So the time is now. I have been waiting to do this list for what seems like forever now. Usually when you make these things everyone choice is delicately made, yet could change at the drop of a hat. You could have one film recently stuck in your mind, even though a few weeks later after watch another you feel it may be better after second viewing. To be totally honest this list may not be perfect. What it is though is some of my favorite films this year, so hopefully you enjoy it.

10) Letters from Iwo Jima

I have to admit I feel Eastwood is a bit overrated. While Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby were good films, my final reaction to them weren't as strong as everyone else. I had high hopes for this one and I think that he really did well with it. The film thoroughly peak my interest throughout the rather long running time. One of my friend Bo's favorite films!

9) Army of Shadows

If you never heard the story about this, I will quickly fill you in. Originally released in 1969 in France this film never made it to the US shores until now, almost 40 years later. Truly amazing stuff. Just shows you how much of a genius Jean Pierre Melville really was.

8) The Proposition

Caught this last year at the Cleveland International Film Festival and was blown away. Really helps film the gap the master Sergio Leone left behind over 3 decades ago. Superb!

7) The Fountain

Probably one of the most overlooked films of 2006. So overlooked, I even forgot about it until after I had made this post. Definitely the most romantic film I have seen in a long time. This film will move you and stick with you for a long time. That is if you get it! Unfortunately, it is one of those love it or hate it films that some may just not get. For those individuals it truly is a shame. This film is a true work of art.

6) Babel

Definitely my most anticipated film of 2006, it didn't let me down what so ever. In my opinion Alejandro González Iñárritu can do no wrong. Everything he touches is gold. Would have filled the number one spot on my list if the remain films weren't so damn impressive. Still amazing filmmaking and will always be with me.

5) Volver

Almodovar got the shaft from the Academy this year he really did. Not only should this have been in the running for Best Foreign Film but also Best Director. I loved this thing. Penelope Cruz is spellbinding in this film. Its a shame that she will be overlooked by Helen Mirren (who has a great performance in a mediocre film). What's harder, playing someone that already exists or creating a fascinating character from scratch. To me its the latter but who am I to judge. She is at least best actress in my book.

4) Little Children

Here's a film that caught me complete off guard. I was a big fan of In the Bedroom especially Todd Field's direction and the two leads. However, I put this film on the backburner and almost didn't even catch it...until yesterday. Man, is this film powerful. Everything about it: the direction, Winslet and Wilson, and Jackie Earle Haley. Wow! The film also has a narrator which gives you the feeling as if you are reading a great novel.

Please, please see this film.

3) The Science of Sleep

What can I say about this film. Its just pure wackiness at its most brilliant. A Gondry video come to life. Its a wonder to watch. What makes it so great is that as strange and abstract as he pushes the viewer, he still draws you back in with the most heartwarming film in years.

2) Children of Men

I will say this right now. This should have been the Best Picture of the Year. I have no idea what the hell is wrong with the Academy of Motion Pictures. This thing is a masterpiece. It is the best film of the year. If it were not for my love for the film below this film would have held the number one spot on my list. However, when writing these things I often base my list on my favorites of the year and not necessarily the best of the year. Some the most breathtaking cinematography ever on screen, this film should be seen by all!

1) Pan's Labyrinth

I love this film. It drew me in from the second it started and never let go. Even though the film is ultimately fantasy based the feelings of the main little girl is something everyone can relate to. Often times and human beings we try to distract ourselves from the negative things in our everyday life. That is the way i took this film. Whether she was strictly living in a fantasy world or if all this was in her head, the fact of the matter was that it took her way from the true horrors of life. While we may not be going through such horrible things, we as individuals can understand what she was going experiencing in some way or another. Del Toro outdid himself with this film. It takes pure intelligence and originality to make a fantasy which touches the hearts of some many on such a realistic level. What a beautiful film!

And there you have it. It may not please everyone but it is what it is. I should mention that there was alot of other films that I found amazing during the year that just didn't have a spot on my list, unfortunately. Films like Invisible Waves, The Departed, Cache, Riding alone for Thousands of Miles, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, Borat, The Prestige, Suite Dreams, and Linda, Linda, Linda just missed the list by a hair but still impressed the pants off me. I shall return in a day or two with a longer post but for now I am off to sleep.