Mette's 2011 Retrospect - The Films

Like me, you might already have read many lists about the year that went by. Books, things that happened, people that died/ got married/ were born. And of course, lists of favored films. These lists, at least the film-based ones, often consist of ten motion pictures. I feel that listing my ten favorite films of the year is something I want to do, however I would also like to highlight the films that won't get the chance to be included in the list.
Therefore, my retrospect will look a little different than most. The list of my top 10 films of 2011 can be found at the end of this post, before that I will present to all the films that I liked. 
Moreover, this retrospect includes eight "official" 2010 films that I had no legal opportunity to watch in the year of their official release. Many of them are well-known, successful films, but I hope you still understand why I want to include them. The films are in the order I've seen them in. 
That was it then, let's go.
Stats
All feature films watched: 246All short films watched: 53Indian films watched: 94Re-watches: 292011 films watched, official and non-offical ones: 40



The dream come true
Black Swan
Ballet, horror, endless levels of interpretation and great style. It was too good to be true.
The teenage dream
127 HoursI'm talking about James Franco of course - the next James in the famous list.
The typical surpriseThe King's SpeechEverbody's seen it, most people before me, and I thought I knew everything about it. It surprised me.
The most exoticHanyoVisually topped by The Tree of Life only, this film was at least one thing: different. And off-putting.
The happiestHappythankyoumorepleasePut a smile on my face that lasted for a long time.
"Booooooring!" - No? 
The Fighter & SennaI thought boxing and formula one were some of the most boring things in the world. Then these two came along.The one that set the standardsNo One Killed JessicaThe first Indian film of 2011 I saw was just as good as everyone had claimed. Rani rocks!
Female power part II7 Khoon MaafSpeaking female power, Rani soon became concurrence. Superb film that spans over various genres and emotions.The good GermanAlmanya - Wilkommen in DeutschlandIt wasn't a good year for German film, but this heart-warming comedy about Turkish immigrants was top-notch!
Kick-assHannaJoe Wright never let's me down - Hanna kicks more ass than anybody this year. And she's my age!
The hyped and fearedNever Let Me GoI read the novel this year, by chance, and was mesmerized. Feared a bad adaption, but it looked good - and it was good, even much better than expected.
Most pleasant surpriseWater for ElephantsI had absolutely no expectations. And it wasn't just good because of this man here. Always knew there was more to Pattinson.
SpeechlessDhobi Ghat | reviewI was so blown away by this one, there was not a single word I could write about it. Almost.
Speechless invertedThe Tree of Life | reviewI was so blown away by this one that I wrote the longest review I'd ever written.
The one that broke upHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part IIThere will never be a franchise as big and as wonderful as Harry Potter. R.I.P.
DevilishShaitan | reviewIt was different, it was sick and crazy... it was good. Not just because of the shock-factor, I really think it was a good film with many levels.
The open secretJodaeiye Nader az SiminWithin few months, this film went from insider tip to acclaimed masterpiece. Well-deserved.
Nostalgia-geekismMidnight in ParisI would describe myself as geeky. And a bit nostalgic too, definitely. So it's no surprise I am absolutely in love with this exceptional filmic demonstration of nostalgia-geekism.
Lonely lizardRango | reviewNot a superb movie, it had some of the best animation I've see and some super cool details. And it was far better than the second animated feature of 2011 I've seen, Cars 2.
Mind-broadening depressionMelancholiaHated by many, loved by just as many. In my opinion a perfect world's-end-movie, and so much more than that.
FlukeLa Guerre est DeclaréeThe only film of 2011 I watched without knowing anything about it turned out to be one of the best. Not only because that guy is so hot (had to say that, sorry).
The funniestHorrible BossesThe best performance of Jennifer Aniston until now - at least from what I've seen. And so funny.
Neither boyish nor boringSuper 8Sci-fi is not my favorite genre, but Spielberg is clearly one of its masters. Surprisingly thrilling.
What I've been waiting forThe HelpThere are not enough films like these - serious and acclaimed films in which, for a change, men play the second fiddle. 
Last but not leastCrazy, Stupid, LoveNot the worst film to watch as a dessert (of the year, if you get me). There is still hope for the romantic comedy.
So now you've seen a lot of pictures and read a lot of things and the thought might've crossed your mind that... is this girl insane? Didn't she watch any bad films, films she didn't like?The fact is that I only left 13 films out, and I didn't even hate all of them. The only three films come closest to buttons-down are the German Sommer in Orange, the Indian silly-comedies Yamla Pagla  Deewana and Pyaar Ka Punchnama.
Having said this, I feel it is the time to announce the biggest winners of this race...It was not as easy as I had thought, but I'm proud I did it, because this is my debut.May I present to you:
Mette's Top 10 Favorite Films of 2011(Only official 2011 films)
10. Super 8
9. Hanna
8. 7 Khoon Maaf
7. Shaitan
6. The Help
5. La Guerre est Declarée
4. Jodaeiye Nader az Simin
3. Midnight in Paris
2. Melancholia
1. Dhobi Ghat & The Tree of LifeThe former is ranked highest in my Top 100, but after so many months I don't remember which I like the most. They're both special and trailblazing, and they've served many discussions, both among people and among my various personalities. Therefore, these are my two favorite films of 2011.

Conclusion
Many people say that 2011 was a poor year for films. I don't agree. I've seen many wonderful new releases this year, which happens to be the first of its kind; I dived deeper into the filmic world than ever before, discovering many new and old films that became favorites and more and more learning to appreciate film as an art form.
This blog has also grown and transformed so much from what it was initially. I would like to thank everybody who made this possible.
I hope to still discover new great films that were released during these 365 days, and climb further in the crooked mountains of cinema. May highs and lows come, for I do not fear neither.
To a happy new year of cinema!