An understated film about life contentment which Koji Yakusho delivers with depth of feeling (and deserved Best Actor award at Cannes). The smallest things matter in his life and his brief personal encounters are often tinged with sadness. He says little but expresses so much. A gentle odyssey by Wim Wenders who has created the zen of film making.

The first half of this excellent film keeps you on the edge of your seat - the journey to Germany is superbly told with many twists and turns.  The performances of the leading girls never fail to inspire and their story is so heartfelt and their relationship kept so real (they’re sisters in real life which must have contributed to their performances). A disturbing and inspiring film that puts refugees and their awful plight centre stage.  A film of our times that is not only relevant but dramatically strong too. I noted the Stephen Daldry credit which rubber stamped it for me.

A very moving and disturbing film based on real events about the fostering of Nigerian children in Tilbury in 1960s. It covers gang violence, radicalism and minorities. At the heart of the film is the very painful life journey of one of the children. This should have received a gong at BAFTA

A charming Britfilm about one woman’s campaign to save her local cinema - finely judged performance by Samantha Morton.  Good support from Erin Richards, Jonathan Pryce and all the children.  A fine blend of comedy and passion for a local cause that is well directed by Sara Sugarman