It was a pretty strong year for movies in 2003. There were a lot of interesting independent films and some strong American mainstream films, surprisingly more than usual. So here, as we take a look back at the best films of the year are the ten best of 2003!1. 21 GRAMS (Dir. Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu; U.S.) - Rarely do films hit me on such a personal level. This was the most intense film going experience I had in 2003. There is so much pain expressed in this film that I was actually starting to hurt inside. A much more powerful, involving film than Inarritu's debut film, "Amores perros".
2. HERO (Dir. Zhang Yimou; Hong Kong/China) - Though this Oscar nominated martial arts film was eventually released in 2004, I saw an advance copy in 2003, hence why it is on my list. Resembles Kurosawa's "Rashomon" and Chen Kaige's "The Emperor and the Assassin", but ranks as one of Yimou's best films.
3. HOUSE OF SAND & FOG (Dir. Vadim Perelman; U.S.) Quite an impressive debut film from Perelman. Amazing performances given by Jennifer Connely, who sadly was ignored Oscar time and Ben Kingsley. Like "21 Grams" this is a film which involves the viewer in the most personal of ways.
4. HUMAN STAIN (Dir. Robert Benton; U.S.) - Released at a time when Nicole Kidman was starting to gain more and more popularity, this film is just another example of her talents, proving as far as I am concern, her status as one of the greatest modern actresses we have today!
5. THE FLOWER OF EVIL (Dir. Claude Chabrol; France) - Chabrol's 50th film was a throwback to his earlier work in the 60s and 70s. Chabrol has not lost his touch to make portraits of French upper-class families and the ugliness which lies inside.
6. KILL BILL VOL. 1 (Dir. Quentin Tarantino; U.S.) - The first part in an amazing series. One of the most violent films I have ever seen, even if you argue the violence is cartoon violence. But Tarantino has never failed to deliver in my opinion. A tour-de-force performance given by Uma Thurman.
7. MYSTIC RIVER (Dir. Clint Eastwood; U.S.) - A favorite of several American critics who actually wanted this to win the palm d'or at Cannes Film Festival. One of Eastwood's very best films with a worthy Oscar winning performance given by Tim Robbins. Sean Penn delivers two of the most amazing performances of the year with this film and "21 Grams".
8. THIRTEEN (Dir. Catherine Hardwicke; U.S.) - Semi-autobiographical film written by teenager Nikki Reed. The film has two star making performances by the two leads; Evan Rachel Wood and Reed. Wood has become a star, and will remain one. Reed, for some reason, hasn't quite caught on with mainstream audiences. I only hope that changes very, very soon.
9. FINDING NEMO (Dir. Andrew Stanton; U.S.) - My second favorite Disney/Pixar film and the first animated film I ever put on a "top ten" list. I don't think Pixar as done anything since to top this film. Great voice-over work by Albert Brooks and Ellen De Genres, who provide comedy adults will even enjoy.
10. MAGDALENE SISTERS (Dir. Peter Mullan; UK/Ireland) - A little known masterpiece based on true stories showing "problems" with the Catholic church. This was a movie which really got under my skin, having gone to a Catholic school for many years. Sadly it hits on many true notes.
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