1. Il Postino, (The Postman) - movie is in Italian - with English subtitles. I guess I would describe this film as a romantic comedy. The ending is bitter-sweet, but beautiful.
2. Hamam: The Turkish Bath - Another one with subtitles. Not sure how I'd describe this one. I guess it would be about a man disillusioned with his life and ready to pursue a dream. Shots are very artistic and sensual.
3. Surviving Picasso - Biopic of the famous painter. Starring Sir Anthony Hopkins in what I think is one of his best perfromances.
4. The Pianist - I cried my eyes out with this movie. I had never noticed Adrien Brody - and what a shame! His portrayal of a holocaust survivor is superb.
5. Frida - I have been a fan of Frida Kahlo for as long as I remember. I think I discovered her art after seeing one of Rivera's murals in the Casa de la Cultura in Mexico, but what interested me the most was her controversial life. When I first heard the rumor that a movie about her life would be made, I stayed on top and was very satisfied when Salma got the role (as opposed to Jennifer Lopez! *shudder*) It's a lovely movie - very realistic and careful of the details and facts of Frida's life.
6. In the Time of the Butterflies - Another biopic. (I think I really have a thing for these) It's basically about the Mirabal sisters during the Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic. It's kind of a slow movie, and it fails to do the book justice, but I'd still recommend it as the acting is truly memorable.
7. Callejon de los Milagros (Midaq Alley)- Pretty sad movie. I was depressed after I watched it - but at the same time, it made such an impact on me because watching it was like watching life. There's a little bit of everything in this movie.
8. El Pecado del Padre Amaro (The Crime of Father Amaro) - More subtitles! I think I recommended this one before. It's basically about a catholic priest who ends up not being able to follow the celibacy rules as the church demands from him. I love the movie. Very well done, and the acting was so great that even though I'm not religious, I was actually disturbed by it.
9. Secretary - I know this isn't a movie for everyone, but if you're not squicked by fetish/kinky stuff, then this is a must watch. Very sensual and in the end, rather lovely.
10. The Importance of Being Earnest - How could I not recommend this one? An excellent adaptation of Wilde's play. With Rupert Everett (*purrr*) in the lead role. I love this movie. This is humor. This is what comedies should be about.