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Absolutely brilliant piece of filmmaking which ranks as one of the decade's finest American films. A remarkable ensemble piece with superb actors in just about every role, "The Ice Storm" often seems like the true heir to Ingmar Bergman's throne: a disturbing and utterly truthful domestic tragedy. Cinematographer Frederick Elmes and composer Mychael Danna each deserve a medal for their stunning work. A contemporary masterpiece!

If European films strove for the depth, truth and honesty displayed in "Nil By Mouth", then maybe European cinema could once again become relevant and vital to European audiences. Instead of imitating the sentimentality of Hollywood filmmaking, "Nil By Mouth" shows the inimitable power of a film based on superb acting and honest storytelling. There is hope, after all, for European films.

Even the best films of the 1990's can't compete with "Raging Bull". This is a classic masterpiece that completely avoids the sugarcoated melodrama of today's movies - both those coming from Hollywood and from Europe.

In an era of ugly, handheld "Dogme" films, "Raging Bull" shows the power of carefully crafted filmmaking. Scorsese's film is a rare example of what a true visionary can achieve - and it should serve as the cinematic inspiration of all aspiring filmmakers.