Many great films have been mentioned here, like Audition.
But one that I haven't seen mentioned here is Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence.
Allthough it is a international production, this is the movie where Takeshi Kitano makes his break into serious film (he is originally a comedian). It is directed by award winning Nagisa Oshima. Also starring Ryuichi Sakamoto, who does an amazingly presentation of a second world war officer, compulsive perfectionist and filled with japanese pride. He has also composed the beautiful soundtrack that plays emotional harmonies truly beyond what you normaly see in POW movies. As Sakamoto himself says, this music is mysterious to both japanese and westerners.
David Bowie plays as well, a genuine portrait he performs. And his whole character contrasts the very existence that the rest of the people in the film are experiencing. Tom Conti, and actor I haven't seen much of also avoids the cliché's that british soldier roles often fall into.
Overall this film is amazing, it has a pace and a narrative that differs from any other film, but not in a why that alienates it. Rather contrary, after watching I wanted to become a part of the situation and understand even more. There are far too many aspects that come through in this film to even start to explain them here, you should all just watch it. And take your time, leave the popcorn in the kitchen, because you don't want to miss any of the tention or the drama.
-hostghost
