Films that left an impression in 2021

Blockbuster flicks, a standout appearance at Cannes for Bangladesh, and the reopening of theatres rejuvenated cinema in 2021. Here are flicks that resonated with the SHOUT team and took them on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Spiderman: No Way Home

Undoubtedly, this was the most awaited film of the year. Tom Holland's rendition of Peter Parker is universally loved for all sorts of reasons and we witness the very best of him in the third instalment of the series. No Way Home marks the beginning of a new chapter in Parker's journey as we wait to see what's next for our friendly neighbourhood Spiderman. 

Luca

A coming-of-age movie about exploring the unknown and falling in love with it, Luca reminds us about the wonders of growing up and dreaming while educating the audience about all the different types of pasta.

The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun

As Wes Anderson masters the art of symmetry more eloquently in each of his releases, The French Dispatch will probably stand out as Wes at his best. Anderson calls it his "love letter to journalists". With signature masterstrokes all across the canvas, the movie will surely rouse the writer in you.

Judas and the Black Messiah

Judas and the Black Messiah is yet another riveting portrayal of Fred Hampton. A punch in the gut from the start, this film is uncompromising in every sense of the word and paints a tormenting image of greed, power, and ignorance. Nonetheless, the aspect that truly leaves a mark is the power of revolution and harmony.  

No Time to Die

The last of Daniel Craig's 007 movies was superb. The story was thoroughly constructed and had the usual jam-packed action associated with James Bond. Any 007 enthusiast would love this, even more so with a heartbreaking ending. However, it gives food for thought as to what the future holds for 007.  

Inside

Bo Burnham's magnum opus is the pinnacle of the pandemic experience. With witty commentary about capitalism, cinematography that's nothing short of eye candy, and even contribution to the TikTok realm, Inside celebrates the genius of a comic who has mastered the craft with just the right amount of self-awareness. 

Sardar Udham

Sardar Udham is gut-wrenching. It's a biographical drama based on the life of Udham Singh, an Indian revolutionary in the plot of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Director Shoojit Sircar holds nothing back as he portrays the massacre in harrowing details. 

The Green Knight

The Green Knight is a fantasy unlike anything I have ever seen before. Director David Lowry manages to break down the larger than life world of Arthurian Legends into something way more humane. We get a regular guy struggling with the weight of expectations on him instead of a magic sword-wielding impenetrable god. That, paired with its stunning visuals and outstanding sound design, makes the world feel alive and dreamlike.

Passing

The movie is set during the Harlem Renaissance, an important cultural movement in Black American history. But it was still the 1920s, long before the civil rights movement. I liked how the film chooses to tackle race relations through the relationship between the two leading women without letting the historical context take centre stage, making the story still relevant a century later. 

Abir Hossain is a failed SoundCloud Rapper. Tell him you too can't find anything to rhyme oranges with at fb/abir.hossain.19