Corpus Christi/Les Miserables

Best International Feature Film - Poland

This is the story of a young convict who finds a deep attachment to Catholicism in prison.  When he gets out, he won't be allowed in seminary to become a Priest, so he goes to a small town with a job for him.  When he arrives, he tells people that he is a Priest and they immediately put him into their employ at the Church when the regular Priest is incapacitated.  There's a deep hurt in the town as a result of a devastating accident, and this young man does everything in his power to help the families find healing.  But the threat of being revealed hangs over his head.  

This film was lovely.  Make sure you see it - even if it has nothing to do with the Oscars.  I think it was one of the best films nominated this year and while it won't get much attention because there are such high profile International Feature nominees, it deserves a watch.  I guarantee it.

Best International Feature Film - France

On the other hand, I expected to like Les Miserables much much more than I did.  A community terrorized by police abuse and brutality is the central force of this film.  A new member of the force sees the bad behavior of other members of the squad and does what he can to deescalate incidents, but to no avail.  Meanwhile, we see how innocent children get into a crime loop.  The complicated dance of holding people accountable, police behavior, criminal behavior, and how communities lose faith in the system are all portrayed here, but honestly not that well.  I had heard very good things about this movie, but it was overly simplistic and overly complicated at the same time.  I guess that's an accomplishment in an of itself.