#8. In the Valley of Elah
A soldier back from Iraq is found dead, his body hacked to pieces. His father (Tommy Lee Jones) wants to know what happens, and enlists the help of a smart police detective (Charlize Theron). Paul Haggis' drama, based on a true case, is a big improvement on his Oscar-winning Crash: strong in the sleuthing, sobering in its political conclusions. Jones' dogged, drained humanity anchors this excellent drama about the war brought home — a potent requiem for our best intentions.