Lets
not beat around the bush; 2017 was a difficult year to be a cinema fan, in more
ways than one. There were alarmingly few blockbusters that stood out this year,
and for some reason it was harder than ever to find independent and foreign
cinema that is worth a damn. Nevertheless, when a breakthrough ever occurs it
was more than an insurmountable relief, it was an event. The best films of 2017
were like guiding lights in a sea of despair and bad taste. Even if this crop
of films could not beat the high points of previous years—though not many can
compete with Moonlight and Mad Max: Fury Road—the best of 2017 were
revelatory, strange and exciting to watch. Anyone who felt unfulfilled by
cinema this year needs to check these out, for they truly made 2017 worth all
the trouble. But first some quick addendums; I am guilty of not seeing Good Time, Jane, Rat Film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri,
Mudbound, Personal Shopper and The Lost
City of Z. I did see Phantom Thread, Fantastic Woman and Paddington
2 but since I could not see these films until late into January I am considering
these films as 2018 releases. So good luck, other films of 2018, you all got
your work cut out for ya!
Now,
on to the actual list:
