The Class (French Subtitle)

Teaser: An exploration of a Parisian school teacher trying to navigate his insecurities and the problems of his class.

Best Feature: Great performances. A very multilayered examination of the teacher-student dynamic. Does not try to take the easy way out. Main character inspires and disgusts you at various moments.

Worst Feature: Not much in the way of action or controversy.

My Ranking: Top 5 Entire Drama Genre
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_class/

No Country For Old Men

Teaser: After finding bags full of money, a man must try to escape its rightful owner without losing his family and his life.

Best Feature: Suspense. Acting is brilliant in this film. The greatest villain, maybe of all time. The story is slow, but full of such rich methodical performances.

Worst Feature: Slow moving plot line. Typical Coen Brothers quirkiness.

This was one of the best thrillers I have ever seen. By far the best villain of the past 20 years. Amazing performances from Brolan, Jones and Bardem.

My Ranking: Top 5 Entire Drama Genre
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/no_country_for_old_men/

Traffic

Teaser: A very serious, academic look into the war on drugs told through the eyes of different players on both sides of that war.

Best Feature: It is the most entertaining serious movie that I have seen. Flows evenly even though it is following different characters in completely different locations. Great acting.

Worst Feature: Some may find it too preachy. Other than addressing the issue from an academic standpoint, the movie does not really have a linear story (think along the lines of Babel).

This is my favorite politically motivated movie of all time. It has the essence of a great serial drama in its ability to make you think all the while telling a serious story that keeps you entertained. Rarely do you find a movie with so many high profile actors and not see them step on eachother's toes.

My Ranking: Top 5 Entire Drama Genre
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1103281-traffic/

Y Tu Mama Tambien (Spanish Subtitle)

Teaser: A woman finds out her husband is unfaithful and in a fit of anger decides to go on a road trip with two young boys and do everything her high society marriage would not allow her to do.

Best Features: Amazing chemistry between the actors, even when they are not making love. A very good road trip story. The discovery of various locations in Mexico is source of enjoyment within itself. Underlying political message is heartfelt and adds to the depth of the narrative.

Worst Features: You cannot watch this movie with people you are not comfortable with. Is not for people who do not enjoy movies with narration. A coming of age story with no real linear conclusion.

This movie has become famous in America for its explicit sex scenes. However, the thing that caught my attention most about this movie was how great the younger actors carried the excitement of the plot. It is a movie about the meaning of friendship more than sex and is one that will have you rooting for that throughout.

My Ranking: Top 10 Entire Drama Genre
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/y-tu-mama-tambien/

A Prophet (French and Arabic Subtitles)

Teaser: An Arab man finds himself in a French prison run by young Islamic criminals and old Corsican criminals. He must navigate these two worlds to ensure his survival, finding that you can learn a thing or two just by listening

Best Feature: The suspense is astounding and it is carried with expertise by the main character. The growth of the story is epic, leaving the viewer truly caring for the characters. Perfect blend of plot and action.

Worst Feature: Might run a little long for some.

This movie adroitly blends great storytelling, suspense, action and an ethical undertone in a thriller that is as entertaining as any movie I have seen in a while. You will have a hard time finding more heart in another gangster flick.

My Ranking: Top 10 Entire Drama Genre
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1213205-prophet/

Fish Tank

Teaser: A 15 year old girl in a London projects goes through life trying to escape the problems in her home and her life, while trying to pursue her dreams of becoming a dancer.

Best Feature: The lead actress carries the film on her own. A very disturbing, but interesting performance by Michael Fassbender (X-Men: First Class). Has a very fluid journey feel that keeps the audience captivated (think Stand By Me).

Worst Feature: Very slow moving plot, conclusion may not be as satisfying as some may hope.

This movie is great in that you are brought into the world of a main character, who is interesting in her own right, and then just when you think the pace of the movie might be slowing the plot takes a "somewhat" unexpected turn and finishes with an eclectic pace. Most movies that follow this formula drone on for the first 40 minutes and then you are treated to an accelerated and exciting last 30. I think this movie achieves being interesting in the beginning and then tantalizing us with its conclusion.

My Ranking: Top Ten Entire Drama Genre
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fish_tank/