Bethlehem

An informant for Israel's Shin Bet intelligence service, Palestinian Sanfur is torn when his brother becomes an agency target.  His tragic choice is complicated by his relationship with Razi, the boss, mentor and father figure who hired him as a teen.  Very though provoking, however very tense as the continuing struggle between Jews and Arabs continues.  There are more that two sides--on the Palestinian side are several different factions fighting other Arab factions.  Take a tranquilizer before going because nothing in this part of the world ends well.  I give it a seven. 
Stars Tsahi Halevi, Sahdi Marei, Hitham Omari, Michal Shtamla.

The Lunchbox

When Mumbai's eerily reliable lunchbox delivery service erroneously sends a meal prepared by a young housewife to a lonely widower on the brink of retirement, the mistake ignites an exchange of notes and mutual fantasy between them.  First, I want you to know that it is French produced and we know what that means--good luck with the ending.  Very entertaining and well acted, this is a movie to see.  Although, you will want to smack the cheating husband.  But, you will love Auntie who is upstairs.  You will also have sympathy with the struggle of women.  I give it an 8.  Stars Irrfan Khan, Mimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Denzil Smith.

In Secret

Trapped in a loveless marriage to her insufferable cousin, Theres Raquin seeks solace in the arms of the attentive Laurent Le Claire.  But her quest for happiness may lead to tragedy.  Adopted from Emile Zola's classic novel.  Very French so I will not reveal any more of the story.  It definitely keeps your attention, so do not believe the reviews.  I give it a 7+.  Stars Elizabeth Olsen, Oscar Issac, Jessica Lange, Tom Felton.

Omar

With his girl friend, Nadia, living on the other side of an Israeli-built boundary wall, Young Palestinian Omar regularly scales it to visit her.  But he faces even greater obstacles after a lethal confrontation with an Israeli soldier.  Tense and unbelievable hostilities between the two sides.  Great acting and lots of drama.  I give it an 8.  Stars Adam Bakri and lyad Harani.

Omar

With his girl friend, Nadia, living on the other side of an Israeli-built boundary wall, young Palestinian Omar regularly scales it to visit her.  But he faces even greater obstacles after a lethal confrontation with an Israeli soldier.  Very tense and dramatic movie with hostilities between the Palestinians and the Israelis.  Be prepared for a "shock" ending.  I give it an 8.  Stars Adam Bakri; lyard Hurani; Samer Bitrarat.

Winter's Tale

Colin Farrell is a thief who breaks into an ill girl's home and then falls for her.  As the action shifts between past and present, the burglar also acquires a flying-horse guardian angel.  This is an adult fairy tale.  One just has to go with the flow and let your imagination run wild.  My friend and I found ourselves rooting for the flying horse.  This is one for your inner child.  Females will love it and guys will hate it, but who cares.  I give it a five +.  Stars Colin Farrell, Russel Crowe, Will Smith, Jennifer Connelly, Eva Marie Saint.

The Monuments Men

In a race against time, a crew of art historians and museum curators unite to recover renown works of art stolen by Nazis before Hitler destroys them.  Who knew?  For travelers to Europe, one will be amazed at the works of art stolen and set for demolition.  I remember the Madonna and Child in Bruges and am grateful that it was saved.  Don't believe the reviews, it was a good movie with an exciting end.  It is also an all star cast including George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman and Cate Blanchett.  I give it seven.