Lee Just Watched: April 26 - May 9

1. Zigeunerweisen (1980): Strangley beautiful but ultimately inaccessable Japanese film about?????

2. Genghis Blues (1999): DOC, Blind blues singer from San Francisco Paul Pena masters the art of Tuvan 'throat Singing' and goes to Tuva to join in a singing competion. Very interesting look at both him and the Tuvan culture.

3. The Bridge (06): DOC. Excellent film about the suicides that take place on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, allegedly the most popular suicide destination in the world. BMM that we could actually see so many people jumping off during the one year period that the director kept his cameras filming towards the bridge. NWIE, WBTIE. I thought it would be an exploitative film preying on this terrible tragedy for money but not in the least. Interviews with all the 'jumpers' friends and families were fascinating and portrayed the depth of anguish experienced by many suffering from depression and other mental illnesses. WWW. LLI.

4. The Savages (07): Laura Linney and Philip Hoffman in fairly good film exploring the issues around caring for a parent (who you don't necessarily like or relate to) in their last days. Tough look at the world of nursing homes in our country.

5. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (07): Pretty harsh movie about two brothers who attempt to escape their troubles by robbing their parents jewelry store. Dark as hell. Well acted.

6. Jesus of Montreal (1989): An early film by wonderful director Denys Arcand set in Montreal. A restaging of a local church's annual 'Passion Play' yields powerful and unexpected results for everyone involved. WWW.

7. Like it Never Was Before (1995): Once again, Danish director Susanne Bier ('After the Wedding', 'Brothers') has BMM. In this early film she presents to us a unique and surprising story of a young family who's fate takes quite a turn when they go to the seaside for their vacation. LEM. WWW, LLI. I truly loved this film.

8. A Lawyer Walks Into a Bar (07): Not bad DOC that follows six hopeful lawyers to be as they prepare for the California Bar , the most difficult bar exam (according to this doc) in the U.S. Anyone involved in the Law will probably love it.

9. The Monastary: Mr. Vig and the Nun (06): Unusual DOC that follows an eccentric elderly Danish man who owns a huge run down castle and is attempting to fulfill his lifes' dream which is to turn it into a Russian Orthodox Monastary! WWW, probably NECOT. WOTBP. (way off the beaten path).

10. This is England (06): Absolutely BRILLIANT film about a young boy who has lost his dad to the Falkland's war in the 80's. Ostrasized and vulnerable in his working class English neigborhood he becomes involved with a local gang. EOS, LLI. The actors , all unknown, are astonishing and I would have liked to see both gang leaders win an academy award. The performances, every one, BMM.

11: Blackout (07): OKBNG . The intertwining stories of a group of characters living in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn N.Y. during the 2003 Blackout .

12. Joshua (07): Surprisingly disturbing psychological thriller starring actor Sam Rockwell ( who i happen to like very much). He and his wife have a son Joshua who becomes not so very nice after the birth of his new baby sister.. Set in NYC . I can't seem to get it out of my head (and would like to as soon as possible....)

13. Man Push Cart (05): I am looking forward to seeing any new films by this talented young director Ramin Bahrani. This small, simple yet potent movie follows a 20 something Pakistani immigrant ( & former Pakistani 'rock star') as he tries to deal with his past, present, and the NYC world he finds himself an integral part of. He runs a food cart in midtown Manhattan. I found myself caught up in his life very quickly and wish i could follow him and see what happens over the years. A sequel please Mr. Bahrani!. LEM.