2005 was one of my favorite years in film. So many great films came out that I had a hard time putting a list together. But I did put one together and here’s how it came out. By this point, I knew what I was doing and I would probably rank them the same way now as I did then.

1. Munich: Stephen Spielberg’s master film about vengeance is his best since Schindler’s List. Working with playwright Tony Kuchner, the story about the Israeli response to the  massacre at the Munich games is harrowing and leaves us questioning what it means to be righteous. Eric Bana gives the performance of his career.
2. Brokeback Mountain: Easily one of the best love stories in the last ten years or so. Ang Lee’s powerful drama is charged with four Oscar-worthy performances, mostly by Jake Gyllenhall and Heath Ledger as lovestruck cowboys in 50s Wyoming. Rodrigo Prieto’s cinematography is simply spellbinding.
3. Syriana: In a year that gave us some of the most imactful social commentaries, Syriana is easily one of the most influencing. Writer/Director Stephen Genghan tells the story about big oil and the corruption that comes with such power. It will make you think not so much about dwindling resources as much as about how greed and arrogance can damage the world.
4. The Upside of Anger: Joan Allen deserves an Oscar for her spellbinding performance in this engaging drama about a mother whose pent-up anger at her disappeared husband creates tension between her kids as well as her drinking friend/lover (Kevin Costner).
5. Sin City: Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller’s pulp noir is raw, intense and brutal. But it’s also one of the best comic book movies ever to be made. The beautiful use of black and white along with shots that are beyond spectacular, this is probably one of the most beautiful films to look at, that’s if you can look past all the blood and gore. And Mickey Rourke is BACK!
6. Crash: Paul Haggis’ interconnected story about Los Angelenos consumed by racial contempt might seem a little hokey, but is engaging and sympathetic even to it’s most despicable characters. And strangely enough, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges gives one of my favorite performances of the year. May Oscar glory be laid at his feet.
7. Batman Begins: This IS the best comic book film ever made, the one I’ve been dreaming would be made and Christopher Nolan delivers. Christian Bale is Batman and Bruce Wayne and this film is not afraid to allow other characters to be just as interesting if not more than it’s protagonist. Michael Caine and Katie Holmes give performances that beyond expectation.
8. Capote: I love me some Phillip Seymour Hoffman and I think he’s going to win Best Actor playing Truman Capote. But what’s amazing is just how well-structured this film is, especially from first-time director Bennett Miller.
9. King Kong: Coming off The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Peter Jackson not only remakes one of cinema’s most important films, but makes it better. This is the Kong as it should be, an ape with a crush on a blonde. And while Andy Serkis’ performance as Kong is amazing, Jack Black shows he is capable of being more than just a one-note comedian.
10. Millions: Danny Boyle’s Christmas tale is one of the most joyful films I have ever seen and understands the genuine love/hate nature between brothers. It is also a beautifully-rendered morality play that might leave a tear in your eye.