My 9 favorite films of 2003 (mild spoilers)

Saving a slot for a film I have not yet seen :-) Here we go:

9)'The Revolution will not be Televised' - a brilliant documentary about the
2002 Venezuelan  coup that is, admittedly, biased as much as any Michael
Moore film. Still, its power is undeniable, and its worth it just for some
of the extraordinary footage they managed to get (like, following right
behind the soldiers as they retake the presidential palace)

8)'Save the Green Planet' - a hyperkinetic, fucked up alien abduction
psychotic apocalyptic comedy from South Korea. Criminally neglected in its
home country, this film *killed* in Toronto at midnight madness.

7)'The Good Thief' - I'm not a huge fan of heist movies, but this one had be
all the way. Nolte deserves a nomination, but the films been forgotten so he
wont get it. I mean, he's probably going to drop dead soon, for chrissakes!

6)'Spider' - A minor, but perfect Cronenberg film. The film floats along in
a dreamlike state that is very compelling, and Miranda Richardson creeps the
hell out of me :-)

5)'Lost in La Mancha' - When this film surfaces on the evenual DVD of
Gilliam's Quixote film, it may well rival the actual film itself for
entertainment value. Easily the most fascinating and enjoyable 'Making of'
(or 'Unmaking of' in this case) documentary ever made.

4)'Man on the Train' - Patrice Leconte firing on all cylinders. What a
wonderful film from start to finish.

3)'All the Real Girls' - The sophmore film from David Gordon Green is a vast
improvement over his first film (which I liked, but not loved). Some found
the dialog too (brief? subtle? awkward? boring?) - I found it supremely
poetic. Not a perfect film, but whats good is very, very good.

2)'Jeux D'enfants' - There is much in common between this film an 'Amelie' -
I think they are equally fantastic. This one is much more mean-spirited,
though, but in a good way. :-)

1)'Dogville' - exhausting as hell to watch, this is Von Triers masterpiece.
The last 45 minutes is non-stop agonizing brilliance. The scene with Kidman
and (cameo not to be revealed here!) in the car is the funniest thing you'll
see all year, right before the most harrowing thing you'll see all year. BTW
this film *isnt* anti-american, its anti-human! Lars hates us all equally
:-) I cant wait for the claimed 'next 2 in the trilogy'.

Honorable mentions: Japanese Story, Bubba Ho-Tep, the first 80 minutes of
Elf, Ju-On: The Grudge (this year?), City of God, Magdalene Sisters, Station
Agent, 21 Grams, Whale Rider, Fog of War, Spring Summer Fall Winter ... and
Spring

Films not yet seen (besides those that havent opened yet): In America, Bad
Santa, Finding Nemo, Mystic River, American Splendor, Tripletted of
Belleville. Any of these sound like they could fill slot #10.