Top 3 Films of 2010 (Karen's List)

Quiet but remarkable. I list these films in my Top 3 because they were the ones I recommended the most throughout the year. They are often over-looked but worthy of mention. Their storylines lingered with me long after the end credits and they are exceptional examples of character-driven dramas. I attended screenings for all three followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers where they shared several insights about the filmmaking process, which made me appreciate the films even more.

1. Never Let Me Go - It features a hauntingly beautiful musical score and cinematography to match its tone. Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield and Keira Knightley are in fine form, three actors worthy of acclaim. The scene where Garfield's character goes to the headmaster of the school and shows his artwork: heart-breaking.

2. Cyrus - The Duplass brothers are able to mix comedy with offbeat love in a poignant way. It's a great start as they transition from mumblecore to mainstream. John C. Reilly is a well chosen lead alongside Marisa Tomei and Catherine Keener in a supporting role.

3. Mother and Child - The power of this movie lies in its ensemble cast: Annette Benning, Naomi Watts, Samuel L. Jackson, Kerry Washington and Jimmy Smits come together to create a touching story sufficiently intertwined by writer/director Rodrigo Garcia.