004/365 50/50 (2010)
Jonathan Levine

Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Seth Rogen

Inspired by a true story, a comedy centered on a 27-year-old guy who learns of his cancer diagnosis, and his subsequent struggle to beat the disease. (IMDB)

003/356 Blue Valentine (2010)
Derek Cianfrance

Ryan Gosling
Michelle Williams

The film centers on a contemporary married couple, charting their evolution over a span of years by cross-cutting between time periods. (IMDB)

This should come in handy. →

It seems that I can’t find time to write a review for each movie so I might just be updating this as I go. I’d still make gifs and write reviews if I want to. I mean it’s not like I’m going to abandon this whole thing and just settle with that list, you know.

002/365 Beginners (2010)
Mike Mills

Ewan McGregor
Christopher Plummer
Melanie Laurent

What I loved about Beginners is that it delivered an honest but thoughtful premise without losing its charm. We follow the story of Oliver Fields (Ewan McGregor) who, just months after his father died, is struggling to find his way out of loneliness. As he recalls his past, we learn that his father, Hal (Christopher Plummer), was gay as he declared months after Oliver’s mother died. He recalls his past and tries to make sense of his life along the way. At some point, he meets Anna (Melanie Laurent) and they suddenly develop romantic feelings for each other.

I like how we are taken back through flashes of Oliver’s life during the time when his mother was alive and those days after Hal’s declarations. We see moments that takes us into understanding about his outlook in life as he gradually moves on with his. We see his father who makes the most out of his life after coming out. We see his mother who still manages to keep her composure while letting her son in. We see his relationship with Anna as they try to work out what’s best for them. It leaves enough space for its viewers to see themselves through every character and every moment it beholds.

If anything, I’d say this film’s charm can be credited to its script because it is so well written and thoughtfully put together. Of course the ensemble was great, especially Christopher Plummer who had already received praises for his performance in this film. Ewan McGregor and Melanie Laurent were equally amazing as well and delivered as much as possible in the film because they had chemistry and they made their roles work somehow.

I can say that Beginners have captured something that is lonely and made it beautiful and funny and honest and thoughtful.

001/365 The Tree Of Life (2011)
Terrence Malick

Brad Pitt
Jessica Chastain
Sean Penn 

I admit that I had difficulty understanding this film from the first time I saw it so naturally, I decided to watch it again. The Tree Of Life was my first Terrence Malick film and while I was doing some kind of research into what I could get myself into, I never really knew what to expect. I went on anyway thinking somehow I could try to make sense out of it.

Well roughly, the film centers around a family with three sons during the 1950s particularly through the perspective of the oldest son as we see vignettes of his childhood. It is somehow divided into three acts which don’t relate much to one another other than being explained as “thematically complementary”. I guess it’s safe to say that the plot wasn’t too much and all we get are beautifully crafted visions frame by frame throughout every scene with bits of dialogue thrown in for good measure.

While the cinematography was absolutely breathtaking, the performances were equally brilliant as well. I think Hunter McCracken who plays young Jack was, ultimately, the star of the film and he gave a justifiable performance on screen.

It is one of those films that requires multiple viewings and leaves some kind of aftertaste to everyone. I’d definitely recommended this but just make sure to have an open mind and a lot of patience because you’re definitely going to need them.

The 365 Films Challenge

Short and Sweet Overview: Watch 365 films in the year 2012.

What Is This Challenge?
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to spend the next year delving into the world of film by watching one film that you have never seen before per day.

How Do I Participate?
The extent of how you participate is totally up to you, however it is recommended that you post some form of a review, whether it be as simple as a star rating or as extensive as a critical film analysis. Some also do graphics along with their reviews.

When Do We Start?
Like most 365 challenges, the best day to start is January 1st so that you end on December 31st.

But Isn’t This A Leap Year? It Should Be 366.
Consider it a free day or a bonus film, I could care less.

What If I Can’t Watch A Film Each Day?
No one is monitoring how you reach 365 films, so if you fall behind or watch ahead a few movies, that is your choice.

How Am I Going To Find 365 Films To Watch?
I suggest signing up for iCheckMovies and start with their top movies lists. You’re bound to find something you haven’t seen before.

Recommended Tags:
#365films, #365 film challenge