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A lot of great films came out this year considering the tough times the film business has been experiencing. I enjoy a nice big lavish production here and there but always fall back on the lesser known or indie film if that's still a thing.
I'd like to present four films that are a little off the beaten path. I'm not sure if many have seen these films or even liked them. Mixed reviews are often the case with something a little outside of the norm. These selections pick a unique path and don't waver.
Based what I've been seeing over the years there is a great divide in what is being made and what audiences accept or reject. Millions or billions of dollars are often found in the large, usually superhero related content put out by a select few of companies. We then have the so-called lower budget films where my selections seem to fall. The middle level budget seems to have evaporated? I've never really understood the machinations of the Hollywood system but I think it's safe to say large studios can't afford to take chances with all this capital at stake.
Enough about the film industry, let's hear about these films. Yeah, yeah I've written previously about these films before but they are my favorites of 2021.
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The Green Knight (2021)
The tale of a knight that runs into The Green Knight and must meet him one year later to determine his fate. Has he grown and learned about life in this short year? This is main thread that runs throughout.
This is based on the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight expanded into feature film length.
Absolutely captivating with surreal imagery and topics presented. Dev Patel brings his force to this role and I thank him for that. This film is distributed by A24 and if you know this company you already know what type of film is waiting for you.
Rotten tomatoes 89% critic rating, 50% audience rating
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Pig (2021)
The plot is simple.
A man has his beloved truffle pig is stolen and we join him on his journey to bring her back. A powerhouse performance by Nicolas Cage. Nothing is what it seems as we are a passenger on a trip into the often dark life of our protagonist. You never know where you'll end up in this film.
This plot sounds like a strange joke but hits you hard both physically and emotionally. This is a must watch for me.
@papacrusher and I know all about this film. What are you waiting for? Watch this already 😀
Rotten tomatoes 96% critic rating, 84% audience rating
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No Sudden Move (2021)
Steven Soderbergh directs, what more do you need to know?
Alright, you pulled my hoof. This is a period piece about a heist gone wrong. A stellar cast of well known actors with Don Cheadle and Benicio Del Toro tearing up the screen. An almost unrecognizable Brendan Fraser makes an appearance that surprised me along with Kieran Culkin.
This film really switches up the flow at a certain point and deserves multiple views. My head was spinning throughout and I will need to put this on again to fully decipher the excellent writing found in this film.
Rotten tomatoes 92% critic rating, 59% audience rating
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Censor (2021)
I had to throw in at least one horror film. Set during the 1980's video nasties era in Britain our protagonist is a film censor. The VHS boom is in full swing and ratings are required. Does screen violence cause real world violence? This has always been a hot button topic.
Our censor's sister has been missing for many years and a sense of guilt haunts her to this day. Reality and film start to overlap throughout her life. Censoring reality or fiction is the main theme and you'll have to watch in an attempt to decipher which is which.
This is the director's first outing too and she's off to a great start.
Rotten tomatoes 89% critic rating, 57% audience rating
I hope I've provided some interesting and perhaps offbeat films for you to watch. Each one has their own unique take on a subject matter. I love recommendations and find them hard to come by these days. Thankfully, we have a spot such as this to discuss film. Good, bad or mediocre everyone's viewpoint on a film is appreciated.
Psst, I really like reading about films people dislike or even hate. So if you finished watching a terrible film and don't think you can't be bothered writing about it, please do. There's gold in these reviews along with others like myself that get a good laugh when films don't connect with people.
Good luck to everyone in another fun and interesting topic on CineTV.
Thanks for the read 🙂