The machine that makes it all possible.

Hidden Gems
These are films that haven't received as much noteriety as they should, either because of their subject matter or language barriers. These are the films I would have liked to have made—clever, gut-wrenching, witty, engrossing.

House of Sand and Fog (2003)
You must see this film. It's either the most ludicrous story or the most powerful piece of film I've seen in years. Iranian actress Shohreh Aghdashloo gives a sublime performance, probably the most noble and tragic portrayals of a woman's long-suffering life I've seen. Ben Kingsley and Jennifer Connelly are powerful and provide the momentum and energy to slip the story past almost over-the-top storyline. The only people who won't leave this film in tears are the dumb and blind.

Bread and Roses (2001)
Director Ken Loach explores every office worker's hidden shame: the people that clean up after them for poverty wages. Pilar Padilla stars as the illegal Mexican janitor who discovers the truth about American capitalism, but Elpidia Carrillo gives an electrifying, truly shattering portrayal as a woman forced to abandon her dreams pursuing the middle-class dream. 02/03