The number of films produced each year is a large one, and although many contain virtually no squeezable essence (some of which become Blockbuster-level sellers), nevertheless a look back on 2009 rewards us with a revelation of several films which were indeed great; not only as artistic expressions, but also as an inspiration to their audiences. Some you have certainly heard of – like UP, Pixar’s latest production, but possibly not so many have heard of films like Captain Abu Raed.

Pixar’s UP

This film narrates to us the story of Carl Fredricksen, an aged man who’s had both happy moments, as well as sad and hopeless ones. In fact, the film opens just days after the death of his wife, and we see Carl as a man who has nothing of value left to cherish except anything which reminds him of his wife.

A great disappointment he harbours is the fact that, although he and his wife always wanted to go to the South Americas, an obstacle always cropped up which rendered them unable to go. At long last he decided to go there and take with him his fondest remembrance of his wife: his own house. With hundreds of balloons and a sturdy wheel, Carl sets off to the South of America atop his flying house… and after being airborne a while he hears his doorbell ring. A scout had clambered unto his doorstep wanting to ask Carl if he needed any help, hoping to earn his last badge. Though the film at first glance may give the impression that it is only aimed at a young audience, it carries with it the Pixar message of good prevailing over any heartache. (Rated PG – Parental Guidance Suggested)

Gran Torino
A film about the character of Walt Kowalski, a war veteran now residing in Korea, which illustrates the friendship which grows between him and his Korean neighbours. Though Walt’s character is tough and his words betray no neighbourly sentiments, when Thao, the neighbours’ child, gets bullied Walt finds himself caring and starts trying to help. As the film progresses we get to meet Walt’s children (who see him as some kind of burden on the family), and Walt starts to compare this view to that of Thao’s family and how they see their son. In a way Walt becomes a second father to Thao and his sister. Many a time he finds himself standing up for the siblings when rival street gangs seek only to abuse them. At first we see him recalling his old war tactics, but as it gets nearer to the end we get to see how Walt understands how he can finally prevail over violence. (Rated R –Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian)

Captain Abu Raed
Abu Raed is not a very noticeable person: his work is simple, and he’s never achieved anything remarkable in his life. Once though, while working, he found a pilot’s cap… and his life changed forever. This movie is shot in modern-day Jordan, and according to Amin Matalqa, the director, statement, a sample of everyday community life in Jordan is what he’d like to depict. Matalqa stated that among the numerous motivations driving him to produce the film were the many recent movie productions which portrayed his people as being collective fundamentalists, or terrorists. Captain Abu Raed is a slice-of-life film that shows the many elements that compound daily Jordan life, including the problems. Above all else Captain Abu Raed speaks about what is good in mankind. (Rated PG-13 – Parents Strongly Cautined)

Invictus
This movie mainly focuses on Nelson Mandala, who, after being elected president, joins up with South African rugby coach in order to consolidate the country. The film kicks of by giving as an overview on South African life when Nelson Mandala was released from prison, and afterwards when he was later elected president. Clint Eastwood, the director, successfully manages to convey to us the dichotomy between the dark-skinned Africans and the so-called ‘Africaners’, those born of European descent. Most of the film gyrates around the sport of rugby, especially around captain Francois Pienaar; however, it often returns to Mandela and his personal experiences which helped form him into the man he was. UltimatelyInvictus shows us the road to certain victory over all strife and struggles – forgiveness.(Rated PG-13 for brief strong language)