Marta Barber

A Frenchman may have thought of the story first, but this Korean film pays tribute to the original while perfectly standing on its own.

The biggest appeal of Passionada is Sofia Milos, a sexy actress who commands the screen in every scene she's in.

There's a timelessness to her character that makes her real even today. And in Devos' intense portrayal, she's a woman you admire.

The filmmaker may not appeal to large numbers of filmgoers. But if you get his humor and delicate style, you'll enjoy his latest work.

Many questions remain purposely unanswered: Where was the father for 12 years? Why did he want to go away with the kids? What's in a box he finds hidden in the island? Yet, in a remarkable ending, the boys discover their feelings.

In Spanish, the title of the film, El abrazo partido, translates into ''a broken embrace,'' a more fitting description of Ariel's feelings for his father.

Dark Blue World's warm story and beautiful photography almost hits the mark, and it has a great ending.

The film never lacks dignity. Fateless doesn't look at life at the camp like Roberto Benigni did in "Life is Beautiful."

The Ninth Day is far from perfect, but is still thought-provoking and intriguing, a film that can begin its own kind of debate.

You may be drawn to Intimacy's graphic scenes, but you'll emerge convinced there's more to life -- and the film -- than sex.

Unfortunately, the film is also at times dull, though the scale definitely tilts toward enjoyment. Quality balance aside, who doesn't want to enjoy a few hearty laughs? Only Human provides a few of those.

Mildly engaging.

This is nothing that a good episode of NYPD Blue hasn't shown myriad times.

Is it about a moment in history and how the life of a sexual predator fits into that moment? Or is it just about a director's sexual fantasy? The answers are somewhat fuzzy.

Watching a film about an opera can never be as moving as watching the real thing in a great opera house. Musical purists may object to certain details, and film buffs may find the concept unappealing. Yet, for this film and opera lover, Jacquot's Tosca is a treat.

For Americans, the film may be best taken as fodder for debate, especially for individuals interested in sociology. You wonder why those people stuck to the commitment. You may also wonder how different a parallel American film would've been.

The film is art in all its visual splendor, and no matter how confusing the historic story line may be to Westerners -- and it is -- the images on screen more than compensate for the faults.

Some scenes drag, but Seagull's Laughter is still delightful.

Bertucelli nails it.

The Lady and the Duke is not about the revolution. It's an intimate story of a woman's perspective during a dramatic event in world history.

This Israeli film gives us an honest look at situations we never see in the news. It may have too many flaws to be a good film, but for its content, it is a winner.

Simple and austere, The Cuckoo also draws from the mysticism of tales of gnomes and other creatures who inhabit remote Nordic lands. It is that blend of reality with allegory that delivers the film's beauty and charm.

This is courtroom drama at is best, especially when you listen to the sublime soundtrack.

Despite its stylistic flaws, the acting and the magic of the story make Maelstrom a different kind of film.

Fast, frantic and furious, but it is not steadily funny. While not boring, it is too light to be taken seriously.

What appears to be the thrust of the story -- the unraveling of a society -- loses out to a tame, romantic triangle subplot.

An extraordinary movie that ruffled many feathers when it first came out. Almost 40 years later, it retains the poignancy it delivered back then. Its message is not lost in our present state of affairs.

One thing that strikes you as you watch Shanghai Ghetto is how little mingling there was between the Chinese and the Jews.

Had the film been more balanced, it would have added a new star to the recent wave of remarkable Mexican cinema.

Nothing in it -- plot, dialogue or character development -- reaches today's standards of filmmaking.

Doesn't stretch beyond the typical, period drama the Brits do so well. It is no more than a warm cup of tea on a chilly afternoon. The reward comes in seeing these two great actresses at work.

Holds enough interest throughout to keep you entertained -- unless you're afraid of mice.

May not be a work of fiction but, despite its many minutes of real footage, it is far from being a documentary. Lack of truth in advertising notwithstanding, the story of this Colombian cowboy deserved to be told.

A mesmerizing documentary about the rise and fall of a drug lord, perhaps the biggest there ever was.

Unlike “Amélie,” Love Me If You Dare will not become a sleeper. But neither will it make you go to sleep.

For all its tumult, The Clay Bird mostly concentrates on its likable characters, all acted with the kind of understatement that makes a good film better.

As a war drama, Zelary is as gentle and pastoral as its setting. At times, you think it's a new chapter in "The Sound of Music."

Though beautiful at times, it doesn't reach the level of poetry of either de Sica's "Thief" or Lou's "River."

The touch of sharp and edgy storytelling has returned to French master Claude Chabrol.

Far from perfect, but for those willing to laugh at the darker side of life, especially Latin American life, it is fun.

Strong acting from Khoury saves the weak storyline.

In between all the emotional seesawing, it's hard to figure the depth of these two literary figures, and even the times in which they lived. But they fascinate in their recklessness.

An engrossing psychological thriller.

The Bank, despite its faulty finale, is a fun and thrilling ride.

Who would have thought a German comedy could be light, charming and devoid of intellectual snobbery?

Though the film would benefit from further cuts, Machuca still manages to convey the frailty of convictions and the difficulties of growing up -- be it a child or a nation.

Puts you on edge about what goes on behind the closed doors of the White House. Even if the case against Kissinger is not fully convincing, the documentary keeps you glued to your seat and thinking long after you've left the theater.

You come out with a sense you've seen it all before.

There's something to be said about an old story given a new ending -- and making it work.

Going Shopping can make a wonderful outing for girlfriends. It's fun.

The film has a rather charming way of convincing you that there are times to shrug off the caviar and champagne and go for a fulfilling bowl of spaghetti.

Captures the essence of the period -- an intriguing, backward era in Spain -- but without the emotional impact that such a film requires.

The events in this film take place in the 1980s. Let's hope working conditions in Japan have "westernized."

Has an elegant feel, with beautiful shots on the beach and engaging camera work. If only Philip Jayson Lasker's writing could match that.

The film's concept is so absurd and Hamer goes about developing it with such a regimented structure that you have to believe that the filmmaker is poking fun at himself and the world he knows well.

There are few moments when you're not totally absorbed by the film.

Results in a weightless film. Worse still, McElwee's languid tone makes his journey lack conviction.

One true gem is Daniela Piepszyk, Mauro's teen neighbor, who is a fireball and the leader of the neighborhood gang of boys. You can't take your eyes off her.

Not only does the fragmented delivery become trying, but also the behind-the-camera dialogue and city shots with heavy Parisian traffic numb the senses. And as beautiful as it looks, there's really nothing new coming out of the lens of the revered Godard.

Junge had come to terms with her past. And even if you don't come to terms with her life, it's worthwhile knowing about it.

Much like the good westerns, Coastlines keeps you entertained throughout its two hours, which says a lot about Nunez's storytelling.

Simplicity is ever so eloquent in a film that despite a questionable last scene is outstanding enough that even the credits deserve attention. [06 Feb 1998, p.8G]

May not be everyone's favored bloom in the garden, but it is still a fine work on film.

A fascinating look at events mostly unknown to outsiders.

Light as the film may be, My Wife Is An Actress is not devoid of charm. It's like a summer book: quick, enjoyable and, mostly, easily forgotten.

Satire is at the core of Mafioso, whether in establishing the by-now-stereotypical images of Sicilian peasants or the gripping arms of the Mafia.

The stories touch our sensibilities, but the documentary never sugarcoats the childrens' experiences.

Not for those with limited attention spans, though there's never a dull moment.

Secret of this 'Ballot' lies in its humor, charm and universality.

Innocence is a gentle love story, one that touches on an issue of great sensitivity -- sexuality in old age.

Don't try to figure Emilia's family out. Just sit back and let this family scrapbook move along.