Dirty Pretty Things

Teaser: An illegal Nigerian immigrant looking for a way to find money and a life in London uncovers a terrifying group doing horrendous things in a hotel where he works.

Best Feature: The acting is incredible, especially Ejiefor. There is constant suspense, to the point where this movie could be classified as a horror-thriller. Taps into a segment of society, not often documented and makes a very intriguing film out of it.

Worst Feature: Not necessarily the most fluid thriller. Has some plot weaknesses.

This movie is on here largely because of the uniqueness of the plot. The way they weave what, at first, seems to be an exploring of the life of immigrants into a daring crime thriller is impressive. It includes two great performances from two actors who would later go on to act in defining roles, with Ejiofor (Red Belt, Children of Men) and Tautou (Da Vinci Code, Coco Before Chanel) really driving the movie home.

My Ranking: Top 10 Entire Drama Genre
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dirty_pretty_things/

Y Tu Mama Tambien (Spanish Subtitle)

Teaser: A woman finds out her husband is unfaithful and in a fit of anger decides to go on a road trip with two young boys and do everything her high society marriage would not allow her to do.

Best Features: Amazing chemistry between the actors, even when they are not making love. A very good road trip story. The discovery of various locations in Mexico is source of enjoyment within itself. Underlying political message is heartfelt and adds to the depth of the narrative.

Worst Features: You cannot watch this movie with people you are not comfortable with. Is not for people who do not enjoy movies with narration. A coming of age story with no real linear conclusion.

This movie has become famous in America for its explicit sex scenes. However, the thing that caught my attention most about this movie was how great the younger actors carried the excitement of the plot. It is a movie about the meaning of friendship more than sex and is one that will have you rooting for that throughout.

My Ranking: Top 10 Entire Drama Genre
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/y-tu-mama-tambien/

A Prophet (French and Arabic Subtitles)

Teaser: An Arab man finds himself in a French prison run by young Islamic criminals and old Corsican criminals. He must navigate these two worlds to ensure his survival, finding that you can learn a thing or two just by listening

Best Feature: The suspense is astounding and it is carried with expertise by the main character. The growth of the story is epic, leaving the viewer truly caring for the characters. Perfect blend of plot and action.

Worst Feature: Might run a little long for some.

This movie adroitly blends great storytelling, suspense, action and an ethical undertone in a thriller that is as entertaining as any movie I have seen in a while. You will have a hard time finding more heart in another gangster flick.

My Ranking: Top 10 Entire Drama Genre
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1213205-prophet/

Fish Tank

Teaser: A 15 year old girl in a London projects goes through life trying to escape the problems in her home and her life, while trying to pursue her dreams of becoming a dancer.

Best Feature: The lead actress carries the film on her own. A very disturbing, but interesting performance by Michael Fassbender (X-Men: First Class). Has a very fluid journey feel that keeps the audience captivated (think Stand By Me).

Worst Feature: Very slow moving plot, conclusion may not be as satisfying as some may hope.

This movie is great in that you are brought into the world of a main character, who is interesting in her own right, and then just when you think the pace of the movie might be slowing the plot takes a "somewhat" unexpected turn and finishes with an eclectic pace. Most movies that follow this formula drone on for the first 40 minutes and then you are treated to an accelerated and exciting last 30. I think this movie achieves being interesting in the beginning and then tantalizing us with its conclusion.

My Ranking: Top Ten Entire Drama Genre
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fish_tank/

Blue Valentine

Teaser: A couple with an embattled past goes through tough times in a very complicated marriage.

Best Features: Knockout performances by both Gosling and Williams. The movie makes you feel, in ways that most romantic dramas do not. Has one of the greatest scenes in a love movie of all time.

Worst Features: Ending feels very abstract, while the movie spends its entire time dealing with real human emotions in a very literal and powerful way.

This movie is just powerful. I have not felt this much natural emotion from just watching a movie since Requiem for a Dream. It is very depressing, in the sense that things are bad for this couple, however, the scenes feel real and engaging. I do not remember how long this movie is, but it feels like 5 minutes because of how engrossing it is. It doesn't make the Top 5 just because of how deep the genre is.

My Ranking: Top 10 Entire Drama Genre
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/blue_valentine/