Did anyone see this amazing film? I know probably a lot of people were scared off by the fact that it is subtitled and I think the advertising, whatever it was, probably misrepresented the film to some degree. That said, I think it's one of the best movies of 2006, up with The Prestige and Casino Royale in my top 3. The cinematography is stunning and beautiful and the story creative, provocative and sad. I will warn you that although it looks like a fairy tale (and it is) it is NOT for children or those who can't handle extreme material. It's rated R for a good reason - brutal and sometimes graphic violence intensified by tense character-driven peril. I found myself looking through my hands in a scene or two. It's as much or more of a war film as it is a fantasy, so be prepared. Also don't worry too much about the subtitles. As long as you can devote your attention to watching the movie, you'll soon find that you forgot you were reading and are just participating in the proceedings. For those who care to see something different and can stomach the content, I found Pan's Labyrinth to be a rewarding film experience. I may get the DVD when it comes out.

Oh, and for my own amusement, my updated top 10 list for 2006, though I'm not sure about much past the top 5. 1. The Prestige 2. Pan's Labyrinth 3. Casino Royale 4. Stranger Than Fiction 5. V for Vendetta 6. Deja Vu 7. Snakes on a Plane 8. Monster House 9. Lady in the Water 10. Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest

Pan's was good. No room for The Departed in your top ten? It only got best picture at the Academy Awards.

The Academy is a joke, we all know that, so no, I don't care what they think. Besides, who gives Best Picture to what's basically a remake? The Departed may have been deserving, but I think most would say it's not nearly as deserving as Goodfellas or Raging Bull, etc. So either this is a bad year for movies, or it was a pity Oscar for Marty. Or both. But it's a good question. I struggled with where to put the The Departed. It could almost go anywhere from number 6 to number 11. I was just seriously underwhelmed with it. With everyone raving about how good it was, and of course the reputation of Mr. Scorsese, I guess I expected something more. Maybe I just don't like gangster films that much... If you want, picture it at 6, 7 or 8 and shove Pirates off the bottom.