The Piano, directed by Jane Campion, is set in the wilderness of Victorian-era New Zealand. It stars Holly Hunter who won an Oscar for her marvelous performance of a mute woman who travels to a foreign land with her daughter to marry a man she does not know. A young Anna Paquin also won a supporting Oscar for her portrayal as the woman’s precociously cartwheeling daughter. The piano plays a pivotal role in the machinations of the film’s drama. Beautiful and not to be missed by film connoisseurs.

Rabbit-Proof Fence focuses on the plight of Aboriginal peoples—specifically half-caste children who were removed from their Aboriginal families to be assimilated into the white culture. The film that stars Kenneth Branagh demonstrates strong performances from its young stars—especially from the Everlyn Sampi who plays the eldest girl determined to trek across Australia to return to her home. Based on true events, you will not forget this film once you’ve seen it.

Japanese Story directed by Sue Brooks features actress Toni Collette playing the role of her company’s tour guide to a rich Japanese client. Their subsequent driving tour does not go as planned—but this film is not some comedic misadventure. Instead it is a rich documentation of person and place, of individual culture and universal humanity. It is riveting and will last with the viewer long after the film has been watched.

Gallipoli directed by Peter Weir stars a young Mel Gibson and Mark Lee as fast friends in Australia during World War I. The initial part of the film is set in western Australia and the desert in which the pair become stranded. The latter half of the film sees them enlist in the Australian army, train under the pyramids in Egypt and meet their separate fates in Turkey. This powerful film should not be missed—it is rare to find this part of the Great War on film and the storyline is quite well-written.

Oscar and Lucinda stars Cate Blanchett and Ralph Fiennes in a unique film set in the Australian outback. The captivating scenes are visually stunning and portray a subtle characterization. Gambling and interest in glass provide the catalysts for the plot which is rather though-provoking in its odd way. See it simply for the glass church—if nothing more; that is a most brilliant touch!

Other must-see Aussie films include The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Picnic at Hanging Rock and Walkabout. As many of today’s big screen stars hail from Australia, we may see more films from its actors and directors set there.

Over the years, this much loved family pet has played both lead and supporting roles in many television programmes and films. The well known maxim ‘never work with animals’ doesn’t seem to have deterred film makers from inviting cats onto the casting couch.

Whether they appear as cartoon characters or as themselves – ‘in the fur’ might be a better term – they certainly make for interesting viewing. Yet has the household cat received fair treatment in the course of its show business career?

The cartoon cat frequently appears as a mischievous, naughty and misbehaving individual, such as Tom in ‘Tom and Jerry’. Though to be fair, he did manage to show remorse on occasion, especially when Jerry was left out in the cold. There aren’t many cats who will defrost a mouse in front of a blazing fire!

Boss Cat and Co made a full time job out of annoying the local policeman on his beat, as well as leaving viewers wondering whether his name really was Boss Cat, and not Top Cat. He was called TC by his friends, after all.

Rather more sociable are the likes of Garfield and Henry’s Cat. And unlike Tom, they are capable of talking to their friends and foes. Generally though, the cartoon cat does learn its lesson whenever it misbehaves. A moral to the story is essential for young and impressionable felines.

One real cat that was heard about rather than being seen was Mrs Slocombe’s beloved pussy in the British television sitcom ‘Are You Being Served?’ One wonders whether the cat was camera shy, as it obviously disliked making personal appearances.

As for appearing in films, the cats which starred alongside Michelle Pfeiffer (as Catwoman) in the film ‘Batman Returns’ were hardly camera shy. Catwoman herself displayed all her feline charms, so it’s hardly surprising she had cats crawling all over her.

Rather than supporting the opposition, the star cat in ‘Cat’s Eye’, a film trilogy of short stories by Stephen King, saved the day by rescuing a young Drew Barrymore from a nasty little creature living in her skirting board.

The cat links the three stories by wandering from place to place and mingling with the human stars, yet it is the third story which sees its main role.

The old belief that cats can steal the breath of children is reversed here, as the creature from the skirting board tries to do just that, and is thwarted by the girl’s pet cat.

So it seems from these examples that our feline friend has, on the whole, received good treatment from the entertainment industry. It may even be fair to say the cat has fared somewhat better than humans.

Perhaps this serves to illustrate the respect we have for these animals, which has grown stronger over the years. They have become a part of family life through being faithful and loving pets, and through their career on screen.

I can almost see the Cheshire cat grinning with delight.

My standards aren’t very high, either. I don’t descend into the lows of Japanese anime – something that I vow to hate forever – but I’ve been known to watch all sorts of animated programs that probably shouldn’t have lasted beyond their pilot episodes. I lost interest in those programs quickly, though – around the time that everybody else in America stopped watching, judging by how quickly they were canceled.

The shows on this list, however, have proven themselves – to me, at least. They were funny and attractive during their first seasons, but only got better as their creators kept going. These shows are just good, for their own reasons.

“The Simpsons” is of course my favorite. It’s the longest-running, animated, prime-time sitcom, having beaten “The Flintstones” several years ago. While some might say that Homer and his band of merry miscreants, the rest of the Simpson family, have nothing important to say, others will agree that Springfield’s often-hilarious, but rarely-shallow, lessons should be noticed. Religion, family life, employment, and every other major facet of American life take their fair shares of ridicule in the hands of Matt Groening’s yellow-fleshed nuisances.

And the half-hour a day of Simpsons viewing never fails to make me laugh at least once.

Speaking of Matt Groening: who else still wants new “Futurama” episodes? Okay, so we have a very hard time with Katy Segal’s character, Lila, because many of us still associate the unique voice with Peg Bundy from “Married With Children.” But even with that quirk, this series still has a huge following. And I know more than one person with a Bender tattoo.

But at least we got “Family Guy” back. This series was canceled a few years ago, but Seth MacFarlane was asked to bring his show back after the majority of the fan base requested new episodes. Most of us didn’t really like the first few minutes of the most recent series premiere: Peter standing in front of his TV, listing every single FOX series that’s been canceled since “Family Guy” went off the air. But Stewie, the evil baby of the Griffin family, makes up for one super-crappy segment. And, like Bender, I also know a few people with Stewie tattoos.

As a native-born Texan, I should probably dislike “King of the Hill” for the stupid stereotypes about all of us. Hank’s propane addiction … Peggy’s outspoken annoyance and control-freak nature … Dale’s extreme paranoia and pro-gun fanaticism … yeah, I should probably actually hate this show. But, if I can’t laugh at myself, then I’ll never get away with telling another Yankee joke in my life. Y’all.

For reasons that I can’t explain, or blame on illicit narcotics, I have to put “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” as the closer for this list. I can’t explain why a ball of meat, a fast-food container of French fries and a cup of soda are so entertaining, but they are. Trust me. And the next time “Adult Swim” is on, be sure to tune in.

I don’t typically recommend that anybody purchase season-set DVDs of any programs that are still on the air. That’s usually a waste of money considering that we can catch repeats or hook up a VCR and pop in a blank tape to record episodes when we aren’t at home.

However: view these still-running programs if you haven’t really watched them before. You’ll want to buy the season or series DVDs for most, if not all, of these shows. They’re that good.

“C’est arrivé près de chez vous”: This foreign film will have you laughing your ass off, but you will feel like you are going to Hell for doing so. Also known as “Man Bites Dog,” this 1992 mockumentary is about a camera crew who follows around a serial killer in action. This dark comedy/drama is hysterical, shocking, and downright bizarre. “C’est arrivé près de chez vous” takes place in Belgium and is spoken in French. Film is rated NC-17.

“Swimming Pool”: This 2003 film is about a British mystery author named Sarah, who is suffering from writer’s block, so she accepts an offer from her publisher to move into his house in France with hopes that a change of scenery will give her a fresh start and inspiration to finish her book. The publisher’s daughter, a gorgeous girl name Julie, unexpectedly moves in with Sarah and she draws inspiration for her book from Julie’s wild lifestyle. Although this film does move at a plodding place, a lot is happening beneath the surface. The ending of this film, which I will not spoil, will leave you questioning what actually may or may not have transpired during this mystery/drama. Film is rated R.

“Hi, Mom!”: Brian De Palma directs this 1970 film, which depicts life in the United States during the 1960’s. This satire looks at such topics as racism and manipulation of the masses through the media. A young Robert DeNiro gives an excellent performance as an ex Vietnam Veteran. Film is rated R.

“The Ice Storm”: This 1997 film, featuring the likes of Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Tobey Maguire, Elijah Wood, Christina Ricci and Katie Holmes, is about a few Connecticut families in the early 1970s who find their lives spiraling out of control. This drama, directed by Ang Lee, is a very dark and honest film. Don’t expect to see any Hollywood ending here. Film is rated R.

“Sleepers:” Despite featuring stars such as Kevin Bacon, Robert DeNiro, Brad Pitt, Minnie Driver and Dustin Hoffman, “Sleepers” is probably one of the more overlooked and underrated films of the 90s. This film is about a about a group of young boys who commit a prank that goes wrong and they are then sent to a detention center where they are grossly mistreated. Years later, now as adults, they have the chance to get revenge on the man who harmed them. This crime/drama/thriller is definitely worth seeing. Film is rated R.

“The Woodsman:” Kevin Bacon stars in this 2004 film about a pedophile who attempts to start a new life after 12 years in prison. Bacon is superb and his real-life wife, Kyra Sedgwick, also turns in a strong performance. Well-made film on a very controversial subject. Film is rated R.

“In Good Company”: According to the website Rotten Tomatoes, this movie made just over $45 million at the box office. It was not a total flop, but it is pretty sad that a good movie like this can only make that much, considering a piece of garbage like “Big Momma’s House 2” has grossed over $54 million and counting. “In Good Company” is a well-made film about a 51-year-old advertising executive played by Dennis Quaid, who has to work for a boss (Topher Grace) that is half his age. This 2004 film also features a very good performance by Scarlett Johansson. It is witty, charming, and definitely worth seeing. Film is rated PG-13.

“Sweet Sixteen”: Ken Loach directs this 2002 film drama about a young Scottish boy named Liam, who desperately wants to live a normal life with his mother once she gets out of prison. This film is in English, but the accents are so thick that you may need the subtitles. Excellent film though. Film is rated R.

“Before Sunset”: It is hard to believe that, according to Rotten Tomatoes, this film made just over $5 million at the box office. This film, which stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy as two people who have seen each other for the first time in nine years following a weekend they shared together in Vienna, has some of the most real dialogue and real moments that I have ever seen in film. This 2004 Richard Linklater film also has one of the best endings in recent memory. Great follow-up to the 1995 film “Before Sunrise.” Film is rated R.

“Play it Again, Sam”: Woody Allen stars as Allen Felix in this 1972 comedy/romance about a recently divorced film critic who tries to get over his wife by dating again. Hysterical film. Allen wrote the screenplay for this, and Herbert Ross directed it. Diane Keaton turns in a fantastic performance. Film is rated PG.

Keep these movies in mind next time you are at the video store and are unsure what to rent.

• Seventeen days after Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, wrapped up filming, Spencer Tracy died. Katharine Hepburn never saw the film. She said the memories of Tracy would be too painful.

• While filming It Happened One Night, Clark Gable took off his shirt. All the audience saw was his bare chest and torso. This moment is credited with the decline in undershirt sales over the next two years.

• The 1951 film, Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man, was not originally written to be a comedy, but because huge profits rolled in from Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein, the movie was rewritten as a thriller/comedy.

• In the 1991 film, Cape Fear, Robert De Niro plays the role of Max Cady. De Niro paid a dentist $5,000 to disfigure his teeth for the part. When filming wrapped up, De Niro paid another $20,000 to have his teeth restored.

Gandhi, an Oscar winner, will doubtlessly top any list of fine films, but it really should not be missed for the wonderful job it does capturing the life of one of the world’s greatest peacemakers and world leaders. Ben Kingsley, who starred as Gandhi, is joined on film by Candice Bergen, John Gielgud, and Martin Sheen. The conflict between India and Great Britain is portrayed with great historical accuracy and poignant details about the culture as well as the man. This film will not soon be forgotten for its historical value, but it is a riveting portrayal of a country fighting peacefully for its independence.

A Passage to India, based on the E. M. Forster novel of the same name, might as well have been the prequel to the time of Gandhi. It depicts the prejudice of the British against their Indian colonial subjects and points toward the growing conflict. A young English woman imagines she is attacked by her guide in the Great Caves of India. The film goes on to depict a trial with frequent flashbacks to the caves. Also an Oscar winner, the cinematography is breathtaking and accurately portrays the throngs of Indian streets and the exotic beauty of its country. The film stars Peggy Ashcroft, Judy Davis, Victor Bannerjee and Alec Guineness.

Heat and Dust is based on the novel by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and stars the lovely Julie Christie and Greta Scacchi. It is the double story of a contemporary English woman (played by Christie) traveling through India and searching for details of her relative’s story that happened long before during British colonial days. Scacchi plays a woman unhappy in her marriage who falls in love with an Indian. It is a fascinating portrayal of colonial life and a fine film to gain a sense of India at that time in its history.

Bride and Prejudice is a Bollywood film that is a contemporary and Indian take on Jane Austen’s English classic Pride and Prejudice published in early the nineteenth century. Aiswarya Ray, Martin Henderson, Madira Babbar and Anupam Kher star in this delightful take on a great novel, though the inherent message takes it a step further by demonstrating how the rest of the world doesn’t know the real India. This film tries to demonstrate what a typical—even suburban-like—India actually is and depicts a fun double love story at the same time.

While you cannot learn everything about a country simply by watching movies about it, you may be able to get a decent idea simply by choosing films that aim for accuracy in their depictions. Indian life is varied region by region and they are one of the most populated nations in the world. These films simply show a slice of Indian life at a specific time in the country’s history—but they portray that bit of India well and to great acclaim from international audiences. See them for yourself! Also, find out more about Bollywood films centered around India for further enjoyable viewing.

For instance, STAR TREK II:THE WRATH OF KAHN was originally released without the II in it’s title.  Did you know that Eric Stoltz was originally cast as Marty McFly for BACK TO THE FUTURE? He was fired after four weeks of filming.  Lastly, when STAR WARS:EPISODE IV was filmed, the character of Jabba The Hutt was originally played by a human character.  It wasn’t until later was his character digitally added.

These are just a few interesting facts about some of your favorite Hollywood movies.  Maybe next time you can impress some of your friends.

“Inherit the Wind”: This is a powerful movie focusing on a small southern Baptist town in the 20’s. A local school teacher is arrested for teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution, and the film centers around his trial. The movie has a heavy hitters list of character actors, with Gene Kelly playing a rare dramatic role as a visiting big city journalist. Overly staged by today’s standards, but an excellent example of 1960s dramatic film.

“To Kill a Mockingbird”: Another 60s entry focusing on the American south. This one stars Gregory Peck as a morally strong attorney, defending a black man accused of raping a white woman. As a single father and crusading lawyer, this character has become an American hero.

“Blade Runner”: This brilliant science fiction movie directed by Riddley Scott, is a finely crafted balance between action thriller and utopian study. It is visually captivating, in an era before computer generated graphics, and manages to shroud us in the darkness of the film’s warnings about the concept of cloning. An excellent cast is led by Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer.

“A Clockwork Orange”: Another entry in the science fiction category, although it is such only in a chronological sense. The film focuses on a future Britain, where gangs roam the streets, and politics is promising a solution. The main question that arises is: should man be programmed against evil, or should free will remain at all costs? The question is framed in a beautiful score of classical music, played on the then-new synthetic keyboard.

“Cool Hand Luke”: This was one of many good Paul Newman vehicles, and was made early in his career. He plays a rebellious southern boy, hungry for love and acceptance. The film shows him entering a brutally run southern prison work gang. Assisted by character actors Strother Martin and George Kennedy, the film more than demonstrates the frailty and cruelty of man.

“Harold and Maude”: A unique love story, and at times hilarious dark comedy about a morbid young man played by Bud Cort, who meets an old woman at a grave yard, played by Ruth Gordon. The film was not commercially successful, and seemed to require aging to be appreciated. It’s definitely on my “must see” list.

“Sleuth”: I am a fan of mysteries, and wanted to pick a good example of the genre. So, I picked a minimal cast play adaptation, because it has entertained and stumped audiences for years. Cast with Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine, the film drips sarcasm and sophistication, as we roam through the cluttered mansion wondering about perfect crimes.

“The Shawshank Redemption”: Based on a Stephan King story gives a film a good head start, and with Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins heading the cast, the film is finely crafted to show us the pain and loneliness of incarceration, as well as the triumph of will and innocence.

“Pulp Fiction”: Sometimes a movie is just meant to be fun, and this entry that gave Tarantino his reputation, is meant to be enjoyed. It’s a pop-culture homage to magazines of the 30s and 40s, with cultural updates to keep us fully involved. The cast of Uma Thurman, John Travolta, and Samuel Jackson are perfect film icons to perpetuate these fantasies.

“Forrest Gump”: An example of the small and unexpected man becoming the hero, makes good use of Tom Hanks’ talents. As we see Gumps’ face across a field of modern history, the movie reminds us that history is made of many small people. This is a humorous run through late 20th century America that showed us we all have a chance at greatness.

Well, that’s my Top Ten list. I know I’ve left out so many great films, but I had to narrow it down. So here’s what I picked…today.

“The King of Comedy”: Martin Scorsese’s forgotten dark comedy/drama about an aspiring comic, played by Robert DeNiro, who will go to great lengths to become successful in showbiz. DeNiro is hysterical in this film, in a creepy, dark and weird sort-of-way. This film, which came out in 1983, is masterfully directed by Scorsese, and also features some great performances by Jerry Lewis (as himself) and Sandra Bernhard.

“Tape”: If you like car chases and explosions, well, this movie is not for you. Richard Linklater’s 2001 film is about three old high school friends who discuss some events that happened during their high school years in a motel room in Michigan. This whole film literally takes place in a motel, but if you think it’s boring, think again. The acting is superb, the script is intelligent, and the ambiguity of this film will have you thinking about what may or may not have happened for days.

“Dear Frankie”: This 2004 British film is about a deaf boy who desperately wants to meet up with his father that he has never seen. The movie features some outstanding performances by Jack McElhone (Frankie) and Emily Mortimer (Lizzie).

“Mean Creek”: This 2004 drama/thriller, which is written and directed by Jacob Aaron Estes, is an outstanding look at teenagers who seek revenge on a bully. It is a very accurate and heartbreaking portrayal of how kids sometimes act during adolescence. Rory Culkin and others give very strong performances.

“Open Water”: You may have missed this 2003 movie because you heard bad things about it and decided to not see it. Give it a chance. This movie is very underrated. It’s a film about a couple that goes scuba diving in the water and is stuck in the middle of the ocean after their tour boat mistakenly leaves them. Yes, a good chunk of this movie takes place in the ocean, it’s very low budget, and the acting is not exactly Oscar-worthy. But that is why the film succeeds. It comes across as so real that it is frightening. I will not spoil the ending, but it is one of the best in recent memory. It literally left me speechless.

“This Boy’s Life”: This 1993 drama is about a young boy and his mother who flee from his abusive father. Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro turn in very good performances in this film.

“In America”: Based on true events, this 2002 film is a fantastic look at an Irish immigrant family adjusting to life in the U.S. Sisters Sarah and Emma Bolger give two of the greatest child performances that I have ever seen. Samantha Morton of “Minority Report” fame and Paddy Considine are excellent as the girls’ parents. This movie will surely touch you.

“Secretary”: In this 2002 drama/dark comedy/romance, Maggie Gyllenhaal works as a secretary after she is recently released from a mental hospital, and she then starts having an affair with her boss played by James Spade of “Boston Legal” fame. Very strong performances and an original script make this one worth watching.

“Ghost World”: This is an excellent film starring Thora Birch and Scarlett Johnansson as two high school graduates who find out that the real world is not all it’s cracked up to be. Steve Buscemi is excellent as the middle-aged loser the girls try and play a prank on. This 2001 film’s conclusion is great, as film critic Roger Ebert points out in his review, “The movie sidesteps the happy ending Hollywood executives think lobotomized audiences need as an all-clear to leave the theater.”

“Welcome to The Dollhouse:” Directed by Todd Solondz, this 1995 drama/dark comedy is the story of a 13-year-old girl who is picked on both at school and at home. You want to laugh at her for the verbal abuse she receives, but then you remember how painful it was to get picked on at that age. Excellent film.

Keep these movies in mind next time you are not sure what to rent. You will not be disappointed.