Harper Lee’s Pulitzer-winning novel brilliantly explores the trial of a young black man on trial for the rape of a white woman. We watch everything unfold from the point of view of the daughter of his lawyer, whose life in a racist community never phases his belief in justice.

Grade: A+.

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A crew of astronauts is sent to reboot the sun in this scientifically implausible, but highly entertaining independent science fiction thriller by director Danny Boyle. Eye-popping special effects sequences, a palpable sense of danger, a series of challenges, and a crew of highly eccentric characters ratchet up the suspense.

Grade: B+.

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Duncan Jones earns critical acclaim in his directorial debut with this science fiction picture about Sam, played by Sam Rockwell, an astronaut nearing the end of his three-year-contract at a mining station on the moon. Despite a small budget, this thriller features a great script and believable acting.

Grade: A.

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Irène Jacob stars in the conclusion of the stunning Krzysztof Kieślowski trilogy, in which a beautiful young model discovers and befriends a retired judge who is eavesdropping on the private conversations of his unwitting neighbors. The virtuosic cinematography, perfect acting performances, and brilliant script all contribute to sublime cinematic experience.

Grade: A+.

See also:

• Three Colors: White (1994)
• Three Colors: Blue (1993)

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Peter Sarsgaard, Campbell Scott, and Patricia Clarkson star in this tragic drama about a gay screenwriter whose agent wants him to rewrite his brilliant script to change the sexual orientation of the protagonists. The well-crafted story and nuanced acting performances bring this intriguing, engrossing story to an unpredictable conclusion.

Grade: B+.

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With Tim Burton at the helm and Johnny Depp starring as Willy Wonka in this remake of a 1971 classic, it’s impossible to imagine a more unique and bizarre vision. Creepy characters, astonishingly comical sets, weird musical numbers and a fairy tale script all contribute to a fun, unforgettable picture.

Grade: B.

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Penelope Cruz leads a phenomenal cast in this Pedro Almodóvar film. This beautiful character study follows the life of Raimunda, Cruz’s character, as she deals with her daughter, the death of her husband, and her dying aunt. Unbelievable acting, gorgeous cinematography, and an unforgettable script deliver a wonderfully rich story.

Grade: A-.

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Zoe Cassavetes wrote and directed this independent romantic comedy about a woman, Parker Posey as Norah, in her thirties stressing hard because all of her friends are coupled up and having kids. Somehow, her freaking out doesn’t come off as whiny and a competent cast makes this quirky picture enjoyable.

Grade: B.

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In the Louisiana bayou, the Batiste family, headed by the charming doctor Louis, played by Samuel L Jackson, has its share of problems. Louis’ infidelity and the strife it causes drive a wedge in the family. Young Eve, a precocious daughter, tells a painful story, wrapped in her family’s love.

Grade: B+.

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Sean Connery and newcomer Rob Brown star in this Gus Van Sant picture about a young writer in the Bronx who finds a reclusive Pulitzer-winning author and enlists his help with his writing. A well-written script, interesting supporting work, and solid lead acting performances make this film memorable.

Grade: A-.

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