Marta Barber

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.

As film noirs go, this one is a classic.

Yet even when the bickering diminishes the impact of the story, Wiener himself makes Fighter another interesting story to come out of World War II atrocities.

If only Beau Travail had a more dramatic edge, this nicely done film wouldn't have felt so long.

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.

Film students should be thankful that companies such as Milestone Film & Video have taken up the distribution and restoration of important silent films, and that universities and museums have decided to screen these obscure classics.

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.

Even in its most tedious scenes, Russian Ark is mesmerizing.

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

Bertucelli nails it.

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.

In addition to the interesting camera work, the documentary's undeniable appeal comes in how close Longley gets to the characters, who are all male.

Although the unrelenting pursuit of making the Vatican listen becomes a bit tiresome, the portrayals of the two men by Tukur and Kassovitz are engaging.

In a cast of wonderful non-professional actors, unfortunately Osama is the weakest. But to be fair, Barmak focuses more on situations than on developing the characters.

Politics in Three Times is as subtle as the stories being told. The film is probably too slow, too silent and too long for most audiences. But look beyond the quietness, and you'll discover a three-gem jewel.

The Wind that Shakes the Barley is a multi-layered story, and the more you see those different aspects, the more you'll enjoy the film.

Enlightening documentary.

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.

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

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

A fascinating look at events mostly unknown to outsiders.

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.

It's all very sweet, but the film goes in too many directions.

It is a stunning work that captures with elegance -- and touches of lyricism -- the challenge of finding the man through the artist.

Never stops having its dark fun.

The impact of Promises comes from the openness of the children.

The documentary also has a story to tell, and as such it builds up its drama.

Saraband portrays a sad vision of aging, yet the film is never depressing. For those inclined to search for psychological twists, the film offers plenty of Freudian situations capable of provoking lengthy discussions.

Its candid conversations about sexuality are what places Lawrence's protagonist in a class by herself.

There are many nuances to My Mother's Smile, not all of them evenly told. Yet even when the conversations sound absurd, the film never fails to captivate.

The result is a gripping psychological thriller that, while lacking the power of "Funny Games," is still the work of a master.

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

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.

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

A film of rare beauty, lifted by some of the best acting you may see in any film this year.

Groening doesn't judge the monks' actions, nor does he tell us much about their reasons for choosing such a life. Yet the film brings us into their lives not as an observer but almost as a fellow hermit, making you realize how hard -- or easy -- it would be to commit yourself to such a life.

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.

The story is worth telling, one that begs the question: Has anything changed?

What strikes you the most about this well put-together film is how little you're drawn to either character or really understand where either is coming from.

Not an ordinary film.

A brilliant film by Lynne Ramsay.

Ceylan examines human relationships with an eye for details and a soul for the big picture.

DiG! is raw, just as the band members themselves.

A rather luminous movie on the power of love.

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.

You feel terribly sad and angry at May's foolishness. Yet with so many emotions at hand, The Mother never fails to engage.

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

Bergman's debut feature is tender yet disturbing, sad yet at times funny.

As the sexual tension builds -- and it becomes intense, culminating in a highly suggestive knife-throwing scene more erotic than if the actors had been having explicit physical contact -- Girl takes you on a thrilling ride.

It is pretty convincing in its argument that China has every intention of destroying the culture of Tibetans.

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.

Sharp, witty and decidedly different.

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.

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

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

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.

Even the graceful ending, one that lifts the film a notch, is startling. But at the very least, His Secret Life will leave you thinking.

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]

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

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

Takes one side, but it tries to offer hope that change can happen.

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

Though far from perfect -- the film is predictable -- Satin Rouge is a refreshing view of a foreign culture.

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

Cynics may not fall for its melodrama, but Riding Alone is good for everyone else, including children.

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.

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

Sometimes engaging, sometimes amusing and ultimately surprising.

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.

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

A film more psychological than passionate, more mental than emotional.

A warm, funny, engaging film by Patricia Cardoso that realistically portrays the struggles of many first-generation American women.

Strong acting from Khoury saves the weak storyline.

Brutal and devastating.

Despite its entertaining and insightful dialogue, can also be a bore.

Ushpizin may not turn out to be as popular as Miracle on 34th Street, but if you believe that miracles can happen, it is a perfect outing during the holidays.

In House of Sand, shifting sands are not a cliché; they provide the essential emotional and visual elements that make this film memorable.

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.

With touches of humor throughout, the gentle and peaceful film never becomes depressing or sad.

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.

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.

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

A fresh breath of air, warmer than the icy village in which it takes place. You'll leave the theater with a wink and a smile.

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

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.

It is a treat to see Sharif back on the screen and Boulanger is a pleasure to watch. They make Monsieur Ibrahim better than it is.

If you like guessing games, don't miss it.

Among the invited guests are Sarah Jessica Parker and Julia Roberts. Only one fellow designer is present: Karl Lagerfeld, the German designer settled in Paris.

Despite Fanda's shenanigans, and many are out-loud funny, Autumn Spring is not that uplifting though it isn't a downer, either. It's more an ode to friendship and marriage.

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

Offers a rose-colored picture of life, but one that Campanella makes ring true.

Not the kind of documentary that will appeal to a large number of moviegoers. Yet it makes perfect sense that it will be shown on the campus of University of Miami, famous for its strong medical school.

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

Though all actors are up to the challenge, it is the plot that makes The Inheritance shine.

The cast of renegades is as appealing as ever, and you'd only wish that the fictional folks of "Friends" or the cast of "Real World" were so free and nonjudgmental.

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

Touching.

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.