OUR TOP TEN FAVOURITE MOMENTS OF THE YEAR

DECEMBER 28, 2024

(Colombia - La Suprema; Lithuania - Drowning Dry; Poland - Under the Volcano)

Today we're diving into the magic of cinema by spotlighting our favourite scenes of the year. These are the moments that leave an indelible mark, captivating us with their emotional intensity, breathtaking visuals, or unforgettable performances. They’re the sequences we find ourselves replaying in our minds long after the credits roll—those rare cinematic gems that capture the essence of storytelling and remind us why we love movies in the first place. From heart-stopping climaxes to quiet, poignant exchanges, these scenes resonate deeply, sparking joy, tears, or awe. Join us as we celebrate the moments that define this year in film and continue to inspire us.

​We've narrowed it down to twenty movies and the following ten just missed our best of the best:

​THE FOLLOWING CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS

​

12.12: THE DAY (South Korea) - the chilling ending when all is lost
ARMAND (Norway) - laughing for five minutes
BEHIND THE MIST (Ecuador) - reaching Mount Everest base camp
DROWNING DRY (Lithuania) - the kid barely breathing in the car
FLOW (Latvia) - the ascension of the bird
KNEECAP (Ireland) - running on the bridge
LA SUPREMA (Colombia) - turning on the TV
UNDER THE VOLCANO (Poland) - partying guests all around them after receiving the news on the war
RUSSIAN CONSUL (Serbia) - the two funerals
WAVES (Czechia) - the attack on the radio station

10. SITTING IN THE CLASSROOM - SUJO (MEXICO)

In the heartfelt and inspiring film Sujo, a young boy's determination to improve his circumstances takes center stage. Despite not being officially enrolled, he sneaks into a local school, driven by an unyielding desire to learn and better his life. The boy's journey is one of resilience and hope, as he navigates the challenges of gaining an education without the formal acceptance or support that many take for granted. Through his perspective, the film delves into themes of inequality, ambition, and the transformative power of education. As the boy forms a connection with a sympathetic teacher, the story highlights both the barriers he faces and the kindness that sustains him. Sujo is a moving reminder of the lengths some must go to for opportunities others might consider a given, offering an inspiring look at the human spirit's ability to persevere against all odds.

9. THE INTERROGATION - THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG (GERMANY)

In The Seed of the Sacred Fig, a tense and gripping family drama, a pivotal moment unfolds when the father, consumed by suspicion and desperation, takes his wife and two daughters to a friend for interrogation after discovering that his gun is missing. The friend, a figure of authority and influence, conducts the questioning, turning what might have been a private matter into a public spectacle of control and distrust. This scene becomes the emotional crux of the film, exposing the cracks in the family's relationships and unraveling hidden tensions that have long simmered beneath the surface. The father’s unwavering need to uncover the truth, coupled with his inability to trust his own family, sets in motion a series of events that threaten to tear them apart. The interrogation lays bare not only the family’s vulnerabilities but also the father’s inner turmoil and his struggle with power and pride.  

8. THE FIRE - RITA (GUATEMALA)

In the powerful Guatemalan film Rita, a harrowing and pivotal moment occurs when the girls, confined in a locked room under oppressive and unjust circumstances, make a desperate bid for freedom. Frustrated and terrified, they resort to setting the room on fire, believing it to be their only chance at escape. What begins as an act of defiance quickly spirals out of control, with catastrophic consequences that ripple far beyond the confines of the room. The scene is charged with tension and raw emotion, vividly portraying the girls’ desperation, fear, and determination. Their actions, though extreme, underscore the hopelessness of their situation and the human need to resist oppression at any cost. As the fire consumes the space, chaos ensues, and the line between rebellion and tragedy blurs. The flames become a symbol of both their courage and the devastating consequences of a system that pushed them to such extremes.  

7. THE KILLING CEREMONY - THE DEVIL'S BATH (AUSTRIA)

In the haunting film The Devil's Bath, the story culminates in a shocking and unforgettable finale that leaves audiences grappling with its moral and spiritual implications. Agnes, burdened by an unbearable existence and a deep yearning for redemption, commits the unthinkable act of taking a child’s life. Her actions, however horrifying, are not driven by malice but by a twisted belief that such a sacrifice is the only way to end her suffering and gain entry into heaven. The film builds to this climactic moment with a grim inevitability, portraying the character's descent into despair and the dark, warped reasoning that leads her to believe this act is her only escape. The act itself is depicted with unflinching intensity, forcing viewers to confront the depths of her anguish and the perverse logic of her pursuit of salvation. Her death—by beheading—is staged with brutal finality, marking one of the most shocking and visceral endings in recent cinema. The execution is not only a punishment but also a release, fulfilling her twisted desire to leave behind the torment of her earthly life.

6. THE HUG - BAURYNA SALU (KAZAKHSTAN)

In the emotionally charged finale of Bauryna Salu, the young protagonist, Yersultan, gathers the courage to confront his father about the profound and devastating impact of being adopted—a decision that has shaped his entire life. This climactic moment serves as the culmination of Yersultan's journey, a poignant confrontation that lays bare the emotional toll of feeling displaced, abandoned, and misunderstood. With raw honesty, Yersultan voices his pain, recounting how being sent away to live with his grandmother left him grappling with a sense of rejection and questioning his worth. His words, tinged with anger, sadness, and longing, reveal the depth of the scars he carries—scars that have shaped his identity and his strained relationship with his parents. The conversation is both heartbreaking and cathartic, as Yersultan seeks acknowledgment and understanding from the father who, in his eyes, failed to protect him from this pain. The father, faced with the weight of Yersultan's emotions, is forced to reckon with his own choices and the cultural traditions that influenced them. The confrontation exposes the generational and societal pressures that led to the adoption, highlighting the complex dynamics between love, duty, and sacrifice in the context of family and tradition.  

5. BEING TIED UP - THREE KILOMETRES TO THE END OF THE WORLD (ROMANIA)

In the harrowing and deeply unsettling film Three Kilometres to the End of the World, one of its most pivotal and emotionally wrenching scenes unfolds as a young gay man is forcibly tied up and confronted by a priest. This act, orchestrated by his family under the guise of 'saving' him, becomes a powerful and painful exploration of repression, control, and the destructive impact of intolerance. The son, bound and vulnerable, is subjected to an emotionally violent confrontation, where the priest attempts to impose a narrative of shame and sin upon his identity. The room becomes a battleground of ideologies: the priest, embodying the oppressive weight of tradition and dogma, versus the son, whose very existence challenges these deeply ingrained beliefs. As the scene progresses, the young man’s anguish and resistance reveal the strength of his conviction and the depth of his suffering. The tension is palpable, as the priest’s words—meant to 'heal'—cut deeper than any physical wound, laying bare the cruelty behind the guise of spiritual intervention. The family’s silent complicity, torn between love and societal expectation, adds another layer of tragedy, highlighting how deeply entrenched prejudice can fracture relationships.  

4. THE MONTAGE OF SCENES - THE LAST JOURNEY (SWEDEN)

In the heartfelt and poignant climax of The Last Journey, the son creates a deeply moving tribute to his father, taking him down to the beach for a moment of reflection and connection. Against the serene backdrop of the ocean, he sets up a screen and surprises his father with a montage of videos and messages from former students and loved ones, each sharing stories and heartfelt words about the profound impact the father had on their lives. The montage becomes a celebration of a life well-lived, illuminating the father's role not just as a dedicated educator but also as an extraordinary parent. Through the voices of his students, the father is reminded of the lives he touched, the lessons he imparted, and the inspiration he offered to so many. The clips weave together moments of gratitude, admiration, and love, painting a picture of a man who made a difference in ways he might not have fully realized. This moment lingers as a beautiful and deeply human reminder of the connections we make and the love that remains even as life's journey comes to a close.

3. THE ABORTION - THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE (DENMARK)

In The Girl with the Needle, Karoline, a poor and desperate woman, finds herself in an unimaginable position, torn between the fear of an unwanted pregnancy and the harsh reality of her circumstances. Struggling with financial instability, societal pressures, and the absence of access to proper medical care, she attempts to take matters into her own hands in the most desperate and dangerous way. In a moment of absolute desperation, she tries to end the pregnancy by injecting herself with a needle while submerged in a public bathtub. The scene is shocking and deeply unsettling, as it vividly portrays the raw, visceral nature of her actions. The public setting of the bathtub, a space typically associated with personal cleanliness and private reflection, serves as a stark contrast to the invasive, violent act she is about to commit. The sense of isolation she feels is palpable, as she is forced to confront her situation without the support or understanding of those around her. The woman's decision is not borne out of malice but of a devastating lack of options, showing the desperation that can arise when a person is pushed to the margins of society.

2. THE EGG SCENE - ABANG ADIK (MALAYSIA)

In Abang Adik, one of the film's most hauntingly beautiful moments takes place during Adik's final encounter with Abang in prison, just before his execution. The scene is a masterclass in restrained storytelling, where a simple conversation and a shared egg transcend their modesty to carry profound emotional weight. The brothers, shaped by a life of shared hardship, revisit their childhood memories during this last meeting. Abang, facing the grim reality of his fate, remains stoic, offering words of love and reassurance. Adik, visibly shattered, struggles to hold back his grief, creating a raw, emotionally charged dynamic. Their bond, unspoken yet palpable, anchors the scene, reminding us of the unyielding strength of sibling love even amidst despair. What elevates this moment is the act of eating the egg—a recurring tradition from their childhood. It’s more than just a nostalgic gesture; it symbolizes their resilience, unity, and shared history. In their childhood, an egg might have been a rare comfort, a simple reminder of togetherness during difficult times. In this moment, it becomes a ritual of farewell, encapsulating a lifetime of love and hardship in a single, profoundly symbolic act.  

1. THE EMPTY HOME - I'M STILL HERE (BRAZIL)

In I'm Still Here, the family's decision to leave their home after the disappearance of the husband and father is both a profound act of resilience and a heartbreaking surrender to the unknown. With their lives in limbo, they pack their belongings and abandon everything familiar—not as a solution, but as a desperate attempt to outrun the silence that has consumed their world.  This choice is fraught with emotional complexity. Their home, once a sanctuary, has become a museum of grief, with every object and memory weighed down by his absence. The act of leaving is not simply an escape but a declaration: to stay would mean being consumed by despair. By moving to a new city, they hope to find a sense of closure, even as the unanswered questions about his fate linger like a wound that refuses to heal.  The emotional toll of their decision reverberates throughout the family. The mother, now thrust into the role of sole anchor, struggles to balance her grief with the responsibility of guiding her children through an uncharted emotional landscape. For the children, the move compounds their confusion and loss, as they are uprooted from everything they know and thrust into an unfamiliar world, all while wrestling with the unanswered question: is he alive, or is he gone forever? I'm Still Here masterfully captures the universal struggle to navigate loss in the absence of closure. The film paints a tender yet unflinching portrait of grief, showing how it fractures time and space, transforming the familiar into the unbearable. The decision to move is not a resolution but a defiant gesture of survival—a way to keep moving forward when staying still would mean being swallowed by the weight of their sorrow.