7 BEFORE 07

It was in the early years of this decade when I realized my hidden passion for film (filmmaking eventually). And right before another year starts, I just want to enumerate the films that have mostly affected me (why? Well, because I want to.) The movies which I am about to reveal have had me struck a personal attachment to each of them; these are the films which have one way or another influenced my way of thinking after having seen them. Yes, these are by far my favorite films of this decade (emphasis on the word favorite; these are not the films which I consider the best, however I shall also be providing a grade after each film just so you know for artistic merit and that shit; let me also note that other films could have also made this list, however I mercilessly omitted right away the films which I slept on [accidentally or not; well, that's life.]) Without further ado, let me put on my Ebert mask and present to you my Top 7 films before 2007!

Honorable Mention: Angels in America (2003)
Had this miniseries been released as a film, it would have gone as far as #2 or even #1 but this is another story which we can talk about another day.

7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
"Would you erase me?" A film that talks about the possibility of erasing the person you once loved, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind has one of the most interesting screenplays I have ever read. Michel Gondry and Charlie Kaufman gives us this funny yet striking story about Joel and Clementine, which were wonderfully brought to life by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet respectively. The film is also visually stimulating with the scenes taking place in Joel's head; thrilling as the characers save memories from being erased. Truly a must see for all hopeless romantics and people who love to see a great script come to life. Kram's verdict: A-

6. Cidade de Deus (2002)
Cidade de Deus or City of God is an action-packed film that gives us a picture of humanity inside a place that is heavily surrounded by crime and poverty. Director Fernando Meirelles takes us to City of God by introducing us to the wide array of characters that inhabit the place that was supposed to be a housing project in Brazil which was never really prioritized by its government. His semi-documentary style, the handheld camera and the voiceover truly secures the audience a connection with the different characters such as Rocket. A film for anyone who believes in hope in spite of the harshness of reality. Kram's verdict: A

5. A Scanner Darkly (2006)
Based on Philip K. Dick's novel, A Scanner Darkly is reminiscent of the times of President Nixon's reign where people were closely being watched by the government. Through rotoscoping, Richard Linklater was able to breathe so much life into the film as he also stayed very faithful to Dick's narrative. The film is very visually rich and boasts colorful characters well-executed most especially by Robert Downey Jr, Woody Harrelson and Rory Cochrane. It lacks heart (meaning it could have gone farther in this list) but the film's originality and style are impeccable. The best animated film I have seen in modern times, the film truly deserves an Oscar. However because of its themes, the film would be greatly appreciated by a very mature audience. Kram's verdict: A

4. Crash (2005)
Racial drama Crash defines ensemble casting. With great performances from Matt Dillon, Thandie Newton and Terrence Howard to mention a few, it is one of the most well-acted films in recent years. With Paul Haggis helming and writing the film, the audience is indeed assured of a quality and touching film. People who have seen the film will never forget the scene where Christine (Thandie Newton), who was trapped inside a car being rescued by Officer Ryan (Matt Dillon), the officer who had violated her earlier. Truly moving, the film's theme resonates loudly. A film for people who dare to be moved. Kram's verdict: A

3. 2046 (2005)
Wong Kar Wai's 2046 is a beautiful yet melancholic portrait of a writer's incapacity to love. The film is visually stunning as it is shot in anamorphic lenses. The play of colors, even the ambiance of smoke from cigarettes also gives the film its emotional atmosphere. With riveting performances from Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi, Maggie Cheung and Takuya Kimura the audience is bound to be enthralled by the wonderful script of Wong Kar Wai brought to life by these characters. An art film that has art written in big and bold letters, 2046 can be highly appreciated by an open-minded crowd and fans of art and foreign films. Kram's verdict: A

(Here comes the hard part...)

2. Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001)
"You have to make the clitoris your best friend", Luisa tells one of the boys. Y Tu Mama Tambien is the best coming of age film I have ever seen. Perhaps it shall be more popularly known as the teen flick filled with lots of sex scenes, however one should never disregard or fail to see and feel the heart and soul of the film as it is beautifully presented by its great director Alfonso Cuaron. As it progresses, we discover the film's depth, how it speaks about life and death. Undoubtedly Maribel Verdu as Luisa is the insight of the film. Her character teaches the boys the sacredness of the act of making love that it is shared by two people; not just one benefitting from the other. I highly recommend this film to a very mature audience who can read between the lines and see beyond what can be seen onscreen. Kram's verdict: A+

(Well, you might have guessed it right.)

1. Before Sunset (2004)
Before anything else, if you've been an avid reader of my blog, I dare you to count the many references I have made to Before Sunset in all the months I have written here. They're a lot right? It just goes to show how brilliant and intelligent the film is; I can't stop talking about it each time the opportunity comes. But seriously, when does an art film get a sequel? It's the first time in history! And it's not even economically driven, Before Sunrise didn't sell as big as the first films from the (never ending) Die Hard and Terminator franchises. Now how can that be? In simple words, let me just say that Richard Linklater wanted to tell a story. In Before Sunrise he showed a picture of a young couple who had raw ideas, the peculiarity of youth and they had to separate; not leaving any kind of details because they thought it was childish and stupid. Years later, they accidentally met and they realize the great impact in their lives of their parting and the fact that they never saw each other until that day again. They had to make a choice; their own realities were at stake. What is interesting in the film is the style of how their reunion was presented. It was as if we were watching the two in real time as only a few hours were left before Jesse's plane leaves. We followed them through wherever they go and we hear everything they say. For me, it was not at all boring as every word they speak gives so much detail of how they were affected by one another since the first time they met. And this is made to appear as real as possible by the brilliant performances of Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, who in fact co-wrote the screenplay with Linklater. In the end, when one expects all questions to be answered, we never actually reach a conclusion as we encounter another open ending; and that makes the film beautiful as we are given an opportunity to put our own ideals and beliefs to the test. Clearly, this film is not at all for people who are avid viewers of commercial and visually stimulating films; it is an intelligent film that requires an intelligent and mature audience or plainly, someone who can appreciate art and listen to a good conversation. As Mr. Ricky Lee had taught me, what you see onscreen is merely 40% of the film, the rest can be found in the underlying themes beneath the sights and sounds; inevitably, Before Sunset has the full 100%. Kram's verdict: A+