10. Two Family House - Michael Rispoli delivers one of the best performances of the year in this thoughtful, sensitive, and emotional film. Two Family House is written and directed with careful sensitivity by Raymond De Felitta. This thoughtful film is not to be missed.
9. Nurse Betty - Neil LaBute's Nurse Betty, is a powerful and unusual motion picture. It is emotionally resonant, and has commanding storytelling. Renee Zellweger is wonderful.
8. High Fidelity - John Cusack is charming and funny in this intellectual comedy. The film is sharp and witty, and ultimately very fulfilling.
7. Almost Famous - Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous is a warm and friendly portrait of a young boy who stays with a rock band in the 1970s. The boy is supposed to be writing objectively for Rolling Stone about his experiences, but he is enchanted by the band and its groupies. Indeed, the film is vivid and affecting.
6. The Big Kahuna - The Big Kahuna is based on a stage play, and it occurs primarily in one room. Yet, it packs a strong emotinal impact. Kevin Spacey, Danny DeVito, and Peter Facinelli deliver impressive performances.
5. Billy Elliot - Billy Elliot is a wonderful film about real people, and believable conflicts. The film is honest, and it is bursting with sensitivity.
4. Unbreakable - M. Night Shyamalan delivers potent direction, in this absorbing drama. Bruce Willis is thoughtful and natural, and he is effective at the lead. Samuel L. Jackson is eloquent, and portrays his character with stunning complexity. Unbreakable powerful film.
3. Chocolat - In Chocolat, Lasse Hallstrom creates pure joy, and crafts a beautiful motion picture. Juliette Binoche is charming and radiant at the lead, and she is surrounded by a talented supporting cast. Rachel Portman's score is very beautiful.
2. Traffic - Steven Soderbergh wields powerful direction in the stunning drama, Traffic. Benicio Del Toro is amazing, as is Erika Christensen. The film hits hard, but it is also intimate.
1. Before Night Falls - Julian Schnabel's Before Night Falls is an intense and spirited motion picture. Javier Bardem is staggering at the lead, and he is surrouned by gorgeous imagery. Indeed, Before Night Falls is a masterpiece.
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