Black Souls

While his two younger siblings have chosen to be part of the Carbone crime family, eldest brother Luciano has opted to herd goats but when his son foolishly shoots up a tavern protected by a rival clan, Luciano is drawn into a blood feud.  Often hard to follow who is who and what side they are on but the story does keep your attention.  Thank God it has subtitles.  I give it a 6.  Stars Marco Leonardi; Peppina Mazzotta, Fabrizio Ferracane.

Desert Dancer

In this uplifting drama based on real events, Afshin Ghaffarian defies the government's prohibition against dancing in modern Iran and founds an underground dance company, with help from some courageous friends.  You will cheer Afshin on and be appalled at the laws and politics of Iran.  I give it a seven.   It stars Frieda Pinto, Reece Ritchie, Tom Cullen.

Woman In Gold

Six decades after World War II, Jewish octogenarian Maria Altman begins a quest to reclaim the art works confiscated from her family by the Nazis--including a famed Gustav Klint masterpiece.  Can't say a bad thing about this movie.  Put it on your list to see.  I give it an eight.  Stars:  Helen Mirran; Ryan Reynolds; Daniel Bruhl

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

In a sequel to the Golden Globe nominated film, hotel owner Sonny is overwhelmed with the task of finding a second property to accommodate the influx of new residents, while his up coming wedding plans maybe too much for the hotel's staff to handle.  Great to see all these fine actors back at the Marigold.  However, the sequel starts to drag after the first hour.  I give it a seven.  Stars:  Judi Dench; Maggie Smith; Bill Nighy; Dev Patel.

Cinderella

In this live-action retelling of Disney's animated classic, young Ella escapes from a life of drudgery by way of a fair godmother whose magic brings Ella face-to-face with the prince of her dreams.  Magical and truly a feel-good movie.  No dark parts in the movie, so do bring the kids.  I give is a seven.  Stars:  Lily James; Cate Blanchette; Holiday Granger.

Winter Sleep

With winter closing in, an Anatolia hotel owner prepares for the coming cold, but the severe weather transforms his cozy inn from a shelter into an emotional prison for the aging former actor, his resentful wife, and his recently divorced sister.  Anatolia is in Asia Minor and the western protrusion of Turkey.  Think "no man's land and barren". The movie is an emotional roller coaster with more philosophy than Aristotle could ever imagine.  The story can be confusing but you will get the drift.  The young wife hates the husband who is a conceited bully.  As for the sister, I would have divorced her too.  I give it a strong 4.  Stars Haluk Bilginer, Melisa Sozen, Demet Akbug.

Two Days, One Night

On the verge of losing her job, Sandra and her husband come up with a last-ditch strategy:  get her workmates to give up their bonuses so she can stay on.  With a single weekend to make it work, Sandra and her husband take her crusade for sympathy all over town.  A real twist for a French movie which usually leaves you up in the air on what really happened. Unusual subject, supportive husband, a real situation and a cut and dried ending.  You will be exhausted by the end as you follow Sandra around town.  I see why it won a Cannes Film Festival award.  I give it an 8.  Stars Marion Cotillard, Fabrizio Rongione, Oliver Gourmet.