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“Nomadland”
Directed by Chloe Zhao, starring Frances McDormand. This film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and has received widespread critical acclaim. It tells the story of a woman who becomes a modern-day nomad, traveling in a van across the American West and camping in Bureau of Land Management sites.
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“The Father”
Directed by Florian Zeller, starring Anthony Hopkins. This film is a powerful and emotional portrayal of a man struggling with dementia, and Hopkins gives a career-best performance. It won the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival and has received Oscar buzz.
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“Minari”
Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, starring Steven Yeun. This film is a semi-autobiographical story of a Korean-American family who moves to Arkansas to start a farm in the 1980s. It won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival and has been praised for its authentic and heartfelt portrayal of the immigrant experience.
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“Promising Young Woman”
Directed by Emerald Fennell, starring Carey Mulligan. This film is a feminist revenge thriller that has been critically acclaimed for its bold and unique storytelling. Mulligan gives a powerful performance as a woman seeking justice for a traumatic event from her past.
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“The Trial of the Chicago 7”
Directed by Aaron Sorkin, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen and others. This film tells the true story of the notorious 1969 trial of seven defendants charged by the federal government with conspiracy and other charges related to anti-Vietnam War protests in Chicago. It has received widespread critical acclaim and has been praised for its powerful performances and Sorkin’s witty and sharp screenplay.
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“Sound of Metal”
Directed by Darius Marder, starring Riz Ahmed. This film tells the story of a heavy metal drummer who suddenly loses his hearing and has to learn how to navigate his new reality. Ahmed gives a powerful and nuanced performance, and the film has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the deaf community and its use of sound design.
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“Another Round”
Directed by Thomas Vinterberg, starring Mads Mikkelsen. This film is a Danish dramedy about a group of friends who decide to conduct an experiment to see if maintaining a constant level of alcohol in their blood will make their lives better. It won the International Feature Film award at the Academy Awards.
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“First Cow”
Directed by Kelly Reichardt, starring John Magaro and Orion Lee. This film tells the story of a cook and a Chinese immigrant in the Pacific Northwest during the 1820s who team up to start a business selling fried cakes. It has received critical acclaim for its slow-burning storytelling and the performances of its lead actors.
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“Soul”
Directed by Pete Docter, starring Jamie Foxx. This is an animated film from Pixar about a jazz musician who gets lost in the afterlife and has to find his way back to Earth. It has been praised for its stunning animation and its emotionally resonant story.
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“Da 5 Bloods”
Directed by Spike Lee, starring Delroy Lindo. This film tells the story of a group of Black Vietnam War veterans who return to Vietnam to find the remains of their fallen squad leader and to recover a hidden stash of gold. It has been praised for its powerful performances, particularly Lindo’s,