By Greg Vellante
Correspondent

I was 9 years old when this decade began. Ten years later and, while my passion and taste for film has indubitably increased, I still consider myself a fledgling. Therefore, composing a list of the top 10 films of the decade was a task I approached with both hesitation and fear.

I had to go with what I’ve personally seen, what I’ve personally felt, and how I’ve individually interpreted the various films I’ve seen within the new millennium. Even then, ranking these films is another impossibility in itself. Who’s to say that one brilliant film is better than another brilliant film? Certainly not me, so without further delay I give you, in alphabetical order, my personal top 10 films of the decade.

“4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” (2007) — The epitome of gut-wrenching. This Romanian drama is a devastating journey over the course of a single night, as a faithful friend goes to unbelievably unbearable lengths in arranging an illegal abortion for her roommate in 1987 in Romania. Scenes are lasting, haunting, and strike you unexpectedly with overwhelming emotion.
“Almost Famous” (2000) — Perhaps the reason for my magnetic attraction to Cameron Crowe’s magnificent film is my own relation to the main character. Patrick Fugit plays an awkward high-school student who digs music and journalism, and ends up scoring the opportunity of writing an article for Rolling Stone magazine about a rising rock group as he follows them on tour.
“Brokeback Mountain” (2005) – Quite possibly the greatest love story I’ve ever witnessed. In regards to its controversy and backlash, I feel the great Roger Ebert said it best in his review when he stated, “‘Brokeback Mountain’ has been described as ‘a gay cowboy movie,’ which is a cruel simplification. It is the story of a time and place where two men are forced to deny the only great passion either one will ever feel. Their tragedy is universal. It could be about two women, or lovers from different religious or ethnic groups — any ‘forbidden’ love.”
“Cidade de Deus (City of God)” (2002) – A film that truly etches itself into the mind. Following the paths of two youths as they grow up in the violent neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. Intricately detailed and told through a Tarantino-esque narrative, “City of God” is inspired, unsettling, and beautiful all at once.
“Kill Bill, Volumes 1 and 2” (2003, 2004) – To separate Quentin Tarantino’s epic saga of revenge into two is criminal, as I’m sure the only reason for the theatrical split is to satisfy our country’s saddening pandemic of short attention spans. Watched back-to-back, the two volumes of Tarantino’s masterpiece are sheer visual splendor. Uma Thurman is viciously wondrous as The Bride, seeking vengeance for the failed murder attempt of her and her unborn child.
“Once” (2006) – A spirited combination of film and music, “Once” follows two musicians as they connect and write, rehearse, and record songs that unveil their love. The love story is natural, and occurs more between notes, chords, and melodies than with the two main characters, simply named Guy and Girl.
“Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006) – In between his two “Hellboy” films, writer/director Guillermo del Toro used his inspiration and flair for bringing unique creatures to life with his masterful achievement “Pan’s Labyrinth.” Set against the backdrop of 1944 fascist Spain, the film is filled with various nuances and astute allegories that can only be caught with repeat viewings, the telltale sign of a true work of art.
“Requiem for a Dream” (2000) – The most disturbing, hypnotizing, unusual work of the decade; an evocative insight into the world of addiction and the lives it shatters. Jared Leto, Marlon Wayans, and Jennifer Connolly lead the versatile ensemble as heroin addicts, yet Ellen Burstyn’s performance as a woman slowly deteriorating from her delusional reliance on prescription pills still remains an indelible memory in my mind.
“Spirited Away” (2001) – While an animated film was bound to end up on my list, it was a tough choice between the two leading forces in the art, Hayao Miyazaki and Pixar animation. The former ended up nabbing the spot, seeing as nearly every Pixar film released to date is so unique in its own way, that picking just one proved far too difficult. Miyazaki’s created world of “Spirited Away” brought about a sense of imagination the likes of which had never been experienced. The overall effect is mesmerizing, yet first reactions are likely to cause more head-scratching than eye-widening.
“There Will Be Blood” (2007) – Every viewing of Paul Thomas Anderson’s story of greed and corruption by a turn-of-the-century oil prospector raises not only new ideas, but new feelings as well. Daniel Day Lewis is as vile as they come with his faultless performance as Daniel Plainview, the film’s villain with blood as dark as the oil for which he thirsts. Quite possibly the performance of the decade.
So there you have it, my personal top 10 for the decade — for now at least. There’s no doubt in my mind that as I view more films released the past 10 years, this list will encounter numerous alterations. Check back with me next decade; then maybe I’ll feel a little more comfortable calling this list concrete.