The Korean film magazine FILOrecently published their ‘best of 2021’and covered directorBong Joon-Ho’s favorite films of 2021. Known for such films asSnowpiercerand the Oscar-winningParasite, Director Bong has become one of the most revered and well-respected directors working in the world, so his opinion is highly valued. Director Bong’s list features a wide array of films, some of which are heavily favored in the current Oscar season but some of which you may not have heard of.
Starting Director Bong’s list are the heavy-hittersDrive My CarandDon’t Look Up. FromRyusuke Hamaguchi,Drive My Caris considered by many to be the best film of 2021, having won “Best Screenplay” at Cannes and “Best Foreign Language Film” at the Golden Globes. While it is currently shortlisted for “Best International Feature” at the Oscars, a category it will likely win,Drive My Carcould also be in contention for bigger awards such as “Best Picture” or “Best Screenplay,” following in the footsteps of Director Bong’sParasiteas an international entry in the categories.
WhereDrive My Caris a drama about grief,Adam McKay’sDon’t Look Upis tonally the opposite. The dark comedy about the end of the world boasts a massive line-up of stars, such asLeonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep,andTimothée Chamalet.Don’t Look Upproved to be a hit amongst critics and viewers alike and is one of the more mainstream films favored to be nominated for “Best Picture.”
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On the other end of the spectrum, Director Bong’s favorites of 2021 also feature some films that may not be familiar to a US audience. His list has two animated films,Flee,andThe Mitchells vs. the Machines, which have both received positive reviews but have ultimately been overshadowed in the mainstream by the Disney hit filmsLucaandEncanto. Director Bong notably includesAudrey Diwan’sHappening, the winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival last year, where he presided as President of the Venice jury.
Rounding out his list are the dramaSundown, the documentarySewing Sisters, and 2019’sSorry We Missed You.Sorry We Missed Youcompeted for the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where legendary British director Ken Loach announced it would be his last film to compete for the prize. Ironically, he lost to Director Bong’sParasite.
While there’s not too much in common between these eight films, they all now have the distinction of being one of Director Bong’s favorite films of 2021. This diverse list highlights multiple genres and aesthetics of cinema and will undoubtedly make an enthralling movie marathon. See if you can watch all the films on Director Bong’s list:
