SPIRITUALLY SIGNIFICANT FILMS
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
This is a masterpiece of actual and psychological terror, certainly. But it is also a profound meditation on suffering with an incredibly thought-provoking ending/resolution. Needless to say that the performances are brilliant throughout. Laura Linney and Tom Wilkinson are, as you'd expect, superior. But Jennifer Carpenter is a real revelation. This is not shock-tactic horror cinema. It's far more subtle than that. And the ultimate explanation for what has happened to Emily during the course of the film is far more interesting than merely demons having a party in a vulnerable girl's soul. The vast majority of critics savagely laid into this film. When it comes to ANY paranormal subject matter, the vast majority of critics tend to lose their faculties. To me, this is the best horror film since The Exorcist itself. And, acknowledging the fact that Friedkin's classic was unprecedented and unique, in some ways, The Exorcism of Emily Rose improves on its predecessor. And its spiritual message is far more nuanced.
KOLYA (1997)
This is a beautiful film which takes its time and trusts in its hugely likeable characters. The incredibly affecting relationship between Louka and Kolya is allowed to grow organically and believably. Frankly, my only criticism of the film is that their time together is far too brief. I'd have happily watched their interaction for several more hours! Both Zdenek Sverak and Andrei Chalimon are mesmerising performers. The boy is angelic and completely true-to-life at the same time. I can't think of a child's performance that has moved me so much. Also, unlike lesser films where minor characters often seem like afterthoughts, here every single one seems like a real person. This is truly astonishing, life-affirming film-making. If you don't find yourself in puddles of tears during Kolya's bath-time phonecall to his Baboushka, you must have a heart of stone!