El Aura (The Aura). Too bad Fabián Bielinsky is no longer with us. I think he was on to something here. This one meanders ever so slightly, but still pretty solid. I love the rural photography; the pace; the way it doesn’t prepare you for anything, but makes you wait and watch this guy get in over his head. Ricardo Darín is so awesome. I really liked him in El Secreto de Sus Ojos, too.
El Secreto de Sus Ojos (The Secret in Their Eyes). A retired detective-cum-novelist pursues a cold case and a lost love, and it’s pretty damn good. A few parts here and there feel a bit telenovela, but on the whole it’s a steady, confident story with some really solid side characters–especially Guillermo Francella. Also includes a ridiculously good chase and one of the most electric elevator scenes on film. You just feel your stomach drop. Ebert says ★★★★.
Mark Larson 