Some of the finest films of 2008 come to DVD this week: Mike Leigh's Happy-Go-Lucky, the Swedish vampire film Let The Right One In, Gus Van Sant's Academy Award winner Milk, and the French drama A Secret.
1. Happy-Go-Lucky
Miramax
Mike Leigh's seemingly simple story of an optimistic London elementary teacher is told in an unassuming episodic structure, but by the film's gentle, perfect end, you'll realize you have been seduced. Sadie Hawkins gives the best performance of 2008 as the exuberant Poppy. More than just charming, Happy-Go-Lucky may even brighten your outlook on life - or at least give greater credence to the power of good cheer.
2. Let The Right One In
Magnolia Home Entertainment
The best vampire film of 2008 wasn't Twilight; it was the Swedish gem Let' The Right One In. Director Tomas Alfredson infuses vampire horror with an art house sensibility in a way that heightens the pleasures of both. The remarkable Lina Leandersson stars as the ancient child vampire Eli. She bites throats and melts hearts.
3. Milk
Universal Studios
Indie filmmaker Gus van Sant (Elephant, Paranoid Park) has crafted a traditional biopic about historic figure Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office in this country. Sean Penn won his second Academy Award for his wonderful performance as the easy-to-smile Milk, a formerly closeted office worker who, approaching his fortieth birthday, realized it was time to be true to himself. Dustin Lance Black also received an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
4. A Secret
Strand
French filmmaker Claude Miller has crafted a traditional, engrossing narrative with A Secret, the story of a Jewish family in France in the aftermath of the Holocaust. The fine ensemble cast features Cecile de France, Matthieu Almaric, Patrick Bruel, and an almost unrecognizable Ludivine Sagnier, cast against type as the plain and loving Hannah.
