Films of 2013 First-Half

There are some exciting films still to come this year, including a few that I plan on seeing within the next week (Edgar Wright's The World's End and David Lowery's Ain't Them Bodies Saints), but for now, here are my favorite films of 2013 (as of August 24th)......

A2P CINEMA'S FILMS OF 2013 FIRST-HALF

Films of 2012 First-Half

There are some exciting films still to come this year (including from two of America's most original filmmakers Jeff Nichols' Mud and Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master - as well as a new film from "the master" himself Terrence Malick). For now, here are my favorite films of 2012 (as of July 1st)...

A2P CINEMA’S FILMS OF 2012 FIRST HALF

Films of 2011

A2P CINEMA'S FILMS OF 2011

Here is A2P Cinema's annual Year in Films list. I'm not a film critic or much of a writer… just a fan of world cinema. Every year I share some general thoughts on the films released theatrically that year. There are still some notable films to see and the list will be updated throughout January. My intention is not to discourage the viewing of any film, but rather to share and spread the joy and beauty films can provide (as both an art form and source of entertainment). Please share any thoughts, opinions, or additional recommendations you may have.

>> go here to see A2P CINEMA'S FILMS OF 2011

Films of 2011 (First Half)

Go here to see A2P CINEMA’S FILMS OF 2011 FIRST HALF

Hideko Takamine (1924 - 2010)

This week, the world lost one of its all-time greatest actresses...

Hideko Takamine

"I hated climbing those steps more then anything, but once I'm up, I can take whatever happens." ~ Hideko Takamine's Keiko from When a Woman Ascends the Stairs (1960, Mikio Naruse)

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110101a3.html

Films of 2010 (First-Half)

As the year reaches it's midpoint, A2P Cinema explores some personal favorite films during the first-half of 2010. Unfortunately I was not able to see any of these early favorites more then once. Some repeat viewings will be a priority before the end of the year. Also, there were obviously some films I did not get to see yet, as well as some exciting films soon to be released.

>> GO HERE TO SEE FAVORITE FILMS OF 2010 FIRST HALF

Canon of 300 Films

The A2P Cinema Canon of 300 Films is comprised of personal selections as the definitive films throughout the world of cinema. The list is not exactly of 300 greatest or even 300 favorite films of all-time, as it will be limited to the difficult task of including only one film per director. The exact ordering of the list can be taken with a grain of salt as they can easily be numbered anywhere. However, to keep the list entertaining, or at least more interesting, they will be arranged from 1 to 300.

To me, each of these films are beautiful, transcendent, and inspiring in their own unique way. As definitive favorites, these are the films I personally think of when I think about films and filmmakers. Obviously limiting one per director, as well as the fact that I most likely have some great films that unfortunately have yet to been viewed at this point, makes this list only a tentative one at best. But really that is true of all lists. They are basically meaningless or silly and do not capture the essence of any film. However, if a list has the power to recognize and celebrate these films, it can certainly be something to embrace, because all is good if they can encourage the viewing of great films… Truly one of the timeless joys of the world!