John Powers

"Perfect Days" is the latest film by the German director Wim Wenders, who's best known for 1980s hits like "Paris, Texas" and "Wings Of Desire." "Perfect Days" tells the story of a sanitation worker in Tokyo. It's one of five Oscar nominees for best international feature film. Our critic at large, John Powers, says "Perfect Days" fills you with a good feeling about life.

Fanon, who died in 1961, wrote about the politics and psychology of colonialism. In The Rebel's Clinic, Adam Shatz captures the thorny brilliance of a man whose radicalism is still shaping our world.

Tótem is the radiant second feature by the terrific Mexican filmmaker Lila Avilés. Set over the course of a single, life-changing day, this ensemble film thrums with a lively, chaotic intimacy.