The Best Films of 2013

Sure, we are already into February now. But with years like 2013, it's never too late to celebrate such high quality cinema. Perhaps the best year since 2007 ("The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford," "Atonement," "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," "I'm Not There," "No Country for Old Men," "Ratatouille," "There Will Be Blood," "La Vie en Rose"), 2013 showcases strength across the board—in foreign and American films, in documentaries and narratives, in dramas and comedies—and perhaps most of all—in films that blurred the lines.

This past year's films showcased stories and craftsmanship as complex as the filmmakers themselves. From auteur-driven work like "American Hustle," "Gravity," "Her" and "Upstream Color" to a tremendous showing for American indies like "Hank and Asha," "Hide Your Smiling Faces" and "Short Term 12"—this list is probably the toughest I've ever put together. 

Several of these films played our local film festivals. "7 Boxes," "euphonia," "The Exquisite Corpse Project," and "Mud" all played at the Atlanta Film Festival. "Hank and Asha" and "The Past" both screened at the Savannah Film Festival. "Lore" was easily my favorite film from the 2013 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. "Hide Your Smiling Faces" and "Short Term 12" were just two films from a remarkable lineup at the Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham last year. Some films featured at multiple festivals—"Congratulations!" played both Atlanta and Sidewalk and will screen at the Macon Film Festival later this month, "Muscle Shoals" screened at Sidewalk and will also play in Macon. "The Spectacular Now" played both Atlanta and Savannah.

AJFF Review: "Lore" (****½)

Saskia Rosendahl stars in "Lore"

Nele Trebs, one of the young stars of "Lore," was on hand for the film's east coast premiere last week at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. Visiting the United States for the first time, the young actress was as astute and well-spoken as I imagined she would be after watching her thoughtful performance in this beautiful film. When asked about the difference between working with male and female directors– such as "Lore" director Cate Shortland, Trebs' delightful response rendered the question almost irrelevant. "Directors don't differentiate themselves from one another based on their gender, but through their artistic vision." And it is quite the artistic vision that Shortland showcases here. "Lore" is an undeniably beautiful film about an undeniably brutal piece of history.

What to see at the 2013 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

Just over three weeks to go until the 2013 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival kicks off. Last year, 30,000 tickets were sold, matching the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival as the largest Jewish film festival in the United States and most certainly one of the largest in the world. With the exponential rate of the growth the fest has seen since its humble beginnings in 2000, I wouldn't be surprised if this year's AJFF sells thousands more tickets than last year's. In fact, three dozen screenings have already sold out.

This year's opening night gala takes place at the Cobb Energy Centre. All regular venues from last year are returning, so you'll be able to catch films at Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station, United Artists Tara Cinemas in Buckhead, Lefont Sandy Springs, Georgia Theatre Company at Merchant's Walk in Marietta and United Artists North Point Market in Alpharetta. You can see the schedule and purchase tickets at www.ajff.org.

I've highlighted 25 films from this year's festival, including the films from opening night, Gen-Y night and closing night as well as two anniversary screenings. Check out the list after the jump.