Arts Vanity: My Favorite Watched Films from Each Month of 2024

1. January: “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” Dir. Elia Kazan (1945)

Runner-up: “The Age of Innocence” Dir. Martin Scorsese (1993)

I actually cannot believe more people don’t talk about this movie today. “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” is one of the most heartwarming films I have seen, but I only discovered it because I read Betty Smith’s novel and was looking for a film adaptation. The story was touching, the acting was phenomenal (I’d give shoutouts, but the whole cast deserves praise), and the screenplay made me cry throughout the whole movie. The film wasn’t able to cover the whole book, but it ended at a natural spot. It’s also Elia Kazan’s debut film, which is so impressive!

2. February: “In Water” Dir. Hong Sang-soo (2023)

“In Water” was the only film I watched in February, so there’s no runner-up this time. I watched it at the Harvard Film Archive for my Korean class. I recall “In Water” as a very intimate movie with great scenes of characters eating food.

3. March: “The Cranes Are Flying” Dir. Mikhail Kalatozov (1957)

Runner-up: “Whisper of the Heart” Dir. Yoshifumi Kondō (1995)

This was a beautiful and heartbreaking movie that brings me a sense of hurt just writing about it. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, capturing the vastness of war and quiet moments of personal loss but also the joys of young love. Tatyana Samoylova is magnificent in her raw, vulnerable portrayal of Veronika; you can’t help but feel her longing and pain. I really have no words.

4. April: “Fantasia” Dir. Samuel Armstrong, James Algar, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, Ben Sharpsteen, David D. Hand, Hamilton Luske, Jim Handley, Ford Beebe, T. Hee, Norman Ferguson, and Wilfred Jackson (1940)

Runner-up: “BlacKkKlansman” Dir. Spike Lee (2018)

I had the incredible opportunity to watch the original 35 mm print of “Fantasia” at the Harvard Film Archive, which Disney rarely allows to be shown to the public. I had forgotten how magical early Disney animation was; the amount of love and creativity behind each frame was obvious. Some images — like the fairies and the sparkling spiderwebs — were simply enchanting. Of course, the music was excellent as well. “Fantasia” was full of talent, imagination, and pure heart, and I was blown away by how timeless it felt.

5. May: “The Grass Is Greener” Dir. Stanley Donen (1960)

Runner-up: “The Roundup: No Way Out” Dir. Lee Sang-yong (2023)

“The Grass Is Greener” is SUCH a Stanley Donen film, full of charm and playfulness. What happens when you leave your husband for a charming man you just met? The message is in the title.

6. June: “The Lavender Hill Mob” Dir. Charles Crichton (1951)

I know this is supposed to be a classic, but it didn’t leave much of an impression on me. The only other movie I watched in June was “La La Land” (2016), though, and I don’t choose movies I’ve seen before. That said, I did love seeing Audrey Hepburn briefly.

7. July: “Bride Wars” Dir. Gary Winick (2009)

Runner-up: “Chungking Express” Dir. Wong Kar-wai (1994)

Don’t hate me for liking “Bride Wars” more than “Chungking Express.” There is nothing more fun than watching Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway trying to sabotage each other’s weddings (I was on Anne Hathaway’s side the whole time).

8. August: “Night and Day” Dir. Hong Sang-soo (2008)

Runner-up: “Happy Gilmore” Dir. Dennis Dugan (1996)

Yes… there is another Hong Sang-soo film here. However, I liked “c” more than “In Water.” “Happy Gilmore” was probably a more enjoyable watch than “Night and Day,” but the former was an intriguing watch about loneliness and masculinity that I appreciated.

9. September: “Cameraperson” Dir. Kirsten Johnson (2016)

Runner-up: “The Girl Chewing Gum” Dir. John Smith (1976)

I’m so glad I watched this in my AFVS class because I don’t usually watch documentaries. “Cameraperson” comprises footage Kirsten Johnson filmed all around the world over the years. It was fascinating to see the world through Johnson’s camera — each scene was so personal but spoke to a universal human experience.

10. October: “Elder Abuse” Dir. Drew Durepos (2018)

Runner-up: “News from Home” Dir. Chantal Akerman (1976)

“Elder Abuse” is another film I watched in my AFVS class and, again, something I would not watch in my own time. It’s a comedic short film about a grandmother who wants a cigarette before a bizarre series of events follows.

11. November: “Dune: Part Two” Dir. Denis Villeneuve (2024)

Runner-up: “Dune” Dir. Denis Villeneuve (2021)

I’m a bit late jumping on the “Dune” train. I had heard so much hype about the movies that I wasn’t sure what to expect. But both “Dune” movies — especially “Dune: Part Two” — deserve every honor and accolade. The world-building is so immersive that I was never bored even during the slower sections. Every frame is a work of art — the visuals are out of this world (haha). Hans Zimmer outdid himself with the music, which has an almost spiritual quality to it. “Dune: Part Two” has such an epic scale but still somehow manages to have incredible attention to detail.

12. December: Unfortunately, I have yet to watch a single movie this December besides “Barbie” (2023), which I already saw last year. Blame it on my finals and hectic end-of-semester tasks. I hope to catch up on some films and unwind over break.

—Send movie recommendations to incoming Film Executive Elizabeth E. Choi at elizabeth.choi@thecrimson.com.