Marta Barber

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.

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

Fails to capture the anguish and struggles of an ultra-Orthodox Jew adapting to a more secular world as did Amos Gitai's Kadosh, a film this one sometimes brings to mind.

Go for Zucker is far from a perfect film but it brings easy laughter and joy.

As film noirs go, this one is a classic.

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.

The beauty of Huo Ji Anqi's film transcends China's lush Hunan province to focus on the peace that comes from within.

What is evident from the film is that there was never any chance these two peoples could make a peaceful coexistence.

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

The War Within is dark and somber, adjectives that describe both the film's look and its message.

Adults expecting intellectual stimulation better skip this one. Not that the Philippe Muyl film is devoid of charm; it oozes it. The story is as predictable as a hot summer in South Florida.

Not an ordinary film.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

While Cacoyannis' film may not be totally faithful to the master's pen, for literature students and theater lovers, this Cherry Orchard is a rare treat.

Sometimes engaging, sometimes amusing and ultimately surprising.

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.

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

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.

An enchanting romantic comedy between two lost souls in the most unexpected of places.

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.

Ultimately feels like tiny films glued together by events that often test plausibility. The idea wears thin soon, and some of the characters and their tales get lost in the unstoppable domino chain.

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

The star is the coming together of East and West, and how art provides the medium.