Hunger

The subject matter is grim (the Maze dirty protest, hunger strikes, brutality) but luckily Steve McQueen hasn't chosen the usual Britfilm default of gritty social realism. Such a film would be truly unwatchable. As it is, the film probably shows far more of the dirty protest than one would ever want to see, and the acts of violence have a visceral impact. There's very little dialogue, apart from one very important sequence, with much of the story told via images. These convery much of the ritual of life inside and outside of the Maze. You only need to see the guard checking under his car, anxiously watched by his wife, to realize the danger that's inherent in merely leaving for work. Similarly, the repeated shots of blooded hands being washed not only suggest violence but also a washing away of sin.
The structure is also daring. Bobby Sands himself doesn't appear until some time into the film. We've spent the early scenes with the prison guard and with a new Republican prisoner, being introduced to everyday life inside the Maze. Once Sands appears the focus becomes more single-minded. The key scene is the lengthy, but rivetting, single take where he discusses the decision to go on hunger strike with a priest. Both consider themselves to be good Catholics and good Republicans but their debate raises vital differences. The priest views the decision as the arrogance of a martyr, while Sands is convinced of his own righteousness. It's possibly the most impressive piece of acting you'll see all year.