Cinema is one of the most complex forms of art and many elements can make a film visually stunning. From the cinematography to the production design – and many other elements – a wide variety of things can make a film visually interesting.
With that in mind, here is another selection of 10 visually stunning films that are worth checking out.
Even though we will talk a little bit about the film’s plots, acting, and other elements of these movies, this list will focus on the reasons why these films are visually interesting. Although it may sound a little repetitive, it is important to say that most of these movies have strong elements in common, and that these elements will be noted more than once on this list.
As usual, many things interfere in the choice of the titles in an article like this one, but memory and personal preferences are definitely the main factors. If you think any other movie should be on this list, please share it as a recommendation in the comments section below. Also, it is never too late to remember that these movies are not ranked.
So, here are 10 visually stunning films that deserve more attention:
10. Blind (2014; dir. Eskil Vogt)
Written and directed by Eskil Vogt, who co-wrote the film “Oslo, August 31st” alongside director Joachim Trier, “Blind” is one of the most interesting films of 2014.
Following the story of a woman who recently lost her sight, this movie is filmed in a very slow-paced way, composing a very powerful and fascinating mise en scène. During the story, after the woman starts to spend more time at home to feel in control of things, she will notice that the questions are inside herself.
The delicate approach to this story and the impressive cinematography by Thimios Bakatakis definitely make “Blind” a visually stunning film that every cinephile should check out.
9. Greater Things (2015; dir. Vahid Hakimzadeh)
Written and directed by Vahid Hakimzadeh, “Greater Things” is a silent and intriguing film.
Following the stories of four characters who live in Tokyo and London and who during a Japanese summer share a feeling of loneliness, “Greater Things” is definitely a movie worth checking out.
With a truly intriguing connection to architecture, and many amazing shots that without too many cuts help compose the slow-paced atmosphere of the story, this movie directed by Hakimzadeh definitely is a visually intriguing work that every cinephile should watch.
8. The Assassin (2015; dir. Hsiao-hsien Hou)
Acclaimed director Hsiao-hsien Hou won the Prix de la Mise en Scène, the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival, for his work on “The Assassin,” one of the most visually impressive and one of the best directed films of this century so far.
The movie follows the story of an assassin in 8th century China who has a mission to kill a political leader. But on this journey, she will also have to face her family, her memories, and the feelings she has toward her past.
With an amazing performance from Qi Shu as Nie Yinniang, “The Assassin” has amazing sequences, powerful photography and amazing landscapes. Without a doubt one of the most visually stunning films of this decade, and one that should definitely be checked out by any cinephile.
7. White Chairs (2017; dir. Reza Dormishian)
Directed by Reza Dormishian, “White Chairs” is a movie about the story of Mat and Emily, who lost their families in an earthquake and who live lonely in the city.
Through stop-motion sequences made with photographs, we follow their silent relationship. They are in love, but they don’t talk to each other.
Although the protagonists do not talk to each other, the film has very interesting conversation and narration. “White Chairs” is a very emotional film about love and loss, with a very intriguing visual approach to this story.
Definitely a visually stunning film every cinephile should check out.
6. Ascent (2016; dir. Fiona Tan)
Visual artist Fiona Tan wrote and directed this film that has more than 100 images of Mount Fuji over the last 150 years.
“Ascent” tells the story of Mary and Hiroshi, an Englishwoman and her Japanese partner. On the film, she starts to reflect on the story of the Mount Fuji when she receives letters and photographs from Hiroshi, that tells her about his climbing.
With this many photographs about the Mount Fuji, we hear in a very emotional narration this very intriguing story while we are able to see amazing images of this place through many decades.
“Ascent” is truly a beautiful and complex film with a very interesting visual approach and should definitely be watched by any cinephile.