As a moviegoer for more than 70 years, I’ve seen some great movies, some not so great, some really bad ones, some trying but failing to be deep and meaningful, some reveling in their shallowness. I was born the year The Wizard of Oz  and Gone with the Wind  were released. My mother started taking me to the movies shortly after that. I saw some movies that were definitely not PG rated. I can still remember being afraid of The Thing and delighting in An American in Paris.

Many times I disagree with the critics. I don’t call them and tell him what I think of their reviews, so now that there is an internet for anyone to babble on, I add my voice. I’m sure there are many of you who will disagree with my assessments. I hope to hear from you. I especially want to hear from those of you who agree.

Happy Valentine’s Day. I offer a chocolate box of little movies—some sweet, some bittersweet, some a little nutty. These movies are not in the same category as Gone with the Wind or Lawrence of Arabia. They are little in the sense that they cover small slices of life. They have charm and wit and, in most cases, will make you feel good. They are also international. There are literally thousands of these small films. I offer you some of my favorites. Most are all available through Netflix. I hope you will try some.

Breaking Away (1979)

This coming-of-age movie stars Dennis Christopher and his bike, along with a strong cast including Paul Dooley, Barbara Barrie and a young Dennis Quaid. It won a Best Picture Academy Award. It has humor and charm and should definitely make you feel good.

The Visitor (2007)

A strong performance by Richard Jenkins makes this bittersweet movie a must see. This movie is about friendship and frustration. The ending is perfect but the journey is complicated.

Bringing Up Baby (1938)

This is a nutty little movie that stars Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant. ‘Nuf said.

His Girl Friday (1940)

Cary Grant again, but paired this time with fast-talking Rosalind Russell. Together they tear up the newspaper business and leave you a little breathless.

Grass Harp (1996)

This film based on a Truman Capote story stars Edward Furlong, Sissy Spacek, Jack Lemmon, and Walter Matthau. Another coming-of-age movie about an orphaned boy who is sent to live with his two high-spirited aunts in the very deep south. Very sweet.

Trip to Bountiful (1985)

Geraldine Page won an Academy Award for her portrayal of an elderly woman at odds with her family who takes a bus to her old hometown.

Harry and Tonto (1974)

Art Carney won a Best Actor for traveling cross country by bus with his cat. This is a very little movie but charming.

Straight Story (1999) 

This film is based on a true story about a man who travels hundreds of miles on a lawnmower to see his ailing brother. Richard Farnsworth was nominated for an Academy Award—and justly so.

Australia:

The Castle (1999)

This is a sweet, hilarious movie about a family that goes to extreme lengths to save their precious home.

Danny Deckchair (2003)

A very funny film about a man who travels by balloon and deck chair across Australia. I kept hoping it was a real story. I wonder if someone really tried it.

France:

Madameoiselle Chabon (2009)

A bittersweet story of loneliness, adultery and a longing for beauty. The acting is first-rate and, uncharacteristic of French films, it has a real ending. This movie has more layers than a piece of baklava.

My New Partner (1984)

 Phillippe Noiret’s comic timing sets the tone for this very funny and almost perfect little movie. A street-wise Paris cop takes on a new partner from the provinces and the fun begins.

Italy:

Il Postino (1995)

This is a bittersweet movie about a shy postman and his longing for a beautiful woman. Phillippe Noiret, this time in Italy, stars as the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda who helps the postman achieve his dream.

Mid-August Lunch (2008)

This slightly nutty movie revolves around a generous man in financial difficulties who offers to care for the mothers of his friend, his landlord and his doctor for a holiday weekend. This is a thoroughly delightful movie.

England:

The Full Monty (1997)

I have to smile just thinking about this nutty movie.  Tom Wilkinson, Robert Carlyle and Mark Caddy star as blue-collar workers on the dole finding the perfect way to display their talents.

Educating Rita (1983)

Michael Caine and Julie Walters star in this warm and amusing story about a hairdresser who aspires to knowledge. Caine plays her drunken tutor. This film won three Oscar nominations and BAFTA (the English equivalent of the Oscars) awards.

Taiwan:

Eat, Drink, Man, Woman (1994)

A widower father won’t take no for an answer when he invites his three adult daughters to Sunday feasts. The daughters, of course, have other things on their minds. Ang Lee directs this lovely little movie about keeping traditions and being modern.

Pushing Hands (1992)

This is a sweet, gentle movie, again directed by Ang Lee that is about tai chi in New York.

Sweden:

Kitchen Stories (2004)

A study of the habits of bachelor farmers leads to an unusual friendship. This bittersweet movie is funny and heartwarming with just a touch of sadness.

Jordan:

Captain Abu Raed (2008)

An airport janitor finds a pilot’s hat in a trash bin and wears it home. Neighborhood children mistake him for a real pilot and pester him to tell them stories. Because he has always longed to travel, he has read widely on the world. As he tells the stories he realizes how difficult these poor children’s lives are. This is a wonderful little movie from a part of the world we don’t get to experience much through movies.

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