Gabrielle (2005)

French Drama and period piece - based on Joseph Conrad's short story - about marital infidelity and the costs. Married man neglects his lovely wife and she finds involvement elsewhere. This story is about what happens next. The costuming and set are lovely and the 2 leads are fascinating actors to watch. There is almost too much dialogue and monologue, but I still found this an interesting and thought provoking movie to watch. Reminded me of something D.H.Lawrence would write. 90 min.

My Mother's Smile (2002)

Italian drama - Such commotion in a family when the Catholic Church begins considering the deceased mother for canonization as a saint! One older brother converts seriously to Catholicism, another (pictured) becomes more staunchly atheist, as the women in the family see it a potential advantage for status and begin aligning their values with the church. Interesting look at religious politics and family values. 102 min.

The Man on the Train (2003)

French Drama - 2 men meet in a small village, one a bank robber and the other a retired school teacher. The school teacher offers the bank robber a room to stay and a slow developing but warm friendship begins. Each admires what the other has and wonders "what if" they had lived that life. Fine acting and scripting with insights into human psychology. 90 min.

The Triplets of Belleville (2003)

French animation - (with some sensuality) very little dialogue. Film tells the story of a working class woman with a son passionate to become a bicyclist and compete in the Tour de France. Unfortunately, the boy is kidnapped by gangsters during the race and carried across the Atlantic by ship to ride in a virtual theatre casino. Here Mafia bosses wager bets on competing cyclists. Story features a rescue attempt. Story characters are exaggerated and bizarre looking, not unlike a Tim Burton film. Lots of music. 80 minutes

Three Kings (1999)

War Drama - Iraq 1991 and 3 guys decide to try and get a hold of Saddam's gold stockpiled in a remote village in the desert. Terrible things happen as they fight the Iraqi Guard, rebels, and even their own forces for the loot. Interesting film and very well acted. George Clooney stars. 1 hr. 55 min.

The Son's Room (2002)

Italian Family Drama - Serious portrayal of a family coming apart after the loss of their oldest son. Great acting all around by the Father as a neurotic psychiatrist and the hard working emotional mom and an athletic daughter. Serious grief displayed here but with an upturning ending. Enjoyable 99 min.

Solas (2000)

Spanish Drama - Maria has been born into a poor family and has a bad attitude as well. Though pretty, she stomps on many opportunities with her cynical approach to people. With a little help from her mom and an older neighbor, she begins to tackle life in a more positive manner. Realistic, well-acted, well-scripted movie. And an upbeat finale. Worth the look. 102 min.

My Father and I (2002)

Belgian Drama (French language)- explores the subtle chemistry between a father and an abandoned son. Both are doctors. Father surprises the son with a visit after more than twenty years of absence, and causes major changes in the son's household, including relationships with his wife and his brother. Excellent acting and pacing, fine script. 1 hr. 40 min.

Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936)

Family Drama filmed in black and white - New York kid inherits his grandfather's fortune in England, and travels overseas with his mom to live in a castle. Complications arise when another boy appears he might be an elder grandson to the Earl. Fine performances all around and especially Freddie Barholomew as the young heir and Mickey Rooney appears as the shoeshine boy. 105 min.

Monsieur Ibrahim (2004)

French Drama - Paris Red Light District - a Jewish boy makes good friends with a Sufi grocer (Omar Shariff). The old man counsels him through loss of a girlfriend, loss of a parent, and financial hardship. The relationship peaks in an adoption, and the two travel together by car across Europe and onto Turkey, the old man's home. Fine acting, interesting set. And fun story too, tidbits of wisdom from the Koran. 95 min.

Respiro (2003)

Italian Drama - Southern Italian fishing village - Lovely mother (Valeria Golino) is prone to wild mood swings creating chaos in the community. She swims naked alone in the ocean and frees the local dog kennel of all the dogs. Her feuds with her family and friends force the town to send her to Milano for psychological treatment but she refuses. Great scenery and fine performances make this simple film pleasurable. 95 min.

My House in Umbria (2003)

Human Drama - filmed in lovely rural Italy. Survivors of a tragic train accident band together and recover in the villa of a wealthy English writer (Maggy Smith). Characters include a young American girl, a retired British general, and a German political activist. Plot complicates when the young American girl's uncle shows up to claim his kin. Fine acting and gorgeous cinematography. 103 min.

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)

Documentary on corporate scandal - Enron, energy company headquartered in Huston developed its own accounting system to boost profits and stock prices. The same company invaded the California energy market with furor forcing energy shortages to boost prices. Eventually financial analysts caught up with Enron and its stock prices fell. Enron declared bankruptcy and thousands of employees were layed off as executives were taken to court and prosecuted. Fascinating story and footage with interviews, actual company videos, and telephone recordings. 1 hr and 50 min.

The Great New Wonderful (2006)

Drama - New York a year after 9/11. Multi-story plot - man in denial about the loss of his co-workers, ambitious business woman selling high priced cakes, married couple with an out of control child, and two Indian security officers. The only time the characters all meet is riding in an elevator. Otherwise we see their lives unfolding and characters developing in brief glimpses and scenes throughout the film. Thoughtful and creative film. 87 min.

Far Away, So Close! (1993)

German Drama filmed in Berlin - Surrealistic - Angels watching over humans are filled with love and compassion but are not allowed to interfere. One angel, "Cassiel" (actor Otto Sander) witnesses a girl falling from a high rise balcony and must become human in order to save her life. The real story begins here as hero Cassiel must fight off human weaknesses including alcohol addiction, poverty, and unsavory relationships. Acting is excellent and the cinematography eloquent. Unusual movie. 2 hrs. 26 min.

A Walk On the Moon (1998)

Romantic Drama - Takes place in upstate New York during the late 1960's as Armstrong walks on the moon and hippies celebrate Woodstock. Disenchanted housewife with several children and an overworked husband rent a summer bungalow in a Jewish resort. Problems begin when the wife falls to the charms of a handsome blouse salesman. Fine performances by all the actors (major character development) and lovely music soundtracks from the 60's made this a memorable film. 1 hr. 47 min.

Osama (2003)

Afghani Drama - low budgeted documentary-type film displays women under the rule of the Taliban. Shot in a mountain village, the hero is a 12 year old girl who disguises herself as a boy to get a job to earn money for her family. She is not up to the task and gets caught, spends much of the film crying under various tortures. I think this story would have done better with a larger budget and better acting. 83 min.

Games of Love and Chance (2005)

French Drama - Muslim teenagers living in a suburb of Paris rehearse for a high school play about love. Gang member falls for an actress in the play and takes up acting to try and win her heart. Interesting results. Realistic movie and fine performances. 1 hr. 57 min.

Apres Vous (2005)

French Romantic Comedy - Amazing twist of events through this story. A love-forlorn man about to hang himself is saved by a passerby. They become great friends in fact as the good Samaritan provides a room, a job and even an attempt at the girlfriend lost. Problems occur when the Samaritan falls for the girl he is attempting to help his friend win back. Great acting makes this a fun movie to watch. 1 hr. 50 min.