Not many actors have made movies that inspire awe like Jude Law. Since the 1990’s, Law has become a British icon. Whether it’s magical school teachers, spies facing dangers or detectives solving murders, Law has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Talented Mr. Ripley
Con-artists that engage in criminal behaviour always fascinated my father. I remember my father was fascinated with dark con-artists that faced grim disaster. He would always marvel at the clever way in which the dark con-artists got away with committing grim crimes without facing a serious price to pay. My father was always fascinated with the dark crimes that talented con-artists had committed. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured con-artists engaging in criminal behaviour causing tragedy as powerfully as “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. Released in 1999, jude Law’s best movie captured the life of a con-artist facing adversity. In the greatest role of his career, Law portrayed a wealthy businessman that is deceived by a con-artist causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Law has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes in British period dramas. With “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, however, the actor showcased a rare villainous side to himself in his career that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Matt Damon who is also amazing, Law created a bold portrait of con-artists that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Dickie first becomes aware that he is being deceived by Tom causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Talented Mr. Ripley” Jude Law’s best movie is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about con-artists that are targeted to a specific audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years following the release of a film demonstrating talented con-artists deceiving wealthy families through crimes they have committed, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor manfuacturing movies which definitely deserve to be appreciated.
2. A.I. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is an entity that shaped my teacher’s identity. I remember a high school teacher that was fascinated with dark artificial intelligence which put lives in grave danger. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that adored artificial intelligence, I appreciated “A.I. Artificial Intelligence”. Released in 2001, Jude Law’s movie captured the dangers of artificial intelligent technology. In the most thoughtful role of his career, Law portrayed an artificially intelligent robot facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Haley Joel Osment who is also amazing, Law created a sci-fi blockbuster that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Gigolo becomes aware that his life is in grave danger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about A.I., it tackles strong themes everyone can relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about parenting which would resonate with everyone. An astonishing depiction of artificial intelligence, it’s an amazing reminder of a commemorated actor with a larger-than-life presence that has manufactured memorable movies which have always achieved tremendous audience.
3. Cold Mountain
Historical movies are a genre of film that my uncle has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with an uncle that loved movies about historical events. Fascinated by WWII, he enjoyed watching hardships that soldiers went through. As someone treasuring memories of an uncle that regarded historical movies with affection, I adored “Cold Mountain”. Released in 2003, Jude Law’s movie captured a doomed love affair during the American Civil War. In the most conflicted role of his career, Law portrayed a troubled soldier participating in warfare causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside Nicole Kidman who is also amazing, Law created a war movie that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Inman bids tearful farewell to his wife as he prepares for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Cold Mountain” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most war movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of a doomed love affair, it’s a riveting reminder of a celebrated actor that has built a career making movies about which audiences care.
4. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Hotel managers are figures that always fascinated my mother. I remember my mother was once interested in the lives of hotel managers seeking to manage apartments under pressure. She would often love observing the way managers controlled a hotel. As someone treasuring memories of a mother that adored the functioning of a hotel, I admired “The Grand Budapest Hotel”. Released in 2014, Jude Law’s movie captured the life of a hotel manager facing tragedy. In the most comical role of his career, Law portrayed an aging hotel manager seeking to care for a vacation inn causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase comedic timing he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Adrien Brody who is also amazing, Law created a comedy about hotels that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which the author recounts his memories of the hotel causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Grand Budapest Hotel” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most Wes Anderson movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. As precious as the hotel Gustave seeks to manage, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has manufactured movies delivering a meaningful message.
5. Hugo
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to become a filmmaker. From an early age, I’ve been drawn towards the magic of the moving image as an art-form with power to deliver a message. During childhood, I developed a passion for writing about movies that I found engaging. As someone that developed a passion for Cinema years ago, I adored “Hugo”. Released in 2011, Jude Law’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a book about filmmaking. In the most tragic role of his career, Law portrayed the deceased father of an orphan facing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Ben Kingsley who is also amazing, Law created a movie about filmmaking that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Hugo recounts his father before his death causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Hugo” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about importance of following one’s dreams which would resonate with everyone. As strong as machines built by Hugo Cabret, it’s a riveting reminder of a celebrated actor manufacturing commemorated movies that definitely deserve to be appreciated today.
6. Sherlock Holmes
Few characters in English literature are as beloved as Sherlock Holmes. Ever since he was introduced by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887, Holmes has become one of the most celebrated characters in English literature. In 2009, Jude Law honoured the legendary detective investigating homes in his movie “Sherlock Holmes”. In the most mysterious role of his career, Law portrayed a doctor seeking to investigate murders causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a literary character that’s well-known. Working alongside Robert Downey Jr. who is also amazing, Law created a detective drama that’s engaging. As unforgettable as crimes Sherlock Holmes seeks to investigate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor making memorable movies which audiences always appreciate.
7. Spy
Jude Law has often excelled at playing stylish characters that inspire awe. Law has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing handsome heroes with courage. Law’s strengths for playing heroes that satisfy is clearly evident in his movie “Spy”. Released in 2015, Paul Feig’s comedy showcased the actor at his best. In the most stylish role of his career, Law portrayed a spy seeking to prepare for warfare causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing spies with eccentric behaviour. Working alongside Melissa McCarthy who is also amazing, Law created a commemorated espionage movie that’s captivating. A spectacular portrait of a comical spy, it’s a sensational reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies throughout his impressive career which always satisfy.
8. Closer
When it comes to the greatest plays ever written in theatre, it’s worth discussing Closer. Since its creation in 1997, Patrick Marber’s play has become an iconic classic. In 2004, Jude Law honoured the theatre play in his movie “Closer”. In the most provocative role of his career, Law portrayed a husband engaging in an extramarital affair causing marriages to end in despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase talent for delivering dramatic monologues he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Natalie Portman who is also outstanding, Law honoured a stage production that’s captivating. A powerful portrait of extramarital affairs causing marriages to crumble, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured great movies throughout his career which audiences consider special.
9. Contagion
The COVID-19 Pandemic was a disaster that had an impact on the world which was tragic. In 2020, the world was affected by a painful pandemic which left people isolated. In 2011, Jude Law captured a pandemic causing contagion with eerie similarities to COVID in his movie “Contagion”. In the most frightening role of her career, Law portrayed a scientist seeking to investigate a virus causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone playing a character infected by a dangerous virus. Working alongside Gwyneth Paltrow who is also amazing, Law created a portrait of a contagious virus that’s compelling. A captivating portrait of a catastrophic virus causing contagion, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured compelling movies which definitely deserve celebration.
10. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Jude Law hasn’t always made great movies that inspire awe. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” falls into the latter category. Released in 2022, David Yates’ fantasy movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Law portrayed a magical wizard engaging in warfare. Law brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” is a bad movie, it honoured Law’s commemorated legacy. As strong as spells cast by Dumbledore, it’s a magical reminder of a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to soar producing memorable movies I will forever treasure opening the door for my lifelong filmmaking passion that I adore.
The Film Buff 