Wit

In this supercharged time of quick cuts, spectacular visual effects and shock twist endings, Wit stands apart like a queen gazing indulgently at a mob of boisterous children. It has only one sympathetic character, a bare bones plot, and an ending which you know is inevitable from the first sentence. It has no desire to impress, no inclination to showcase - it just wants to talk to you. This is a film that does not deign to clutch for your attention - but will inexorably draw you in anyway.
Much of the credit for this audacious feat can safely be attributed to the wonderful Emma Thompson. Co-writer and leading lady, she carries everything on her shoulders. As an esteemed English scholar who is losing her battle with cancer, she precisely manages a balance between cultured stiff upper lip dignity, and raw human helplessness. And as she talks directly into the camera, letting you into her most personal and painful moments, the divide drops away and you are no longer watching a movie. You are sitting on the bed beside her, holding her hand as she pukes uncontrollably into a bucket - as she answers "Fine, thank you" to unthinking How are you's - as she quietly, tragically, comes to grips for the first time with her beloved John Donne's existential poetry.
Another element which further cemented my admiration for this film was the retention of its theatrical roots. It is based on a stageplay, as are numerous fine films, but the difference lies in how they made use of that heritage. Wit held onto some of that creative license that is quite often seen on the stage, but is sadly scarce at the cinema. It took the liberty of sacrificing realism for truth, and did so in such a fashion that you are not removed from the story but instead continue to be captivated by the simple struggle of one individual with, yes cancer, yes death - but most importantly, herself.
This is true drama.

As for a rating - it only misses out on a 10 because it relies almost entirely on acting to make it the film that it is. A brave choice, but nevertheless that knocks it down to 9.