1. Hotel Rwanda A film that left me speechless at its end. This true story tells of one human being’s selfless guile that saved nearly 1300 lives in war ravaged Rwanda in 1994. Paul Rusesabagina and his family faced certain, cruel death as he called in every favor owed him by friends and enemies alike, and he sheltered these children, women and men in the luxury hotel he managed. Living in a society where tribal distinctions can be deadly, Paul had to think on his feet, as he faced down a marauding Hutu military committed to the annihilation of all Tutsi’s and Tutsi sympathizers. Paul was Hutu but his wife Tatiana, and therefore their children, were Tutsi.

   Hope, in the face of overwhelming terror and complete abandonment by governments and institutions, including the UN, is the prevailing theme I was left with. Though I still have to question our humanity as I watch the bloodshed continue in the Sudan. "Hotel Rwanda" delivers the body blows that will take you out of yourself, at least for a while; then you are reminded that the human spirit is powerful.

   Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo deliver startling portrayals.
    

2. Sideways Wine, women…and men! This tour through wine country in California reveals a glimpse at the inner workings of the minds of two fortyish guys out for a good time. I can’t resist the temptation to say that those machinations are not too different from what you observe with twentyish males. It’s what’s at stake that is different. Miles wants to give his best friend Jack, who’s about to get married, a week of fine wine, savory food and some great golf. Jack just wants to bed as many women as possible. And Miles has been in a funk for two years, since his wife divorced him. Enter Maya and Stephanie, and the seriously funny games begin. A look at modern relationships, from the hook-up to the let down. A great ensemble cast.
    
3. Before Sunset Man, woman…and Paris! With a couple of hours left in Paris before he has to catch a plane Jesse comes face to face with Celine, his former lover. The story of their first encounter is the film "Before Sunrise," available on DVD. They promised to meet each other in six months. That was nine years ago. Their real time conversation carries the two through the streets of Paris, as they rediscover each other. The most romantic picture of the year.
    
4. The Aviator Howard Hughes, an enigmatic figure that dominated headlines as much for his romantic escapades and eccentricities as for his business ventures. Leonardo DiCaprio captures the nuances of this complex screenplay directed by Martin Scorsese.
    
5. The Sea Inside True story of paralyzed Spanish writer Ramon Sampedro (remarkably portrayed by Javier Bardem) and his 30 year court battle for the right to die.
    
6. Kinsey The story of the study by the famous sex researcher who revolutionized, and in some quarters scandalized society’s notion and nature of sexuality.
    
7. Ray A brilliant performance by Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles, in a revealing and swinging look at the musical genius. Our pick as the best actor for 2004.

    

8. Vera Drake Mike Leigh, the sort of quintessential English filmmaker, presents a sensitive and sober portrait of a woman who performed illegal abortions in 1950s England. Imelda Staunton disappears into her role with the best performance by an actress in 2004.
    
9. A Very Long Engagement The very best anti-war film is this story about war and the devastation it visits on everyone. Audrey Tautou stars as a young woman searching for her presumed dead fiancée during WW One.

10. The House of Flying Daggers A most glorious cinematic display. And the love story is all consuming as well. The vibrancy of color is as exciting as the martial arts techniques. It’s worth the price of admission just to see the performance of the Echo Game. From Yimou Zhang, the director of "Hero."

To round out my top 25 choices for 2004…