Film: Whisper Of The Heart (Mimi Wo Sumaseba, Japanese)
Cast: Youko Honna, Kazuo Takahashi,Takashi Tachibana, Shigeru Muroi, Shigeru Tsuyuguchi and Keiju Kobayashi
Director: Yoshifumi Kondo
Plot: A enchanting tale of a young and restless junior high school student addicted to fairytales. One fine day, she bumps into a mysterious fat cat who leads her to an old antique storeowner, his violin maker grandson and a magical figurine. Through them she realises the dream her heart wants to follow.
Aces: An animated gem from Studio Ghibli. If you loved the Oscar winning Spirited Away, there is no way you will be let down by the late Kondo's beautiful film. Storyboarded and scripted by filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, Whisper Of The Heart is exceptionally endearing and effortlessly engaging. Yuji Nomi's score lends the subject and its protagonists a dreamlike quality.
Extras: English subtitles. Two-disc special edition features both the original Japanese soundtrack and a newly dubbed English language soundtrack. Behind The Microphone featurette with the English language voice cast and footage from the dubbing sessions. Complete storyboards set to the movie soundtrack. Original Japanese theatrical trailer and TV spots.
Film: Mean Creek (English)
Cast: Rory Culkin, Ryan Kelley, Scott Mechlowicz, Trevor Morgan, Josh Peck and Carly Schroeder
Director: Jacob Aaron Estes
Plot: A bunch of Oregon kids decide to get naughty with the overweight school bully. Their prank meets with disastrous and life-altering results.
Aces: This one's no teen campus caper. Instead it's a rather dark film about teenagers for grown ups. Director Estes cleverly portrays the angst, confusion, impatience and impulsive mindset of the average youngster. He also explores the possibility behind uninvited provocation leading to unsettling retribution. The brilliance of this film lies in Estes making his point without being judgmental. Also, his young actors are a revelation.
Extras: Commentary by director Jacob Aaron Estes and cast.