Everything Is Illuminated

How can I even begin to explain this movie? There is nothing like it out there. Deliciously weird. Way off beat. Painfully funny. More than likely spot-on true. Warmly sad. These scratch the surface. You just have to rent it to see the rest.

Elijah Wood continues to shake off his Frodo role. His character collects family memorabilia and in the process learns some interesting stories about his ancestors. To feed his fixation, he travels to the fatherland in search of a mysterious woman who appears in a photo with his grandfather. Along the way he meets some of the most memorable characters you will find in a movie like this.

Eugene Hutz, front man of a musical group called Gogol Bordello which also does much of the soundtrack, plays tour guide and translator to Wood's character. What he does to the English language is brilliant. It will keep you smiling if not panting with laughter.

And, speaking of the soundtrack, this is a great addition to your collection if you like music you'll never hear on the radio in this country. Gypsy polka rock? I don't know how else to describe it. It's fun, and it's perfect for this movie.

If you have ever gone of a real journey to learn about your family, you will relate to this wonderful story. It unfolds gently and by the time you realize what is going on it has lured you in. When the trap is spring you don't may have trouble deciding if you should weep with joy or sadness. Bittersweet is how I think the literati describe it. I did both.

Watch this movie with someone who you don't mind laughing AND crying with.