David Parkinson

A largely dour romantic drama, hampered by thrusting non-actors into challenging lead roles.

A moving treatment of a deeply personal subject (France's own partner died of an AIDS-related illness in 1992), and an enthralling depiction of a seriously fired-up popular movement.

The mesmerising García and sensitive direction by Lelio light up this delicate yet spiky drama. Terrific stuff from both Chileans.

If not quite on the level of Garbus's terrific Bobby Fischer documentary, this still filled with fond recollections of Mazza's life and career. Fans will relish it.

Unsurprisingly, considering the circumstances, this is less a meticulous study of photojournalist's art than an privileged and emotional look at the life of a friend and colleague.

Shot in magisterial black-and-white, veteran director Trueba's drama is a welcome return from the Belle Epoque man.

A sometimes over-simplified but often affecting look at forbidden love.

A deeply affecting glimpse of a man's quest to salvage beauty from tragedy.

Slightly jerry-built reconstructions detract from an intriguing film with a unique angle on the country legend.

Angry, impassionate filmmaking that demands - and deserves - serious answers.

As simple and charming as you could wish for, this is a genuinely pioneering debut from a female Saudi filmmaker and a striking piece of work by any standards.

Impassioned and disturbing, this documentary matches "The Cove" for marrying cool intellect with real fire.

Bold and beautiful, this is a mystery worth puzzling over.

Now practically an exile from his homeland, Kiarostami follows Certified Copy with another film-literate relationship drama with the enigmatic overtones of Hitchcock.

As angry and unflinching a piece of documentary filmmaking as you'll see this year.

It's a stark vision of humanity in a hellish world. Tough and thought-provoking.

Lustrous photography and a fine cast make this dark drama a compelling one.

Funny and freewheeling, it's a joy.

Superbly judging tonal shifts and juggling disparate storylines, this snapshot of a Refice street reveals the class, gender, racial and historical fissures in Brazilian society, while also making for riveting drama right down to the shocking sting in the tail.

A bruising psychodrama from the Palme d'Or winner that taps into the dark heart of central European superstition.

A timely documentary that seeks to amuse and inform as much as alarm.

Bleak and compelling.

Shot in beautiful black and white with some stunning visuals, Gomes' narrative quest is a understated gem.

An intense, emotional ride. Uplifting and inspiring.

Tender and touching, this gay coming-of-ages story is underpinned by a terrific, subtle turn from newcomer Florizoone.

A touching and revelatory piece of film-making about the plights of real people living in an uncertain world.

A few plot holes hold back what is otherwise a well cast and compelling picture.

A delight from start to finish.