Renner’s Top Ten Films of 2003

Watching movies in 2003 was like being strapped into a gigantic rollercoaster. It was a year filled with sky-high ups, subterranean lows, and every now and then we got thrown for a double loop (read: The Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions). As is always the case, certain films rose above from the rest. Talented film makers created stand-out works, in every genre, that transported us to magical worlds, moved us to emotion, had us laughing so hard we cried, and scared us so bad we slept with the lights on. Below is my list of the ten best of 2003.

10. The Last Samurai:

Director Ed Zwick’s compelling story of a war-torn soldier who finds renewed life in the belief, ritual, and friendship of a foreign enemy. Tom Cruise is solid, but not spectacular in his role as Algren. On the other hand, Ken Wantanabe as Katsumoto, the leader of Samurai, was fantastic. His screen presence is undeniable. Ngila Dickson deserves praise for bringing the Samurai to life with her extraordinary costume designs. The Last Samurai is a beautifully-rich film that only just misses the mark.

9. In America:

An emotional film about healing and new starts. Jim Sheridan taps into the difficulty of the immigrant life and the pain of losing a loved one. It’s an intimate and personal story taken partially from Sheridan’s own life (his brother Frankie died at age 10). There is a lot of life in this film, even though it spends a great amount of time dealing with death.

8. Cold Mountain:

This was a film destined to succeed. The only surprise is that it took six years to go from book to screen. Charles Frazier’s civil war novel won a myriad of awards and it’s a sure bet the film will take home several as well. Cold Mountain dared to dance on tragedy’s doorstep and although some may feel ripped-off after the long journey, I give Frazier and director Anthony Minghella props for bucking the happy-ending trend. I also liked the films sense of humor in the midst of difficult circumstances. Renee Zellweger was a scene-stealer in her role as the feisty Rudy. An Oscar nomination will surely be waiting for her at the end of January.

7. Pirates of the Caribbean – The Curse of the Black Pearl:

The most fun film of the year. Pirates lets you wear long hair, fly the skull and cross bones, and swashbuckle – what other film can say that? Johnny Depp should get a nod from the Academy for his role as Captain Jack Sparrow, but the film is probably too frivolous. We need more films that don’t take themselves too seriously. AAARRGGHHH! 6. Lost in Translation: This film is unique. It’s what isn’t done that makes it such a triumph. Writer/Director Sophia Coppola takes “show don’t tell” to a new height. It’s a tender love story that breaks all the rules and not only works, but excels. With Translation, Sophia can step out from under her daddy’s shadow and stand beside him with confidence.

5. Finding Nemo:

Pixar has become the master creator of the family film (watch out Disney). Their computer generated images are pure eye-candy, their stories are expertly drawn, and the match between animated character and actor’s voice is spot-on. It makes you want to have kids or at least buy a clown fish.

4. Seabiscuit:

Gary Ross proved his skill as writer and director in weaving the intertwining stories of a struggling nation, a down-but-not-out businessman, a half-blind jockey, a cowboy whose way of life is threatened, and a long-shot horse who changed them all. The story of the underdog is as compelling today as it was when Rocky hit the screen. The beauty of Seabiscuit is we have five underdogs to root for.

3. Whale Rider:

This is the little film that could. By far the most touching film of the year. Little Paikea (marvelously acted by Keisha Castle-Hughes) reaches in, grabs your heart, and won’t let go until you learn and understand what she already knows. The Maori cultural traditions are fascinating for those of us living in the US, with little or no cultural traditions of our own.

2. Mystic River:

Not an easy film to watch. It confronts horribly difficult circumstances and the dark side of our human struggle in dealing with them. What makes this film great is the acting. Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, and Kevin Bacon all give outstanding performances. Penn and Robbins are sure to be nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor respectively. Clint Eastwood isn’t to be overlooked either. As director, he has shown he is as skilled behind the camera as in front.

1. The Lord of the Rings – Return of the King:

Pure magic! This is a film fit for a king! Peter Jackson and crew deserve every accolade they are going to receive. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is without a doubt the finest series of films since Star Wars (episodes 4, 5, and 6). Return of the King is the best of the trilogy, but only for the size and scope of the material - the massive armies, the epic battles, and the knowledge that all of middle earth is on the line. This film succeeds where other trilogy-enders have faltered (read: The Matrix Revolutions). It wraps up all the loose ends, answers all the questions, and shows us the journey was worth the three-year ride. The Lord of the Rings films will be the new benchmarks of film making for decades to come. J.R.R Tolkien has got to be smiling.