Films: 10 Most Redeeming Films Christianity Today Lists for last few years

Every year Christianity Today magazine puts out a list of the 10 most redeeming films and then some runners up. They explain underneath what they mean by 'redeeming'. I've put the lists for 2007-2010 underneath here and then just for good measure under those I've put their critics choice awards for the same years.

The Most Redeeming Films of 2010
For the third straight year, a Pixar flick tops our list.

Our film critics are not on Pixar's payroll. Nor are they getting any under-the-table perks from the animation studio. There's a much less sinister reason that a Pixar movie—in this case, Toy Story 3—tops our Most Redeeming Films list for the third consecutive year: We think their movies rock.

It's not just the astonishingly good animation. It's the phenomenal storytelling, the depth of character development, the keen insight into the human condition—even from the perspective of plastic playthings. One of our critics confesses that he cried at the end of TS3 all three times he watched it—and will likely do so the next three times. That's what Pixar films do to us.

As for what makes Woody and Buzz's final adventure so redeeming, there's plenty: The usual themes of love and loyalty run loud and clear. Toys though they may be, the friends are willing to risk their lives for one another. And their owner, Andy, now college-bound, isn't about to relegate his old playtime buddies to a box in the attic, never to be played with again—or at least for decades. Instead, he takes a selfless step in the end, giving Woody and Buzz and the rest a new lease on life—a rebirth, so to speak. It's no surprise that many of the creative types at Pixar are Christians, as they churn out soul-stirring stories year after year. (For the record, Up topped our Most Redeeming list in 2009, as did Wall-E in 2008.)

Our Most Redeeming Films of 2010 list below is precisely that—the year's best movies that include stories of redemption. Several of the films feature characters who are redeemers themselves; all have characters who experience redemption to some degree. Some are feel-good flicks; others, a little less so. Several of the films are rated R and PG-13 and are not intended for young viewers, so please use discretion. But in all of these films, redemption is certainly one of the main characters.

The Most Redeeming Films of 2010

1. Toy Story 3

Directed by Lee Unkrich
(Disney / Pixar) | Rated G

2. The King's Speech

Directed by Tom Hooper
(Weinstein) | Rated R

3. Get Low

Directed by Aaron Schneider
(Sony Pictures Classics) | Rated PG-13

4. True Grit

Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
(Paramount) | Rated PG-13

5. Winter's Bone

Directed by Debra Granik
(Roadside Attractions) | Rated R

6. Despicable Me

Directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud
(Universal) | Rated PG

7. Tangled

Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard
(Disney) | Rated PG

8. The Fighter

Directed by David O. Russell
(Paramount) | Rated R

9. Letters to Father Jacob

Directed by Klaus Härö
(Olive Films) | Not Rated

10. Like Dandelion Dust

Directed by Jon Gunn
(Blue Collar Releasing) | Rated PG-13

Honorable mention:

Babies, Biutiful, The Book of Eli, How to Train Your Dragon, Please Give, Rabbit Hole, The Secret of Kells, Waiting for Superman

The 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2009
What do a lonely widower, a strong woman with a soft heart, and an African leader have in common? They're all key characters in the year's best redemptive movies.

posted 2/10/2010 02:33AM

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The Oscars are still a few weeks away, but most publications and critics—not to mention The Golden Globes—have long since picked their top movies of 2009. So now it's our turn.

This week we feature our 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2009. What do we mean by "redeeming"? We mean movies that include stories of redemption—sometimes blatantly, sometimes less so. Several of our films have characters who are redeemers themselves; all of them have characters who experience redemption to some degree—some quite clearly, some more subtly. Some are "feel-good" movies that leave a smile on your face; some are a bit more uncomfortable to watch. But the redemptive element is there in all of these films.

We also asked each of our critics to choose "One That Got Away"—a single film they wish had made the final list. Think of those extra films as sort of our "honorable mentions." (Next week: CT's 2009 Critics' Choice Awards.)

1. Up

directed by Pete Docter
It's got talking dogs piloting fighter planes and a house that floats to South America on the strength of a thousand balloons, but the most outrageous thing about Up? It's a summer blockbuster that's head-over-heels for the joys of marriage. Here lifelong commitment isn't a burden; it's an adventure.—Josh Hurst

2. The Blind Side

directed by John Lee Hancock
The Touhys, a well-to-do white family, can't ignore the needs of a homeless African-American boy. Instead of just lending a hand, they make him family. This real-life story of NFL player Michael Oher shows a great example of Christian compassion. We can't save the world, but we can love the ones God puts in our path.—Camerin Courtney

3. Invictus

directed by Clint Eastwood
This is much more than just another sports movie or "another Clint Eastwood awards season movie." It's a beautiful portrait of forgiveness and a model for how reconciliation can happen in reality, and how politics can employ things like sports and poetry in the service of national renewal.—Brett McCracken

4. The Road

directed John Hillcoat
Despite the bleak and sometimes terrifying post-apocalyptic milieu, this film—based on the book by Cormac McCarthy—stands out from other recent end-times flicks in its tenacious, audacious insistence on hope in the midst of darkness. Plus it's one of the most loving father-son relationships ever depicted on the big screen.—Mark Moring

5. The Soloist

directed by Joe Wright
This true tale of the unlikely relationship between a newspaper columnist and a musically gifted, mentally ill homeless man is a testament to the power of friendship. There are no easy answers here and the homeless problem among the mentally ill is clearly epidemic, but for both of these men, care and companionship are transformative.—Lisa Cockrel

6. Where the Wild Things Are

directed by Spike Jonze
Jonze reimagines Maurice Sendak's tale of high-spirited rebellion as a meditation on childhood insecurity in a messy world in which nothing—families, forests, even the Sun—lasts forever. Wild Things knows both a child's drowning sense of trying to hold together a broken family and the comfort of a mother's embrace, a calm center in a storm of uncertainty.—Steven D. Greydanus

7. District 9

directed by Neil Blomkamp
Using aliens and spaceships, District 9 actually gives new perspective on humans—their ugliness, racism, and greedy self-preservation. Perhaps because it shows a realistically dark world, we can see what shines. And because the main character is a complex mash-up of good and evil, his ultimate redemptive choice is powerful.—Todd Hertz

8. The Hurt Locker

directed by Kathryn Bigelow
A group of soldiers spend their days in combat and their nights shooting it out in video games; they see violence as macho and cool, but we see it as a deadly addiction. A lot of war movies turn our hearts to anger, but this one fills us with compassion for the people whose lives are caught in the crossfire.—Josh Hurst

9. Julie & Julia

directed by Nora Ephron
It's rare to see happy marriages portrayed in Hollywood—after all, no tension is boring. In contrast, Julie & Julia presents us with not one, but two marriages in which the husbands and wives genuinely love one another and stand ready to support, encourage, and laugh together. A feast, indeed.—Alissa Wilkinson

10. Up in the Air

directed by Jason Reitman
The core characters may not always behave honorably, but that's the point of this cautionary parable about investing more in selfish pursuits than in relationships. How sadly ironic that Ryan Bingham so skillfully helps others find hope and meaning in unemployment, yet can't find any in his own cocoon—though there's hope even for him.—Russ Breimeier

The Ones That Got Away

Avatar (Russ Breimeier)
Sin Nombre (Lisa Cockrel)
Crazy Heart (Camerin Courtney)
Coraline (Brandon Fibbs)
The 13th Day (Steven D. Greydanus)
Precious (Todd Hertz)
A Serious Man (Josh Hurst)
Bright Star (Brett McCracken)
Earth (Mark Moring)
The Young Victoria (Alissa Wilkinson)

The 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2008
What do irresistible robots, racist curmudgeons, and sensitive pachyderms have in common? They're all key characters in the year's best redemptive movies.

posted 1/27/2009 12:00AM

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So, what's a "redeeming" film? The definition varies, but for our list below, we mean movies that include stories of redemption—sometimes blatantly, sometimes less so. Several of them literally have a character that represents a redeemer; all of them have characters who experience redemption to some degree—some quite clearly, some more subtly. Some are "feel-good" movies that leave a smile on your face; some are a bit more uncomfortable to watch. But the redemptive element is there in all of these films.

We also let each of our voters choose "One That Got Away"—a single film they wish had made the final list. Think of those extra films as sort of our "honorable mentions."

For each of the top 10 films, we have included random comments from our critics. To learn more about the film's synopsis, click "Our review" at the end of each summary.

1. Wall•E
directed by Andrew Stanton

"A meaningful masterpiece that offers as much food for thought to adults as it does to children." "Whimsical comedy, thrilling action, threads of Noah's Ark and 2001: A Space Odyssey, and an inspiring mechanical hero—a fusion of R2D2, Woody Allen, and Charlie Chaplin—who reminds us that humanity at its best, living responsibly and passionately, just might help us out of the mess we've made at our worst." "Unconditional love." "A wake-up call to be aware of the beauty that is round us at all times." "A thing of beauty—a true artist's picture that is both entertaining, provocative, subtle, sad, and joyful." "Existential longing, awe and apocalyptic hope form the ambitious thematic terrain of this poetic, mesmerizing film." "A timeless parable about love in the ruins—a testament to the power of love to transform darkness into light." (Our review.)

2. The Visitor
directed by Tom McCarthy

"A withdrawn professor's static life is shaken up—and ultimately enriched—by his unexpected involvement in the lives of a pair of illegal aliens." "When Walter reaches out to two needy immigrants, he changes their lives and redeems his own, becoming a Christ-like sufferer alongside the oppressed." "A tale about the rewards of living with courage, conscience, and compassion." "It buys the right to discuss the U.S.'s treatment of immigrants because it was first and foremost a story of people. I cared for these people." "Though the film tackles a weighty issue and—ultimately—provides no easy answers, it is thoroughly satisfying. It oozes goodness, humanity, and a classy reverence for dignity and trans-cultural decorum." "A film about tricky political issues that eschews polemics in favor of real compassion." (Our review.)

3. Gran Torino
directed by Clint Eastwood

"Eastwood adds an interesting new wrinkle to the themes of mortality, violence, revenge and redemption that have been so prominent in his more recent films." "Some have said that Gran Torino doesn't have a happy ending, but the symbolism of what happens points to loving sacrifice and the complete commitment of one's life for the betterment of others." "We see a man redeemed from hatred to love for neighbors who steadily and persistently showed him love—even when he continually pushed them away." "Profound on a number of levels—a commentary on our contemporary zeitgeist but also a timeless story of redemption, sacrifice, and grace. It's Eastwood working through his own Dirty Harry mythos, atoning for his own cinematic sins in the same way that any of us must reckon with our past as we age and the world changes." (Our review.)

4. Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who
directed by Jimmy Hayward, Steve Martino

"When the Mayor of Whoville raises his voice to a mysterious, invisible presence in the sky, he shows his people how to live with courageous faith. When Horton risks his own reputation to save microscopic lives, he reminds us of the importance of looking closer, and of serving with humility." "The film encourages us to look both 'up' and 'down'—to humble ourselves and see ourselves as small, yet also to see the greatness that exists in others who we may find all too easy to dismiss." "A wonderful allusion to how God loves us." "Horton has such love for the Whos that he cares for them without fail—and wants to know them, and characters trust and believe without seeing. Neither the Whos nor Horton have 'proof' for the existence of the other except for the voice they can hear. Horton listens to the still, quiet voice and chooses to believe the impossible—even in the face of opposition." "Horton is one of the year's best and most inspiring heroes; celebrates courage, dedication, compassion and even forgiveness." (Our review.)

5. Rachel Getting Married
directed by Jonathan Demme

"Rachel is a badly broken character haunted by her mistakes and painful memories. But as she brings her baggage into the midst of her sister's wedding, she rips open deep wounds that stretch back through her family's history, testing everyone's capacity for patience, grace, and forgiveness. All of this plays out in a multi-cultural community that is not merely tolerant—they celebrate each other, and they acknowledge that, for all of their mistakes, they have some sense of what the Kingdom of Heaven looks like." "The superficiality of hipster culture is contrasted nicely with the very real, very deep grief, shame and brokenness of a family living with a pain that can never be completely healed. A stirring portrait of the need for forgiveness, and the occasional possibility of finding it—or granting it." "The film—especially in a one very tender scene—shows what unconditional love looks like." "A highly compelling, superbly acted assemblage of intimate, interpersonal moments. It might be my favorite wedding movie ever." (Our review.)

6. Fireproof
directed by Alex Kendrick

"Few box office hits have taken the sacred institution of marriage so seriously." "A vast improvement on the Kendricks' previous film, Facing the Giants, in which everything wrapped up with a tidy bow after the main character got right with God. Here, the protagonist still has struggles aplenty after his epiphany—much more like real life as we know it." "It's not a perfect movie, but what strengthens the movie is its open and single-missioned heart to proclaim God's love, and how that love can be shown through marriage." "The most poignant moment may be when the main character describes how he keeps trying to love his wife—but she stubbornly pushes him away again and again—and realizes that this is exactly what exists between God and him." (Our review.)

7. The Dark Knight
directed by Christopher Nolan

"The most accomplished superhero movie yet made." "A moving, complex, fascinating look at order and chaos, and how the gap between these things is often filled by people who sacrifice themselves and their reputations for the greater good." "For all its darkness, the film proposes that not everyone may be a hero, but heroism can come from anywhere." "Displays how good men courageously stand against evil—and how evil responds, attacks, and changes them." "Under the surface—perhaps unknown even to the filmmakers—is that this film shows Batman as a Christ-figure who self-sacrificially takes the sins of others onto himself, knowing it is the only way to save others and bring hope. Batman becomes an outcast so that the people of Gotham would have hope." "Dark, ferocious and provocative; a genre-redefining take on the superhero movie." "A superhero epic about terrorism and the problem of evil—thematically, it treads the same ground as No Country for Old Men, and it's arguably more complex." (Our review.)

8. Shotgun Stories
directed by Jeff Nichols

"When three brothers—Son, Kid, and Boy—were abandoned by their abusive father, they watched him become a Christian and raise a new family. But he never came back to make amends. And so, after his death, his sins continue to infect an Arkansas community, turning family against family. Jeff Nichols' astonishing debut is a riveting drama about civil war, parental responsibility, growing up, and the hard work of breaking a cycle of violence." "A small, searing little film about family, violence, and America. It's remarkably understated and subtle, but packs a big punch." "Haunting morality play about bad blood between two sets of half brothers." "Makes the case that sitting together silently on the porch can be more heroic than revenge. (Official site.)

9. Slumdog Millionaire
directed by Danny Boyle

"Beautifully paced and tenderly told—a Dickensian chronicle of one boy from the slums of Mumbai who transcends his circumstances (with a lot of luck) and reaps the rewards of a humble, honest life. It's also a love story, in the most cheerfully clichéd sense, and it's all so wonderfully earnest. Not a shred of cynicism." "Not a warm and fuzzy feel-good movie, but an alternately grueling and touching slog through the life of a Mumbai orphan who may be destined for a happy ending, despite his horrific life circumstances." "Not just a movie where star-crossed lovers finally find their way to one another. Not just a movie about a poor Indian child rising out of a horrible life on the street to accomplish great things. It is also about providence and how all things are used for good by something greater than ourselves. As the film clearly says, all things happen 'because it was written.'" "Full of light and color, this fast-paced fairy tale is unabashedly romantic, gloriously unpretentious in its simple portrayal of a love that conquers fear and darkness." (Our review.)

10. Man on Wire
directed by James Marsh

"While this is a documentary in which criminals celebrate the crime they pulled off, it's hard to deny the beauty of Petit's seemingly impossible dance on a high-wire between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Not only is his personality engaging, and his feat nearly unthinkable, but he brings a sense of wonder back to the sight of those towers." "It's exciting to be reminded of what even a few people can do if they work hard, plan hard, and dream hard." "A truly gripping, enthralling adventure of a film." "A concise film with broad, life-affirming reach, though it doesn't hammer you over the head with its significance." "A senseless act of beauty." "Some say it's about the artistic crime of the century, but this is no celebration of wrongdoing; rather, it's a movie about one man's dream to inspire many and to bring some beauty into the world, and the hard work it took for him to achieve it." (Official site.)

The Ones That Got Away

We asked each of our voters to choose one movie they wish had made our list of 10 most redeeming films.

As We Forgive

Due to prison overcrowding, some 50,000 perpetrators of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda (in which about 1 million people were killed) have been released in recent years, many of them returning to their home communities where they killed their neighbors. Sounds like a formula for more bloodshed, but amazingly, forgiveness and even reconciliation are occurring all over the country as former enemies now work side-by-side to rebuild communities, homes, and—most significantly—broken relationships. This marvelous documentary, by Laura Waters Hinson takes you into several of these gut-wrenching and soul-inspiring stories. (Our story.)
—Mark Moring

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

OK, I'll readily admit this movie is not all that it could have been, altering and omitting some of the fine points from the book. But then Prince Caspian is not an easy book to adapt; the narrative is clunky and it's one of the weaker entries in The Chronicles of Narnia. The film is still entertaining as a fantasy epic and, more importantly, it retains its core story and message, a metaphor for waiting on and trusting in the Lord to deliver us when things seem most hopeless. (Our review.)
—Russ Breimeier

Defiance

In the face of such horrors as the Holocaust, sometimes the only thing that helps us move forward is the heroes who emerge out of ordinary men and women facing extraordinary odds and enemies. Defiance tells the true-life story of the Bielski brothers, four heroes who rose above the death and devastation that was German-occupied Poland and Belorussia during World War II. They fled to the forests with as many other Jews as they could rescue and crafted their own society—doing the best thing they could to stage their defiance against the German forces: by living with dignity and hope. (Our review.)
—Camerin Courtney

Doubt

Centered around allegations of sexual abuse within the Catholic church, Doubt could have been nothing but a complete trashing of religious faith. Instead, it's a powerful parable about trust, an affirmation of the primacy of faith and the reality of doubt, a celebration of compassion, and, in Philip Seymour Hoffman's Father Flynn, one of the most sympathetic portrayals of religious faith the big screen has seen in years. The story is told with the utmost simplicity, but it tackles complex realities with real grit. (Our review.)
—Josh Hurst

The Fall

At one point in The Fall, the suicidal stuntman asks the young immigrant girl, "Are you trying to save my soul?" It is a key question, for indeed she is, even if she is unaware of it at the time. As the man spins his incandescent yet repugnant tale designed to distract the innocent girl from his true intentions, she reacts not with the calculated resolve of logic or reasoned adult judgment, but with the implorations of one human being who has simply and fundamentally come to love and value another human being. It is this unconditional, unvarnished, unsophisticated adoration that brings the despairing man back from the brink. (Our review.)
—Brandon Fibbs

Happy-Go-Lucky

One of the hardest things for a film to do, or a book (or any art, really), is to portray a truly good character who is also believable and human. In Happy-Go-Lucky, thanks to the direction of typically dour Mike Leigh and the effervescent performance of English actress Sally Hawkins, such a character is impressively realized. "Poppy" is a 30-year-old single schoolteacher who lives in a modest flat in North London and rarely has a frown on her face. This feel-good movie explores, probes, and puts Poppy's uncommon happiness on trial—gracefully exploring the question of how anyone can be authentically joyful and decent in a world gone mad. (Our review.)
—Brett McCracken

Iron Man

The strangest thing about the "other" great superhero movie of this summer—Iron Man—is that it's not really about a superhero. Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) just has power: privilege, money, brains, and education. Without his fancy-schmancy suit, he's just a smart, rich guy with a crazy pacemaker. That's why Iron Man matters: this is a superhero we can emulate. Stark just takes what he has, and instead of staying home and arguing over whose fault it is that the bad guys have guns, he assumes responsibility and does what he is best able to do. That's the kind of "superhero" we're all hoping for right now. (Our review.)
—Alissa Wilkinson

Ostrov (The Island)

Russian Orthodox spirituality pervades this haunting, parable-like tale of a guilt-ridden ex-soldier who is taken in at a monastery and never leaves. Locally reputed as a holy man, "Father Anatoli" (former Russian rock star Pyotr Mamonov) hides his spiritual gifts, like the early Franciscans, under outrageous behavior, embodying the archetype of the holy fool. Deceptively—or rather NOT deceptively—simple, but profound, Pavel Lungin's film engages the supernatural in a persuasively naturalistic way. (Our review.)
—Steven D. Greydanus

Pray the Devil Back to Hell

You may not have heard of this movie; it wasn't widely distributed, and even some of our own panel missed it. That obscurity is a shame because if any film shows true redemption, the power of prayer, and how the church—or just one believing individual—can make the difference in a broken world, it is this short, powerful, unassuming documentary about Liberia. Specifically, it tells the story of how one woman rallied others to help her country rise out of the bloody days of civil war and the injustice of president Charles Taylor thanks much to the Christian Women's Peace Initiative who rocked their nation with conviction, prayer, fasting, and a call for peace. (Our review.)
—Todd Hertz

U23D

This live U2 concert, projected onto IMAX screens, treats moviegoers to the best seats in the house for a show of breathtaking power and inspiring songs. To borrow one of Bono's lyrics, it may be "even better than the real thing." Unlike those 80,000 exuberant fans in the crowd, you can put on your 3D glasses and soar over the audience, glide across the stage, and look over Larry Mullen shoulder as he pounds the drums—all while Bono's lyrics inspire people with real hope. In word, melody, and gesture, he constantly reminds us that this music is about something more than feelings, more than thrills. It's about love, peace, hope, and the Almighty who inspires them to sing. (Our review.)
—Jeffrey Overstreet

Wendy and Lucy

A woman with very little money runs into some problems on her way through Oregon: her car won't start, she's arrested for shoplifting, and—most significantly—she loses her dog. The remarkable thing about Kelly Reichardt's latest film is that it elicits not mere pity for its marginalized protagonist, but compassion, as it draws us into Wendy's desperate, terrifying, and occasionally hopeful experiences and compels us to ask how we would act in her place, and whether we would reach out to her, as one or two characters do, if she happened to cross our path. (Our review.)
—Peter T. Chattaway

The 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2007
What do monks, kites, unwanted pregnancies, a 19th century abolitionist, and a young man with a life-sized inflatable doll have in common? They're all in movies that we've deemed the ten most redeeming films of 2007.

directed by Philip Gröning | posted 1/29/2008 12:00AM

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First off, what do we mean by "redeeming" films? They're all stories of redemption—sometimes blatantly, sometimes less so. Several of them literally have a character that represents a redeemer; all of them have characters who experience redemption to some degree—some quite clearly, some more subtly. Some are "feel-good" movies that leave a smile on your face; some are a bit more uncomfortable to watch. But the redemptive element is there in all of these films.

It's interesting to note that six of our ten choices are all based on true stories. Maybe that just goes to show that some of the best redemptive stories—at least the ones that move us the most—are those that are really true. And so, our list:

1. Into Great Silence

Be still, and know that I am God. If ever the words of Psalm 46:10 could be applied to a movie, this is certainly the one. German filmmaker Philip Grö ning spent six months living with Carthusian monks at France's Grande Chartreuse Monastery, documenting the tranquil, contemplative everyday lives of the extraordinary men who live there. It adds up to three hours of nearly silent meditation that is simultaneously slow moving and spellbinding—a film to be experienced more so than merely watched. The film caused several of us to ask ourselves, "If these men can spend entire days—indeed, their very lives—in devotion and service to God, why is it so hard for me to spend 10 minutes a day doing the same?" A remarkable piece of filmmaking that gives rich new meaning to the term, "quiet time." (Our review.)

2. Lars and the Real Girl

Long before we saw this film, its official synopsis made us nervous: "A lonely, delusional young man buys a life-size sex doll on the Internet and falls in love with her, telling people it's his girlfriend." Based on that premise alone, we considered skipping it outright. But we're very glad we didn't, because this was one of the sweetest, most sensitive movies of the year, and, surprisingly, a powerful look at the body of Christ in action—and the relentless and patient nature of God's love. When Lars brings his new "inflatable friend" home—and yes, their "relationship" is pure and chaste—it's heartwarming to see how his family, friends, and fellow churchgoers (including even the most skeptical among them) love him unconditionally by playing along and embracing him in spite of his bizarre behavior. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll walk away with a smile and warm fuzzies. (Our review.)

3. Juno

Exhibit A (or is it B or C or …) in what was a year of films with pro-life themes is a charming, quirky, and witty look into the life of a whip-smart 16-year-old girl (played brilliantly by Ellen Page) who gets pregnant after a one-night stand with her boyfriend. At first, she plans to abort, but after running into a teen pro-life activist outside the clinic, she realizes the fetus she's carrying is actually a living, growing baby. She changes her mind, decides to carry the baby to term, and begins a quest for "the perfect parents" to adopt the child. There's some rough language and teen sex talk, but the storylines are mostly redemptive—in addition to Juno's choice to have the baby (which her stepmom calls "a miracle from Jesus"), her parents are portrayed as loving and supportive (instead of the dolts we often see in teen comedies), and there's a nice exploration into the topic of unconditional love. (Our review.)

4. Amazing Grace

Can one person change the world? You bet, and no film indicates that notion more than this one, a biopic about the life of William Wilberforce, a devout Christian politician who almost single-handedly was responsible for the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. Ioan Gruffudd brings both gravitas and a dose of humanity to the role, portraying the 19th Century Parliamentarian as a man on a mission, driven by his love for God and love for all mankind. En route, he meets former slave trader John Newton (played by the terrific Albert Finney), the writer of the hymn "Amazing Grace" who motivates Wilberforce to persist in his quest. It's a "history film" without being dull, and a "religious film" without being preachy. But perhaps most of all, it's a movie that will convince any viewer that he or she can also make a difference in a sin-sick world desperately in need of social justice, mercy and compassion. (Our review.) (Discussion Guide.)

5. Bella

Another example from a year of films with life-affirming themes (see No. 3 Juno above), this quiet little indie flick tells an engaging story about how our lives can be changed—dramatically, even tragically—in an instant, but that our subsequent choices can make all the difference in the world. When José, a chef at a Mexican restaurant in Manhattan, learns that one of the waitresses, Nina, is pregnant out of wedlock, he shows concern—and no, he's not the father. When she considers an abortion, Eduardo's compassion kicks into high gear and sets into a motion a series of choices for both of them that will be life-changing. First-time director/screenwriter Alejandro Monteverde calls it a "love story without the romance," and that's an apt description of a movie that celebrates life, love, family, and friendship. (Our review.) (Discussion Guide.)

6. Into the Wild

The true story of Chris McCandless, a young man who gives his life savings to charity and hitchhikes across America to escape society and get back to nature—all while his parents have no clue where he is and are worried sick. Chris makes it to Alaska and moves into an abandoned bus, where his short but fascinating life ultimately meets a tragic end. This idealistic young man was running away from the right problems, but he ultimately ran right past the meaning of life—and those mistakes cost him his life. But the beauty and wisdom he encounters along the way have much to offer us all. (Our review.)

7. The Kite Runner

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, the film tells the story of Amir, a well-off boy from Afghanistan who, as an adult living in the U.S., is haunted by the guilt of betraying a childhood friend. Ultimately, Amir returns to his native country to help his old friend in this tale of friendship and family, of guilt and redemption. Includes some powerful thoughts on the nature of sin, and on the need to stand up for what is right. It also gives us a revealing look at a side of Middle Eastern and Muslim society not often seen in the West. (Our review.) (Discussion Guide.)

8. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Wonder what it's like to experience the world as a person completely paralyzed, except for the use of one eye? This brilliant French film—the true story of magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby, who ended up that way after a massive stroke—will give you a bit of a feel for such an existence, as much of the film is shot from his perspective … looking at his surroundings through that one working eye. But what seems hopeless and hellish soon begins to take a redeeming turn, as those around him—doctors, nurses, therapists, family, and friends—patiently and compassionately love him into enjoying life again. Shows that our capacity for joy isn't dependent on circumstances or physical limitations, but is embedded in something far deeper. (Our review.)

9. Ratatouille

Rats, roux, rues, and … redemption? You bet. The best animated film of the year, from the brilliant mind and creative hand of Brad Bird and his Pixar cohorts, takes an old cliché—you can rise above your circumstances and fulfill your dreams—and brings it to such inventive and imaginative life, you'll want to run straight to the nearest French restaurant and indulge in culinary delight. This feast for the eyes and the soul is also a commentary about the pursuit of excellence, rather than settling for competence, and about how great things can come from the unlikeliest of places. (Our review.)

10. Freedom Writers

It's an old story: Rogue classroom that is way out of control. Ambitious but naïve teacher who thinks she can change the world—starting with these unruly students. But this true story is more than just a feel-good flick about an inspirational instructor. It's about teens, most of them headed down a path of self-destruction, who, for perhaps the first time, are hearing a simple but profound mantra: I believe in you, and you can do it. Hilary Swank brings a strong but tender touch to the role of Erin Gruwell, the real-life teacher who turned around the lives of these high school students in Long Beach, California. (Our review.)

We asked each of our voters to choose one movie they wish had made our list of 10 most redeeming films.

The Bucket List

Two old men—one of them grumpy—share a hospital room and learn they are terminally ill with just months to live. Sound like fun? Actually, the movie often is, as Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman decide to see the world and live their lives fully before they "kick the bucket." Along the way, they share some meaningful conversations about what matters most in life (including faith and family). Sometimes weepy, sometimes hilarious, the film succeeds on the charm of its leading men. It's a sweet, generally wholesome dramedy about bearing one another's burdens through friendship. (Our review.)
—Russ Breimeier

Dan in Real Life

There's something ironic about the response to Peter Hedges' film Dan in Real Life: The film's greatest strength happens to be the thing that brought the film its greatest amount of criticism. Hedges' movies have all explored the theme of family with poignant insight and complexity; Dan is no exception, giving us one of the most inspiringly sincere, positive portrayals of family life in recent memory. It's so joyful and earnest, in fact, that some critics have dismissed it as mere sentimentality. For the less cynical among us, however, Dan in Real Life is a hopeful, loving portrayal of family life that's funny, challenging, and uplifting all at the same time. (Our review.)
—Josh Hurst

The Devil Came on Horseback

When ex-Marine Brian Steidle took a job as a patrolman in the Darfur region of Sudan, he had no idea what he would witness. In this devastating documentary, we follow Steidle as he observes atrocities and genocide carried out against native African farming communities by the Janjaweed barbarians. Steidle gathers crucial evidence that should inspire anybody to get involved and stop this injustice. (Caution: Shocking, grisly images.) That's the first chapter. In the second chapter, similarly disturbing, Steidle brings the photos to America. Steidle's courage in shedding light on such injustice and barbarism should inspire many to action and compassion. (Official website.)
—Jeffrey Overstreet

Eve and the Fire Horse

A "spiritual-coming-of-age" story, the film centers on Eve, a precocious 9-year-old Chinese-Canadian who, in the wake of family misfortune, begins to ponder the Meaning of Life. Her older sister Karena begins looking into Christianity, and soon, statues of Jesus pop up in the home—right next to the porcelain Buddha and Chinese goddesses. As the young sisters—who dub themselves The Girls of Perpetual Sorrow—continue their quest for spiritual truth, we see it all unfold through Eve's wide-eyed, soul-searching wonder. It's an utterly delightful study of what spiritual searching might look like through the eyes of the child—and there's a whole lot of Truth shining through at the end. (Official website.)

Gone Baby Gone

Ben Affleck's underseen directorial debut is a thought-provoking and scintillating moral case study disguised as a gritty R-rated police thriller.In fact, the entire plotof a little girl's disappearance from her Boston slums home turns out to merely be a means of setting a big What-Would-You-Doconundrum in the film's final half hour. It's easy to hold a lofty idea of justice or to proclaim the ends don't ever justify the means. But when face-to-face with the world's evils, do those ideals hold up? What does "shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves" look like in real life? Brilliantly, Affleck lets the audience decide. (Our review.)
—Todd Hertz

Once

This low-budget Irish indie, an arthouse hit last summer, is a modern sort of musical. It uses music not for glitzy dance numbers and Chicago-style theatricality as much as it uses it as a metaphor for time, momentary experience, and fleeting human connection. The film is about two people who share a deep human bond for a time, just as a song and its listener enjoy a sort of sacredly finite communion for a few short moments.Similar to Lost in Translation or Before Sunrise, Once is a divinely restless little film that shows the purity of unadulterated joy—even if it is only a finite glimpse of a greater, infinite experience. (Official website.)
—Brett McCracken

The Painted Veil

In 1920s England, Walter and Kitty marry for dubious reasons; he needs some humanity as he studies infectious diseases, she wants to prove to her high-society family that she's not becoming a spinster. When Walter discovers Kitty's infidelity, he accepts an assignment in a remote Chinese village ravaged by a deadly epidemic. In this beautiful but dangerous location, they discover tough lessons about punishment and forgiveness, social class and appearances, motivations and expectations, themselves and each other. Based on a W. Somerset Maugham novel, The Painted Veil offers perhaps the most moving lessons about the fragile, surprising, and redemptive nature of true love. (Our review.)
—Camerin Courtney

Rescue Dawn

This film—the true story of Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale), a German-born U.S. Navy pilot who was shot down over Laos in 1966, tortured and thrown into a jungle prison—is a harrowing and rousing tale of comraderie and buoyancy of spirit. Dengler, modest and good-natured, even in the face of extraordinary adversity, has no doubt he will escape his shackles and find freedom. But he is utterly unwilling to succeed without his cellmate, helicopter pilot Duane Martin (Steve Zahn). Dengler's platonic bond with Martin, as strong as marriage and more resilient than death, is unforgettable. (Our review.)
—Brandon Fibbs

The Savages

Films about adult brother-sister relationships are a rare breed, and Laura Linney has now appeared in two of them: 2000's You Can Count on Me, and this year's The Savages. Her brother is played this time by Philip Seymour Hoffman, and together, they have to figure out a way to look after their father, who is slipping into dementia, and who, it is suggested, did not treat his children so well in the past. The characters' lives are somewhat messy, and writer-director Tamara Jenkins allows some issues to go unresolved, but she does a masterful job of showing how family, for all the wounds it causes, can provide at least some of the healing, too. (Our review.)
—Peter Chattaway

Spider-Man 3

Painted in the bright primary colors of their source material, the comic-book morality of theSpider-Manfilms is undimmed by Hollywood cynicism or sophistication. Though overstuffed with action, characters and spectacle,Spider-Man 3doesn't neglect its moral center. Where the original was about power and responsibility andSpider-Man 2was about sacrificing dreams and holding firm for the greater good, this threequel is about selfless love, the ugliness of vengeance, and asking and giving forgiveness. (Our review.)
—Steven Greydanus

Christianity Today Critics Choice

Critics' Choice Awards of 2010
A stuttering monarch, a Facebook flick, and a truly gritty western top our list.

posted 2/11/2011 11:45PM

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Last week, we rolled out our Most Redeeming Movies of 2010.

This week, it's our Critics' Choice Awards, in which we recognize those films that our panel believes were the best movies of the year as movies, whether they carried a redeeming message or not.

Seven of the choices also appear on our Most Redeeming list. All are superb films, and many of them will bring home multiple honors at this month's Academy Awards.

1. The King's Speech

Directed by Tom Hooper
(Weinstein) | Rated R

2. The Social Network

Directed by David Fincher
(Sony Pictures)| Rated PG-13

3. True Grit

Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
(Paramount) | Rated PG-13

4. Toy Story 3

Directed by Lee Unkrich
(Disney / Pixar) | Rated G

5. Inception

Directed by Christopher Nolan
(20th Century Fox) | Rated PG-13

6. The Fighter

Directed by David O. Russell
(Paramount) | Rated R

7. Winter's Bone

Directed by Debra Granik
(Roadside Attractions) | Rated R

8. Get Low

Directed by Aaron Schneider
(Sony Pictures Classics) | Rated PG-13

9. 127 Hours

Directed by Danny Boyle
(Fox Searchlight) | Rated R

10. Tangled

Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard
(Disney) | Rated PG

Honorable mention:

Biutiful, Black Swan, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1, How to Train Your Dragon, Rabbit Hole, The Secret of Kells, Somewhere, The Town

The 2009 CT Critics' Choice Awards
What do a war movie, a hot air balloon, and a post-apocalyptic father-son love story have in common? They're among 2009's best movies, as chosen by CT critics.

posted 2/17/2010 11:43AM

It's not quite the Academy Awards, but it is time to reveal our humble little list of what CT's film critics deemed the best movies of 2009.

Last week we featured our 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2009. The "redeeming" list speaks for itself—films that included a redemptive element, sometimes blatant, sometimes more subtle, but always there.

Our Critics' Choice list consists of the 10 films that our panel believes were the most excellent films of 2009, whether they carried a redeeming message or not—though our top four choices are also on our Most Redeeming list. But all of the movies here are films of excellence, and many are up for various honors at the upcoming Academy Awards.

We also let each of our voters choose "One That Got Away"—a single film they wish had made the final list. Think of those extra films as sort of our "honorable mentions."

1. The Hurt Locker

directed by Kathryn Bigelow
The Hurt Locker is not so much a "war movie" as it is a movie about those who go to war. This character study looks at how the hell of war affects and even attracts those involved. Beautifully acted, written, shot and directed, this film goes beyond politics to show various aspects of the human condition.—Todd Hertz

2. Up

directed by Pete Docter
More than just another computer-generated cartoon, Up is a family-friendly fantasy that adults can love. Combining the whimsy of a Miyazaki feature with Pixar's acclaimed track record for storytelling, the film is brimming with humor and heart, resonating more deeply in a silent five-minute montage than most movies do in their entirety.—Russ Breimeier

3. The Road

directed by John Hillcoat
Less is more in this moving and terrifying tale of a father and son on a post-apocalyptic journey. Man and Boy cling to their humanity and each other in a desperate bid to stay alive, but not at all costs. In the face of temptations to trade their souls for survival, we see in starkly beautiful terms what being good requires.—Lisa Cockrel

4. Up in the Air

directed by Jason Reitman
Ryan Bingham, a frequent-flying professional hatchet man, gives us a searing and wickedly funny look at the effects of our jaded and relationship-wary society. With sharp dialogue, a surprising amount of heart, and one of George Clooney's best performances, the film wrestles with timely questions about commitments to work, family, and significant other.—Camerin Courtney

5. A Serious Man

directed by Joel & Ethan Coen
In this midwestern fable, the Brothers Coen make their most overt statement about the meaning—or lack thereof—of life. But it's emphatically non-pedantic, with a narrative you can't stop thinking about and knockout performances by a lot of actors you've never heard of.—Alissa Wilkinson

6. Summer Hours

directed by Olivier Assayas
An exquisite French film about the object- ness of art and the way humans interact with physical goods and spaces, Summer Hours overflows with observations that are delicate, simple and true, told with an aesthetic purity and humane sadness that is all too rare in contemporary cinema.—Brett McCracken

7. (500) Days of Summer

directed by Marc Webb
We're told up front that this isn't a love story. But like Tom, our erstwhile would-be romantic lead, we didn't quite believe it. With its finger firmly planted on the pulse of the twentysomething dating scene, the film is a clever tale of mismatched affections that manages to please cynics and hopeless romantics alike.—Lisa Cockrel

8. Star Trek

directed by J. J. Abrams
With six TV series and ten films, the Trek universe was so well documented that fresh, surprising storylines were rarer than quantum singularities. J. J. Abrams side-stepped into one of Trek's infinite possible timelines—and suddenly Star Trek was fresh, surprising, rousing fun again.—Steven D. Greydanus

9. Avatar

directed by James Cameron
Not the year's best film, but hands-down the most visually spectacular, possibly of all time—especially in jaw-dropping IMAX 3D. But it's a good story too, with themes (if you look closely enough) of cross-cultural relations, of a love for creation, of compassion and empathy, and even of incarnation. And really cool special effects.—Mark Moring

10. Inglourious Basterds

directed by Quentin Tarantino
Dressed up as a violent Jewish revenge fantasy, Quentin Tarantino's bold and well-executed WWII rewrite is actually a smart, searing exploration of the power of story, cinema, and national pride. As you watch Hitler enjoy a bloody, one-sided propaganda film, it hits you that you're doing the same thing.—Todd Hertz

The Ones That Got Away

The Blind Side (Russ Breimeier)
The Messenger (Lisa Cockrel)
Crazy Heart (Camerin Courtney)
Bright Star (Brandon Fibbs)
Tulpan (Steven D. Greydanus)
Julie & Julia (Todd Hertz)
Fantastic Mr. Fox (Josh Hurst)
The White Ribbon (Brett McCracken)
Ponyo (Mark Moring)
An Education (Alissa Wilkinson)

The 2008 Critics' Choice Awards
The year's best movies include a caped superhero, a noble little robot, a recovering addict seeking forgiveness, a kid from the slums, and much more.

posted 2/03/2009 12:30PM

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Last week, we posted our Top 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2008. This week, we present our Critics' Choice Awards for the Top 10 Films of 2008.

What's the difference between the lists? The "redeeming" list speaks for itself—films that included a redemptive element, sometimes blatant, sometimes more subtle, but always there.

Our Critics' Choice list, on the other hand, consists of the 10 films that our panel believes were the most excellent films of 2008, whether they carried a redeeming message or not—though seven of our top 10 choices also appeared on our Most Redeeming list. But all of the movies here are films of excellence, and many are up for various honors at the upcoming Academy Awards.

We also let each of our voters choose "One That Got Away"—a single film they wish had made the final list. Think of those extra films as sort of our "honorable mentions."

For each of the top 10 films, we have included random comments from our critics. To learn more about the film's synopsis, click "Our review" at the end of each summary.

The Dark Knight

1. The Dark Knight
directed by Christopher Nolan
"Elevates the comic book genre with mature storytelling and grand vision." "Few superhero films transcend the conventions of the genre to earn the accolades of great art, but Nolan's film is strikingly relevant to urgent conversations about America's fight against terror." "Nolan transforms a summer blockbuster into an American epic, a mythology that brims with all the emotion and drama of the human experience." "An exploratory film about big, tricky political and moral issues that deftly plays both sides and doesn't allow for easy answers." "Heath Ledger's horrifyingly nihilistic Joker joins Darth Vader and the Wicked Witch of the West among the cinema's greatest embodiments of evil." "Shows that films about a man in a cape can be as artfully crafted, as moving, as deep, as powerful, and as well acted as any other film released in a year." "This movie takes the idea of superhero and plunges it into a dark, terrifying world to discover what happens when good is confronted by true, hateful evil." (Our review.)

Wall·E

2. Wall·E
directed by Andrew Stanton
"Cute, exciting, clever, romantic, and hilarious." "A practically perfect blend of sci-fi and family entertainment, with plenty of thoughtful messages to pull from it." "Standard-setting animation, a robot who ranks among the big screen's most charming and engaging characters, an ambitious work of storytelling that inspires us to reexamine the corrosive effects of consumer culture." "A film with for folks with a brain as big as its beating heart." "Bleeding-edge animation, brilliant storytelling, and an all-too timely message." "A thing of beauty—a true artist's picture that is entertaining, provocative, subtle, sad, and joyful." "A stunning achievement that redefines what family entertainment can be and strive for." "Set aside for a moment the fact that this was one of the most thought-provoking, emotionally-stirring, and sweeping films of the year, it was also arguably the most beautiful in every sense of the word." (Our review.)

Rachel Getting Married

3. Rachel Getting Married
directed by Jonathan Demme
"A surprisingly powerful performance from Anne Hathaway." "A moving drama about the strength and delicate nature of familial bonds, as well as a young woman's pursuit of grace and redemption in her family." "While these characters are badly broken, and their arguments and grudges can make for painfully uncomfortable confrontations, this is a story about hope and reconciliation." "Expertly drawn characters who fight and love and celebrate with refreshing aplomb." "A highly compelling, superbly acted assemblage of intimate, interpersonal moments. It might be my favorite wedding movie ever." "Deeply perceptive depictions of characters and relationships." "You don't really watch Rachel Getting Married. Instead, you attend the wedding. With the technique du jour of the year (handheld camera), the film invites you into the world of Rachel and her sister Kym on the blessed weekend and into all the family turmoil and triumph, awkwardness and comfort, joy and sorrow that you hope to avoid in real life. But it's captured so well, you enjoy the ride." (Our review.)

Slumdog Millionaire

4. Slumdog Millionaire
directed by Danny Boyle
"It doesn't have the sweet innocence of Boyle's last film, Millions, but the heartwarming and redemptive payoff at the end is worth the gritty journey through the brutal slums of Mumbai." "Many are calling it the feel-good movie of the year, and it certainly earns its Bollywood ending." "Kind of a modern day, socially conscious Joseph story, with all things working out for good." "Terrific performances and captivating direction from Boyle make it a winner." "Full of verve, color, energy, and a distinctly humane sensibility." "Boyle displays a mastery of pure cinema—of sound and color and uncanny film editing—in his unashamedly romantic, mythic fairy tale about love and destiny. The most gripping and suspenseful film of the year, and one of the most joyful." "There are few true visionary and creative directors making films today that capture you into a world like Danny Boyle." (Our review.)

4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days

5. 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days
directed by Cristian Mungiu
"Heartpounding and devastating, it forces you to view a hot-button topic—abortion—with new eyes." "A film about a real-world nightmare, and viewers should be strongly cautioned that there are horrifying scenes of criminal misbehavior and devastating evil. But the film does not sensationalize or condone the evils of its characters—rather, it boldly exposes them in order to reveal the consequences of communism, the dangers of capitalism, and wages of selfish sins." "A heartbreaking film, delicately told and viscerally acted. It's about abortion, and not for the weak of heart, but it's a film that beckons to be seen and appreciated." "Deliberately mundane in its naturalism, crafted with subtle but rigid formal precision, 4 Months offers a true 'fly on the wall' perspective on appalling events surrounding an illegal abortion, making an unanswerable case for the victimization of both the mother and the unborn child." (Our review.)

Man on Wire

6. Man on Wire
directed by James Marsh
"A compelling documentary that brings the magic of Philippe Petit's wire-walking—and the majesty of the World Trade Center towers—back to life." "An inspirational account about aiming high, pursuing a beautiful vision, and what is possible when people cooperate, concentrate, and dream. It also has the strange effect of redeeming the sight of the New York skyline, helping many of us learn to admire that sight again without being dragged down by dark memories." "Its greatest masterstroke is the way it allows its central character to simply tell his story—a story so rich and exciting, it needs no embellishment to make it one of the most mesmerizing and inspiring stories seen on the big screen all year." "A truly gripping, enthralling adventure of a film." "A concise film with broad, life-affirming reach, though it doesn't hammer you over the head with its significance." "Documentaries aren't often edge-of-your-seat affairs, but Man on Wire is. At turns fun, terrifying, mind-boggling and strange, the tale of the French artist who walked between the twin towers is a fascinating and engaging masterpiece." (Official site.)

Gran Torino

7. Gran Torino
directed by Clint Eastwood
"Easily Clint Eastwood's most audience-friendly movie in years. It's another fine performance from the classic actor, recalling some of the greatest roles in his career." "A deeply personal film with the fingerprints of its auteur all over it, Eastwood's latest is a movie that only he could have made, and it summarizes everything he's done up to this point." "A marvelous finale that captures the essence of unconditional love and the very spirit of John 15:13." "A film that is profound on a number of levels—a commentary on our contemporary zeitgeist but also a timeless story of redemption, sacrifice, and grace." "It's Eastwood working through his own Dirty Harry mythos, atoning for his own cinematic sins in the same way that any of us much reckon with our past as we age and the world changes." "Despite the offensive content associated with its portrayal of a racist Detroit widower (played by Eastwood), Torino show great heart as that man finds redemption because of the unconditional love of those he discriminates against." (Our review.)

The Visitor

8. The Visitor
directed by Tom McCarthy
"Tom McCarthy's warm, endearing drama is a joyful experience. While the film's political agenda is obvious, and all of the film's immigrants are idealized as saints, the actors bring great heart and spirit to this story about the awakening of a conscience, the softening of a hard heart." "Treats a potentially explosive issue through a deeply personal tale." "An intimate character drama where the beauty and intrigue are written all over the characters' faces, heard in little snatches of everyday dialogue, felt in every moment of poignancy and humor." "Lovable characters, tangible emotions, and the solid core portrayal by Richard Jenkins." "Oozes goodness and humanity and—especially in the love story subplot—a classy reverence for dignity and trans-cultural decorum." "Its unhurried rhythms and compassionate humanism linger in the mind long after the thrills and shocks of flashier fare have faded." (Our review.)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

9. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
directed by David Fincher
"An entirely unique and beautiful story of the tragedy of mortality." "Fincher's film is an exquisitely rendered, peculiar mediation on the fact that our lives—whether lived forward or backward—are lived in time. The freshest and best parts of them are only temporary." "Meticulously well-crafted, technically astonishing." "A curious but emotionally distant meditation on isolation, loss and mortality." "Highlights the ambiguous convergence of life's beginnings and endings." "Pitt is very good in the lead role, and Blanchett excellent as his love interest. But Taraji P. Henson almost steals the show as Queenie, the loving Christian woman who raises Benjamin from the days of his very curious infancy." (Our review.)

Doubt

10. Doubt
directed by John Patrick Shanley
"Strong performances and a thought-provoking script ask us to consider the nature of doubt (and judgment)." "If we measure great movies by their artistic excellence and the thoughtful conversations they inspire, Doubt is one of the year's best." "Showcases the talents of four impressive actors—above all, Philip Seymour Hoffman in a nuanced performance as a man who may be guilty but he may also be repentant and loving—and it inspires us reconsider how we arrive at our judgments about other people." "Biting, explosive performances tread the blurry line between certainty and doubt." "Mercifully free of the Catholic-bashing excesses of many other films covering similar thematic territory." "Subversively casts the comparatively likable liberal as the slightly creepy, perhaps innocent suspect and the dour traditionalist as the vigilant, perhaps overzealous watchdog." "A model of economy and simplicity, this is truly a little movie with a big heart—made with restraint and control, but unafraid of probing complex issues." (Our review.)

The Ones That Got Away

We asked each of our voters to choose one movie they wish had made our list of 10 most redeeming films.

Un conte de Noel (A Christmas Tale)
Movies about dysfunctional family gatherings and the ensuing hilarity or despair have abounded in the past few years, but few treat the subject with as much dark wit and caprice as Arnaud Desplechin's Un conte de Noel. The cast is a glittering who's who of French cinema, and the plot deals with as disparate and distasteful topics as disease, adultery, hatred, mental illness, misguided love, drunkenness, and bitter familial feuds with a theme of blood—biological as well as ancestral—running underneath. Sound like an overwrought soap opera? A light touch and a mischievous sense of humor turn what could be misery into delight. (Official website.)
— Alissa Wilkinson

Cloverfield
Hard to believe it's been over a year since this gem hit theaters, but it's stuck with me all this time—mainly because it was one of those rare "monster movies" that actually scared the crud out of me. Shot from the perspective of a terrified New Yorker while a Very Large Beast from Who Knows How Many Fathoms rampaged through the city, the hand-held camera madness brings a true sense of dread to the viewer—far more effectively than the typical polished Hollywood horror flick. Here, instead of merely watching the terrified mobs run through the streets, you are a part of the mob, running for your life. Heart-pounding fun. (Our review.)
— Mark Moring

The Fall
I regret discovering this movie too late to catch it in theaters, but thank goodness for improvements in home theater technology. I've simply never seen a movie that looks quite like this, with visuals that are absolutely mesmerizing in their colors and fluidity. Tarsem's opulent fantasy-drama plays like a mature-yet-fanciful blend of The Princess Bride and The Wizard of Oz, intertwining the power of adult storytelling with a child's imagination. It's very effective in conveying the unlikely friendship in a hospital between a depressed movie stuntman and a precocious 6-year-old girl. Though I wouldn't recommend this for children, it still awakens the inner child within adults. (Our review.)
— Russ Breimeier

Flight of the Red Balloon
Few films capture the tension between childhood and adulthood as poetically as Hou Hsiao-Hsien's tribute to Albert Lamorisse's The Red Balloon. In 2008's most critically acclaimed motion picture (according to indieWire's survey), Hou may have captured the way children experience the world better than any film since Ponette. And he did it in Paris with French-speaking actors. Juliette Binoche is extraordinary as an overachieving single mother on the edge of a breakdown. In contrast with her stress, her son's mysterious friendship with a wandering balloon inspires a powerful longing. Hou's style is beautifully spontaneous. (Our review.)
— Jeffrey Overstreet

Happy-Go-Lucky
It may not be the best film Mike Leigh has ever made, and in some ways it is rather reminiscent of his earlier works, but there is still something fresh and unique about its depiction of a relentlessly cheery, upbeat woman who tries to brighten the lives of those around her. The film itself puts this woman's perkiness to the test, and hints strongly at the strengths and weaknesses that lurk beneath her smiling facade, but her sheer ebullience is so infectious that even Leigh can't help indulging in the odd playful, absurdist bit of humor. (Our review.)
— Peter T. Chattaway

Jodhaa Akbar
One of the year's most exuberant, joyous cinematic experiences, Jodhaa Akbar offers a Mumbai movie mashup of the first rank: war, romantic conflict, political intrigue, martial arts and of course singing and dancing. Director Ashutosh Gowariker, whose acclaimed Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India was nominated for a foreign-language Oscar, whips up a lavish, fictionalized historical epic depicting the romance of 16th-century Muslim emperor Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) and Hindu princess Jodhaa Bai (Bollywood queen Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). Jalaluddin's imperial aspirations are leavened by humanistic ideals, and his self-possessed beloved acts as a catalyst for religious tolerance. Exhilarating, satisfying entertainment. (Official website.)
— Steven D. Greydanus

Milk
One of the most profound and inspiring presentations of an American political leader I have ever seen. It is not the tale of a life, but rather a calling. Whether you agree with Harvey Milk's crusade or not, his triumph was not simply a victory for gay rights—he fundamentally altered the very nature of what it means to joust for one's rights on a field of battle swollen with ferocious resistance. Everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, owes men and women like Milk a debt of gratitude. So too, we should celebrate those vehicles that illuminate their lives for us. (Our review.)
— Brandon Fibbs

Paranoid Park
This film—the lesser seen of Gus Van Sant's 2008 releases (the other being Milk)—has stuck with me more than any that I have seen in the year. It's one of those films that had me silent and stunned for the entire duration of the closing credits. Though it is highly sensory and aggressively artistic, Paranoid also has a plot—a simple, devastating plot that will grab you and shake you and make you think about the deep interiors of your life that rarely get glimpsed. It's a totally unique, thoroughly American masterpiece of the cinematic form that demands to be seen in HD and surround sound. (Official website.)
— Brett McCracken

Speed Racer
The latest mind-melding joint from the directors of The Matrix is a movie that's just about being a movie. Look for profundity and you'll be disappointed, but expect a tireless flash of color and sound, whiplash action and sly humor, and you'll experience a ride like no other. It's a big-screen, live-action cartoon that's drunk on its own outlandish sense of fun, a masterpiece of style and spectacle—and oh yeah, it happens to be a visual triumph, a cinematic feat like no other. (Our review.)
— Josh Hurst

Tell No One
In the opening moments of Tell No One, we witness a crime. We spend the rest of the film trying to figure out what happened, as the film parses out this tautly told story in real time and flashback sequences. Yes, this French thriller is at times confusing. But when you piece it all together with your movie-going companions afterward, you'll like the film even more than you already do. And the final scene is both surprising and surprisingly moving. See it. Love it. Tell everyone. (Official site.)
— Camerin Courtney

The Wrestler
It's not easy to watch director Darren Aronofsky's character study about a fictional former pro-wrestling star, The Ram, who once owned the world and now struggles to pay his rent. After all, the film's subject is an empty guy in a bleak world—and the film shows that very real emptiness with awkwardness, heartbreak, and a good portion of nudity, bloody violence, language, and drug use. As hard as it is to watch The Ram's difficulties unfold, you can't look away because of Aronofsky's spellbinding style, Mickey Rourke's centerpiece portrayal, and the film's ponderings of age, identity, and our desperate search to find meaning and to feel loved. (Our review)
— Todd Hertz

The 2007 Critics' Choice Awards
A combination of Oscar nominees and lesser-known indies makes up our list for the best overall movies of the year.

directed by Jason Reitman | posted 2/05/2008 12:00AM

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Last week, we posted our Top 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2007. This week, we present our Critics' Choice Awards for the Top 10 Films of 2007.

What's the difference between the lists? The "redeeming" list speaks for itself—films that included a redemptive element, sometimes blatant, sometimes more subtle, but always there.

Our Critics' Choice list, on the other hand, consists of the 10 films that our panel believes were the most excellent films of 2007, whether they carried a redeeming message or not—though five of our top 10 choices also appeared on our Most Redeeming list. But all of the movies here are films of excellence, and many are up for various honors at the upcoming Academy Awards.

We also let each of our voters choose "One That Got Away"—a single film they wish had made our Top Ten list. Think of those extra films as sort of our "honorable mentions."

For each of the top 10 films, we have simply included random comments from our team of critics. To learn more about the film's synopsis, click "Our review" at the end of each summary.

1. Juno
directed by Jason Reitman

"Smartest script of the year, heartwarming and life-affirming." "Not only does this film have a surprisingly pro-life element, it is also remarkably mature for a high school comedy." "Layers of unexpected complexity and depth." "Wacky and off the wall, but what makes it more than zany Napoleon Dynamite is heart; it's grounded in character and a core of sweet, heartfelt love." "Bitingly droll, tactless yet tender, and infinitely quotable." "Avoids crowdpleasing crassness and sophomoric indulgence (and yes, I'm talking to you, Knocked Up." "Easily the biggest crowd pleaser among this year's most acclaimed films." (Our review.)

2. There Will Be Blood
directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

"An utterly astonishing cinematic experience, rippling with muscle and sinew, assured and ambitious, a majestic, audacious work." "A fascinating character study about a truly evil man who cares for nothing but his own accumulation of wealth." "This masterfully filmed story of two vampiric charlatans at war is horrifying, revealing how both business and the church can become corrupted by ego and hatred." "Riveting performances all around. Stunning use of sights and sounds." "Engrossing in every way, from the camerawork and cinematography to the haunting score." "It's a film that pulls us into a character and forces us to fester within him like no other film has done in years." (Our review.)

3. Atonement
directed by Joe Wright

"This isn't a feel-good romance, but expertly tells a story of mistakes and remorse in an all-too-true and heartbreaking way." "Emotionally devastating and intellectually stimulating." "Joe Wright's direction is astonishing, particularly the seamless camera work capturing the evacuation of Dunkirk." "A reflective, cautionary tale about bearing false witness, forgiveness, and yes, atonement." "Stylish and artistically superior." "Lustrous and painterly, it can and will coax tears, but never by relying on maudlin sentimentality or cheap emotional theatrics." (Our review.)

4. Lars and the Real Girl
directed by Craig Gillespie

"If Frank Capra made a film about a man, his sex doll, and the nostalgically caricatured community in which they live, this would be it." "Don't let the premise scare you off. This delicate tale is a tender-hearted, beautifully acted movie about compassion, grace, and true love." "Sweet, offbeat, charming." "An extraordinary balancing act, a move that could easily have gone wrong a hundred different ways, but somehow doesn't." "A note-perfect performance from Ryan Gosling." "An incontestable delight." "Everything about this movie is handled just right, striking the right tone." (Our review.)

5. Ratatouille
directed by Brad Bird

"Delightful tale of a culinarily gifted rat that builds to an emotional climax as sublime as it is subtle." "The year's most entertaining film from every angle—writing, directing, music, voicework, animation … the whole package." "Reminds us that we should all exercise critical discernment in our diet and beyond—humbly celebrating what is truly excellent." "A delicious, delightful stew of a film." "Totally original and surprising." "This is less a kids' movie that adults can appreciate too, but rather an animated movie for adults that kids can also enjoy." "Another triumph for Pixar and director Brad Bird." (Our review.)

6. No Country for Old Men
directed by Ethan and Joel Coen

"A gripping cat-and-mouse battle between a tracker and the assassin tracking him to recover his blood money. The Coen brothers have never been better in their storytelling." "The silence of God may have been the mystery foremost on Cormac McCarthy's mind as he wrote this tale of evil men who escape judgment." "What is perhaps most amazing is that a film this terrifying, this violent, and this relentlessly nihilistic should also be this enthralling." "Tense, amusing, challenging. An interesting tension in this film between absurdism and fatalism." "A film that intentionally refuses satisfaction or answers to its audience, leaving us, like the older characters in the film, to stand stumped and disillusioned by the mundane nightmare of the modern world." (Our review.)

7. Hairspray
directed by Adam Shankman

"Infectiously joyous celebration of the positive side of the '60s, diversity, and positive thinking. "Though there are great messages concerning racial equality and self-sacrifice during the civil rights movement, it never takes itself too seriously—and that's what makes it one of the year's sweetest and most charming movies." "Very fun, exuberant musical with some great performances from young actors." "Newcomer Nikki Blonsky is terrific, a star in the making." "The most fun in a theater this year … Great songs and art direction, hammered home by the top-notch acting." (Our review.)

8. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
directed by Julian Schnabel

"A sort of antithesis to recent pro-euthanasia films like The Sea Inside and Million Dollar Baby. An affirmation of the value of life even under the most excruciatingly debilitating conditions." "Mesmerizing filmmaking; a visually brilliant immersion into a world of unimaginable limitations that turns out to be an extraordinarily liberating experience." "Schnabel helps us rediscover some of the more delicate joys of living, and provokes us to reflect on the gravity of our own decisions." "Fluidly weaves the worlds of imagination, memory, and dreams into a tapestry of one man's point of view on a world both tragic and hopeful." "A great character study of a dynamic man's journey out of the cocoon." "A gorgeous piece of filmmaking, pulsating with life and energy." (Our review.)

9. Zodiac
directed by David Fincher

"One of the most intriguing, taut thrillers of the year." "A gripping tale about one of the most famous unsolved mysteries. A fascinating procedural reminiscent of All the President's Men or JFK." "Fincher reminds us that reason, information, the mass media, and technology—while helpful in bringing criminals to justice—are not enough to help humankind resolve the problem of evil." "A wonderful crime story because of its unique nature—it's not about the killer but about the man obsessed with finding the killer." "Touches on some interesting themes regarding the changes wrought by time, the relationship between reality and pop culture, and the obsessive lengths some people will go to find order and meaning in the seeming chaos and indifference of the world." (Our review.)

10. Into Great Silence
directed by Philip Gröning

"A transformational theatrical experience, a spiritual encounter, an exercise in contemplation and introspection, a profound meditation on what it means to give oneself totally and completely to God." "Gets you into the otherworldly rhythm of life in a secluded monastery." "The movie shows rather than tells, and makes it all the more reverent, prayerful, and tranquil because of it." "Pure cinema at its purest and most exalted. Sublimely beautiful; precise compositions and stunning lighting." "The film demands patience—three hours of it—and if it were any shorter, it would not achieve what it achieves. It is meant to test us; to cause us to ponder the sacrifice, restraint and stillness required to find true silence; to include us toward the 'still small voice' of God." (Our review.)

The Ones That Got Away

We asked each of our voters to describe one movie they wish had made our top 10 list:

Amazing Grace

One of the best—if not the best—historical films of the year. Stirring, inspiring and weighty, the movie tells the story of William Wilberforce, a longtime member of the British Parliament who used his career to doggedly fight the slave trade. By depicting the vibrant Christian faith that drives Wilberforce's crusade, the movie is a good model for Christian filmmakers to follow. With a captivating screenplay, revered cast, acclaimed director and true heart, Amazing Grace shows how films proclaiming Christ can best work: by focusing on story, delivering authenticity and embracing artistry. (Our review.)
— Todd Hertz

Cave of the Yellow Dog

From the same director who brought us the hauntingly beautiful Story of the Weeping Camel in 2004, Yellow Dog takes us back to the vast and stunning Mongolian landscape. Here, we follow the adventures of another nomadic family; like Weeping Camel, it's a combination documentary/drama (the nonprofessional actors are a real family going about their everyday lives). When daughter Nansal (about 5 years old), brings home a stray dog, her father, thinking the dog killed some of his sheep, refuses to let her keep it. Will the persistent Nansal, arguably the most adorable young girl on the big screen all year, get her way? A breathtaking look at a surreal place, its culture, and its people. (Official website.)
— Mark Moring

Gone Baby Gone

Amazingly enough, Gone Baby Gone establishes Ben Affleck as one of the most promising new directors of 2007. As with Dennis Lehane's book Mystic River (also an excellent film), this too is set in Boston and begins with a missing child case. But what initially seems a cut-and-dry thriller evolves unexpectedly into a gripping morality play. Like The Departed, Gone Baby Gone is overflowing with knockout acting (Casey Affleck, Amy Ryan, Ed Harris, and Morgan Freeman) as well as profanity (something about crime films set in Boston, perhaps?). Expect to ponder over the choices we make about right and wrong well past the final scene of this criminally overlooked drama. (Our review.)
— Russ Breimeier

In the Shadow of the Moon

Award-winning documentaries are often chronicles of human failure. David Sington'sIn the Shadow of the Moon, which revisits the bumpy but triumphant course of the United States' Apollo space program, is not only a testament to human achievement, it's also an eloquent witness to the grandeur of creation and man's unique place in it. Though the archival NASA footage, some never before seen, is transporting, the movie's heart is supplied by the memories and perspective of ten surviving Apollo astronauts including Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins, and Jim Lovell. (Our review.)
— Steven D. Greydanus

Into the Wild
Sean Penn's adaptation of Jon Krakauer's best-selling book is a strikingly well-composed portrait of American ambition, disillusionment, and natural beauty. Though set in the early '90s, the film feels like a '70s-era rebel road movie (with touches of existentialism and hippie fanfare). Featuring some of the year's best performances (from Emile Hirsch, Catherine Keener, and Hal Holbrook), gorgeous on-location photography, and a perfectly somber soundtrack by grunge pioneer Eddie Vedder, Into the Wild is visceral cinema at its best.It's a film about the extremes of life and landscape—of being emotionally, physically, and spiritually on the brink of something big. (Our review.)
— Brett McCracken

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

Billy Mitchell is a flamboyant, egotistical champion with a sexy wife and a thriving business, while Steve Wiebe is a quiet, unassuming family man who spends all his spare time in the garage. But one thing these two men have in common is Donkey Kong—and a desire to set, and keep, the world record for highest score on this vintage video game. This documentary is a remarkable study of these two characters and the bizarre society they inhabit: Billy as an insider who has known all the right people for decades, and Steve as an outsider who gradually overcomes the suspicions of other people. Steve Taylor once sang about people "carving [their] name on a video game" in a quest for immortality, and this film shows how intense that quest can get. (Official website.)
— Peter T. Chattaway

The Lives of Others

The Academy Winner for Best Foreign Film in 2006 (it got a 2007 release in the U.S.), The Lives of Others—about an East German secret police officer who discovers his lost humanity while spying on a subversive writer—is a profoundly beautiful story of paranoia and privation, of cowardice and heroism, of persuasion and resolve, of scrutiny and freedom, and of the secrets we keep even from ourselves. The Lives of Others is an overwhelmingly redemptive thriller and an undisputed masterpiece. (Official website.)
— Brandon Fibbs

Once

It's a simple plot, really. An Irish street musician meets a Czech immigrant and together they make beautiful music. The main characters don't even get names; they're simply listed as Guy and Girl in the credits. They're both broken-hearted, poor, and capable of more musically than their current circumstances allow. Together, with the help of songs full of raw and beautiful longing, they experience the ability of music to elevate us above both the mundane and heart-breaking details of life—and to connect us to one another in ways both temporary and profound. (Official site.)
— Camerin Courtney

Paprika

Walt Disney Pictures helped Americans discover master filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, distributing Spirited Away in 2001 (which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature). If Satoshi Kon's Paprika had also received widespread distribution, we might have seen a similar sensation. It's the most imaginative movie of 2007, and the best science fiction adventure too. It's about a Japanese psychotherapist with a secret identity—"Paprika." By night, she plunges into patients' dreams using a high-tech device: a DC Mini. When terrorists steal several Minis and terrify people in dreams, Paprika must infiltrate sub-conscious wonderlands to catch the crooks. But make no mistake: This is no cartoon for kids; it's rated R for violence and sexual images. (Official site.)
— Jeffrey Overstreet

Sweeney Todd
Okay, it's not for everyone, this movie about a vengeful barber who beheads his patrons and bakes them into meat pies. And it's a musical. But there's no denying that Tim Burton's latest is also one of his greatest. Equal parts macabre comedy, grisly horror story, and extravagant musical, Todd plays to all of Burton's strengths; his films often boast a style that isn't matched by substance, but Todd is full of enough humor and humanity that it's much more than just a feast for the senses. Though the humor is as dark and as bloody as it gets, it's also surprisingly potent in sinking its teeth into our emotions—and it has some surprising things to say about the relationship between revenge and justice, and the destructive effects that a blind, misguided love can have. (Our review.)
— Josh Hurst