Critical Films of 2011

2011 featured an eclectic cinematic mix like we haven't seen in a long while. Werner Herzog explored the very beginnings of humanity, while Lars von Trier peered into its apocalyptic end. Kelly Reichardt hypnotically led a bonnet-wearing Michelle Williams into a wild frontier, while Cary Fukunaga put Mia Wasikowska through the emotional wringer in his gothic take on Jane Eyre. Pedro Almodóvar unveiled an unsettling new horror tale, while a silent film -- yes, a silent film -- both charmed and amazed us. There were even baseball and wrestling films that managed to avoid cliche and sentimentality. Like I said: an eclectic year.

With that kind of diversity, we each had films that particularly clicked for us. Adrienne McIlvaine appreciated the tension of women in desperate situations with The Skin I Live In and Meek's Cutoff. A globetrotting John Wilson gravitated towards more pensive fare with Cave of Forgotten Dreams and Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, a mesmerizing study of spirituality by Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul.

Josh Ralske fell for the unlikely charms of indies Rid of Me and Terri, and was disarmed by the psychological unraveling of the protagonists in Martha Marcy May Marlene and Take Shelter. Resident filmmaker Kristy Puchko was floored by the dark drama of We Need to Talk About Kevin, but blissfully transported by the gorgeous silent movie The Artist -- a marvel for even existing in the year 2011.

And me? I enjoyed watching a misfit band of noble samurai in 13 Assassins, and Hanna, the thrilling story of a girl taking on a cold, uncaring system with ferocity and style, all set to a killer score by The Chemical Brothers. I was fascinated as von Trier brought about the end of the world in Melancholia, and it was a glorious sight to behold.