Our Favourite Films from 2009

After much debate, Cornerhouse staff have battled it out to select our top five fims of 2009, which will be screened during the Christmas period – read our reasons below to find out why each film was chosen…

Broken Embraces

“The best Pedro Almodóvar films are those that wholeheartedly exploit the cinematic excess and tongue-in-cheek camp that have made his name and Broken Embraces is no exception. The film noir atmosphere, complicated love triangle and film references interwoven into the twists and turns of the plot made Broken Embraces one of the must-see films of 2009 for me. Almodóvar’s constant self-references made me revisit his back-catalogue too – complete Pedro indulgence! “

Chosen by Rachel Hayward, Programme Manager

Let the Right One In

“This film takes a well-known genre, lures in its audience and then takes them on a journey of the unknown. Thanks to a non-conventional storyline, intriguing characters and beautifully contrasting shots, we’re presented with a very delicate and atmospheric film that does live up to expectations. It’s a fantastic example of how a film can deviate from the mainstream and still make an impact. So much so, that we thought it just the right thing to let back into Cornerhouse as one of our favourite films of the year.” Marisa

Chosen by Marisa Draper, Young People’s Programme Manager and Kelly Burgess, Engagement Assistant

Milk

“Fabulous acting and the surprise film for me of the year, I didn’t expect to love it half as much as I did and it still remains my favourite pick from this year. Sean Penn’s amazing Oscar-winning performance is the highlight and he’s almost unrecognisable as Harvey Milk – the first openly gay person to be voted into public office in the US. The surrounding all star cast, including Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin and James Franco, are also all on best form and provide the eye candy! Milk is so much more than your usual biopic; inspiring, vigorous, impressive special effects, stunning cinematography, and all underpinned by a moving and poignant story capturing the true spirit of 1970s San Francisco in an artistic and exciting way. It’s an overwhelmingly tender portrayal of one of the most stirring stories in recent politics and, in my opinion, truly worthy of it’s accolades. In a word… unmissable.”

Chosen by Rachael Salt, Programme Assistant

Moon

“An acting masterclass from Sam Rockwell and a beautiful aesthetic that made me believe that he really was isolated in the stark solitude of the moon. It’s always refreshing when the artificial intelligence doesn’t turn bad or malfunctiion but does what it was built to do – help.” Esther

“An interesting take on the science fiction genre, what will your interpretation of the story line be?” Click here to read Marshall’s full review

Chosen by Marshall Trower, Front of House Manager; Isabelle Croissant, Deputy Engagement Director; and Esther Lisk-Carew, Programme Administrator

Slumdog Millionaire

“I really loved Slumdog Millionaire this year. I felt that the director Danny Boyle, also a loyal Cornerhouse patron, had been on a true Bollywood masterclass, watching lots of films but making his own mark on the story. He perfectly plays the drama and romance, referencing lots of Hindi film culture along the way – Mani Ratnam’s Bombay, Amitabh Bachchan and of course a great song and dance at the end. What more do you want?!”

Chosen by Sarah Perks, Programme & Engagement Director