Fresh Start.

Traditional at this time to note my ten most enjoyed films of the year. Still reluctant to return to cinema, hence a rather Netflixy/On demand feel, but still some good stuff in there. Most had flaws but focusing on positives for sake of brevity. ( Not all released this year, but watched for the first time within appropriate time scale)

10. Many Saints of Newark - Good fun working out Soprano’s connections - some taut drama, evocation of time and place… though never a patch on the original.
9. The Dig - Enjoyed the Suffolk landscapes, interesting historical detail and convincing lead performances.
8. The Mauritanian - Compelling and dignified performance from Tahir Rahim.
7. News of the World - Sprawling western landscapes and always in safe hands with Tom Hanks.
6.Nomadland - Loved the cinematography and music. Found the lack of narrative structure a bit off putting.
5.White Tiger - Compelling tale of servitude and inequality in modern India. Terrific sense of place.
4. Rocks - Totally convincing cast of newcomers who really make you care.
3. Sound of Metal - Thoughtful, intelligent and at times emotional. Wonderful sound design plays it’s part as does Riz Ahmed.
2. The Last Mountain - Haunting study of grief and the magnetic pull of the mountains for climbers. Such a powerful documentary.
1. Les Miserables - Not the Victor Hugo story, but an intense and gripping tale of police corruption and teenage gangs in the Paris suburbs. Add in the undercurrent of black comedy and you’ve got a well deserved No. 1.

Just missed out: One night in Miami, I Care A Lot, My Octopus Teacher, 14 Peaks, Pieces of a Woman, Don’t Look Up.