"William Shakespeare's Romeo Juliet" (12)Strictly Ballroom director Baz Luhrmann gives the play a radical and vibrantly cinematic - and swooningly romantic - treatment as he relocates it to a contemporary American setting, while retaining Shakespeare's dialogue. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes are perfectly cast in the principal roles, with Brian Dennehy, John Leguizamo and Pete Postlethwaite.
"The English Patient" (15)
Laden with awards, Anthony Minghella's admirable film of Michael Ondaatje's Booker-winning novel is haunting and passionate. Its story of loyalty and betrayal in love and war features an impeccable cast led by Ralph Fiennes, Kristin Scott Thomas, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe and Colin Firth.
"Trojan Eddie" (15)
Scripted by Billy Roche, Gillies Mackinnon's compelling film of honour and betrayal in the Irish travelling community features an excellent cast led by Stephen Rea as a smooth-talking, small-town chancer and settled person, and Richard Harris as the powerful and volatile traveller leader whose new young bride takes off with his nephew on her wedding night.
"Ridicule" (15)
Winner of the Cesar for best French film of 1996 and nominated for an Oscar as best foreign-language film, Patrice Leconte's accomplished first period picture is a cutting satire on hypocritical mores and absurd customs, set in the court of Louis XVI. Charles Berling and Fanny Ardant head the fine cast.
"Trees Lounge" (15)
The ubiquitous US indies actor, Steve Buscemi, turns director and takes the leading role in this quirky and engaging picture of mostly disillusioned characters who hang out at the eponymous Long Island bar. With Chloe Sevigny, Anthony La Paglia, Seymour Cassel and Elizabeth Bracco.
"Star Wars"/"The Empire Strikes Back"/"Return of the Jedi" (General)
A huge success when re-released in cinemas this year - complete with some new footage and souped-up digital sound and images - George Lucas's blockbuster trilogy is now available to rent and to buy. Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher play the principal roles.
"The Portrait of a Lady" (12)
Nicole Kidman earnestly plays Isabel Archer in Jane Campion's acutely disappointing film of the Henry James novel which distils the original's internal drama as heavy-handed melodrama. The cast also features John Malkovich, Barbara Hershey, Martin Donovan, Shelley Winters and Shelley Duvall.
