This Polish film was nominated for best foreign picture in 2008 and rightfully so. The year was 1939 and a group of Polish military officers were captured and imprisoned by Soviet troops, on the border of Poland. Based on true events, this film delves into the lives of those officers, their family members left behind and the steps that lead up to their deaths. This was a powerful movie of an event unfamiliar to me. From the moment the movie started, I was completely caught up in the story and at times, had to remind myself to breathe as the tension of this horrific period of time was depicted before my eyes. I believe history buffs and non-history buffs would appreciate this movie. As a side note: the director was only 13 when his father was part of this captured military group. His remains were never found. Polish with English subtitles.

3 1/3 stars — DVD

I am sure you saw the title to today’s movie review and thought to yourself why? Before you click away, chances are you never saw this version of a classic story. This version was done in 1947 by Jean Cocteau, one of the 20th century’s most multi-talented artists. I saw this movie on a public broadcasting station when I was a small child. Images from this movie have stayed with me all these years, they were that powerful for me. Watching this film on DVD recently, I was immediately transported to a fantasy world that was filled with every imaginable shade of colorful magic as the surreal, artistic black and white scenes unfolded before my eyes. There are times, I feel, where we need to let the inner child in us come out and play. With this movie you are in store, for not only letting that inner child come out and play, but seeing how a true artist made a movie before computers took over.  French with English subtitles.

3 1/3 stars — DVD

China in the 1920’s, the head of a powerful family weds his 4th wife, moving her into his compound with his three other wives. Each wife plots and schemes to gardner the attention of the lord and have the red lanterns hung in front of her residence, which meant he would be spending the night with her. This was a steady paced, fascinating story with the wonderful actress Gong Li (Memoirs of a Geisha, Farewell My Concubine), who did a quiet and powerful performance. The director had individual scenes set up to emphasis the emotions that were on display. I was totally into this film and think you will be too.  Chinese with English subtitles.

3 1/2 stars — DVD

This academy award winner for best foreign film was a touching movie. A newly unemployed cellist answers a want ad, thinking it has to do with the travel industry. Surprised by the actual job, he takes it but is too embarrassed to tell his wife. I found the ceremony he became involved in simply fascinating.  Do not pass up this movie gem. A Japanese film with subtitles.

3 1/2 stars — DVD

Not familiar with the French artist Seraphine, I was fascinated watching this movie of her life. With no formal training, at times by candlelight, she would draw these beautiful paintings in the naive style. Poor for most of her life, when Seraphine finally starting selling her paintings, she had no idea how to manage it. This award winning film should not be passed up. French with subtitles.

3 stars – DVD