Rendition: Even great actors like Meryl Streep can’t save a hack, one-sided script with no room for the audience to mull over the moral and political questions it should have asked. Wishes it was In the Valley of Elah; waste of time.
Margot at the Wedding: Superb character study piece, but will try the patience of those who either don’t do a lot of indie, or aren’t related to a therapist. Tends to navel-gaze; use sparingly.
Se, Jie (Lust, Caution): Made up for both of the others, living up to the Ang Lee tradition — that is, the film equivalent of fine, dark chocolate. Explicit content means don’t invite parents to a viewing; stately, measured, and sublime.