Avaze gonjeshk-ha (Song of Sparrows)

Made in Iran; spoken in Persian with English subtitles; this powerful story is simple but sublime. Anyone who has ever lost a job should relate to this main character. Any father of a family should as well. And anyone who has enjoyed simple life in the country should get the metaphors.

Mohammad Amir Naji is brilliant. His comic timing is great. His character shows a range of emotions which is both real and touching.

This movie is about a guy who loses his job in the country and while in the city stumbles on a new way to make money for his family. His new enterprise changes him. Traps him.

Watch this movie with who may not totally appreciate their situation.

Så som i himmelen (As It Is In Heaven)

After taking a 20 year break from film making this Swedish writer director came back with a winner. Well, at least an Oscar nominated story. Not bad for a guy with a PhD in Statistics.

Michael Nyqvist, a well known face (and voice) in Sweden, delivers a very strong performance here as a gifted musician and director who struggles with his people relationships while searching for his dream or making great music.

The story takes him from international fame back to his rural hometown. There he is lured back into music and surrounded by the typical gathering of quirky townsfolk. In the process he learns to love and make music like never before.

If you don't understand choral music or what it takes to make it well, you may not enjoy this movie. On the other hand, if you appreciate good music, this story could be both instructive and entertaining. For some this movie will be inspirational. For others it will be tragic.

In Swedish, Italian, and English, all with English subtitles, this is a movie you have to pay attention to.

Watch this with someone who may not be able to stand and sing along at the end.