Conventional, but intensely passionate, war movie.

Burman tends to focus very tightly on the details of individual identity - religion, nationality, gender. It is all the more striking, then, that his restrained and unassuming films are wise enough to speak to every adult.

As good as Nolte is, the relatively unknown Morgan matches him scene for scene. And he's not the only impressive newcomer. Remarkably, this confident indie is the first feature from writer-director Ponsoldt, who shuns any slickness to embrace the rough edges of his low-budget, bare-bones story.

Fans are, obviously, most likely to appreciate the concert footage that's woven throughout the film. But the most powerful moments come offstage, when we see young audience members burn with the fresh outrage of the newly enlightened.

The Painted Veil may begin too slowly, but it also ends too soon.

It's a must for those who like thrills laced with a sense of humor.

Narrated by Nicole Kidman, this poignant documentary tells only half the story of three Sudanese "lost boys" who emigrate to America. Though it doesn't delve as deep as it should, this movie will still break your heart.

Director Wisit Sasanatieng uses every trick imaginable to create surreal postmodern nostalgia. Has he wound up with pure camp, or a cult classic? As he clearly understands, the best B-movies are both.

Naive or wicked, idealist or egomaniac: Nothing in Ralph Nader's character is agreed upon by everyone in this fascinating biography - with one exception. And the title says it all.

Heated speeches about the International Monetary Fund, debt relief and global responsibility may not sound like your idea of Friday-night entertainment, but Sissako makes a strong case.

Csupo needed two very gifted leads to do this beloved story justice, and found them in AnnaSophia Robb and Josh Hutcherson.

Rarely has Paris seemed more enchanting than in Danièle Thompson's optimistic ode to Gallic romance.

Filmmakers Vardit Bilu and Dalia Hagar don't seem as interested in taking sides as they do in exploring universal themes.

Jasmila Zbanic's poignant drama reminds us that the aftershocks of war linger for generations.

Bong's primary point is dead-on: Battling bureaucracy, from dishonest government leaders to indifferent civil servants, is the biggest horror of all.

The Namesake is suffused with radiant grace, and manages to be old-fashioned yet immediate, epic and intimate.

Jensen tarnishes the lining of every cloud in one wickedly funny scene after another.

The film leaves us wondering about all the war stories we haven't heard.

The characters may suffer once the bride walks down the aisle, but Bier, Jensen and their first-rate cast work together like a match made in heaven.

The movie's intense focus skillfully exposes the raw pain just under the skin of a seemingly ordinary citizen.

What Disturbia lacks in complexity, it makes up for in witty jokes, sneaky jolts and a timeless lesson: If you've got windows, someone's always watching.

While some may be put off by Peggy's wild-eyed mania, and the film's broadly comic tone, Shannon makes this lost spirit strikingly sympathetic.

The kind of thriller we've seen a thousand times before. Fortunately, nobody told leads, Ryan Gosling and Anthony Hopkins, both of whom devoutly believe they're in another, better movie.

An old-fashioned joy.

Plenty of films owe a debt to "The Godfather," but it's rare to see inspiration used as successfully as it is here.

If Chalk had been made by Christopher Guest - an obvious influence - it would get the attention it deserves. Packed with sly jokes, hilarious performances and sad truths, the movie will probably become a cult classic among educators.

Once isn't especially complex, but the chemistry between its appealing leads (who contribute to the lovely score) feels deeply true. You'd have to look awfully hard to find such sincerity in a Hollywood romance.

While the sequel isn't as unrelentingly gory as the original, there are still rivers of blood.