Babel, Children of Men, and Pan's Labyrinth

They are three of the best films of 2006, surely to make almost anyone's top ten list. And they were directed by three of the most relevant filmmakers working today. They are friends and colleagues who together have revitalized Mexican cinema with daring and innovating projects. I've seen all three, and would highly recommend all of them.

BABEL- Alejandro Gonzales Innaritu directed the Golden Globe Winner for best drama. Set in Morocco, Japan, Mexico and the United States, it weaves seemingly unrelated stories together to tell a story about miscommunication and misunderstandings. A complex film that requires the audience to pay attention, BABEL speaks to the need for greater cultural understanding at home and abroad. The cinematography of the film is dazzling, from the deserts of Morocco the the discos of Tokyo. The biblical legend of Babel says that God was angry when the people tried to build a tower to reach heaven. In his anger, God made them where they could not understand each other. BABEL the film is a far more interesting story about what can go wrong when intentions and actions are not understood.

CHILDREN OF MEN- Wow! Could be a word that described my reaction after seeing this film. It is disturbing and thrilling, wonderful and nightmarish. Alfonso Cuaron directs what can only be called a cinematic masterpiece. Set in a near future racked by warfare, disease and famine, the island of Britain "stands alone" as the last refuge of civilization in a dying world. And to add the finale to the future of humanity, women cannot bear children anymore. The last child born is 18 years old. Then, a woman becomes pregnant. But the woman is an outcast-a "fugee." An anti-hero rises to the challenge of helping her. That is probably the only part of the film that fits a formula. A dense and awe-inspiring film, it is definitely on the "must see" list. The underlying themes of racism and fascism in the face of national crisis demand that the viewer think about some current trends. The film is based on the novel by P.D. James. Unfortunately, I have not read it yet. I will be soon!