Ryan McNeilToday is Canada Day…our national holiday up here in the north, and the date celebrated as the birthday of our nation. Of course, in true polite Canadian form, no battles or declarations actually ever happened on this date – it happens to be the date where four of our provinces came together to form a new dominion. Yep…we’re just that polite.
But what better day than today, when we proudly wave our red and white to take a moment to recognize Canadian film making? So while my notes on each will be brief (it is a holiday after all), take a look after the jump and perhaps find yourself an obscure title or two to add to your Netflix cue…
#5. LAST NIGHT (1998)… Roger Ebert said it best: “The difference between American film making and Canadian film making can be summed up by comparing ARMAGEDDON to LAST NIGHT”. Similar starting point, amazingly different story.
#4. EASTERN PROMISES (2007)… Likely the least “Canadian” film on this list. But hell, if it’s Canadian enough to win best picture at the Genie Awards (our annual awards for movies), then it’s certainly Canadian enough for my humble list. Between this, A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, and SPIDER, Cronenberg is on quite the streak of quality work.
#3. THE SWEET HEREAFTER (1997)… Atom Egoyan, Sarah Polley, Ian Holm, and Bruce Greenwood? As much as I love L.A. CONFIDENTIAL, I really wish this could have won an Oscar for screenplay in 1997. A rather bleak story, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re already feeling down – it ain’t gonna lift your spirits one bit.
#2. AWAY FROM HER (2007)… Another melancholy story, and another movie I wish could have scored itself an Oscar or two. As I mentioned in my blog post on it earlier this year, it reminds us of one of the saddest truths about relationships: That it’s easier to leave than to be left behind.
#1. THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE (2003)… Canadian or not, it may well be my favorite animated movie of all time. Feeling quite like a silent film, it’s the story of simple passions. It contains one of the catchiest ditties you’ll ever hear, and is filled with moments of sublime charm. If you’ve never seen it, log off right now and give it a rent. You won’t be sorry!Did I miss any? Feel free to leave a comment listing some of your favorite Canadian films, and likewise any suggestions for next week’s Top Five.
Happy Canadian Day!
But ain’t it just like you canucks to steal our Independence Day thunder three days ahead of time!!! 🙂
As for fave Canadian film? I’d have to look at a list of some kind to really nail it, but maybe Dead Ringers? It’s been awhile since I’ve seen it, but…
I had no idea Triplets was Canadian. Well done, my neighbor to the North.
I don’t know which country had their hands in Strange Brew, but that’s my favorite movie about Canadians. 🙂
Heh – yeah elgringo, STRANGE BREW was ours too. Guess I just tried a bit too hard to keep this list respectable.
It’s the same reason why PORKY’S doesn’t make an appearance (also Canadian!)
Happy Canada Day!!!
I loved Away From Her. Brilliant, and sad.
There are so many great Canadian films it’s hard to narrow it down. I found most of my faves from 2008 so far are Canadian.
A few off the top of my head would be:
The Rocket
The Barbarian Invasions
Seducing Dr. Lewis
Double Happiness
Blood & Donuts
Continental, un film sans fusil
C.R.A.Z.Y.
Brand Upon the Brain!
Metal: A Headbangers Journey
Oh, I love Canada…
The beady little eyes, the flappy mouths, and best of all Anne Shirley.
Yes. Happy Canada Day. 😀
Cool list, though I'll admit I've only seen Eastern Promises and Triplets of Belleville (also one of my favorite animated movies ever!). My favorite Canadian entertainment is the Kids in the Hall, so I'd have the KITH movie Brain Candy and Dave Foley's solo effort The Wrong Guy at the top, personally.
Otherwise I'm not sure… I don't think I've really made a conscious effort to differentiate an American film from a Canadian one. Sorry, does that make me an awful, gross American? I know which bands come from Canada! Your music is so much better than ours!