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.

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

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

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

Enlightening documentary.

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

Sharp, witty and decidedly different.

Campfire looks a bit drab, perhaps to show the dullness of Zionist life in the 1980s. But this doesn't take away from the poignancy of the film.

As film noirs go, this one is a classic.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Bertucelli nails it.

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

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

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.

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]

The camera work is impressive, his sense of humor sharp, and the characters are well defined. The story leaves something to be desired, but that doesn't mean you won't find situations or lines to enjoy in the comedy. [20 Oct 2006, p.G15]