FILM: THE FIVE BEST FILMS

1

Velvet Goldmine (8)

The most invigorating film of the year, from one of the finest directors in the world. Todd Haynes's hymn to, and analysis of, glam rock is an investigation into the fabric of myth-making, featuring Ewan McGregor, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Eddie Izzard.

2

Mulan (U)

Disney hasn't worked its magic this well in years. An ancient Chinese folk-tale becomes the springboard for cracking songs, sparkling gags and some adventurous animation techniques.

3

Buffalo 66 (5)

Actor-writer-director Vincent Gallo is a volcano of narcissism, but his directorial debut about an ex-con who kidnaps a tap-dancer has some great moments.

4

The Last Days of Disco (5)

Continuing his obsession with Jamesian codes of behaviour in the late 20th century, the writer-director Whit Stillman turns his attention to "the very early Eighties" with the disco scene on its last legs.

5

Love is the Devil (8)

The experimental film-maker John Maybury was the perfect choice to direct this portrait-of-the-artist-as-a-ruthless-sadist: Maybury's grotesque compositions echo the visceral fury of Francis Bacon's own paintings.