Here is some of what I enjoyed watching in 2003.

1. Lost in Translation
I can't imagine that anybody wants me to gush about Ms. Copolla any further. A beautiful little film with amazingly delicate roles and little touches that I simply adore.

2. American Splendor
Paul Giamatti is nearly as brilliant as his father. An odd conceit that works very, very well.

3. My Architect
It's being hailed as the "Year of the Documentary" and, for my money, this was the best of the bunch. A deeply personal story full of pain and discovery.

4. The Station Agent
A rare treat. A great story with characters that are actually developed. Superb acting, too.

5. Dirty Pretty Things
Probably not on very many year end lists but I thought it was well directed and interesting. Oh, and a healthy dose of Audrey didn't hurt.

6. The Man Without A Past
Another interesting and darkly comedic film from Aki Kaurismäki. It's grim. It's slow. It's amazing.

7. Capturing the Friedmans
Uncomfortable to say the least, but amazingly compelling and innovative.

8. In America
I'm still trying to wrap my brain around portions of this one. Very odd, very moving.

9. My Own Flesh and Blood
I hesitate to recommend it, it's very hard to watch. However the dynamics of this family amaze me.

10. A Mighty Wind
At first I didn't really think that this outing measured up to Guest's other films. On repeated viewing it's pretty damn funny.

I saw a lot of films this year that really didn't do much for me. I really wasn't thrilled by "Whale Rider," for instance. I have yet to see "The Return of the King," "21 Grams," "House of Sand and Fog" or "Fog of War" but have a feeling that all might crack the list eventually.