The top recommendation "Hit Me" has the makings of a definite cult classic, plus films by Caroline Link, Alison Anders and Bruno Barreto.
1. Hit Me
The debut film by Steven Shainberg (Secretary), an adaptation of Jim Thompson's novel "A Swell Looking Babe," stars Elias Koteas as a frustrated bellhop tangled in the criminal schemes of the hotel management. 
2. Four Days in September
New York based director Bruno Barreto returned home to Brazil for this political drama, based on the real life kidnapping of the American ambassador to Brazil in 1969. Alan Arkin stars as the sweet and personable ambassador.
3. Citizen Ruth
The first film by acclaimed director Alexander Payne and his writing partner Jim Taylor ("About Schmidt"). Laura Dern stars as a homeless, glue sniffing pregnant woman who gets caught up on both sides of the abortion rights movement.4. Beyond Silence
Caroline Link ("Nowhere in Africa") directed this Oscar Nominee for Best Foreign Film. Sylvie Testud is a woman living between the world of the hearing and the silent world of her deaf parents.5. Waking Up In Reno
Billy Bob Thornton, Natasha Richardson, Patrick Swayze, and Charlize Theron play a pair of married Arkansas couples and best friends whose secrets come to light when they hit the road for the biggest little city in the world.6. Things Behind The Sun
Alison Anders ("Gas Food LodgingÄ) directed this intensely personal film about rape. Starring Kim Deckens as rock vocalist Sherry McGrale.7. New York Stories
Three short films, directed by none other than Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese, and Francis Ford Coppola. An all star cast, intriguing stories, and unforgettable cameo by Steve Buscemi as the cute performance artist who woos Rosanna Arquette away from her older lover.8. The Life And Passion Of Jesus Christ/ From The Manger To The Cross
A double feature of early silent films. "The Life And Passion Of Jesus Christ" (1905) is directed by Lucien Nonguet and legendary fantasist Ferdinand Zecca and "From The Manger To The Cross" (1912) is directed by Sidney Olcott.9. Wings of The Dove
Helena Bonham Carter was queen of the British costume drama before she cut her hair and went edgy. Consumed by greed, she fuels her own heartache in this adaptation of the Henry James novel of the same name.