True Grit
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-Ray
Written and Directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Based on True Grit by Charles Portis
Starring Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Barry Pepper
Paramount Pictures
Originally Released: December 22, 2010

The 2010 adaptation of True Grit by the Coen Brothers is a masterwork of modern filmmaking that handles the original source material with reverence and justice. Accompanied by a cast that collectively puts in stellar and memorable performances, and coupled with some breathtaking camerawork, True Grit is a must-see film.

Set at some point after the American Civil War and facing the turn of the century, the movie follows protagonist Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfield), a 14-year old girl who is both educated and steadfast beyond her years. Following an incident in which her father was murdered by a brigand named Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), Mattie, being the most forward-thinking of the remaining family members, takes it upon herself to address her father’s final businesses including his funeral – and her quest for both retribution and justice.

Four Lions
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-Ray
Directed by Chris Morris
Starring Riz Ahmed, Kayvan Novak, Nigel Lindsay, Adeel Akhtar, Arsher Ali, Craig Parkinson, Benedict Cumberbatch
Drafthouse Films
Originally Released: May 07, 2010

Four Lions has been labeled by many as a “dark comedy” movie, but let’s be honest: the term “dark comedy” is a safe phrase added to comedic media that pushes the boundaries and is truthfully dares to make light of that which is considered too taboo to joke about. In other words, it is irreverent humor, which is my kind of comedy film. Four Lions, complete with brilliant performances, an excellent cameo from Benedict Cumberbatch, and the abovementioned irreverent comedy is what we have been waiting for a long time: a swift kick in the nuts of political correctness.

The Fighter
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-Ray
Directed by David O. Russell
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Jack McGee
Paramount Pictures
Originally Released: December 10, 2010

The Fighter is a boxing movie, featuring Mark Wahlberg as Micky Ward and a show-stealing Christian Bale acting as Ward’s brother, Dicky Eklund. Based on a true story, the film follows Ward’s rise in the sport, while focusing on the inner turmoil of his family members – but ultimately is a tale of fall-from-grace, resulting in deliverance and reconciliation.

The film opens with an HBO crew following Eklund, who believes they are following him for “his big comeback” in the ring. He lives for his wonder days of when he himself was boxing, and continually bringing up the time he took down Sugar Ray. In fact, the HBO crew is following Eklund for a different reason – they are making a documentary on crack addiction.

Shaolin
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-Ray
Produced and Directed by Benny Chan
Starring Andy Lau, Nicholas Tse, Jackie Chan, Wu Jing, Fan Bingbing, Xiaoliuna, Hung Yan-yan
Emperor Motion Pictures
Originally Released: January 19, 2011

Shaolin is an epic tale, made by Chinese and Hong Kong filmmakers – directed by Benny Chan – emphasizing both the peaceful path and jaw-dropping martial defense skills of the legendary Shaolin Monks. Featuring a supporting role from Jackie Chan, the film is a captivating ride from beginning to its conclusion – laced with numerous lessons and morals to make even the hardened of us reflect our own inner ethics.

One of the greatest aspects of Netflix Streaming is the instant accessibility users have to films made outside of the United States. I have had the pleasure of watching a wide range of films from around the world there, and while I understand some people have an aversion to subtitles, once you get past that hurdle, you open up a whole new world of experiences.

Red Hill
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-Ray
Written and Directed by Patrick Hughes
Starring Ryan Kwanten, Steve Bisley, Tom E. Lewis, Claire van der Boom, Christopher Davis
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Originally Released: December 02, 2011

Red Hill is easily one of the best movies I’ve ever seen on Netflix, and is an unexpected and understated title that grabs and keeps your attention from beginning to end. It is a solidly written and marvelously executed movie that is an exceptional viewing experience. This is a most definite “must see” movie, so when you add it to your Netflix queue, push it to the number one spot. You won’t regret it.

Being Australian, I have a tendency to keep an eye out for new Aussie flicks that pop up on Netflix Streaming. Director Patrick Hughes delivers a killer effort with Red Hill, and is perhaps one of the more concentrated offerings from the Australian film industry in recent years.