2023 Spotlight: Top Films in Action, Drama, and Adventure

1. Taget 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 2344, ID: 22507484
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Taget is a gripping South Korean thriller that delves into the dark side of online shopping. The film follows Soo-hyeon, who becomes the target of a psychopathic serial killer after reporting a faulty washing machine. The movie’s strength lies in its ability to highlight real-world fears about privacy and online scams, making it both terrifying and thought-provoking.
2. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse 2023，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 390050, ID: 9362722
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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a visually stunning animated masterpiece that continues the story of Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy. Through stunning animation style and a multiverse setting, the film follows the two Spider-Men as they face the choice between destiny and self-empowerment…. With a wonderful balance of action, humour and touching moments, the film is a must-see for fans of animated films.
3. Barbie 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 558177, ID: 1517268
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Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, is a gorgeous and subversive film that deftly combines humour, social commentary and visual feast. Margot Robbie plays Barbie, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery into the human world, becoming aware of her female identity and self-worth. The film explores themes of feminism, identity and social expectations through wit and charm.
4. John Wick: Chapter 4 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 344835, ID: 10366206
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John Wick: Chapter 4 is about John Wick’s final life-and-death battle to free himself from the underworld once and for all. To win his freedom, John must face a siege from all sides, including new powerful enemies and old allies. The film dazzles audiences with elaborate martial arts scenes, intense fights and stylised direction.
5. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 392140, ID: 6791350
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the emotional and visually stunning finale to the much-loved trilogy. It follows the adventures of the Guardians of the Galaxy team as they set out to save Rocket Raccoon. The cast shines in the film and the film’s soundtrack is perfect.
6. Oppenheimer 2023，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 776360, ID: 15398776
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Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ is a masterful biopic that delves into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb. Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Oppenheimer is nothing short of mesmerizing, capturing the internal turmoil and brilliance of the man. The film’s stunning visuals and intricate storytelling make it a standout in 2023, offering a profound reflection on the consequences of scientific discovery.
7. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 258054, ID: 9603212
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Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Ethan Hunt and his team face an unprecedentedly dangerous mission in which they must find and destroy a global network capable of controlling the A mysterious weapon that can control the global network. Filled with intense chases, fights and aerial stunts, the film takes viewers into a world of intrigue and betrayal.
8. Killers of the Flower Moon 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 253496, ID: 5537002
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Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ is a haunting exploration of greed and betrayal in 1920s Oklahoma. Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro deliver powerful performances, bringing to life the tragic true story of the Osage murders. The film’s meticulous attention to detail and Scorsese’s masterful direction make it a compelling watch.
9. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 29300, ID: 9185206
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It is a warm and moving coming-of-age story adapted by Kelly Fremont Craig from Judy Blume’s classic novel. Focusing on the main character Margaret’s confusion and exploration of adolescence, the film shows her struggles and growth as she searches for herself, her faith, and her relationships. The film is a delightful and warm-hearted look at the sweet and sour of youth, presented with humour and sincerity and a sense of empathy.
10. Past Lives 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 126389, ID: 13238346
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Celine Song’s ‘Past Lives’ is about childhood friends Nora and Hae Sung who reunite after years of separation in childhood. As adults, they meet in the United States, where their feelings for each other intertwine with the past and reality, leaving them to face unresolved emotions and their respective life choices. The film presents the complexity of emotions and the weight of life choices, making it an evocative and emotional masterpiece.
11. Speciale Cannes 2023 – Jeanne du Barry, Monster, Le retour, The First Slam Dunk, The mother 2023，IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 27795640
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Jeanne du Barry, directed by Maïwenn, is a visually stunning yet emotionally flat retelling of the life of Louis XV’s favorite mistress. Despite Johnny Depp’s return to the big screen, the film struggles to engage, with its most newsworthy aspect being Depp’s low-key performance.
12. Scream VI 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 122974, ID: 17663992
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‘Scream VI’ reinvigorates the iconic horror franchise with a fresh setting and inventive set pieces. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the film follows the latest generation of Woodsboro survivors as they face off against Ghostface in New York City. The movie’s suspenseful sequences and clever nods to horror tropes make it a thrilling addition to the series.
13. Screener Squad: Palm Trees and Power Lines 2023，IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 27113564
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‘Palm Trees and Power Lines’ is about Rhea, a 17-year-old girl who feels lonely and empty in her life and longs to escape her boring routine. By chance, she meets Tom, an older man. Tom shows a mature and caring side that Rhea grows to rely on, falling into an unequal and dangerous relationship. Rhea gradually realises the reality that she is being manipulated. The film reveals the vulnerability of adolescence and the manipulation of adults, presenting a disturbing reality.
14. Kuolleet lehdet 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 26667, ID: 21027780
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Kuolleet lehdet is a film about two lonely souls who meet in Helsinki and keep each other company as they try to find a glimmer of warmth amidst the desolation of life. Minimalist in style, humorous and sentimental, the film is both realistic and hopeful, conveying the belief that love can still bring warmth even in the most difficult of times.
15. Creed III 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 95157, ID: 11145118
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‘Creed III’ is about the coming of age of boxer Adonis Quady. In this film, Adonis not only faces professional challenges, but also the shadows of his past. His childhood friend Damien returns after his release from prison to become his formidable opponent, bringing tense confrontations and emotional conflict. The film showcases Adonis’ quest for redemption and legacy, as well as his warm and touching bond with his daughter.