Sophie's Choice

Directed by Alan J. Pakula
Casts: Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Peter MacNicol
1982

Meryll Streep received an Academy Award for her portrayal of Sophie Zaistowska in this drama set in in 1947 post world war II. Kevin Kline plays her lover, Nathan. The story revolves around Sophie's struggle as a Polish-Catholic immigrant in the U. S. who had survived the Nazi concentration camp. The lovers' drama unfolds through the observation of a friend and would-be writer, Stingo (Peter MacNicol). As the trio grows closer, Stingo discovers the hidden truths that they harbor, resulting in a narrative that is both captivating and moving.

Undoubtedly, Meryll was the perfect choice for Sophie. Her performance as Sophie Zawistowska was ranked #3 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time!

Awards:
1982 Academy Best Actress
1982 LA Film Critics Association Best Actress
1982 National Board of Review of Motion Picture Best Actress
1982 New York Film Critics Circle Best Cinematography
1982 New York Film Critics Circle Best Actress
1983 Golden Globe Best Actress (in Drama)

Himala

Directed by Ishmael Bernal
1982
Starring Nora Aunor

Himala ("Miracle") is an award-winning international Filipino film directed by Ishmael Bernal and written by Ricardo Lee. Based on a 1967 incident, it was premiered in 1982 and was shown in other countries. The film stars the Filipino actress Nora Aunor, who is best known for her performance as Elsa in this film. The role was considered by some critics to be the best performance in her career.

The film is centered on the issues of religious faith and faithlessness. In a notable line from the film, the character Elsa says, Walang Himala! Ang himala ay nasa puso ng tao... ang himala ay nasa puso nating lahat. (There is no miracle! A miracle is found in a heart of a person... a miracle is found in all of us!)

This line is well-known in the Philippines, and is considered the most famous line in Aunor's career. The film was a box-office hit, earning an impressive 30 million pesos, becoming one of the highest grossing Filipino films in the 80's. (Please read more here.)

I have always loved this movie. A lot of times I have asked my wife to watch this movie together(again) and she just can't do anything but to agree and disappear at the middle (haha!). It's not that I am a fan of Nora Aunor but rather the craft that she have shown in this film.

A lot of videos about this film are available at youtube.com. Please help yourself...

Rickshaw Boy

Director: Ling Zifeng
1982
Starring:Zhang Fengyi, Siqin Gaowa, Yin Xin

Rickshaw Boy is one of the contemporary films from the People's Republic of China ever to be exhibited in the western hemisphere.

Based on the novel by Lao She, Rickshaw Boy tells the story of a peasant who tries to make his way into the Chinese capital. Finally arriving at his destination and setting up his own business, the young man finds that his turmoil is still far from over, for the class distinctions of ancient China are still too strong to be broken, even for love. This story has a tough Chinese twist - rvealing much about collision of ancient class distinctions in the preservation of capital, family and wealth.

A box office sensation, the film did remarkably well earning several Chinese and International Film Awards and making Zhang a household name.

RICKSHAW BOY is a shining example of Chinese cinema.

Awards:
1991 Winner of the Northeastern Countries Best Film Award at the Japanese International Film Festival
1983 Best Atress, Best Feature Film at the 6th Hundred Flower Award
1982 Excellent Feature Film at Huabiao Award
1983 Best Feature Film, Best Atress, Best Art Director and Best Props at the 3rd Golden Rooster Award