10 Films That Marked the First Half of This Year

SadaNews - A quick rundown of the best 10 films (from the perspective of the writer of these lines) that have been viewed since the beginning of the year. This list reveals, to some extent, the continued richness in addressing meaningful topics through artistic methods worthy of appreciation, despite the challenges of artificial intelligence and the predominance of superhero films and forms of entertainment devoid of value.

1- “The Jacaranda”

Directed by: Hassan Farhani (Algeria)

A documentary journey undertaken by the director into the memory and life of his father, Algerian writer Amzyan Farhani. The title is the name of those beautiful trees that the father longs for among what he misses from a bygone era in a city that has changed from what it once was. The film is not simply nostalgia that settles for emotions and avoids depth; rather, it is a blend of the writer's life and his city, each carrying its history and moving along its path.

2- “Safe Exit”

Directed by: Mohamed Hamad (Egypt)

A drama revolving around a young man who works as a guard for a residential building, constantly surrounded by the concerns and problems imposed upon him by his environment. Samaan (masterfully portrayed by Marwan Walid) lives with intense fears and loneliness in a reality that is equally harsh. No heroics or victories, nor even achievements, in a small, closed world. The director relies on a rhythm that does not betray the monotony of the environment and its nature, skillfully addressing the protagonist's fears from the social environment that burdens him.

3- “For the Brave”

Directed by: Daniel Arabid (Lebanon, France)

This is the best film directed by Daniel Arabid to date. A woman saves a young Sudanese man who is years younger than her from a physical assault. The romantic relationship between them grows rapidly, as each needs the other in facing societal rejection based on racist grounds. Hiam Abbass continues to deliver good new performances with every role she plays. She is a strong and stubborn woman in confronting her social surroundings.

4- The Beloved

Directed by: Rodrigo Sorogoyen (Spain)

A drama about a strict film director (Javier Bardem) who asks his daughter, an actress, to star in his upcoming film. The tension-filled relationship between them in real life translates into the film within the film that we see. Sorogoyen’s work displays remarkable visual talent; its scenes are sharp yet sincere, and Javier Bardem provides immense artistic pleasure in his role.

5- Fatherland

Directed by: Pawel Pawlikowski

Part of the life story of novelist Thomas Mann after the end of World War II as he attempts to emerge from crises of identity and belonging. The film surrounds the tension between Mann (Hans Zischler) and his daughter (Sandra Hüller). The film may not reach the level of Pawlikowski's previous works, but it comes close.

6- Flies

Directed by: Fernando Eimic (Mexico)

A study of the character of a woman who has surpassed her youth (Tristina Sánchez), living alone and depending on herself for everything. She is forced to rent a room in her home to a man whose wife is hospitalized nearby. She stipulates no children in the room, but the man has to bring his child with him. At that moment, the woman discovers a meaning in a life she long lost. The dialogue is sparse and the directing largely relies on the implications of the visuals.

7- In Waves

Directed by: Phuong Mai Nguyen (France)

Meticulously crafted and richly colored animation flows smoothly to tell the story of a young man who does not know how to surf until a girl helps him acquire the skill. His life changes as if he needs a hand to lift him from innocence to self-confidence. The film differs not only in its story but also in its approach aimed at adults.

8- The Loneliest Man in Town

Directed by: Rainer Frimmel and Tizza Covi (Austria)

The protagonist of this film is a man affected by the “blues” songs he has become addicted to, singing what he remembers of them in a small bar before a limited audience. He lives alone with no family, no relatives, or friends, until he decides to emigrate to America at the film's end. The directing is sparse, with scenes that do not form a complete story as much as they outline the life of a lonely man.

9- Project Hail Mary

Directed by: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

(The United States)

A science fiction film about a space journey led by Ryan Gosling to prevent a cosmic body from blocking sunlight from reaching Earth. The film combines excitement with sophisticated visual effects and an emotional story about friendship, providing enjoyment for science fiction fans and a narrative capable of attracting a broader audience.

10- The Red Hangar

Directed by: Juan Pablo Salato (Chile)

An officer in charge of an aircraft hangar in Chile in 1973 finds himself under the authority of a military leadership conducting widespread arrests following the coup that ousted the previous regime. The place transforms into a prison and torture center, placing the officer in front of difficult choices. The director captures this pivotal moment and builds upon it what unfolds in the depth of his character.