As every year in France, several hundred films were released in theaters. When you write for a film critic site, you discover (logically) a certain number. However, each end of the year is an opportunity to practice a painful exercise: that of establishing a top 10 of the best films of the year. We must have seen a hundred films and despite everything, we must only remember ten. There are undoubtedly countless masterpieces. But here it is: a top calculated according to the top 10 of each editor. Do not hesitate to leave us your opinion in the comments area on your personal tops.
Top 10 editors:
1) La La Land by Damien Chazelle released on January 25, 2017
The choice of La La Land seems obvious. Acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, this musical clearly got 2017 off to a great start. At JustFocus, this magnificent film was almost unanimous and naturally took the lead in the ranking.
La La Land trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDMf9m7FXd4
2) Grave by Julia Ducournau released on March 15, 2017
After one of the most Hollywood films ever, we go to another extreme with Grave by Julia Ducournau. Julia Ducournau is a director graduated from La Fémis who gives us here her first feature film. Verdict? A real cinematic shock that makes Grave one of the most daring and striking films of the year. This story tells the first days of study in a veterinary school that will see the "heroine" discover her cannibalism. At JustFocus we hope only one thing: that the film makes a raid on the Caesars. Approved by our editors, Grave is a slap in the face to discover urgently.
Trailer Grave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TElJs93LLs8
3) Logan by James Mangold released on March 1, 2017
After a French horror film, here is one of the biggest American budgets of the year that managed to bring something new to the superheroic film genre. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Logan. Catching up with the first two absolutely catastrophic opuses, James Mangold managed to make one of the best films of the X-Men saga by giving Wolverine his nobility and offering one of his best roles to Hugh Jackman. With its twilight western and post-apocalyptic movie atmosphere, Logan is absolutely unmissable!
Logan Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWH_ao0s2iE
4) Blade Runner 2049 by Denis Villeneuve released on October 4, 2017
One wonders how far Denis Villeneuve can go. After directing Sicario and First Contact , which are among the best films of their respective years of release, the Quebecer gives us the sequel to Ridley Scott's legendary Blade Runner. And it works! Blade Runner 2049 is the best possible sequel to the original film. Despite its unfair flop at the box office (the film was unfortunately not profitable), 2049 will be remembered thanks to its cast (Ryan Gosling offers his second film in this top and we will not even talk about the legendary Harisson Ford …), its aesthetics and its sprawling scenario. The best SF movie of the year.
Blade Runner 2049 Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qZ2rXccrvw
5) 120 beats per minute by Robin Campillo released on August 23, 2017
120 beats per minute is the very nice discovery of this year. From a serious subject and a thousand times addressed in cinema, Robin Campillo offers us an immensely strong drama, which speaks concretely and directly. With his past experience at Act Up Paris in the 90s, the director directs a string of actors as talented as unknown. Nahuel Pérez Biscayart is finally presented to the French public and the scenes of AG are a real lesson in staging. Here is a French "author" work that proves that we must see beyond labels (and that we can be proud of our cinema). A huge slap that narrowly missed the Palme d'Or…
Trailer 120 beats per minute : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5wiP5YULYQ
6) Get Out by Jordan Pelee released on May 3, 2017
Like Andy Muschietti's very good It, Get Out is an American horror film that has been talked about a lot. Directed by a comedian, Get Out is one of the smartest horror movies of recent years. The film succeeds in frightening, not by what it shows but simply by its subject. Because yes, it's scary to realize that being African-American is being a horror movie character. However, Get Out remains an extremely entertaining film and well enough made that it can be considered one of the best surprises of the year.
Get Out Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tygbmB7TrsA
7) Split by M.Night Shyamalan released on February 22, 2017
Another huge success for Jason Blum's firm, Split is an excellent thriller, but also one of the first superhero and horror movies. If it's nice to see an excellent film by M.Night Shyamalan, it's even more pleasing to see that this film is the hidden sequel to Unbreakable. However, Split is self-sufficient with the breathtaking performance of James McAvoy, who undoubtedly deserves an Oscar nomination for his role. Split is actually a real one-man horror show. A classic, whose sequel is already planned.
Trailer Split :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh499ukSPl4
8) Dunkirk by Christopher Nolan released on July 19, 2017
Dunkirk is THE proof. Proof that the major filmmaker of the 2000s (and this since the release of The Dark Knight) is Christopher Nolan. No director has (yet) been able to compete with him. All his films crush the competition. We do not claim that these films are the best of the century (although). However, none had the same impact as him. Dunkirk is once again a masterpiece and the best war film of the decade. It is impossible to summarize this film, except to explain that it is a sensory, overwhelming and radical experience. To see at all costs.
Dunkirk trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chRUCIk3K94
9) Okja by Bong Jonh-Ho released on May 19, 2017
Okja is undoubtedly at the heart of the major cinematographic controversy of 2017 (apart from the Weinstein case of course). Presented at the Cannes Film Festival when the film was only released on Netflix, Okja is a success. It may not be particularly innovative in its subject matter, but the relevant treatment, the mix of cultures and the perfect cast make it a prime entertainment object coupled with an impactful political and social message. Funny, moving, impressive and with the perfect dosage, the realization oscillating between the American effervescence and the Asian calm make it one of the most interesting works of the year.
10) Moonlight by Barry Jenkins released on February 1, 2017
Moonlight is the melo of the year 2017. This quest for identity has caused more than one tear to flow. Aesthetically beautiful and well designed, Moonlight is a poetic and tender film despite some poorly controlled moments. Still, Barry Jenkins did very well with this beautiful film, having even won the Oscar for best film with everyone's nose and beard (and especially La La Land…)).
Moonlight Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNguOtz3v1s
Bonus: the best film of 2018 seen in 2017
A Taxi Driver by Jong-Hoo – Release date unknown
Some of our readers may remember the article calling A Taxi Driver the best movie of the year. Problem: A Taxi Driver did not benefit from a national release except for its screening at the Korean Film Festival.Apart from explaining once again that the film is an absolute masterpiece, there is nothing to do but pray that it can benefit from the most massive theatrical release possible in 2018.
Superheroes, horror, a war movie and a musical at the top… 2017 was a very varied and successful year in terms of cinematographic quality (despite the grumbles). A year that gives hope for beautiful things for the year to come. With that, the editorial staff of JustFocus wishes you a very happy new year 2018!
