Recently watched "Mongol", a Russian or Mongolian film (not sure which) about the rise of Ghengis Khan. Was interesting and entertaining. Assuming the costumes and sets were well researched, I learned a wee bit of something about a culture and history I know absolutely nothing about. Not sure why it won an Academy Award for best Foreign Language film. It was, as I say, entertaining, but not remarkable.

I don't how many times I've looked at "The King of Scotland" and put it back, undecided. Thanks for the recommendations, I'll definitely grab it.

Just watched "The Soloist", and then read the book. Highly recommend both. Much more realistic portrayal of an individual with Schizophrenia than "A Beautiful Mind" (A movie loved, by the way, but highly romantisized and unrealistic portrayal of a person with the disorder.) Deals very honestly and accurately with a number of issues, including family, homelessness, and the need for a variety of approaches to offer respectful assistance, as well as the potential importance of relationship. Having worked in this field for a number of years, I thought Lopez, in the book, did a very good job of portraying how much one is challenged within one's self to maintain meaningful relationship, and also how ultimately rewarding it can be. I wasn't sure, however, how clear that would be to some one who has never had a family member or friend with severe and persistent mental illness.

Ultimately, what I most applaud, is the respect Lopez understood that Nathaniel deserved, his struggle to offer that respect, and ultimately, his success in doing so. That is, in my view, the heart of the relationship that mutually benefitted them both.

Don't just watch the movie.   Read the book. But watch the movie first or you will be disappointed in the movie. (Ain't that nearly always the case?)