Thornton Wilder tells the story of five people killed in the collapse of a bridge in Peru in 1714. A priest, confident of his ability to explain the theological reasons for these specific people to die, thoroughly investigates the victims. This masterful novel explores life and death, community and religion.

Grade: A.

0.3

Curious young Alexandria has badly broken her arm and meets an injured silent film stuntman in this incredibly original fantasy adventure set in Los Angeles in the 1920s. With unbelievable sets, very imaginative cinematography, and a thoroughly engrossing story, this superb film delivers a unique juxtaposition between reality and fantasy.

Grade: A.

0.3

When his bride finally arrives to his farm in Minnesota in the 1920s, Olaf and his community are shocked to find out she’s German and not Norwegian. This beautifully sparse character piece tells the story of the couple struggling with social disapproval and their backbreaking effort to build a life.

Grade: B.

0.3

When two successful young friends decide they’ve had enough with the battle of the sexes, they arrange to keep a pair of blue collar guys for sexual purposes. This predictable feel-good romantic comedy strains credibility frequently, especially when feelings start to develop and other successful people meet the boys.

Grade: C+.

0.3

In this second installment of Kieślowski’s phenomenal cinematic trilogy, Zbigniew Zamachowski stars as a depressed, impotent man whose sexually unfulfilled wife, played by Julie Delpy, is leaving him. His convoluted scheme to win her back is engrossing. The look, sound, script, and characters in this gorgeous film are completely unforgettable.

Grade: A.

See also:

• Three Colors: Blue (1993)

0.3

Krzysztof Kieślowski wrote and directed this stunning first installment of his virtuoso trilogy named for the colors of the French flag. Juliette Binoche delivers an unforgettable performance as Julie, the young widow of a famous composer who is trying to deal with the tragedy of losing her husband and daughter.

Grade: A++.

0.3

Jamie flew in from Atlanta to spend the weekend in Brooklyn with a friend who is nowhere to be found. She meets Charlie in the subway station and the two spend the weekend together. This quiet low-budget independent character study has a beautiful introspective script and engaging, understated acting.

Grade: A.

0.3

Kate Winslet, Judi Dench, Jim Broadbent, and Hugh Bonneville star in this biographical piece about novelist Iris Murdoch and her husband, John Bayley, from their student days to her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Wonderfully nuanced acting in both sets of the couple bring the story, sometimes painfully, to the screen.

Grade: B.

0.3

In post-apocalyptic America, a lone traveller heads west, trying to avoid trouble, usually in vain. Gangs of roving bandits rape, rob, and kill, but Eli is guided by a higher purpose. This entertaining adventure picture has lots of gripping fight sequences, a believable story, and a truly menacing villain.

Grade: B+.

0.3

Frank, a Scottish shipbuilder, gets laid off after decades on the job. He decides, after using the local pool to take his mind off his unemployment, to swim the English Channel. This wonderful little gem tells the story of one man’s refusal to accept limitations and his perseverance through adversity.

Grade: A-.

0.3