My Favorite Movies

This bittersweet love story is a musical masterpiece for people who don't like musicals.

Crushing! This photographer-turned-director lavishes so much attention on the cinematography that the movie feels almost like a series of stunning photographic stills. These frozen moments communicate the emotional and physical landscapes (or climates, if you will) of these characters as well or better than the spare (but spirited) dialogue. The film's slow, deliberate pace captures nuances that culminate in a big emotional punch.

One of the freshest films at last year's Chicago International Film Festival. The acting is somewhat amateurish--but this quibble is soon forgotten. as the dialogue and characters' actions render them so real and believable that after a while, you wonder if they really are acting at all. There is something very truthful about this film--and the often unflattering depictions of the characters. It's an honest--and often funny and thought-provoking--examination of two lonely, immature people trying to forge a connection in a city that's best known for it's superficiality and disconnection. The movie made you love these imperfect characters as well as the imperfect city that provided the backdrop. Reminded me slightly of Before Sunrise--but made that movie (which I also love) seem like a Hollywood fairytale. This is the anti-Before Sunrise. Also reminded me slightly of Chasing Amy--only much less whiny. I'd really like to watch this agin--can't wait for distribution and/or DVD.

This is not 3 hours! That's a lie. This movie is at least 6 hours! (No kidding). But you'll be so hooked after the first hour, it won't feel like torture. I promise. Originally made for Italian TV, this "sweeping" saga is a cross between The Thorn Birds, The Motorcyle Diaries, and The Godfather...in a good way. I promise.