Top Ten Movies of 2021 (Sort of)

The best of the year list is built on the idea that the best is inherently memorable but is that the truth? Might some wonderful things prove completely ephemeral? What if certain types of enjoyment imprint less permanently in the mind? And while no one is saying that unforgettable equals great — the theme song of Pinkfong & Baby Shark's Space Adventure alone proves otherwise — these annual roundups are created from the films that stick. I may have seen better in 2021. I can't remember.

1. A Taxi Driver (2017): This Song Kang-ho vehicle speaks to the times by showing how hard it is to convince people of uncomfortable political realities, even when they're driving right through them.

2. The Fortress (2017): The self-absorbed ruling class has always been willing to shed the blood of the poor as witnessed by a diplomat (Lee Byung-hun) and a military advisor (Kim Yoon-seok) in this Qing Dynasty epic.

3. Minari (2020): Lee Isaac Chung's Oscar-winning immigrant story about farmers and bedwetting is grounded by exquisite performances from Youn Yuh-Jung as a cheeky granny and Alan S. Kim as her adorable grandson.

4. Sweet & Sour (2021): What starts off as a giddy rom-com about a chubby guy (Lee Woo-je) and an overworked nurse (Chae Soo-bin) turns into a harsh drama about a couple unable to find time for each other.

5. Little Forest (2018): In this late coming-of-age story, much is conveyed through drying persimmons and frying cabbage pancakes or hand-delivering some creme brulee to a friend.

6. School Excursion (1969): Sampling Yoo Hyun-mok's rich filmography, I was repeatedly enchanted, especially with this episodic movie about a teacher's journey into the big city with his small town charges.

7. Enter the Invincible (1977): I vaciliated between this one and action hero Dragon Lee's more fashionably attired Kung Fu Fever but this movie's evil triad is too irresistable not to pick.

8. My Bossy Girl (2019): No one's saying that life isn't hard but can't we have two frolicsome hours of rom-com that culminate in a win-win-win in an archery match conducted from a wheelchair?

9. Seashore Village (1965): This black-and-white classic is oncrete proof that Korea has been making world-class cinema for at least 50 years.

10. Coin Locker Girl (2015): While the life of crime that lies ahead for our dear "coin girl" is hardly unexpected, the hyperviolent stops along the way are repeatedly thrilling.

Just Missed the List: The Swindlers (2017), Moby Dick (2011), The Suspect (2013), and A Distant Place (2020).