Favourite Films of the year

One week more of cinema releases coming up, but nothing looks set to impress.

I'm ready to release my pick of the most inspiring films of 2006 -

(1) Little Miss Sunshine,

(2) Yes,

(3) Live and Become

'Little Miss Sunshine'. Delightful. Daring. Dangerously funny. One of the few films I've ever seen that made me want to write to all my friends and say Please, Please, Please do yourself a favour and see this film. Few films can go beyond 'quirky' with quite the same brilliance. The crackling script and show-stopping characters really shine.

'Yes'

Sally Potter is a director everyone feels obliged to admire. And I've certainly admired 'The Tango Lesson' - it inspired me to take up tango even. But some of her films have just failed ever so slightly to hit the heart where it hurts... This film changed my mind, and shot her straight to the top of my 'most respected directors' list. 'Yes' is a sensitive film full of heart, full of point and full of poetry. Beautifully sublime.

'Live and Become'

Wow. A subtle film that packs a punch... It took me straight to the heart of Africa and left me there, feeling I knew these characters closer than my own kin. Its an epic journey about the smallest secrets that define our lives. For anyone with a secret that shames them, or a family that binds them, this film is sure to leave an indelible footprint on the soul.

I'm ready for 2007. I wonder what masterpieces will the coming year hold...?