GOOD MOVIES YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF
                                                     Part 4

From a lifetime of watching movies, I have gleaned five more from the vault that I really liked. And I hope you’ll find at least one of them to your taste!
A Midnight Clear (1992) is one of the best war movies ever made. During World War II at Christmas time a small contingent of American soldiers encounter the enemy in an area of France far behind the lines. Gradually the two sides downsize tensions and begin to see the humanity in us all. Gary Sinise and Ethan Hawke lead an ensemble cast in a film the first half of which has a unique fairy tale quality. Unusual and worthwhile.
The Postman (1994) is an outstanding Italian flick. The 1997 American film of the same title with Kevin Costner is not even so-so. The Italian one features the story of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda’s exile to a small Italian island where his mail is delivered by the title character. Though poorly educated, Il Postino comes to love Neruda’s poetry and a life-long bond is formed, overcoming politics and xenophobia. 
Proof (1990) is an Australian film of extraordinary power. It is super-star Russell Crowe’s breakthrough part. Hugo Weaving plays a blind photographer (!) who depends on sighted people to describe his pictures. He is by nature skeptical and wary of others, mainly because he believes his mother lied to him about what was in his early pictures. He gradually forms a bond with Mr. Crowe’s character. The process of getting there includes a girl with a crush on the blind photographer and the photographer’s slow acceptance of the goodness of some others. 
I have probably watched The Red Balloon (1955) a dozen times. It is the poetic story of a little boy and his red balloon. As it circles around a very picturesque Paris and he chases it, the minimal story develops and we’re hooked. The ending just raises the goose bumps and gladdens the heart. Okay, I love The Red Balloon.
Jean De Florette and Manon Of The Spring (1986) comprise a rare recommendation by Mr. Movie of a double feature. These wonderful French films, shot in Provence over a period of seven months, are based on a Maurice Pagnol novel. They feature three French movie icons: Gerard Depardieu, Yves Montand and Daniel Auteuil. The story begins with a naive man being cheated out of his property. On that property is an incredible spring which feeds a local cottage industry, the growing of carnations. The plot twists are many but not hard to follow. And no, neither one really stands alone. But watch them in chronological order and I think you’ll be pleased. 
All of these films are available on DVD and for streaming. All are for grown-ups.