Here are our favourite films for 2011 alphabetically listed by reviewer. Each list is a reflection of the reviewer's personal viewing experience during year. We have not necessarily seen the same films but these are the ones that rocked our world.

Bernard Hemingway

1. 127 Hours. With the help of James Franco and an extraordinary true story Danny Boyle manages to make a compelling film with minimal means.
2. Black Swan. After the restrained dramatics of The Wrestler, Darren Aronofsky returns to the high key psychological and emotional intensity that he does so well. Natalie Portman does her best work since Leon The Professional.
3. Incendies. A devastating condemnation of the insanity of war and remarkable performance by Lubna Azabal as a woman broken by life's indifferent cruelties.
4. Mrs Carey's Concert. An uplifting documentary about the inspirational power of music simply revealed in the preparations for a school concert.
5. Snowtown. Justin Kurzel's stunning debut feature for all its gruesome subject matter is one of the finest works of Australian cinema history.
6. Take Shelter. Michael Shannon and the much seen Jessica Chastain star in this compelling portrait of a man stoically struggling with his demons.
7. The Fighter. Another masterful performance from Christian Bale sensitively supported by producer/actor Mark Wahlberg in David O Russell's finely judged film.
8. Melancholia. Lars von Trier take his place with the greats of cinema like fellow Dane, Carl Theodor Dreyer with this masterful essay on spiritual anxiety.
9. The Tree Of Life. Grand vision is not feature of contemporary film but veteran Terrence Malick has never been one to shy away from the impossible. Brad Pitt gives a strong performance as does Jessica Chastain in the main story of a 1950s suburban family.
10. We Need To Talk About Kevin. Tilda Swinton gives a powerful performance in a boldly original take on family dysfunctionality.


Sharon Hurst

1. Beginners. A tender story of a son's trouble with relationships and his memories of his father. Gorgeous
2. Burning Man. A compelling drama of a man mourning his wife and burning himself and those around him in the process.
3. Hereafter. Matt Damon and Cecile de France cross lives exploring the question of whether there is an afterlife - moving, brilliantly directed.
4. In A Better World. A doctor working in Africa tries to teach his kids back home in Demark the lessons he has learned there.
5. Incendies. Stunning anti-war film in the guise of mystery as twins trace their mother's history. Gut wrenching - brilliant.
6. L'Illusioniste. Stunning animation of a Tati-esque man and his friendship with a young woman - whimsical, poignant, beautiful.
7. Of Gods And Men. Exquisite, spiritually-inspiring true story of monks trapped by terrorists in Algeria.
8. Pina 3D. Dance has never been so exquisitely portrayed as in this story of an iconic choreographer's company and style of dance.
9. The Hunter. Wonderful, broody Australian drama with Willem Dafoe as a merceneary rediscovering human warmth.
10 War Horse. Old style schmaltzy story of boy, his horse, and the cruelties of war. A real tear jerker but sentimentality at its best.

Andrew Lee

1. 127 Hours. Danny Boyle manages to make a story about a guy trapped by a boulder consistently engaging. No mean feat.
2. Never Let Me Go. A gut-wrenching critique of human selfishness and self-deception, wrapped up in one of the most understated science fiction horror stories put to screen.
3. Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes / Project Nim. It's hard to separate these two films, their DNA seems interwoven. Both are excellent examinations of the ethics of animal experimentation.
4. Senna. An amazing archival exercise that manages to get inside the story of one of the greatest drivers Formula One has seen.
5. Stake Land. The Road with vampires and a coherent story. A completely convincing exercise in world building with a surprising amount of emotional heft.
6. Take Shelter. The most original take on mad prophets and mental illness yet put to screen.
7. The Fighter. A great story with great performances.
8. The Guard. Because Brendan Gleeson is hysterically funny and awesome. Far from a perfect film, but incredibly enjoyable.
9. This Is Not A Film. A masterclass in filmmaking and the final act of defiance by Jafar Panahi,now in prison for doing nothing more than making films.
10 Wasted on the Young. A grim and stylish revenge fable about high school bullying, it was one of the tensest experiences of the year.

 

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