Cover (L to R) Marco Graf as Pepe, Daniela Demesa as Sofi, Yalitza Aparicio as Cleo, Marina De Tavira as Sofia, Diego Cortina Autrey as Toño, Carlos Peralta Jacobson as Paco in Roma, written and directed by Alfonso Cuaron. | Photo by Carlos Somonte / Courtesy of Netflix
(L to R) Marco Graf as Pepe, Daniela Demesa as Sofi, Yalitza Aparicio as Cleo, Marina De Tavira as Sofia, Diego Cortina Autrey as Toño, Carlos Peralta Jacobson as Paco in Roma, written and directed by Alfonso Cuaron. | Photo by Carlos Somonte / Courtesy of Netflix
1 / 1
Here are some of the most brilliantly made black and white films across the world from the last ten years
Perhaps one of the most highly regarded art forms, black and white motion pictures will always have a distinctive impact that can only be experienced with its cinematography that features glossy monochromatic tones and greyscale film.
See also: Watch: All 13 Movie Entries To Cinemalaya 2021
Although the black and white motion picture is not as popular as it was in the past, many filmmakers still create movies that use this style. If you’re particularly interested in watching some of the best black and white films ever made from the last 10 years, then browse the list below.
1. The Artist (2011)
Above Bérénice Bejo and Jean Dujardin in The Artist (2011). | Photo from The Weinstein Company / IMDb
Bérénice Bejo and Jean Dujardin in The Artist (2011). | Photo from The Weinstein Company / IMDb
1 / 1
It’s 1927 and a renowned movie star is falling in love with a young dancer as sound film begins to take over Hollywood. It’s a brilliant movie that tackles the evolution of film—from silent to sound—and plays with it. If it weren’t for familiar faces such as John Goodman and Ed Lauter, one would think this silent film was shot a few years ago. The cast and crew most certainly earned the awards.
2. Roma (2018)
Above Yalitza Aparicio as Cleo, Marco Graf as Pepe, Carlos Peralta Jacobson as Paco, and Daniela Demesa as Sofi in Roma, written and directed by Alfonso Cuaron. | Image by Alfonso Cuaron / Courtesy of Netflix
Yalitza Aparicio as Cleo, Marco Graf as Pepe, Carlos Peralta Jacobson as Paco, and Daniela Demesa as Sofi in Roma, written and directed by Alfonso Cuaron. | Image by Alfonso Cuaron / Courtesy of Netflix
1 / 1
Ride along with Cleo and Sofia and her four children in Roma. This film gives the viewers a closer look into a moment in Cleo’s life—so close that it almost feels so real. As they say, you can find beauty in the simplest of things. And you find it in Cleo, a simple domestic helper in Mexico City who is about to face one of the biggest challenges in her life.
See also: ABS-CBN Film Archives: The Process, Challenges, And Rewards Of Film Restoration
3. Kalel, 15 (2019)
Above Elijah Canlas in 'Kalel, 15' (2019). | Photo from IMDb
Elijah Canlas in 'Kalel, 15' (2019). | Photo from IMDb
1 / 1
This film is not your ordinary coming-of-age piece. Directed by Jun Lana, Kalel, 15 is a film that tackles stigma surrounding HIV, the lack of sex awareness in the Philippines and faith—all of which influences Kalel’s decision in spending the money he’s received from his father, a priest. The film even features laudable performances by Elijah Canlas and Jaclyn Jose.
4. The Lighthouse (2019)
Above Robert Pattinson in The Lighthouse (2019). | Photo from IMDb
Robert Pattinson in The Lighthouse (2019). | Photo from IMDb
1 / 1
The Lighthouse is like a tumultuous memory of a dream you can’t seem to forget; it’s a nightmare and yet you’re curious about where it could lead. This psychological film about two lighthouse keepers residing on an island in the 1980s New England is a must-watch, with brilliant cinematography and casting. Making the experience even more unforgettable are the characters played by the brilliant Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattison.
5. Blue Jay (2016)
Above Sarah Paulson and Mark Duplass in Blue Jay (2016). | Photo from IMDb
Sarah Paulson and Mark Duplass in Blue Jay (2016). | Photo from IMDb
1 / 1
In Blue Jay, high school sweethearts Jim and Amanda cross paths years after they broke up. Although this film tells a tale that’s been told quite a few times, Blue Jay stars the lovely Sarah Paulson and Mark Duplass whose natural chemistry is good enough to keep you invested and a twist that will leave you with a pool of tears.
6. Mank (2020)
Above Amanda Seyfried as Marion Davies and Gary Oldman as Herman Mankiewicz. | Courtesy of Netflix
Amanda Seyfried as Marion Davies and Gary Oldman as Herman Mankiewicz. | Courtesy of Netflix
1 / 1
The film Citizen Kane, which first came out in 1941 and received contrasting reviews, is just as interesting as the people who made the film, including screenwriter Herman J Mankiewicz. This is what the viewers will learn more about in the 2020 film Mank directed by David Fincher.
7. Nebraska (2013)
Above Bruce Dern and Will Forte in Nebraska (2013). | Photo from IMDb
Bruce Dern and Will Forte in Nebraska (2013). | Photo from IMDb
1 / 1
Follow a persistent Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) and his estranged son David (Will Forte) all the way to Nebraska as they claim their Mega Sweepstakes prize, which just might be a mail scam. Warning: it’ll be a hilarious, dangerous and emotional trip as the two get closer—or farther—from the grand prize.
8. Hele Sa Hiwagang Hapis (2016)
Above Photo from IMDb
Photo from IMDb
1 / 1
This historical fantasy film directed by Lav Diaz will take you back to the 19th century, a crucial time in the Philippines. Hele Sa Hiwagang Hapis A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery portrays how Gregoria de Jesus searches for Andres Bonifacio’s remains. It’s a fantastical depiction of our history which makes it worth a watch.
See also: Philippine Independence Day: 7 Unsung Heroes Who Fought For Freedom
9. Cold War (2018)
Above Tomasz Kot and Joanna Kulig in 'Cold War' (2018). | Photo from IMDb
Tomasz Kot and Joanna Kulig in 'Cold War' (2018). | Photo from IMDb
1 / 1
Zula and Wiktor live two different lives, but their strong connection makes it hard for the two to brush off. Set in the 1950s Cold War, the film portrays how star-crossed lovers fight for romance despite fate and a dangerous war keeping them apart.
10. Malcolm & Marie (2021)
Above MALCOLM & MARIE (L-R): ZENDAYA as MARIE, JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON as MALCOLM. | Courtesy of Netflix
MALCOLM & MARIE (L-R): ZENDAYA as MARIE, JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON as MALCOLM. | Courtesy of Netflix
1 / 1
Malcolm and Marie finally face their insecurities one night after Malcom’s movie premiere. This romance film is hard-hitting; both characters express brazen admiration and hatred for each other. The combined performance of Zendaya and John David Washington alone—which feels so natural—makes this film worth watching.
Topics
Christine Andas is a features writer and the style lead of Tatler Philippines. She mostly covers style-related content but enjoys writing about space, sneakers, and her favourite stars. She acquired a master's degree in Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas and has written young adult short stories which can be read online.
