Top 10 Best Films of 2020
The Film Post have compiled a list of the best binge-worthy films from 2020
As we find ourselves in new beginnings of a new year, we’d like to look back at the films that have entertained, inspired and got us through a rough year. Our list includes films that have been released in cinemas (before they closed due to the pandemic) and in famous streaming sites.
While we await for cinemas to reopen their doors once more, check out the Film Post’s top 10 films of 2020 below.
1. Tenet
Nolan’s new mind-bending and time-bending sci-fi thriller follows an unnamed secret agent (played by John David Washington) who is given a mission to save the world from WW3 with nothing more than a word, Tenet. Partnered with an agent with a mysterious background (played by Robert Pattinson), the duo must travel defy the laws of nature and travel back and forth in time to stop a Russian Oligarch (played by Kenneth Branagh) from ending the world.
2. 1917
Easily one of the best films that creatively uses the “one-shot” concept. Director Sam Mendes tells his grandfather’s stories about WW1 in a manner that’s different from previous war films. “I wanted to tell this story in two hours of “real time.” Mendes explains, “I wanted an audience to feel every second passing and take every step with them, and also be aware of geography and distance and physical difficulty.” 1917 follows Will (played by George Mackay) as he traverses the perilous terrain of the battlegrounds to deliver an important message to the Colonel (played by Benedict Cumberbatch), and save the lives of many men.
3. Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train
A sequel to the 2019 anime television series of the same title, this Japanese dark fantasy action period film beats Spirited Away in becoming Japan’s highest grossing movie. Aboard the Infinity Train are Tanjiro Kamado, a demon slayer in search for a way to cure his sister, Inosuke Hashibira, a boy raised by boars, and Zenitsu Agatsuma, whose true powers come out in his sleep. They join Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira to learn more about the breathing style Hinokami Kagura (a swordsmanship style practiced by demon slayers) while also defending the passengers on the train.
4. The Invisible Man
Arguably one of the best horror films to date. It doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares or supernatural beings to leave audiences creeped out. Cecilia (played by Elisabeth Moss) escapes from an abusive ex-boyfriend stages his suicides then uses his invention that turns him invisible to stalk and terrorise her. Needless to say, the cinematography and framing is exceptionally well done as it leaves you feeling as though there is something lurking in the empty spaces of your screen.
5. The Trial of the Chicago 7
If historical drama is your cup of tea, then this film is for you. The film is based on the real trial of seven defendants who faced several charges during the counter-cultural protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The re-telling of the Chicago 7 by director Aaron Sorkin is intense, and revealing, shedding light into their minds and lives before and during the trial as they face an unjust and biased judge. The cast includes the Academy Award-winning actor Eddie Redmayne, the talented Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Borat himself (in a more serious role), Sacha Baron Cohen.
6. Beyond the Dream (幻愛)
Screened at various film festivals including Hong Kong Asian Film Festival and Vancouver Asian Film Festival, Beyond the Dream is a romance drama about a recovering schizophrenic Lok (played by Lau Chun Him) who falls in love with Yan (played by Cecilia Choi), a psychological counsellor with her own secrets. Wanting to tell her about his mental illness, he struggles, causing him to relapse and have a series of delusions.
7. The Devil All the Time
Based on a novel of the same title, The Devil All the Time takes place in a small town in rural southern Ohio and West Virginia, where violence affects the lives of a group of peculiar individuals throughout different generations. Their struggles and experiences depict how faith and evil are not always on different ends of the spectrum, that evil can sprout out of figures of faith. This dark psychological thriller acts as an anthology of individual stories as we follow different narratives and perspectives, though each character is connected in some way to one another. Tom Holland plays Arvin, who wishes to protect his family from the evildoers in his town. Robert Pattinson plays Reverend Preston, a charismatic yet bizarre preacher harbouring a devilish secret. Pennywise himself, Bill Skarsgard, plays a war veteran haunted by his violent past.
8. Hamilton
The multi-Tony award winning Broadway phenomenon that garnered popularity across the globe began streaming on Disney+ in the summer of 2020. Recorded in 2016, the live recording of the full stage show features its original cast and can now be enjoyed in the comfort of your home. Hamilton, a musical masterpiece by Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells the life story of the 10-dollar founding father in a series of rap and hip-hop songs. Good luck trying to get the songs out of your head!
9. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Despite the cancellation of The Eurovision Song Contest 2020 was an international disappointment, Netflix graced us with a comedy-musical Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga featuring the hilarious Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. The pair play Icelandic singers Lars Erickssong and Sigrit Ericksdóttir respectively who try to fulfil their dreams of winning the world’s biggest song contest. This film guarantees 2 hours worth of laughter, catchy musical numbers and pure entertainment. You can also catch cameos of famous Eurovision winners. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is currently streaming on Netflix.
10. 怪胎 (I WeirDO)
Shot using an iPhone, the film follows an eccentric couple, Po-ching (played by Austin Lin) and Ching (played by Nikki), who have an obsessive compulsive disorder. Their irrational fear of germs and the need to have a strict routine brought them together. Their relationship takes a turn when one of them wakes up one day relieved from the disorder. Now they wonder if it’s solely their illness that ties them together or if there’s something more. 怪胎 is essentially a sappy rom com but it also explore mature themes such as the stigma attached to mental disorders, acceptance towards change and masculinity in relationships.
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Photo Source: Beyond the Dream. Kiwi Chow. Golden Scene, 2020. Film. ; Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train. Haruo Sotozaki. Toho, 2020. Film. ; Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. David Dobkin. Netflix, 2020. Film. ; Hamilton. Thomas Kail. Disney+, 2020. Film. ; Tenet. Christopher Nolan. Warner Bros. Pictures, 2020. Film. ; The Devil All the Time. Antonio Campos. Netflix, 2020. Film. ; The Invisible Man. Leigh Whannell. Universal Pictures, 2020. Film. ; The Trial of the Chicago 7. Aaron Sorkin. Netflix, 2020. Film. ; 怪胎. Liao Ming-yi. Activator Marketing Company, 2020. Film. ; 1917. Sam Mendes. Universal Pictures, 2019. Film.
Disclaimer: Any views and opinions expressed are personal and solely belong to the authors. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything.
