While 2016 was packed with highly anticipated superhero flicks like “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “X-Men: Apocalypse,” and “Captain America: Civil War,” along with sci-fi adventures such as “Star Wars: Rogue One” and “Star Trek Beyond,” and sequels like “Kung Fu Panda 3,” “Ice Age: Collision Course,” and “Finding Dory,” there were also some lesser-known gems on the horizon.
This article takes a different approach, highlighting ten films that, while not necessarily blockbusters or festival darlings, were definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Underrated Movies to Watch
Silence
A still from “Silence”
Based on the novel by Japanese author Shūsaku Endō, “Silence” was a passion project for Martin Scorsese. Set in 17th-century Japan during the Tokugawa shogunate, the film follows a Portuguese Jesuit missionary who travels to Japan to investigate reports that his mentor, Father Ferreira, has renounced his faith after being tortured. Masahiro Shinoda previously adapted the novel into a film in 1971. The “silence” refers to the historical silence surrounding those who abandoned their faith and God’s silence in the face of persecution and suffering. Scorsese announced the project in 2013 and filmed in Taiwan. Despite an accident during construction, the film was completed and released in 2016.
Julieta
Poster for “Julieta”
Pedro Almodóvar, the acclaimed Spanish director, returned to female-centric storytelling with “Julieta,” reminiscent of “Volver.” Spanning from 1985 to 2015, the film features two actresses portraying Julieta at different stages of her life, chronicling her tumultuous journey and exploring themes of guilt and the abandonment of her daughter. Originally titled “Silencio,” the name was changed to avoid confusion with Scorsese’s “Silence.”
Weightless
Terrence Malick’s “Knight of Cups”
Terrence Malick, known for his visually stunning and philosophical films, followed up “Knight of Cups” with “Weightless,” a story of obsession and betrayal within two intertwined love triangles. Featuring a star-studded cast including Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett, Ryan Gosling, Michael Fassbender, Benicio Del Toro, and Rooney Mara, “Weightless” promised to be another visually arresting and emotionally resonant experience.
Hail, Caesar!
A still from “Hail, Caesar!”
Directed by the Coen brothers, “Hail, Caesar!” is a comedy set in 1950s Hollywood. When a movie star is kidnapped, a “fixer” is tasked with resolving the situation. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including George Clooney, Josh Brolin, Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson, Frances McDormand, and Tilda Swinton.
The Neon Demon
A still from “The Neon Demon”
Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn, known for “Drive” and “Only God Forgives,” ventured into the thriller genre with “The Neon Demon.” The film tells the story of Jesse, a young model who moves to Los Angeles and becomes the target of a group of women who are obsessed with her youth and vitality. Elle Fanning stars as Jesse, with Keanu Reeves in a supporting role.
Story of Your Life (Arrival)
Denis Villeneuve’s “Sicario”
Denis Villeneuve, the director of “Sicario” and “Prisoners,” is known for his atmospheric filmmaking. In “Story of Your Life” (later released as “Arrival”), he tackled science fiction, focusing on creating a sense of mystery and wonder. Starring Amy Adams, the film is based on the short story by Ted Chiang and follows a linguist who is hired by the military to communicate with aliens and determine their intentions. Through the communication process, she begins to experience visions that reveal the true purpose of the aliens’ arrival.
It’s Only the End of the World
Poster for “It’s Only the End of the World”
Xavier Dolan, the acclaimed Canadian director, followed up “Mommy” with “It’s Only the End of the World.” Based on the play by Jean-Luc Lagarce, the film tells the story of a writer who returns home after 12 years of absence to announce to his family that he is dying. The cast includes Léa Seydoux, Marion Cotillard, Vincent Cassel, and Nathalie Baye.
Snowden
A still from “Snowden”
Oliver Stone, known for his politically charged films, brought the story of Edward Snowden to the big screen. Stone has expressed his admiration for Snowden, viewing him as a hero for revealing secrets that the public should know. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Snowden in the film.
Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk
Ang Lee’s “Life of Pi”
Ang Lee followed up “Life of Pi” with “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk,” based on the novel by Ben Fountain. The film tells the story of a young soldier who becomes a national hero after being filmed in a firefight in Iraq. He is brought back to the United States for a victory tour, culminating in an appearance at a Dallas Cowboys game. However, the film explores the political exploitation and propaganda surrounding the war.
8 部半 (Eight and a Half)
Poster for “8 1/2”
This ambitious project, spearheaded by Johnnie To, brought together eight Hong Kong directors (Ann Hui, John Woo, Tsui Hark, Ringo Lam, Tam Ka-ming, Sammo Hung, Yuen Woo-ping, and Johnnie To) to create a film showcasing the changes in Hong Kong’s history. Each director selected a decade from Hong Kong’s past and created a segment. Ann Hui’s segment focuses on a rooftop school in the 1940s. The film’s title, “8 部半” (Eight and a Half), raises the question of what the “half” represents.