8. Last Night
As
the century ends, so too does the world, and this quiet, intelligent film follows
an ensemble cast as they prepare to spend their last six hours alive before
it all comes crashing down. There are no explosions, no explanations, just the
indescribably sad face of Sandra Oh as she tries to get across town to spend
her last moment with husband David Cronenberg. Directed and also starring Don
McKellar.
7. Walk On The Moon
Not
many people saw this small and lovely film about a Jewish housewife (Diane Lane)
who has an affair with the "Blouse Man," goes to Woodstock, and thinks
for herself, about herself, for the very first time in the tumultuous summer
of 1969. Starring Diane Lane, Liev Screibber, Viggo Morgensen, and Anna Pacquin.
Directed by Tony Goldwyn.
6. The Buena Vista Social
Club
"German director Wim
Wenders gives a lovely, dreamlike quality to this documentary about the
rediscovery of several Cuban musicians. The music is gorgeous, the Cuban atmosphere
steamy and inviting, and the interwoven portraits delivered with warmth, love
and earthy good humor." (From The
SF Chronicle.)
5.
Boys Don't Cry
Kimberly
Peirce's first feature film is based on the true story of Brandon Treena. If
you thought Gyneth Paltrow was at all convincing playing a boy in the saccharine
Shakespeare in Love, you need to see this movie. Hilary
Swank will astound you. She plays the young charmer passing as Brandon,
who cannot stay away from the girls. This movie hurts all along the way as it
moves its unavoidable tragic end. Chloë
Sevigny is wonderful as Swank's dreamy girl from the spinach factory.
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