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4Some
Czech Republic, 2012, 78 min.
Directed by Jan Hrebejk (Divided We Fall, Kawasaki’s Rose), this light-hearted sex comedy takes two middle-aged couples who agree to a foursome, plops them down on a tropical island and chronicles the fallout with a sly wit and a sunny disposition.... more
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Allez, Eddy!
Belgium, 2012, 97 min.
A heartwarming, brightly stylized, comic coming-of-age tale about 11-year-old cycling whiz Freddy and the arrival of the first supermarket in his small Belgian village. Change brings disruption, but also opportunity.... more
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The Angels’ Share
United Kingdom, 2012, 101 min.
From acclaimed director Ken Loach comes a spirited crime caper that follows a gang of misfits who hatch a scheme to steal the world's most expensive whisky. A heart-warming ode to the importance of human friendship and forgiveness – and the “water of life”. Winner: Special Jury Prize, Cannes Film Fe... more
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Bwakaw
Philippines, 2012, 110 min.
One of the year’s most charming surprises, this life-affirming comic drama stars veteran Filipino superstar Eddie Garcia as Rene, an elderly, hilariously cantankerous gay man coming out of his shell late in life. Winner: Audience Choice, Best Actor, Cinemalaya.... more
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The Clown
Brazil, 2011, 88 min.
That dream of running away to join the circus? It works in reverse here. Benjamin is a loveable clown who quits the traveling circus run by his father in search of a fan (the electrical kind) and a permanent address. Best Film, Cinema Brazil Grand Prize.... more
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Either Way
Iceland, 2011, 85 min.
Two highway maintenance men in 1980s Iceland find themselves at a literal and figurative crossroads in this beguiling character-driven dramedy that uses the harshly beautiful landscape as a principal character. Best Film, Torino Film Festival.... more
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English Vinglish
India, 2012, 133 min.
An Indian wife and mother rediscovers her self-worth when she secretly enrolls in an accelerated English class during a stay in New York. This sweet, funny audience-pleaser proves a winning comeback vehicle for Indian megastar Sridevi after a lengthy hiatus.... more
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I Belong
Norway, 2012, 117 min.
A Norwegian tragicomedy about how people who mean well end up hurting one another, and how acting on integrity and feelings is seen as troublesome in a rationalist society. Best Nordic Film, Haugesund Film Festival.... more
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I Do
USA, 2012, 91 min.
Jack has dedicated himself to raising his niece since the tragic death of his brother seven years earlier – so when his work visa runs out, a “green card” marriage seems like an easy option. Until he falls in love with another man… Winner: Audience Award, Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival... more
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The Intouchables
France, 2011, 112 min.
The year’s biggest French hit (and Oscar submission) has also struck a chord with North American audiences. Francois Cluzet is the quadriplegic aristocrat who hires a young man from the projects (Omar Sy) to look after him. It’s funny, moving, a film that works.... more
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Jump
Ireland, 2012, 84 min.
A fateful New Year’s Eve throws half a dozen characters into cross-purposes in this complex, wildly inventive and occasionally giddy mix of crime caper, romance and moral tale from Northern Ireland.... more
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Key of Life
Japan, 2012, 128 min.
Japan's master of screwball comedy Kenji Uchida returns with this cynical and hilarious tale about a failed actor who switches identities with a stranger at a bath house — only to find himself filling the shoes of an elite assassin.... more
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King Curling
Norway, 2011, 75 min.
Evoking comparisons to The Big Lebowski and the films of Wes Anderson, Ole Endresen’s hilarious debut follows the comeback of a mentally unstable curling champion, turning the tropes of the “sports comeback” movie on their collective heads in the process.... more
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Magnificent Presence
Italy, 2012, 105 min.
A penurious aspiring actor (Elio Germano) takes an apartment already occupied by the ghosts of an old theatrical troupe in this light, engaging entertainment from Italy’s leading gay filmmaker, Ferzan Ozpetek (Loose Cannons; Facing Windows). Audience Award. Moscow Film Festival... more
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Margarita
Canada, 2012, 91 min.
A cash-strapped middle-class Toronto family reluctantly fires their Mexican-born nanny Margarita, only to discover just how indispensable she really is. Unfortunately she is also illegal, which makes everything that much stickier in this quirky lesbian-themed comedy-drama.... more
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Mental
Australia, 2012, 116 min.
PJ Hogan reteams with Muriel’s Wedding star Toni Collette in this raucous and uproarious Australian comedy about an unconventional, bong-smoking nanny plucked off the street to care for the five daughters of an ambitious small town politician.... more
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Papadopoulos & Sons
United Kingdom, 2012, 105 min.
No one does crisis like the Greeks. This feel-good comedy follows a London Greek family who lose it all in the latest economic crash – everything except a derelict fish and chip shop. Audience Award, Thessaloniki Film Festival.... more
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The Pervert’s Guide to Ideology
United Kingdom, 2012, 134 min.
Courtesy of director Sophie Fiennes, this follow-up to her instant classic The Pervert’s Guide to Cinema, once again stars sly frontman and philosophical provocateur Slavoj Zizek; it’s the fun philosophy course you wish you could have taken in college - loaded with clips from classic films.... more
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Playground Chronicles
France, 2012, 85 min.
Brahim Fritah conveys the magic of childhood through whimsical visuals in this comedic chronicle of 10-year-old Brahim’s adventures in the Parisian suburbs, circa 1980. With charm to burn, its evocation of those last, best days of youth is warmly infectious.... more
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Putzel
USA, 2012, 88 min.
Walter (Jack Carpenter) — a “putzel” (little putz) — is content to succeed his uncle in the family’s fish business. But his uncle’s new paramour Sally (Melanie Lynskey) sees potential in the lad… Jason Chaet’s engaging debut is a breezy coming-of-age tale.... more
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Road North
Finland, 2012, 110 min.
A prodigal father returns to Helsinki to reconnect with the son he abandoned 35 years earlier and con him into a journey towards the Arctic Circle in this jaunty comedy, one of Finland’s biggest box office hits of the past year.... more
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The Sapphires
Australia, 2012, 99 min.
Sparkling soul music and raucous humor anchor Wayne Blair’s irresistible tale, based on the real-life story of an all-female Aboriginal singing group in 1960s Australia that went from folk to soul with unexpected success. The feel-good film of the year.... more
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Stand Up Guys
USA, 2012, 94 min.
They don't make 'em like they used to! Pacino, Walken and Arkin play former gangsters who reunite for one last night on the town in this spicy, tongue-in-cheek, geriatric action comedy.... more
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Unfair World
Greece, 2011, 118 min.
An unorthodox, burnt-out Greek cop decides to forgive all those who are treated unfairly in life – a decision that is clearly asking for trouble. Influenced by Aki Kaurismäki, this minimalist comedy, police procedural and character study won best director and acting awards at the San Sebastian Film... more
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Unfinished Song
United Kingdom, 2011, 93 min.
A curmudgeonly pensioner takes his ailing wife’s place in their unconventional local choir, with hilarious results. A stellar cast including Terence Stamp and Vanessa Redgrave lead this charming, tear-jerking tale about coming to terms with love and loss.... more
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The World is Funny
Israel, 2012, 127 min.
Reality and fantasy cleverly intertwine in this ambitious, multi-strand tale about storytelling and a fractured Israeli family. A charming comedy from the director of Palm Springs favorites Aviva My Love and Bonjour Monsieur Shlomi.... more
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