2013 IN REVIEW: MY TOP 10 FOREIGN FILMS

1. Gravity

This Alfonso Cuaron science fiction thriller is one of the surprise hits of 2013 both in terms of blockbuster success and critical acclaim. With Sandra Bullock and George Clooney in the lead roles, it was all destined for greatness. What sets it apart from other films is its unpredictability which keeps people thinking what would happen next. I am never a big fan of sci-fi films but this was just compelling. The visuals, sounds and editing were also commendable which makes this my top pick from 2013.

2. Frozen

"Let It Go" which is the film's theme song became so much loved that it spawned several covers from artists and common people alike. But aside from the wonderful music and visual entertainment, Disney succeeded in bringing out an interesting story with a heart. The characters of Elsa and Olaf are so much relatable that people just so love them. Frozen is one film that shows an act of true love - doing anything for the people who you care the most. Truly Frozen made us all laugh and also made our hearts melt with a lot of endearing scenes.

3. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

While most of the people may not rate Catching Fire as high as I do, I still think this was one of the better screen adaptations of 2013. This film may have lesser drama and bravado than the first movie but it packs punch with a better storyline and deeper context. As again, Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss was so pretty and compelling. The story of societal problems, stature and family was once again key points in making this film interesting. Can't wait for Mockingjay.

4. Fast & Furious 6

One of the more successful action movie franchises would agruably be the Fast & Furious movies. Packed with everything that you could want for an action film - hot hunks, big cars, fast-paced action sequences, sexy girls and surprising plots - the franchise has established as a regular draw in the box-office. Aside from that FF6 was also well received by critics. The film has a lot of twists and a lot that no one actually expected. With Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and the rest of the gang on board, no one could ask for anything more. Just sad Paul would not be around for the sequels to come.

5. Now You See Me

2013 saw some surprises at the box-office and "Now You See Me" was one of them. The story circles with an elite FBI squad in a game of cat and mouse against "The Four Horsemen", a super-team of the world's greatest illusionists. "The Four Horsemen" pull off a series of daring heists against corrupt business leaders during their performances while staying one step ahead of the law. A modern take on the Robin Hood idea, this Louis Letterier showed something clever yet enjoyable at the same time.

6. Despicable Me 2

For me, a movie triumphs if it is able to cater to its target audience and for sure Despicable Me 2 was on target with that one. Combining lovable characters with a simple yet funny script & story is something that is used to perfection in this film. After the success of the initial film, it was imminent that this sequel is also coming. And for me I just enjoyed it a lot. Those cute minions really brings out the child in me. This is one film that constantly reminds us that there is innate goodness in each one of us and that bad ones can also change.

7. Before Midnight

I felt that 2013 was somehow a lackluster year for love stories but there were few ones that stood out. For me the top on my list would have to be "Before Midnight". The third on the series of these films after Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2004), Director Richard Linklater reunites with stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Deply. This film shows us how conversations are really important. Even after long years, Hawke and Deply still has the chemistry on screen. Great story, great acting, wonderful movie.

8. The Great Gatsby

Based on a compelling novel, I was mesmerized by this film's trailer and for sure the movie did not disappoint. Director Baz Luhrmann shows his great storytelling skills once again while making its stars Tobey Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio both really convincing. The visuals, cinematography and costumes are also some of the great points for this film. It lets us see the realities between having a simple life as against a lavish life. 

9. Monsters University

2013 is indeed a strong year for animated film features both at the box-office tills and the critical acclaims. This prequel lets us join Mike and Sulley in their lives as students in the Monsters U. As usually present in most animated films, this one lets us dream as well showing us that dreams could come true if you believe in your abilities and if you do something in your lives. The college setting also brings us nostalgia with our schooling days and how one tries to thrive against a lot of things that studying life has to offer.

10. Iron Man 3

Of all the Iron Man films, I just felt that this one has the bigger heart. It lets us in the human side of Tony Stark which is again played to perfection by Robert Downey Jr. What sets it apart from the first two films is that it shows more emotion. One was there to share Stark's pains and his journey towards finding what really matters in his life. Visuals were stunning as usual and the fight sequences were really breath-taking.