Not many actresses possess the charisma of Anna Paquin. Since the 1990’s, Paquin has become a feminist icon. Whether it’s piano players, comic-book figures or rebellious teenagers, Paquin has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by a commemorated actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Piano
The piano is a musical instrument my friend once enjoyed playing years ago. I remember forming a friendship with a mute girl in my school that sought to become a piano player. Unable to speak, she would love to play piano every day of the week. Music became her passion that gave her the strength to cope with disability that was tragic. Through her lifelong love for playing the piano, my friend gave me dreams to follow. As someone treasuring memories of a girl that loved playing the piano years ago, I adored “The Piano”. Released in 1993, Anna Paquin’s best movie captured the life of a mute woman with love of piano. In the greatest role of her career, Paquin portrayed the daughter of a mute Scottish woman facing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. Paquin has spent most of her career playing likeable heroines in period pieces. With “The Piano”, however, she took a huge step out of her comfort zone by playing the daughter of a mute woman. Working alongside Holly Hunter who is also amazing, Paquin created a portrait of disability that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Flora witnesses her mother being abused by her husband causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Piano” Anna Paquin’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about mute women, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about disability which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking period piece about mute women facing sorrow with a love for playing the piano, it’s a riveting reminder of a celebrated actress that has always made memorable movies throughout her career giving audiences dreams to follow.
2. X-Men
X-Men is an excellent franchise that my grandfather has always loved dearly. Several years ago, my grandfather was once a huge fan of Magneto. I remember my grandfather always acknowledged the X-Men franchise. A huge fan of the Wolverine, he would always praise great movies that he firmly believed deserved to be seen on the big-screen. In 2000, Anna Paquin honoured the great team of excellent men in her movie “X-Men”. In the most heroic role of her career, Paquin portrayed a mutant facing grim warfare causing despair. Paquin has always excelled at playing emotional women under stress, and “X-Men” showcased her strengths as an actress. Working alongside Hugh Jackman who is also outstanding, Paquin honoured a bold superhero team that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Rogue first becomes aware of her superpowers as a mutant is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “X-Men” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most comic-book movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the importance of teamwork which would resonate with everyone. An extraordinary tribute towards a superhero team that’s excellent, it’s an enchanting reminder of a commemorated actress that has made memorable entertainment.
3. The Irishman
Aging is a painful process that causes seniors to face stress. I recall with nostalgia memories of a grandma that suffered from Dementia. Recently, I witnessed my grandmother face severe consequences of aging. She had the habit to forget places, events and people. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured consequences of aging causing destruction as powerfully as “The Irishman”. Released in 2019, Anna Paquin’s movie captured aging gangsters facing tragedy. In the most conflicted role of her career, Paquin portrayed the daughter of a gangster facing despair. It gave the actress a rare chance to showcase range she hadn’t shown in her career before. Working alongside Robert De Niro who is also amazing, Paquin created a portrait of aging that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Peggy becomes aware that her father killed Jimmy Hoffa causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Irishman” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most gangster movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about aging which would resonate with everyone. As memorable as murders Frank Sheeran has committed, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured memorable movies in her career which are appreciated.
4. Almost Famous
Rock bands are musicians whose melodies have always inspired me. I recall with nostalgia memories of forming love for rock music in a past era. A crucial part of my childhood, listening to rock music composed by famous bands always made me feel understood. As someone treasuring rock music composed by bands that are famous, I adored “Almost Famous”. Released in 2000, Anna Paquin’s movie captured a teenager touring with a rock band that’s famous. In the most seductive role of her career, Paquin portrayed a musician that has a doomed love affair with a teenager causing despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Kate Hudson who is also amazing, Paquin created a portrait of rock musicians that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Polexia gives William valuable advice seeking to prepare him for the music world is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Almost Famous” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of rock music to appreciate it. As strong as William’s love for rock bands that are famous, it’s a riveting reminder of a courageous actress that made commemorated movies throughout her career that audiences consider precious.
5. Alias Grace
Wrongful conviction has shaped my personality. During my childhood, my life changed when I was wrongfully accused of cheating on a science-fair project. Throwing a tantrum, a girl in my class accused me of plagiarism. As someone that found it hard to face wrongful accusations, I admired “Alias Grace”. Released in 2017, Anna Paquin’s series offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about wrongful conviction. In the most conflicted role of her career, Paquin portrayed a wealthy owner of a household that witnesses wrongful conviction causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her talent for playing emotional women under stress. Working alongside Sarah Gadon who is also amazing, Paquin created a portrait of wrongful conviction. For instance, the scene in which Nancy becomes aware that Grace is innocent causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Alias Grace” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. As strong as Grace’s desire to prove her innocence, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress with a larger-than-life presence that has made great movies attracting an audience.
6. 25th Hour
9/11 is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often ignored an issue that’s misunderstood. A painful incident, 9/11 is seldom depicted in entertainment. In an industry that has rarely captured 9/11 with power, it’s worth praising “25th Hour”. Released in 2002, Anna Paquin’s movie captured terrorism. In the most tragic role of her career, Paquin portrayed a traumatized woman struggling to move on from terrorist attacks causing despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing emotional woman facing distress. Working alongside Edward Norton who is also amazing, Paquin created a portrait of 9/11 that’s compelling. A heartbreaking portrait of the harrowing aftermath of 9/11, it’s a heartfelt reminder of a commemorated actress that has made movies deserving celebration.
7. The Squid and the Whale
Anna Paquin has always excelled at playing emotional women facing trauma. Paquin has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing emotional characters facing damage. Paquin’s strength for playing women that wail is clearly evident in her movie “The Squid and the Whale”. Released in 2005, Noah Baumbach’s movie showcased the actress at her best. In the most conflicted role of her career, Paquin portrayed a woman that has an affair with her teacher causing despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing emotional women under pressure. Working alongside Jesse Eisenberg who is also amazing, Paquin created a family drama that’s engaging. A dazzling depiction of families that crumble, it’s a powerful reminder of an actress that has made memorable movies audiences consider special.
8. Margaret
Few filmmakers in Hollywood have earned recognition of Kenneth Lonergan. With their compelling storytelling, strong acting and meaningful themes, Lonergan’s movies have earned a huge following. In 2011, Lonergan showcased his strengths as a filmmaker when he cast Anna Paquin in his movie “Margaret”. In the most disturbed role of her career, Paquin portrayed a grieving woman that becomes victim of an accident causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a traumatized woman that feels alone. Working alongside Jean Reno who is also amazing, Paquin created a portrait of grief that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of grief that tears families apart, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actress that has made great movies that are considered art.
9. Amistad
Slavery is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has shied away from a dark time in American history. In an industry that has always avoided harsh realities of slavery affecting the nation, “Amistad” is an exception. Released in 11997, Anna Paquin’s movie did an excellent job of depicting slavery in American history. In the most historical role of her career, Paquin portrayed a woman that witnessed slavery causing despair. It gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a historical figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Anthony Hopkins who is also amazing, Paquin created a portrait of slavery that’s compelling. A sad depiction of harsh individuals in the slave trade, it’s a heartfelt reminder of an actress that has played compelling characters in movies that are well-made.
10. Darkness
Anna Paquin hasn’t always made great movies attracting audiences to the Cinema. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Darkness” falls into the latter category. Released in 2002, Jaume Balaguero’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Paquin portrayed a teenage girl trapped in a haunted house causing despair. Paquin brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Darkness” is a bad movie, it honoured Paquin’s legacy. As strong as Regina’s fear of darkness causing trauma, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress with charisma that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout her career which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.
The Film Buff 