Cristina Lule – “The Bridge”

The Golden Gate Bridge is considered one of the most famous bridges in the world, serving as a means of transportation for commuters and tourists since 1937.

However, one might not be aware it also serves as a conduit between life and death.

“The Bridge” is a 2006 documentary exploring The Golden Gate Bridge’s reputation for being one of the top suicide destinations in the world, capturing 23 suicides on camera that occurred all in 2004.

The film makes no attempt to shy away from its subject matter; there are several long shots of bodies plunging into the Bay. However, the film is not a tactless documentation of the suicides. The film instead leads viewers through a sensitive exploration of mental illness through interviews with the victims’ relatives and friends.

“The Bridge” is not a pleasurable film to watch, but a necessary one that explores the taboo subject of suicide and presents an unforgettable perspective on one of San Francisco’s most admired structures.

Anthony Nathan – “Old Boy”

Little known fact about movies: sometimes they come from outside the United States. Crazy, right?

The 2003 Korean mystery thriller, “Oldboy,” revolves around Oh Dae-su, an obnoxious drunk who is kidnapped and left prisoner for 15 years in a hotel room. Without notice, he’s set free to go on a rampage to look for his captor with a small sum of money, a new suit and a cell phone. The film ends with a twist that I can guarantee you would have never predicted.

Director Chan-wook Park is making his American debut with the film “Stoker,” released last week. I suggest watching the film with subtitles as opposed to the dubbed version; it really takes away from how well the actors in the movie performed, even if you don’t understand what they are saying.