Reginald Huguenin Movies

A clash between traditional Mongolian culture and that of contemporary urban culture provides the basis of this Mongolian-French boxing melodrama that opens as a group of city bikers have a conflict with shepherds on the vast steps. The story then moves to young Tamir, a young man raised by his traditional grandfather, a peasant from a small village. Tamir isn't interested in traditional ways and wants to become a professional pugilist in Ulan Bator, the country's capital. Once there he is taken in by the city's best coach, Bold. During training, Tamir falls in love with the sophisticated and somewhat Westernized Sarangua, Bold's daughter. She already has a French lover and Tamir ends up so hurt that he begins drinking heavily and forgetting about his training. Matters get worse when Tamir is blamed for the death of his friend, the poet Damdin. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Jacques Rivette directed this richly detailed six-hour drama based on the story of Joan of Arc. In Part one, "Les Batailles," Jeanne the Maid (Sandrine Bonnaire) leaves her childhood home in Domremy after hearing what she is sure was the voice of God. She believes that she can help lead France to victory on the battlefield, and she persuades Charles, dauphin of France (Andre Marcon) to allow her to guide his troops. Part two, "Les Prisons," concerns the sad aftermath of Jeanne's defeat at Orleans. Jeanne is sent to prison, where in two separate trials she is tried for heresy and impersonating a man, with both her life and the sanctity of her mortal body at stake. A four-hour version, with each of the two parts trimmed down to two hours, is also available. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Broken English is a sincerely felt but somewhat anachronistic film predicated on the theme of miscegenation. White leading lady Beverly Roberts comes under fire from her friends, family and associates when she marries African gentleman Jacques Martial. The title is a reference to the initial language barriers between husband and wife (the film is partly subtitled). Broken English has the distinction of being the only film to feature Oona O'Neill in an acting role. Perhaps you know her better by her married name: Mrs. Charlie Chaplin. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi