10 Best Black & White Films Of The 21st Century (So Far)

Roma is centered on the lives of an upper-middle class family and their maid living in Mexico City in the 1970s. It's a deeply intimate film, expertly directed by Alfonso Cuarón.

What's exceptionally remarkable is that Cuarón not only directed the film, but also wrote it, shot it, and co-edited it. He won the Oscar for Best Director and Best Cinematography for his efforts.

When it came to filming, his choice to shoot in black and white made it easier for viewers to focus on the story itself and not get distracted by the colorful and busy atmosphere of 1970s Mexico City. The monochromatic images draw attention to the personal moments of the characters, highlighting the subtleties of their personal lives rather than the energy of the world around them.

Cuarón also mentioned that black and white had a unique ability to feel like a memory, but also using digital cameras made it possible to produce a sharp image that old equipment couldn't have achieved.