For twenty years, Focus Features has united cinema’s most fearless filmmakers and gifted actors to create unforgettable experiences in theaters around the world. To kick-off two decades of powerful storytelling and remarkable filmmaking, the studio is commemorating the incredible milestone with a new reel, looking back at some of their most iconic onscreen moments. Do you want to read more?
Here we go!
Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski said, “Cinema holds great power. That is the simple belief that has guided us since we asked you to join us on a journey of discovery that began twenty years ago. It has been a voyage motivated by the boundless joy that comes from experiencing the world anew when seeing it through the eyes of others, and it has been steered by the conviction that sharing that experience in a theater with friends, family, and strangers not only delights us, but brings us closer to our loved ones, our community, and the world at large.”
As part of the studio’s plans to celebrate the occasion, AMC Theatres will highlight Focus Features’ anniversary beginning April 29 with Focus 20 week at select theatres nationwide. AMC will showcase seven titles from the Focus Features library, each of them receiving an afternoon and primetime screening over the seven-day period.
The titles to be featured are DOWNTON ABBEY(directed by Michael Engler; September 20, 2019), BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (directed by Ang Lee; December 9, 2005), BURN AFTER READING (directed by Ethan Cohen, Joel Coen; September 12, 2008), DARKEST HOUR (directed by Joe Wright; November 22, 2017), ATONEMENT (directed by Joe Wright; December 7, 2007), ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (directed by Michel Gondry; March 19, 2004), and HARRIET (directed by Kasi Lemmons; November 1, 2019). Learn more about Focus 20 week here.
Additionally, Focus Features is also the first film brand with a dedicated hub on Peacock. The streaming platform will collect both the studio’s own and historically acquired specialty films in one place. In the coming weeks, Peacock will also be a home for Focus Features’ digital series including REEL DESTINATIONS and YOU KNOW THAT SCENE.
A highlighted collection of Focus Features films will be available to rent or own on Amazon Prime Video, Apple, and other major digital retailers. Films are also available to rent or own at FocusFeatures20.com.
Focus Features will also be partnering with Talenthouse, the ultimate co-creation platform, to engage Creatives in an Art Contest focused on Focus’ legacy through the summer.
At Fangirlish we want to celebrate Focus 20 week in a very special way. We review these 20 years of Focus Features remembering its 20 best movies ever, delving into its legacy. Time for a journey to the past!
1- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Romantic, absurd, and surprising, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind features the weirdest love story ever in the weirdest setting ever. Somehow, it all works.
2- Shaun of the Dead
Both irreverent and hilarious, Shaun of the Dead is one of the best zombie movies out there. It helps that the movie doesn’t expect you to take it seriously, particularly as it never takes itself seriously.
3- The Constant Gardner
This movie is many things, but above all it’s an experience, one that makes you feel, think and reconsider the way you see the world. Plus, the acting is out of this world.
4- Pride and Prejudice
One of the best period adaptations ever, this version of Pride and Prejudice is all Jane Austen wanted to transmit, plus UST. And boy, we can’t stop replaying it over and over.
5- Brokeback Mountain
This is a tragedy, but it’s also a triumph. Brokeback Mountain is a film that shattered stereotypes, and yet it’s also a film that makes you think about how far we’ve come in some respects, and how far we still have to go in others.
6- Atonement
Melancholic, heartbreaking and haunting, Atonement is the kind of movie that tugs at your heartstrings, and makes you feel like you are trapped in another era. And boy, do you want out.
7- Atomic Blonde
Perfect action, perfect casting, and tremendously good fun, Atomic Blonde is the answer to people who say only male-led action films work. Charlize Theron is an action movie star, plain and simple.
8- On the Basis of Sex
It’s a rare movie that features real-life events and still makes you invest in what’s coming. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a role model for many, and this movie masterfully captures the part of her life we don’t know, the one that makes you admire her even more.
9- Emma
Focus Features does the best Jane Austen adaptations, that’s clear. After Pride and Prejudice, Emma — a story whose best adaptation had come in modern style, gets the adaptation it deserves. And we suddenly want to go back to Jane Austen time and feel it ourselves.
10- Last Night in Soho
Last Night in Soho is an experience. There’s no other way to describe it. It’s scary, it makes you think and it never quite goes where you expect it, which is why even after the credits roll, you can’t stop thinking about it.
11- Belfast
We love Caitriona Balfe and we absolutely adore Jamie Dornan so this movie is one of those that sticks with you even though you didn’t expect it to. It’s endearing, and touches your heart deeply.
12- Dark Hour
The film that tells us about one of the most tense, complex, and darkest moments in our recent history. Unfortunately, history tends to repeat itself and that’s why this movie is part of our list. It’s worth remembering what happened… to try to prevent it from happening again.
13- Promising Young Woman
Justice or revenge? This film makes you walk such a fine line, a line that blurs at the edges. Empowered woman taking matters into her own hands. Whatever it takes. Yeah, it’s definitely on our list of the best 20 movies in 20 years from Focus Features.
14- Race
A true story that shows the bravery and courage of a Black man who went and showed the Nazis how sick and miserable they are. This movie could top our list of the best 20 movies in 20 years from Focus Features.
15- The Theory of Everything
We could be watching this movie on a loop for a lifetime. It’s a biography but it is also a reflection of how ephemeral life is and how we have to live each day as if it were the last. This movie had to be on our list of the best 20 movies in 20 years from Focus Features.
16- Jane Eyre
Charlotte and Emily Bronte. Need we say more? As always, a portrait of a strong and brave woman, ahead of her time that captivates you from the first second. Only Charlotte and Emily Bronte can create a character like Jane Eyre. Only Jane Eyre can be so current.
17- The High Note
This movie. Of course it’s on Focus Features’ top 20 movies in 20 years list. It’s a comical portrait of everyday life in which we can all feel reflected. Dakota Johnson and music…PERFECT!
18- Mary Queen of Scots
What is it about Scotland that we love? We confess that since Outlander we are in love with Scotland, so it deserves a place in this list of the best 20 movies in 20 years from Focus Features. The history of Scotland is fascinating and these two queens capture you from the first second.
19- A Monster Calls
This film earns a place on this list because of its heartbreaking story. A child tries to get over the fact that his mother is fading more and more every day and he can’t do anything about it — it’s heartbreaking, and real.
20- Lost In Translation
A film that captures in images the intangible, the inexpressible, that which everyone feels at some point in our lives but hardly anyone knows how to put into words. There is nothing like being lost to find yourself.
Eternal Sunshine and Shaun of the Dead are both in my top ten movies of all time. Brick was … different. Different enough for me to be excited about it and work it into my, “I can afford one new dvd a week in my first apartment” budget lol.
Moonrise Kingdom was sweet and Hot Fuzz wasn’t necessarily lightning in a bottle but it’s hard to dislike anything with Simon Pegg involved.
All in all a great list and good read! ☺️