Most Hardbossin’ Films of 2009

When compiling a list of the best anything of a year, a little distance goes a long way. Taking a few months to catch up on the gems you missed and rewatching your favourites from a 12-month period tends to paint a much clearer picture, allowing the cream of the crop to rise to the top. So taking a cue from the Academy Awards, Hardboss is presenting our ‘Best Films of 2009′ a few months into 2010. Culled from a list of over 60 films, these motion pictures truly showed themselves to be worthy of praise and perhaps a little golden man come Mar. 7th.

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1. Inglourious Basterds
Tarantino’s best film since Pulp Fiction, Inglourious Basterds was by far the most creative and well-made film released this year. While chock-full of typical Tarantino psychotic violence it is also one of those rare films that can have you on the edge of your seat by simply showing people having a conversation. Perhaps the only film released this year that will be talked about in a decade’s time.

2. Up In the Air
A surprisingly great follow-up film from the director of the off-putting Juno. George Clooney carries this film on his capable shoulders by giving a nuanced, controlled but very deep performance as a man whose job it is to fire the obsolete, who has now found himself obsolete. A very poignant comment on the 21st century workplace.

3. The Hurt Locker
A tense, often disturbing portrait of the Iraq war, The Hurt Locker, will stick with you days after watching it. Beautifully shot, and wonderfully acted, this film poses many questions about the toll war takes on a man, and (without being heavy-handed) the effectiveness of US troops in Iraq.

4. An Education
While the plot isn’t revolutionary (young sheltered girl discovers the world with older man) the execution is perfect. Featuring a masterful performance by little-known actress Carey Mulligan, viewers are so carried away by her exuberance and energy that we ultimately fall for the same traps as her character and by the end can’t help feeling we should have known better too. It is a sad tale, a shocking tale, but one worth watching.

5. Precious
Not a date movie. Harrowing, disturbing and emotionally wrenching this movie takes what could have been Dangerous Minds II and instead churns out an incredibly powerful piece of art. Both Mo’Nique and Gabourey Sidibe deserve every award they get for their unbelievable acting.

Other Great Films:

6. District 9 - Sci-fi done right. Engrossing and action-packed.

7. 500 Days of Summer - Typical love story told atypically. A pleasure from start to finish.

8. Funny People - Overzealous, but ultimately hilarious and heartbreaking.

9. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs - Perfect balance of social commentary and entertainment.

10. Up - Imaginative, and gorgeous but doesn’t quite hit the heights it could have.

- Sam Stilson