1. In the Mood for Love (Wong Kar Wai 2000)- One of the great films of all time, let alone the 00s. Puts you in a sort-of depressed, lovesick mood for a few days after, sticks with you for weeks after. Wong Kar Wai is a genius. This is the best film of the 00s.
2. Yi Yi (Edward Lang 2000)- Too bad Edward Lang isn't alive to bring us more films like this. A beautiful family drama that covers every base--comedy, romance, spirituality. tragedy--and never feels distracted or unfocused. Good shit.
3. Dancer in the Dark (Lars von Trier 2000)- Fucking heartbreaking. If you don't cry it's because you're soulless. Probably borders on emotionally manipulative but I don't care because I love Bjork and Lars von Trier. Very powerful, gets me every time.
4. There Will be Blood (Paul Thomas Anderson 2007)- One of the very few Hollywood films to get it right. A sort of modern-day Citizen Kane driven by Daniel Day-Lewis' performance (which is everything it's cracked up to be, absolutely incredible). Frightening portrait of greed and unhinged capitalism. One of my favorites.
5. Silent Light (Carlos Reygadas 2007)- Like Tarkovsky in Mennonite Mexico. What? Yeah.
6. Flight of the Red Balloon (Hou Hsiao Hsien 2007)- Another very subtle family drama. Some might think it's boring but that's because the film is very demanding. It requires that you become invested in this fractured family. The throwbacks to Lamorrise's original short film are a nice touch too.
7. Werckmeister Harmonies (Bela Tarr 2000)- No one makes films like Bela Tarr. This movie is hypnotic and bizarre and beautiful. The way that Tarr choreographs his shots is mindblowing--watch the first 10 minutes of the film to get an idea of what I'm talking about. The way the camera becomes involved in their universe dance--brilliant. And the music. Wow.
8. Stevie (Steve James 2002)- Disturbing-yet-touching documentary about a very troubled young man. This one comes from the guy who directed Hoop Dreams so he obviously knows his way around a documentary. Should probably be required viewing for all people because of the ambiguity and empathy it would instill in anyone. If you heard about Stevie's actions on the news you'd think he was a monster (maybe he is), but the way James forces you to look at the situation would definitely make you think on it more before you came to that conclusion.
9. Lost in Translation (Sofia Coppola 2003)- Another one of those Hollywoods that got it right..sorta. It's hard not to get swept away in the romance of it all. And of course Bill Murray gives a great performance and probably got robbed of his only chance at an Oscar. Unfortunate. Great film.
10. I Am a Sex Addict (Caveh Zahedi 2005)- The greatest example of brutally honest film making I've ever seen. Caveh has no reservations about revealing every repulsive, distasteful and shameful thing he has ever done and the way these actions affected his life profoundly and we come out loving him even more for it.
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