The list of the 10 best films of 2023 continues with numbers 7-5.

7. Tiger Stripes

Tiger Stripes is the first feature by Amanda Nell Eu. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the Semaine de la Critique section. It won the Grand Prize, and it’s easy to understand why. It is not an easy task to present an original take of a girl getting her first period, but this work does just that. When I interviewed the director, she mentioned Hausu as a major influence. I clarified why I liked it so much in my review of the film. This is not the last first feature on this year’s list.

6. Explanation for Everything

Gábor Reisz’s third feature didn’t make it to the competition in Venice, which the Festival President, Alberto Barbera, almost apologised for. Instead, it won the Orizzonti section and became a major success. Explanation for Everything (Magyarázat mindenre) was funded without any contribution from the National Film Fund, which is weird beyond belief. After two good works, the latest one puts the director in a completely different category. I explained why in my review.

5. Ferrari

Michael Mann’s first film in 15 years is a cinematic marvel in every conceivable way. Read about why in my Ferrari review. I watched it on a giant screen at the Black Nights Film Festival, which was a marvellous experience.