The Ledge (2011)

Are you willing to die for your beliefs?  Charlie Hunnam (of Sons of Anarchy fame) and Patrick Wilson face off over both religious differences and the love of Liv Tyler's character.  The great Terrance Howard is trying to keep his world from spinning out of control and his target from jumping from a ledge.  Twisted and odd as this story seems to some, it's all very plausible.

The characters are compelling and the story works even though it may feel way off base to many of us.  Hunnam's character may have been played by an older guy but Charlie makes it work, and makes us like him.

Although this movie was shot in Baton Rouge, Louisiana there are not discernible southern or creole accents.  Perhaps that made it an easier sell on the coasts?

Watch this movie with someone who needs to learn to tell stories faster.

Hævnen (In a Better World) 2010

Well deserving of the "foreign film" Oscar, this Danish story of two struggling families covers multiple current topical problems.  Sewn together in ways you won't expect, the smart and touching script may speak to you directly one way or another.

If you have dealt with the loss of a loved one, bullies, a broken family, braces, teen angst, or children with emotional problems, you will find someone in this story to relate to.

Mikael Persbrandt and Ulrich Thomsen play successful men with troubled sons.  The sons are played by Willian Nielson and Markus Rygaard in their first big screen performances.  All are very intense and enjoyable to watch. Trine Dyrholm plays the main Mom in the story and has a range of emotion that may have been played by Streep had this been an American production.

I will be very surprised if you find you heart does not go out to both these families in one way or another.

Watch this movie with someone who felt they had a troubled childhood.