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Ten Best List for the Year 1995
- Apollo 13 -- Fact-based story of the April 1970 moon launch aborted on its third day in space after an incapacitating problem diminished the oxygen, power and computer systems, making the safe return of the three astronauts (Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon) an almost insurmountable problem for Houston Mission Control. Director Ron Howard keeps emotional tensions taut and suspense levels high throughout this salute to the courage and perseverance of all involved in the dicey rescue mission. Fleeting sexual innuendo and minor profanity. A-II-adults and adolescents (PG) 1995
- Babe -- Live-action barnyard charmer in which a kindly Australian farmer (James Cromwell) enters his unusual piglet (voice of Christine Cavanaugh) in a sheepdog competition, unaware that his farm animals can talk to one another as they pull together to make the little pig's dream of herding sheep come true. Director Chris Noonan's enchanting comic fable is filmed entirely from the animals' point-of-view, with delightful visuals and an endearing message of learning to live and work in harmony. A-I-general patronage (G) 1995
- Braveheart -- Bloody historical epic in which 13th-century Scotsman William Wallace (Mel Gibson), spurred on by the murder of his wife, attempts to unite the bickering Scottish noblemen under Robert the Bruce (Angus McFadyen) in a fight for independence against the ruthless English King Edward I (Patrick McGoohan). Also directed by Gibson, the lavish production focuses on savage battles, betrayals and murders of revenge, softened by a smattering of royal romance, but its many scenes of nasty brutality tend to overwhelm this romanticized biography of Scotland's national hero. Much gory violence on and off the battlefield, a few fleeting bedroom scenes, brief nudity and minimal rough language. A-IV-adults with reservations (R) 1995
- Cry, The Beloved County -- Fine adaptation of Alan Paton's novel set in 1946 South Africa where a black minister (James Earl Jones), whose son has killed a white man, reconciles with the victim's father (Richard Harris) in a story exploring the artifical barriers of racial differences. Director Darrell James Roodt emphasizes the human dignity of the characters, the equality of all in the sight of God and the injustice of a society based on racism. Restrained violence and sexual references in a justice context. A-II-adults and adolescents (PG-13) 1995
- Dead Man Walking -- Powerful fact-based dramatization about a Louisiana nun (Susan Saradon) offering spiritual comfort to a hard-bitten prisoner (Sean Penn) condemned to death for the rape and murder of two teenagers, while at the same time attempting to share in the painful loss of the victims' grieving parents. Directed by Tim Robbins, the picture is balanced between the nun's respect for the dignity of every individual, even the despicable killer, and the parents' quest for justice in the state's execution of their children's murderer, leaving viewers at the end to ponder what moral or social purpose is served by capital punishment. Flashbacks to savage crimes, the depiction of an execution, racial slurs and several instances of rough language. A-III-adults (R) 1995
- A Little Princess -- Delightful family movie from the Frances Hodgson Burnett novel in which a British widower sent to the front in World War I places his young daughter (Liesel Matthews) in a private school in New York City where she befriends a servant girl (Vanessa Lee Chester), then becomes one herself when her father is reported dead, leaving her penniless and at the mercy of the heartless headmistress (Eleanor Bron). Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, this visually splendid adaptation highlights the story's adventurous qualities and comical aspects as it affirms interracial friendships and the power of a child's imagination to encourage and inspire others. A-I-general patronage (G) 1995
- My Family-Mi Familia -- Mexican-American family saga set in Los Angeles from the 1920s to the 1980s follows the parents and their six children (including Jimmy Smits, Edward James Olmos and Esai Morales) as they endure separations, tragic deaths and brushes with the law, leaving one son embittered while others find solace in their religious faith. Director Gregory Nava's ambitious, sprawling movie leans towards melodramatic treatment but still emerges as a vibrant account of a Latino family pursuing the American dream. Some violence, fleeting bedroom scenes, brief nudity and recurring rough language. A-III-adults (R) 1995
- Richard III -- Wildly imaginative updating of Shakespeare's play to 1930's Britain where civil war brings a new monarch to the throne coveted by his duplicitous brother, the Duke of Glouster (Ian McKellan), who sets out to gain it through murder. Directed by Richard Loncraine, the result places Shakespeare's Elizabethan language and medieval subject in a 20th-century context of fascist movements and absolute dictatorships that give fresh significance to the play's portrait of an autocratic villain. Stylized violence and sexual references. A-III-adults (R) 1995
- Sense and Sensibility -- Splendid adaptation of Jane Austen's 1795 tale of two devoted but emotionally dissimilar sisters (Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet) who endure unexpected heartbreak only to eventually triumph in securing suitable husbands. Director Ang Lee's spirited period piece offers frequent subtle humor in its wry observation of the characters and social conventions of the day. Romantic complications. A-II-adults and adolescents (PG) 1995
- A Walk in the Clouds -- Stylish but highly contrived romance set at the end of World War II when a married vet (Keanu Reeves) undertakes to help an unwed pregnant woman (Aitana Sanchez-Gijon) face the wrath of her Mexican-American father (Giancarlo Giannini) by pretending to be her husband. Lyrically directed by Alfonso Arau, their subsequent romance unfolds on the wealthy vineyard estate of her loving family, but the plot contrivances detract from the story's celebration of traditional values and feel-good ending. Plot hinged on deceit, some violent wartime flashbacks and several sexual situations. A-III-adults (PG-13) 1995
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