The 20 Best Movies of 2019 So Far
and Keith Kimbell, Metacritic Film Editor – July 3, 2019
Which films have impressed critics the most during the first half of the year? Above, we rank the best-reviewed movies released in theaters between January 1, 2019 and June 30, 2019 by Metascore. Films must have at least 7 reviews from professional critics to be eligible.
Writer-director Jia Zhangke (Mountains May Depart, A Touch of Sin) continues his examination of 21st century China with this epic tale of love between a gangster (Liao Fan of Black Coal, Thin Ice) and his girl (Jia’s wife and muse Zhao Tao), who comes looking for him after spending five years in prison for protecting him. It’s another stunning performance by one of China’s best actresses.
“This is one of Zhangke’s peak achievements: pure cinema, and a story of the underworld unlike anything you’ve seen before.” —Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune