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Another example from a year of films with life-affirming themes (see No. 3 Juno above), this quiet little indie flick tells an engaging story about how our lives can be changed—dramatically, even tragically—in an instant, but that our subsequent choices can make all the difference in the world. When José, a chef at a Mexican restaurant in Manhattan, learns that one of the waitresses, Nina, is pregnant out of wedlock, he shows concern—and no, he's not the father. When she considers an abortion, Eduardo's compassion kicks into high gear and sets into a motion a series of choices for both of them that will be life-changing. First-time director/screenwriter Alejandro Monteverde calls it a "love story without the romance," and that's an apt description of a movie that celebrates life, love, family, and friendship. (Our review.) (Discussion Guide.)

The true story of Chris McCandless, a young man who gives his life savings to charity and hitchhikes across America to escape society and get back to nature—all while his parents have no clue where he is and are worried sick. Chris makes it to Alaska and moves into an abandoned bus, where his short but fascinating life ultimately meets a tragic end. This idealistic young man was running away from the right problems, but he ultimately ran right past the meaning of life—and those mistakes cost him his life. But the beauty and wisdom he encounters along the way have much to offer us all. (Our review.)

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, the film tells the story of Amir, a well-off boy from Afghanistan who, as an adult living in the U.S., is haunted by the guilt of betraying a childhood friend. Ultimately, Amir returns to his native country to help his old friend in this tale of friendship and family, of guilt and redemption. Includes some powerful thoughts on the nature of sin, and on the need to stand up for what is right. It also gives us a revealing look at a side of Middle Eastern and Muslim society not often seen in the West. (Our review.) (Discussion Guide.)

Wonder what it's like to experience the world as a person completely paralyzed, except for the use of one eye? This brilliant French film—the true story of magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby, who ended up that way after a massive stroke—will give you a bit of a feel for such an existence, as much of the film is shot from his perspective … looking at his surroundings through that one working eye. But what seems hopeless and hellish soon begins to take a redeeming turn, as those around him—doctors, nurses, therapists, family, and friends—patiently and compassionately love him into enjoying life again. Shows that our capacity for joy isn't dependent on circumstances or physical limitations, but is embedded in something far deeper. (Our review.)

Rats, roux, rues, and … redemption? You bet. The best animated film of the year, from the brilliant mind and creative hand of Brad Bird and his Pixar cohorts, takes an old cliché—you can rise above your circumstances and fulfill your dreams—and brings it to such inventive and imaginative life, you'll want to run straight to the nearest French restaurant and indulge in culinary delight. This feast for the eyes and the soul is also a commentary about the pursuit of excellence, rather than settling for competence, and about how great things can come from the unlikeliest of places. (Our review.)

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Related Elsewhere:

The 2007 Critics' Choice Awards	Printer view
A combination of Oscar nominees and lesser-known indies makes up our list for the best overall movies of the year.

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The 2007 Readers' Choice Awards	Printer view
You liked movies about hip (and pregnant) teens, animated rats, and former CIA assassins, but most of all, you loved a film about one man who changed the world.