-newsletters, which are an important way for them to communicate with the public. I was absolutely honored to join the great JFF team.

4) Interview With the Director of SINNERS AND SAINTS
Also in November, I got the opportunity to interview the talented director of SINNERS AND SAINTS (one of my favorite films of 2011) who clearly has the potentials to achieve much greater things in filmmaking.

 

So all in all, I had an amazing year in movie (re)viewing. And the following is a list of 12 films that stood out for me in the year, together with a short explanation as to why I liked them (again in 35 words or less). As you will see, it does not contain any Hollywood movies. This is purely because of the kind of films that I enjoy the most, and is not in any way a reflection of the quality of the Hollywood productions last year. I know there were many great Hollywood films (such as um... FAST FIVE, which I am sure will score a win in every category at the upcoming Academy Awards).

 

Part II: FAVORITE FILMS

My Top 10 Favorite Films That Were First Released In Australia In 2011 (in reverse order of preference)

10) B.K.O. BANGKOK KNOCKOUT
B.K.O. is a Big Kick-ass Offering from legendary Thai action director Panna Rittikrai. Featuring plenty of dangerous and jaw-dropping stunts, the film would have ranked even higher if it had a stronger script. (full review)

9) THE GREAT BEAR
This is a beautifully animated film from feature debut director Esben Toft Jacobsen. I like its simplicity that will appeal to young audiences especially, teaching them the delights of all creatures great and small. (full review)

8) 33 POSTCARDS
This Chinese-Australian collaboration is sweet and likeable, and carries the important message of peace and mutual respect amongst different cultures. Its female lead, Zhu Lin, is one of the best newcomers of 2011. (full review)

7) LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE
Johnnie To's witty little film about greed for money is entertaining and features a very good performance from its lead Lau Ching-wan, though I still prefer To's more action-filled police/ gangster/ crime thrillers. (full review)

6) AFRICA UNITED
Every good film festival needs a genuine crowd pleaser. At the 2011 Sydney Film Festival, AFRICA UNITED was that film. Funny, charming, touching and heartfelt, I left the screening overflowing with hope and positive feelings. (full review)

5) OVERHEARD 2
This sequel from creative duo Alan Mak and Felix Chong (INFERNAL AFFAIRS) offers a gripping ride thanks to a clever script set around the stock market and a solid cast of young and old actors. (full review)

4) SHINSAN: A SERENADE IN A COALMINE TOWN
Packed full of nostalgia, bittersweetness, real characters and true emotions, SHINSAN is a beautiful film that touched me more than any other films that I saw in 2011. (full review)

3) SINNERS AND SAINTS
This cop thriller has all the trademarks of the 80s' classic action films. The film's quality is superb despite its limited budget. Hollywood ought to start paying more attention to the film's director, William Kaufman. (full review)

2) ELITE SQUAD 2: THE ENEMY WITHIN
This sequel exceeded all of my expectations by surpassing the original ELITE SQUAD. It moves along with such explosive power and ferocious intensity that I experienced palpitations and shortness of breath from watching it. (full review)

1) WU XIA
This modern classic has redefined the martial arts genre. The concept of combining action and science is both innovative and intriguing. Seeing WU XIA was the most satisfying cinematic experience I had in 2011. (full review)

My Favorite Short Film of 2011 - THE MISSING KEY
Australian independent filmmaker Jonathan Nix worked with his team over many years to complete this labour of love. The result is a charming animated film filled with dazzling visuals, beautiful music and... loveable gramophone heads. (full review)

My Favorite Non-2011 Release That I Saw in 2011 - LOVE EXPOSURE
This film is truly unique and unlike anything I have seen before. It is so amazing that its 4-hour running time felt too short to me. To put simply, it is a magical modern masterpiece! (full review) 

 

So there you have it: the highlights of my movie (re)viewing year in 2011. Before I finish up, I really want to take this opportunity to thank Todd the Commander for taking me on board his ship when I was lost at sea, and every one of you for reading my posts here at ScreenAnarchy. I wish you all a new year filled with love, joy and great movies.

Watch out, 2012... here I come!