Best of 2008 on Jaman
While the year winds to a close the theaters are packed full of people looking to see one last great movie before the year ends. From the powerfully quiet punch of The Wrestler to the slick drama of Slumdog Millionaire to the Forest Gump-esque Benjamin Button, it’s definitely the time to see some of the best films of the year as the studios gear up for the coming prestige of the Golden Globes and the Oscars. Over here on Jaman we’re watching lots of films and coming up with our own batch of favorites from the year. Some of these films may not have come out in 2008, but this was the year they arrived on Jaman - here are some of our top picks.
Aryan: Unbreakable
Sports dramas often showcase stories with the highest highs and the lowest lows becoming an easy vehicle for melodrama and intensity. This gritty Bollywood film about a boxer forced to give up his dreams of stardom for the responsibilities of fatherhood doesn’t disappoint.
Forbidden Kingdom
This fantasy actioner is the first pairing of kung fu slapstick legends Jackie Chan and Jet Li. For this alone my little Hong Kong Action film fan had it in the top for the year. Add in a good plot and a dose of goofiness that reminds me of the Fong Sai Yuk franchise and I am hooked.
Gods and Monsters
This film is the closest I have found to being absolutely perfect. A powerful drama with a engaging storyline about the life of Frankenstein director James Whale, Sir Ian McKellan and Brandon Fraser are both unexpectedly powerful in their roles.
The Pied Piper of Hutznovia
2008 will mark the year that Eugene Hutz started to truly take over the world. With the lead in Madonna’s Filth and Wisdom and sold out shows around the world with Gogol Bordello it started to feel like it was a gypsy punk revolution. But before I noticed any of that I watched this engaging documentary about Hutz and the filmmaker that was obviously overly enamored of her subject, creating a fascinating subplot of attraction and desire.
Huge
This short about models, music and desire blew the Jaman staff away with its sexy storylines and slick production values. A total hit and one of our exclusives this year, this best of list wouldn’t be complete without it!
This is just a sampling of the Jaman staff’s favorite films for the year. Check out Best of Jaman 2008 for our complete list or join the conversation over in our Best of 2008 forum and let us know your favorites!
