10 Films You Must Watch Before the 2024 Oscars (Part 1)

Are you ready to dive into the year-end film awards season? With the official announcements of Golden Globe nominations and the emerging list of Oscar nominations, the anticipation is building. Here are some outstanding films from the cinematic journey of 2023 that are predicted to make a mark at the Oscars:

1. Killers of the Flower Moon Director Martin Scorsese, a veteran in the industry, continues to deliver excellence with “Killers of the Flower Moon.” This historical drama, reminiscent of a modern-day American tragedy, unfolds the story of William Hale (Robert De Niro) arranging the marriage of his nephew Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) to Mollie (Lily Gladstone), an Osage woman, in a quest for the “black gold” – oil. The love between Ernest and Mollie is genuine, but hidden motives lie within the realm of immense wealth. Amidst a series of murders, trials, and justice prevailing, “Killers of the Flower Moon” maintains a captivating narrative that never loses its intensity.

Director Martin Scorsese showcases his mastery in crafting scenes, creating a tapestry akin to the “game among men” found in films like “The Irishman,” “Casino,” and “There Will Be Blood.” The film demonstrates the power of cinematic language with a compelling storytelling style. Noteworthy performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert De Niro make it a cinematic highlight of 2023.

Read the review of “Killers of the Flower Moon” on Vietcetera here.

2. Oppenheimer Christopher Nolan, a director known for his unparalleled creativity, faces the challenge of surpassing his own previous works with “Oppenheimer.” This film not only serves as a biographical account of the “father of the atomic bomb,” J. Robert Oppenheimer, but also delves into the complex inner world of one of the most brilliant and troubled physicists. “Oppenheimer” stands as a cinematic explosion in 2023, and Nolan’s aesthetic sense contributes significantly to its impact.

“Oppenheimer” offers a unique cinematic experience, not only due to its lengthy runtime of over three hours, interspersed with narrative timelines, but also in its extensive ensemble cast of star-studded actors. Crafting a film that is not easily grasped (and requires multiple viewings), Nolan presents a refreshing perspective with each watch. Whether in major or minor roles, Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, and Robert Downey Jr. all shine in their respective ways. Particularly, Robert Downey Jr.’s remarkable portrayal of Lewis Strauss, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, promises to earn him his first Oscar in his illustrious career.

Read the review of “Oppenheimer” on Vietcetera here.

3. Past Lives “Paste Lives” offers perhaps the purest cinematic experience of 2023. This indie film from Celine Song, a director associated with A24, provides the essence of a worldly feast without the need for extravagance, yet it profoundly stirs the emotions of viewers even after leaving the theater.

The film begins with a chance encounter of three individuals in a sparsely populated bar, reminiscing about past connections. The characters sit there, but their minds drift to distant pasts. As the film unfolds, the fates of these characters, intertwined from an early age, reveal themselves – from the awkwardness of childhood, the ambiguity of adolescence, the joy of reunions, to the heartache of separation.

“Paste Lives” unfolds like a dream, gentle and elusive, guiding viewers through moments of innocent youth, lingering uncertainties, and the happiness of reunions contrasted with the sorrow of distance. Every detail is subtly powerful, and viewers may find themselves moved to tears, especially in the final scene where Na Young expresses her emotions. “Past Lives” is a cinematic discovery of 2023, showcasing Celine Song’s directorial talent alongside the excellent performances of Greta Lee and Teo Yoo.

Read the review of “Past Lives” on Vietcetera here.

4. The Holdovers “The Holdovers” may not make headlines outside of theaters, and it might not stand out prominently in film festivals or awards ceremonies, but it is undoubtedly a beautifully crafted piece that debuted in 2023.

The film revolves around individuals left behind in a boarding school during Christmas, a time when everyone longs to be with their families. Three people, with different personalities and fates, all harbor unspoken fragments. It’s only when forced to stay (or rather, abandoned) that they get the chance to share secrets, draw closer, and understand each other.

Similar to the Japanese art of kintsugi, “The Holdovers” is a healing art through imagery, storytelling, and the music of director Alexander Payne. The film seamlessly blends coldness and warmth, melancholy and happiness, fear and courage all at once.

The performances by Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Sessa are truly outstanding. The Academy may well honor them in categories like Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor/Actress.

5. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse The moniker “Spider-Punk” might not be entirely accurate when referring to Spider-Man Miles Morales. Following the success of “Into the Spider-Verse,” which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2019, the sequel, “Across the Spider-Verse,” brings another unexpected triumph.

This time, Spider-Man Miles Morales has traversed multiple “spider worlds” in search of humanity, proving his heroism. The battle against the fate of Miles Morales is simply a fight stemming from personal happiness, a desire to write his own story.

What makes audiences excited and emotionally touched (simultaneously) while watching “Across the Spider-Verse” is not only the emotionally charged story but also the innovative techniques in animation. Visual elements are pushed to the limit, the ability to “control” light, or the appearance of Spider-Punk is enough to make fans exhilarated and awestruck every time they revisit this film.