“Brokeback Mountain”

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger

Release Date: Dec. 9

“Brokeback Mountain” tells the story of two modern-day cowboys, the bond they form with each other throughout their lives, and the effect it has on those around them.

Directed by Academy Award-nominated Director Ang Lee (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”), “Brokeback Mountain” has received loads of critical praise since it debuted at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year, where it took the top prize.

With its heartbreakingly tragic tale of love and the bond between friends, the film has also been getting positive reviews from its audiences. Both men and women were seen crying while leaving the theater.

With a high-calibur director such as Lee and great performances by Ledger and Gyllenhaal, “Brokeback Mountain” is one of the favorites to win the Best Picture Oscar next February.

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“Memoirs of a Geisha”

Starring Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe and Michelle Yeoh

Release Date: Dec. 9

Based on the international best-selling novel “Memoirs of a Geisha,” this movie is next in line behind “Brokeback Mountain” to be the front runner at the Oscars next year.

The film tells the story of a 9-year-old girl who is sold to a brothel and follows her rise to becoming the most desirable geisha (a Japanese girl trained to provide entertaining company for men) in the country.

Though originally set to be directed by Steven Spielberg, “Chicago’s” Rob Marshall ended up with the position and, along with the cast of international stars, has been generating a lot of buzz from critics as one of the best films of the year.

With a strong, capable cast crew, including “A Beautiful Mind” screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, it’s unlikely the critics are wrong.

“King Kong”

Starring Naomi Watts, Jack Black and Adrien Brody

Release Date: Dec. 16

Peter Jackson directs this remake of the 1933 classic, which he credits for influencing him to become a filmmaker. As a follow up to his “Lord of the Rings Trilogy,” it is also one of the most hyped movies of the year.

For those who don’t know, “King Kong” tells the story of a film crew’s encounter with a giant ape and their efforts to save the film’s leading lady from him.

Many are anxious to see if Jackson can live up to the expectations set from his recent success and if he can create a remake that does justice to the original film. Based on the early previews and the buzz surrounding the film, it could even surpass them.

With a strong cast and very experienced film crew behind it, “King Kong” looks to be a big hit with audiences next month.

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