Christy Brown was an Irish cerebal palsy victim who overcame his severe handicap to become a talented painter and author with just the use of his left foot. Daniel Day Lewis is totally and utterly convincing as Brown - using method acting he became Brown and his thoroughness makes the film a great one. find out more...

Guillermo Del Toro's blockbusting tale of a young girl struggling to make sense of the violent world around her was a big 2006 arthouse hit. Continuing his exploration of the impact of the Spanish Civil War on his generation (it was also the backdrop for his excellent ghost story, The Devil's Backbone) Del Toro's fantasy mixes strong horror with fairytale-style aesthetics to great effect, making Ofelia's escape into an imaginary realm a poignant response to the cruel realities of her existence. find out more...

Based on the Marquis de Sade's novel, 120 days of Sodom, and transposed to Fascist Italy circa 1944, this is Pasolini's most controversial work. Pasolini observes with unflinching gaze the systematic humiliation and torture of beautiful young boys and girls, herded into a palatial villa by various jaded, sadistic members of the wealthy upper classes. According to the director, the story was meant to be a metaphor for Fascism, but the revolting excesses shown on screen coupled with the fact that find out more...

In the austere aftermath of the Spanish Civil War young Anna sees "Frankenstein" at a travelling cinema, she becomes obsessed with the monster and her discovery of a fugitive, sheltering in a nearby house, only adds to her fear. Erice's eerie insight into children's imaginations is a lyrical, moving drama. find out more...

Set during WW2; Veronica is madly in love with her fiancé, Boris, who departs for the front to do his patriotic duty. The story unravels to depict a poignant portrayal of blameless individuals doing their best to survive the travails of tragedy and hardship in the face of such an all consuming conflict. The compelling narrative is complemented by stunning black and white cinematography and the film deservedly won the Cannes Palme d'Or in 1958, reintroducing Soviet cinema to the Western world. find out more...

When a Jewish German theatre director is forced into hiding his wife takes over making sure that the show goes on despite the chaos of war. Depardieu, playing a smooth-talking young luvvie hired for the leading role, provides the lust interest. Romantic theatrical thriller set in the occupied Paris of 1942. find out more...

A very sensual movie which earned the principal actress an award at the Berlin Film Festival. Set in the 2nd World,War, this is the story of a tragic love affair and a woman that will stop at nothing to protect her own. find out more...