Ukrainian-American Actress in Oscar Winning "The Departed"

[IreneLviv]

Originally Posted by Hannia

Vera Farmiga is currently a favorite of mine. Yesterday watched DVD "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas".
UK produced, directed and released in 2008. Vera plays 8 yr old Bruno's Mother. Excellent performance.

I recommend this flick as MUST SEE. It is about an unlikely friendship between two 8 yr old boys.
It illustrates its message in an incredibly powerful way. I was emotionally overwhelmed by the ending.

Yes Hannia this is a heart-breaking film - I remember it - but strangely enough I did not notice it was Vera who played there.
Holliwood actors are all similar in my eyes - they have the same school, jesticulation, technique...
Do you ever watch any Russian/French/Polish films?

[Hannia]

Vera is definitely not defined by Hollywood. Most of her work is in Independent (referred to INDIES) films. Even the large movies, in which she has acted, were made by Producers and Directors that use Hollywood for distribution and not for financing of product creation. She has recently started directing movies. She is also a great proponent and supporter of neighborhood theater.
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I am a "film buff" and do maintain a TO SEE Foreign and Documentary List, but because of time constraint I do discriminate which ones stay on that list.

In the last few yrs the quality of French and Italian movies has been overshadowed by films coming out of South and Central America, and places like Korea.

The British (including Irish & Welsh) flicks are my favorite in the foreign film genre, as they consistently produce a quality product. I never miss a Clive Owen or Colin Firth movie.

I am always open to any recommendations from friends.

[IreneLviv]

Better you recommend smth from the top of your list - please!

[Hannia]

Off the top of my head following are a handful I have seen in the last few months:

The Stoning of Soraya M (Farsi - Middle East somewhere???) some parts are extremely graphic, but probably one of the best I have seen in yrs. 2008
Chaser (Korean) exc thriller 2008
Skin (South African) 2008 interesting, based on true story.
The Good Heart (American Indie ) 2009. Solid acting. Tight writing.

[IreneLviv]

Thank you HANNIA
Have never heard of anyone of these (or they might be known here under other titles?)
Your choice looks very exotic!
I'll try to find these films!!

[Hannia]

Stoning of Soraya M is a must. Persian actress , Shohreh Aghdashloo , is brilliant in this film !!!