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Y Z Pauline et Paulette  (2002)
Belgian, subtitles Director/Screenwriter: Lieven Debrauver Principals: Dora van der Groen, Ann Petersen This is one of those films that because of its plot about aged sisters would have a hard time getting made in Hollywood. To receive an inheritance, the elder sister of a mentally impaired old woman becomes a caretaker after the death of a hired nurse. By accepting this responsibility, unforeseen events take place which transform both sisters' lives. Lieven Debrauver wrote and directed this touching, wonderful film. Instead of going over the top with sappy sentimentality, stars Dora van der Groen and Ann Petersen make their characters come alive with warmth, humor and grace. Pelle the Conqueror  (1987)
Swedish, subtitles Director/Screenwriter: Bille August Principals: Pelle Hvenegaard, Max von Sydow This Cannes Award winner is a beautiful film with a powerful story. Max von Sydow stars in a film about man’s indomitable will to endure and succeed. A father and son leave Sweden for a “better” life in Denmark. Instead, they are treated like scum and endure hardships that can only be imagined. Yet, the boy, Pelle, always strives for something better. The breathtaking cinematography in this film never looks staged. Rather, the director filmed most scenes with immaculate lighting at the perfect time amidst incredible scenery. Pi  (1998)
Indie Director/Screenwriter: Darren Aronofsky Principals: Sean Gullette This is one very weird, very sick film. But, if you like grainy black and white film, serious acting, and a story which combines the Kabala, higher mathematics and Wall Street, this one’s for you. Max (Sean Gullette) is looking for a predictable pattern to explain the stock market. His mathematical genius is well known and is taken advantage of by nefarious Hassidic Jews and Wall Street types alike. Director/writer Darren Aronofsky has created a very original piece about genius and paranoia. The Pianist  (2002)
British Director: Roman Polanski Screenwriter: Ronald Harwood Principals: Adrien Brody, Emilia Fox, Julia Rayner, Thomas Kretschmann This powerful film tells the true-life story of Warsaw during the Nazi occupation through the eyes of pianist, Wladyslaw Szpilman. Adrien Brody’s body language and vocal nuance create a sympathetic yet believable Szpilman. The entire production from scenic design, costumes, musical score, etc. recreates the historical Warsaw and the brutality of Nazi rule. Roman Polanski directs with subtlety and brilliance. Pieces of April  (2003)
Indie Director/Screenwriter: Peter Hedges Principals: Katie Holmes, Oliver Platt, Patricia Clarkson, Derek Luke Peter Hedges wrote and directed this absolutely funny film. You are almost certain to recognize these characters from somewhere in your life. The acting is superb with Oliver Platt as the harried father, Patricia Clarkson at her inimitable best as the mom, and Derek Luke as the considerate, loving boyfriend. But, kudos go to Katie Holmes who makes April believable from start to finish. Like so many teenagers that you probably know, you may hate what they are doing, but you still pull for them no matter what. This film captures the real meaning of Thanksgiving. It will touch you and make you laugh all at the same time. Watch during the holiday season. Post Coitum: Animal Triste  (1997)
French, subtitles Director/Screenwriter: Brigitte Rouan Principals: Brigitte Rouan, Patrick Chesnais Brigitte Rouan writes, directs and stars in this film about sexuality, passion, and love. She plays a middle-aged woman who loves her husband and family but nevertheless takes on a young lover, which leads to disastrous consequences for all concerned. This film is characterized by great acting and complicated relationships. Rouan is tour de force in every way. She exudes sensuousness bordering on licentiousness in every frame behind and in front of the camera. Proof  (1991)
Australian Director/Screenwriter: Jocelyn Moorhouse Principals: Hugo Weaving, Russell Crowe, Genevieve Picot This film by writer/director Jocelyn Moorhouse tells the fascinating story of a blind man who uses a camera to see and experience life. He asks those around him what they see in the pictures and uses their descriptions to test how truthful they are with him. Yet, his basic distrust makes it almost impossible for him to love anyone. Actors Hugo Weaving, Russell Crowe and Genevieve Picot take a complicated plot and make it believable. Quitting  (2001)
Chinese, subtitles Director: Yang Zhang Screenwriter: Yang Zhang, Xin Huo Principals: Hongshen Jia, Xiuling Chai, Fengsen Jia This film is about addiction, madness, and John Lennon. Most of all, it is about the patience and grace of a family trying to help their son face the slow and lonely battle of recovery. This is no slapdash Hollywood treatment of the problems faced by a drug addict. The screenplay is beautiful and touching, the direction is sharply controlled, and the acting is powerful and real. Please stay around till the end for a monumental surprise. A fantastic film.  (2002)
Australian Director: Philip Noyce Screenwriter: Christine Olsen Principals: Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, Kenneth Branagh This haunting, beautiful film tells the true story of three aboriginal children who defy the British authorities and return to their home. If this film was not based upon a true story, you would never believe it. The acting has such a realistic quality that it makes the unbelievable believable. The direction of Philip Noyce is direct without sentimentality. But, what makes this film exceptional is the story itself. Kenneth Branagh stars along with three little girls who you will never forget. Raising Victor Vargas  (2002)
Indie. Director/Screenwriter/Producer: Peter Sollett Principals: Victor Rasuk, Judy Marte, Melonie Diaz This coming of age film set in the lower east side of Manhattan is filled with emotions so true to life you’ll think you’re watching a documentary about growing up in poverty. The acting by newcomers Victor Rasuk, Judy Marte and Melonie Diaz has an emotional clarity in the way it deals with friendship and love. Peter Sollett wrote, produced and directed this film with such strength and realism that you can’t help but admire his achievement. If Hollywood made this film, it would be the talk of the town and would run away with a bunch of Oscars. Read My Lips  (2001)
French, subtitles Director: Jacques Audiard Screenwriter: Jacques Audiard, Tonino Benacquista Principals: Vincent Cassell, Emmanuelle Devos Another superb French film filled with so many twists and turns you will hardly remember where the film started. Directed by Jacques Audiard, this film exemplifies the old adage where less is more. Sensuality without nudity, violence without gore, Audiard creates real emotion almost magically. The screenplay is unique, the editing is first-class, and the cinematography, which makes use of off-center close-ups, turns us into voyeurs of what is happening and spoken on the periphery of the primary action. Vincent Cassell and Emmanuelle Devos are wonderful as an ex-con and a deaf girl. Now to divulge what the story is about, read my lips. Real Women Have Curves  (2002) Hispanic, English Director: Patricia Cardoso Screenwriter: George LaVoo Principals: America Ferrera, Lupe Ontiveros This film portrays Los Angeles barrio life as seldom seen in the movies. A Mexican-American girl graduates from high school only to end up working in a sweat shop. Her mother wants her to work instead of going to college and this leads to tension, rebellion, and, in the end, understanding. The American dream turned upside down. America Ferrera and Lupe Ontiveros are wonderful in creating a very believable relationship as daughter and mother. Humor abounds and so does frustration and sadness. Red  (1994)
French, subtitles Director: Krzysztof Kieslowski Screenwriter: Krzysztof Kieslowski, Krzysztof Piesiewicz Principals: Irene Jacob, Jean-Louis Trintignant This film ties many disparate threads together into a greater whole. The color red is everywhere and so is fine acting, subtle direction, and a story, which enlightens through its complexity. Irene Jacob and Jean-Louis Trintignant star in Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowski’s third installment of his colors trilogy. This is not easygoing, feel-good entertainment. Rather, Red will take you on a difficult but profound journey which is well worth the effort. A young model living in Geneva meets a retired judge who spies on his neighbors’ telephone calls to confirm his cynical view of life. This film is about human relationships which lead to redemption, forgiveness and compassion. Ridicule  (1996)
French, subtitles Director: Patrice Leconte Screenwriter: Remi Waterhouse, Michel Fessler Principals: Charles Berling, Jean Rochefort, Fanny Ardant This film chronicles Louis XVI’s France where nobles used wit and rhetoric to curry favor with King and court. This film is beautifully crafted, has an intelligent, sarcastic screenplay, and depicts with clarity how someone who was deemed clever and witty could gain power, whereas one who was deemed an oaf suffered ridicule, a fall from grace, and could even end up losing their life. This is a must-see for anyone who wants to watch a costume drama with a biting truth about 18th Century mores. Run Lola Run  (1998)
German, subtitles Director/Screenwriter: Tom Tykwer Principals: Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu A knockout of a film, Run Lola Run will take you on an eighty-minute ride of a lifetime that doesn’t stop until “ende” appears. Young, poor Lola has but twenty minutes to find a lost bag filled with cash or come up with a lump sum another way. If she fails, gangsters are prepared to kill her boyfriend. If you like Tarrantino, if you like Memento, if you like non-stop visual images and ideas which keep popping out of the ether, you are in for a treat. Tom Tykwer wrote and directed this movie-making feast which stars Franka Potente as Lola and Moritz Bleibtreu as Manni. All of the films on the list come highly recommended but Run Lola Run is at or near the top. Russian Doll  (2000)
Australian Director: Stavros Kazantzidis Screenwriter: Stavros Kazantzidis, Allanah Zitserman Principals: Hugo Weaving, Natalia Marakova This witty comedy starring Hugo Weaving will keep you laughing from beginning to end. Weaving pretends to be married to his best friend’s mistress, and despite trying not to, falls in love with her. The mistress played by Natalia Marakova fills up the screen with gaiety and beauty. |
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