The New World
Terrence Malick 2005 US (2nd time; big screen)
The first English settlers in America find themselves at odds with the Natives, and are saved by the rival king's youngest daughter, who falls in love with Captain John Smith.
Thoroughly captivating stuff from a meticulous artist; exploring themes of love, nature and the contrast between two civilisations, one free and content at its own introversion, the other curious and explorative, and both primitive in their own way, it is a beautiful work from start to finish. A period piece which feels like it could have been made before Cinema existed or even some time in the future, and a reconstruction of historical myth more interesting as a fictional work, it is a remarkably complex and warmly compelling film.

Fararishtay kifti rost (Angel on the Right)
Jamshed Usmonov 2002 Italy/France/Switzerland/Tajikistan (1st time)
A hardman who returns to his village home in Tajikistan after many years in Russian jail, to find his mother is ailing and the local mafia want their debts repaying.
Austere examination of acceptance of Fate, with minimal dialogue and sombre visuals. It has a rather abstract way of storytelling, with a kind of assumed understanding between its characters and the audience; as a result, it is a direct contrast to Hollywood narrative, while also requiring much patience in order to take hold.