2019 closes out this decade with creative, innovative, challenging films that we have now come to expect. So many fascinating filmmakers made their bold debut, utilizing unique techniques, helping establish a definitive style to 2010’s filmmaking. While some films homage the classics, others carved their own distinct identities through challenging film conventions, promising storied careers as we all head into the 2020’s.
20) Blinded By The Light
A charming and likable film, Gurinder Chadha’s latest work, while familiar in story, sores through sheer shameless love. The story of a Pakistani-British high schooler who’s inspired by Bruce Springsteen to become a writer is both a love letter to Bruce Springsteen, and a celebration of how art can transcend boundaries. Both Gurinder Chadha and writer Sarfraz Manzoor get Bruce Springsteen, and how his music is heartfelt and specific enough to speak to anyone, regardless of their background. The film captures that wonderful moment we’ve all experienced when you’ve just discovered a piece of art that truly speaks to you for the first time. Coupled with a charismatic breakout performance by Viveik Kalra, this is a feel-good movie that genuinely understands the influential power of art.
