5. The Notebook directed by Nick Cassavetes

1. Bibliographic Information
Emmerich, T. (Producer), Cassavetes, N. (Director.) (2004). The notebook. United States: New Line Home Entertainment.

Principle Actors: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands and James Garner

124 Minutes
Rated PG-13 for some Sexuality

ISBN: 0-7806-4883-8

2. Plot Summary
This movie begins with an older man named Duke, who reads to a woman with dementia. He begins to read her a story. Allie Hamilton is a young girl vacationing in South Carolina in the 1940s. Allie comes from a wealthy family with high expectations of her. However, when hanging out at a carnival, she meets a young man named Noah Calhoun, who is persistent in wanting to go on a date with her. Allie, though initially suspicious, finally consents to go on a date. What starts as a date turns into a whirlwind romance, and soon the young couple find themselves in love. Allie’s parents, however, disapprove of the match and essentially force them to break-up. It is seven years before Allie and Noah see each other again. Both have changed; Noah a war veteran has rebuilt an old house, while Allie is engaged to be married. Allie though is unsure about her situation and must make a decision which will affect her life forever.

3. Critical Evaluation
The Notebook definitely appeals to people’s sense of romance and love. The movie looks at a couple’s relationship throughout the course of their lives and the hardships that they endured. However, in some ways the movie is very much clichéd. It is as much about first loves as it is about the depth of love, however, this idea is very much dependent upon whether or not the viewer can connect with the characters despite a common plot. Allie and Noah’s initial relationship seems very instinctual. They have little in common with the exception of their attraction to each other. The movie even claims that they fight with each other the majority of the time. However, despite their differences, the characters claim their true love for each other. Like most films about a forbidden romance, the family does not approve, and there is a period of mistaken intent with the characters. After the characters’ reunion, their relationship seems in many ways to be dependent upon their initial feelings. Nevertheless, The Notebook does work. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the movie does show the growth of love over time. Is the movie formulaic, melodramatic, and in some ways over the top? Absolutely, however, in light of other movies of the same caliber, The Notebook does a good job for its purpose.

4. Reader’s Annotation
“Behind every great love is a great story.” –Movie tagline on DVD

5. Information about the Author
Nick Cassavete is the son of Gena Rowlands and John Cassavetes. He has also directed the films John Q, Alpha Dog, and My Sister’s Keeper.

The movie was based upon the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. Sparks has written numerous books, usually quite like this one.

6. Genre
Drama/Romance

7. Curriculum Ties
N/A

8. Booktalking Ideas
-How does the movie differ from the book?
-How does this movie define love?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
(Cross-over) I would recommend this film to teens and adults starting at the age of 15. The reason I think that this movie appeals to teens is due to its rating and the number of Teen Choice Awards it received.

10. Challenge Issues
This movie is rated PG-13 for some sexuality. If anyone wished to challenge this film, I would recommend the ALA’s website for challenge information and documents at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

As well as the Motion Picture Association of America for more information on their ratings

http://www.mpaa.org/

11. Why was it selected?
A couple of girls at the high school I work at said that they enjoyed the book, so I thought it would be appropriate for this blog.

12. Citations
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Emmerich, T. (Producer), Cassavetes, N. (Director.) (2004). The notebook. United States: New Line Home Entertainment.

Imdb.com. (2010). Awards for the notebook (2004). Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332280/awards

Imdb.com. (2010). Biography for Nick Cassavetes. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001024/bio

Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (2010). Motion Picture Association of America. Retrieved at http://www.mpaa.org/.

Picture
Imdb.com. (2010). The Notebook (2004). Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332280/

13. Awards
2005 BMI Film Music Award
2005 MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss
2005 Golden Satellite Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Gena Rowlands)
2005 Teen Choice Awards:
Choice Date Movie
Choice Movie Actor: Drama (Ryan Gosling)
Choice Movie Actress: Drama (Rachel McAdams)
Choice Movie Breakout Performance – Male (Ryan Gosling)
Choice Movie Chemistry
Choice Movie Liplock
Choice Movie Love Scene
Choice Movie: Drama

13. Devil's Playground A Documentary Directed by Lucy Walker

1. Bibliographic Information
Cantor, S. (Producer), Walker, L. (Director). (2002). Devil’s playground. United States: Wellspring.

77 minutes, English, Not Rated, Documentary
ISBN: 0-7942-0288-8

2. Plot Summary
Devil’s Playground is a documentary looking at the lives of Pennsylvania Dutch teenagers as they go through the rite of Rumspringa. In the Amish faith all sixteen year olds are required to go through a period of “running around,” where they will experience life in the “English” world until they chose to re-enter the church and be baptized or leave the church. It is traditional for these teens to make a decision between 16 and 21. However, once they re-enter the church, if they chose to leave the church after being baptized they will be shunned by their family because they are essentially choosing Hell over Heaven. This film highlights the lives of Joann, a 16-year-old, Faron, an 18-year-old, and Velma a 23-year-old who has been shunned by the church. Through Devil’s Playground, the viewer is exposed to many parts of the Amish tradition, including partying, drugs, a rite called “bed courtship,” the draw of the “English” culture, and the emotional thought processes that these teens face as they make the most important decision of their lives.

3. Critical Evaluation
There are many concerns which arise upon viewing this film. First, Devil’s Playground examines the lives of teens as they question their faith, while they are rebelling against the normal parameters of their religion. These teens are engaging in a skewed view of “English” life, focusing on drug use, getting drunk, having sex and partying. Very few examples are shown of a teen that makes their progression through Rumspringa without these vices. The idea being that a teen can do whatever they want during Rumspringa, and all will be forgotten once they are baptized within the church. While the religion might try to reinforce this party lifestyle so that teens can ultimately see the sins of the “English” world, since this film only presents this view, it may be a biased representation of Rumspringa. Additionally, concerns over the teens themselves arise. In many ways these teens are not suited for some of the issues that occur. Amish teenagers have dropped out of school after 8th grade, because the religion feels that too much education can lead to vanity. Thus, while these teens do know hard work and manual labor, they do not necessarily understand the social constructs or have the same schooling which could impact their lives should they chose to leave the church. Ultimately, the film is an eye-opening account of what teens must face as they try to establish their identity, whether within the church or in the “English” world.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Drugs, sex and rock and roll, this isn’t a concert but Rumspringa, the Amish rite of passage, where sixteen year olds experience the "real" world.

5. Information about the Author
Lucy Walker was born in London, England. Her other film credits include the documenatries Blindsight (2006), Wasteland (2009), and Countdown to Zero (2010) and work on televsion's Blue's Clues.

6. Genre
Film Documentary: Religious Practices/Teen Life

7. Curriculum Ties
I could see this film being used in a religion class, if a student was going to a private school. It would be helpful for teens to see how other religions treat teenagers and how they can be liberating and confining.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-Does the teens’ behavior give them an accurate view of “English” life?
-Do you think that there is a better way to allow the Amish teenagers a chance to see what the “English” lifestyle is like?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
Due to the content of this film, I would recommend the viewer to be at least 15 years old, however, this film could also be viewed by adults, as well.

10. Challenge Issues
This documentary does show teens consuming alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and using crystal methamphetamine and marijuana. The practice of “bed courtship” allows teens to share a bed together. Additionally, there is obscene language throughout. The documentary’s purpose is to show the issues that teens face when they go through the Amish practice of Rumspringa. However, if anyone wished to challenge the inclusion of this documentary in a classroom or library, I would refer them to the ALA’s website on guidelines and forms for reconsideration found at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it selected?
I first watched this video in a college course on child and adolescent development. I think it is a great example of teen growth as well as awareness of cultural and religious practices.

12. Citations
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Imdb.com. (2010). Awards for Lucy Walker. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1013671/awards

Imdb.com. (2010). Lucy Walker. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1013671/

Picture from
Imdb.com. (2010). Devil’s playground. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0293088/

13. Awards
Nominated for the Independent Spirit Award in 2003
Nominated for an Emmy in 2003 for Outstanding Individual Achievement in a Craft: Direction
Won Best Documentary-Special Mention at 2002’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
Won the 2002 Sarasota Film Festival Audience Award

35. 17 Again Directed by Burr Steers

1. Bibliographic Information
Gibgot, J. and Shankman, A. (Producers), & Steers, B. (Director). (2009). 17 Again [motion picture]. United States of America: New Line Cinema.
Principle Actors: Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, Matthew Perry
102 minutes
Rated PG-13 for language, some sexual material and teen partying
UPC: 7-94043-13594-1
DVD #3000021412

2. Plot Summary
In 1989 Mike O’Donnell is a popular, athletic high school senior with dreams of getting a college scholarship for basketball. On the day of the big game, Mike’s girl friend, Scarlet, tells him that she’s pregnant. Feeling the weight of his responsibilities, Mike forgoes his chance at an education and instead proposes to Scarlet, professing his love for her and his baby. Years have passed since his high school years, and Mike O’Donnell is now in a tough situation. He has just gotten passed up for a promotion he felt he was entitled to, and he and his wife are filing for a divorce. Their two children are now in high school and Mike does not feel connected to them. When he visits his old high school, Mike wishes he could relive his high school experience and do things differently. A janitor talks with him, and suddenly, Mike has changed back into his high school body. He is still stuck in the present day; however, he realizes he has a chance to relive high school with his children. With his adult attitudes, perceptions, and knowing how his life had originally turned out, can Mike decide what is really best for himself? Will he chose to potentially live out his dreams or make things right with his family?

3. Critical Evaluation
17 Again is a movie that relies too much on the Zac Efron fan base. Like his High School Musical character, Zac Efron seems to be in familiar territory as a high school basketball player. While the movie does for the most part focus on Zac Efron, the clichéd plot lines (including the nerdy, unpopular kid turning into the millionaire to spite all the people who bullied him) and poor storyline do little to entice mature viewers. Ultimately, I found the movie to be heavy-handed. The plot revolves around an adult stuck in a teen’s body, which does not necessarily work when the character is busy telling other teenagers about safe sex, and if possible abstinence only. I’m not entirely convinced that teens would want to see a movie with essentially an adult character telling them what they should or should not be doing. This blatant attempt to maintain a “family” film with morals for teenagers is overdone. Furthermore, the morality of this film can be called into question: if Mike’s children mean that much to him, why would he even consider leaving them to pursue his dreams of college basketball? While not a terrible movie, 17 Again just comes off as ridiculous.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Mike O’Donnell’s life has never been what he expected. He gave up a college scholarship in order to marry his pregnant girlfriend, and now, years later, is heading for a divorce. When he is given the chance to go back to high school, can Mike make things right?

5. Information about the Author
Burr Steers is an actor, writer and director whose contributions include Pulp Fiction, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and Igby Goes Down. He was born October 8, 1965 and is the nephew of Gore Vidal and Jacqueline Kennedy.

6. Genre
Comedy

7. Curriculum Ties
N/A

8. Booktalking Ideas
-Have you ever wondered what it would be like to relive a part of your life?
-How do you think being an adult trapped in a kid’s body would affect your attitudes, morals, and perceptions?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I think that 15-16 year olds would be the extent of the interest age for this film.

10. Challenge Issues:
Since it is rated PG-13 I would recommend parents to be sure to abide by the ratings guidelines. The movie does include examples of language, sexual material and teen partying.

For more information on the ratings and the ratings system, see the Motion Pictures of America website at:

http://www.mpaa.org/

11. Why was it selected?
Some of the high school girls that I coached recommended the film.

12. Citations

Internet Movie Database. (2010). Burr Steers. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0824882/

Motion Picture Association of America. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.mpaa.org/

Amazon.com (2010). 17 Again. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/17-Again-Zac-Efron/dp/B001OQCUYI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1268688369&sr=1-1

13. Awards
2009 Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor: Comedy (Zac Efron) and Choice Movie Rockstar Moment (Zac Efron)

37. The Breakfast Club directed by John Hughes

1. Bibliographic Information:
Tanen, N. and Hughes, J. (producers), John Hughes (director). (2003). The breakfast club. United States: Universal.

ASIN: B0000A98ZP
Original Release: 1985
Running Time: 1 hr 38 min
Rated R

2. Plot Summary:
Five students from Shermer High School in Shermer, Illinois, arrive at 7am on Saturday morning for their detention. Clare Standish is a spoiled teenager, popular and manipulates her fighting parents to get what she wants. John Bender is known at the high school for his criminal reputation, but is trying to deal with his abusive home life. Allison Reynolds is quiet and quirky trying to be noticed. Andrew Clark is a wrestler whose father determines what Andrew does in life. Lastly, Brian Johnson is a nerd, somewhat depressed and unsure about his future. These very different kids from different social standings both in high school and life are force together until 4 pm. None of them really know each other, and none of them really care to find out. Can these five students learn from each other and be friends, or have their stereotypes and adult prejudices tainted their opinions of each other?

3. Critical Evaluation
Made in 1985, The Breakfast Club should still be considered an influential high school comedy/drama. It is interesting to see how the issues brought up in this movie still seem fresh despite today’s changing society. While the movie’s costumes, music, and slang appear dated, modern themes such as prejudice, abuse, parents and authority figures, drugs, depression, and violence are still just as prevalent today as it was then. In fact, the movie embodies much of the elements that Cole states is prevalent in realistic fiction: imperfect characters, adolescent settings, atmosphere, language, and style. The Breakfast Club shows each student with their warts and all, showing their shortcomings and conceit, yet also showing a more vulnerable side. Additionally, the movie takes place in high school. The atmosphere is constantly changing, from boredom to volatile to respect, which is consistent with the language used. Although the language in this movie can be a bit dated, it does represent the type of language which most teens use. Profanity, slang, insults and contempt is often displayed by all of the characters in the movie. Lastly, style is another element of realistic fiction. The style of this film is interesting. In hindsight, this movie captures the style of teenagers; however, it is easy to get caught up in the fact that the clothes are dated. Nevertheless, I think that teenagers should still be able to connect with the characters, and its view on high school life as well as family life.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Five students are sent to Saturday school, each one from different backgrounds and cliques in high school. Can these students get past the stereotypes of prejudices or will they find that they have nothing in common?

5. Information about the Director:
John Hughes has been credited with revolutionizing movies about high school. Born in Lansing, Michigan in 1950, he directed 8 movies, and wrote 40 other films. His other popular titles include Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Pretty in Pink, Weird Science and Sixteen Candles. He died of a heart attack in 2009.

6. Genre
Realistic Fiction

7. Curriculum Ties
N/A

8. Booktalking Ideas
-Do you think that this story is realistic in terms of how high school students are portrayed?
-Do you think that these students would have banded together if it were not for Principle Vernon?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
Due to the rating of this film I think that it would be more appropriate for 16 to 18 year olds, however, I could see teens at 15 still finding a connection with this film.

10. Challenge Issue
Since this film was rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for pervasive language, sexual references and some drug use. The characters do speak all sorts of offensive language and the sexual references focus on virginity and prostitution.

Therefore, I would advise parents to look at the rating system and its reasoning before letting their children watch it. If there was a challenge issue I would refer them to the American Library Association’s website:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm/

11. Why was it Selected?
My sister loved this movie growing up, and I remember watching it with her throughout her teen years.

12. Citation

Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Cole, P. B. (2009). Young adult literature in the 21st century. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Internet Movie Database. (2010). John Hughes. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000455/

Picture from:
Internet Movie Database. (2010). The breakfast club. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088847/

13. Awards

No awards known.

44. Stuttering: Straight Talk for Teens by The Stuttering Foundation of America

1. Bibliographic Information
Guitar, B. and Guitar, C. (producers), The Stuttering Foundation (director). (2005). Stuttering: straight talk for teens. United States: The Stuttering Foundation of America.
Running Time: 85 minutes
DVD No. 1076

2. Plot Summary
This informational DVD, provides students with stuttering issues an introduction to what stuttering is, common feelings associated with stuttering, how teens feel about stuttering in a school environment, and where and how teens can find help. The film uses teenagers to help narrate and ask questions. These teenagers share their concerns as well as their own experiences. These experiences often relate to the teenagers’ own fear of stuttering, their incidences with people who make fun of them, how stuttering has made them a better person, and their aspirations. To help the teenagers and viewers, the film has also included doctors who answer the teens’ questions and display current speech therapist techniques for helping to eliminate a person’s stutter. Most techniques include slowing down speech patterns so that the person who is stuttering can feel where they are tense, and to adjust that so that they pronounce the words at a comfortable rate and feel.

3. Critical Evaluation
I think that the information that the film provides is very helpful for teens who are stutterers as well as family and friends of stutterers. The video shared the teens’ insecurities and how others can help and support them for when they do stutter. Unfortunately, the film itself seemed dated. The teenagers’ clothes and accessories looked like they were popular in the mid 1990s, and the lighting and backgrounds seemed dark. While this does not have anything to do with the information provided, I could see how this might affect today’s teen viewers who would probably be even less inclined to watch the film. Another revision of this DVD that would introduce a more modern feel might help viewers be better able to understand and relate to the teens in the film. It would also be interesting to see how the speech therapy methods are still in fact used by therapists.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Stuttering is a vocal coordination issue that affects many teens. Learn how to help those who stutter or to learn how to help eliminate a stutter in Stuttering: Straight Talk for Teens dvd.

5. Information about the Author
The Stuttering Foundation was developed in 1947 by Malcom Fraser and Dr. Charles Van Riper. Their goal was to provide the best and most up-to-date information and help available for the prevention of stuttering in young children and the most effective treatment available for teenagers and adults.

6. Genre
Self-Help/Support

7. Curriculum Ties
This could be helpful for a speech pathologist, a school who is studying diversity of speech impediments, or for teachers and students who want to better understand stuttering.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-What causes stuttering?
-What are the common misconceptions about stuttering and stutterers?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
This DVD is specifically designed for teens in high school.

10. Challenge Issues
-Since this is an informative DVD I do not feel that it is in any danger of being challenged.

11. Why was it selected?
I think that speech impediments are often overlooked, so I thought it would be interesting to view from a teen's perspective.

12. Citation Page

The Stuttering Foundation. (2010). The stuttering foundation of America: a history. Retrieved from http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=19.

Picture from:
Stuttering: straight talk for teens. Retrieved from http://www.jcbell.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SFA&Product_Code=1076&Category_Code

13. Awards
No awards known.

50. Donnie Darko Directed by Richard Kelly

1. Bibliographic Information:
Ball, C. and Barrymore, D. (Producers), Richard Kelly (Director). (2001). Donnie Darko. United States: Pandora Cinema.

Approx. 113 minutes
Rated R for language, some drug use and violence
Catalog # 2003642
Bar Code # 0-24543-03642-5

2. Plot Summary:
Donnie Darko is a troubled teenager living in suburban town named Middlesex. Upon waking up on a deserted road Donnie, rides his bike home to find that a jet engine has crashed through his house and into his bedroom. The whereabouts of this plane or how the jet engine fell is unknown. However, this event has irrevocably altered Donnie’s life. He begins to see a bunny named Frank. Frank can see the past and the future, and warns Donnie that the world is going to end. Donnie, unsure about who Frank is or what his motivations are, feels compelled to obey Frank’s instructions. Donnie’s life begins to spiral as he comes closer to the date that Frank says the world will end. Donnie tries to learn what is happening to him by talking with some of his high school teachers, but they are unable to help. Is Frank a delusion of Donnie’s mind? Or does he serve a greater purpose?

3. Critical Evaluation
Donnie Darko poses more questions than it answers. By creating a character that has possible emotional issues as well as being tied to his emotions as a teenager, writer/director Richard Kelly forces the viewer to suspend belief, and look within to question what is real. Throughout the movie there are constant contradictions. We hear Donnie’s therapy sessions, see Frank the bunny and Frank the man, see that there is a demonic bunny cookie jar in the Darko’s kitchen, and yet there are no definitive answers. However, there are no wasted scenes, characters or motivations; all serve a purpose to the plot and themes of this motion picture. Ultimately, the viewer must decide whether or not they believe in these possibilities. This is where the movie succeeds. The audience is willing to suspend belief in order to discover what is real; to determine how time travel is possible, the impetus, and thus its possibilities. Through all this, Donnie becomes a more rounded character, one that the viewer can show apathy for if not relate to.

4. Reader’s Annotation:
Donnie Darko sees Frank, a demonic bunny, who tells him that the world will end in 20 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes and 6 seconds. Can this be real?

5. Information about the Author/Director:
Richard Kelly is a writer, director and a producer. Born on March 25, 1975 in Newport News, Virginia, he graduated from the University of Southern California majoring in film. He has written other screenplays, and is going to direct the upcoming film, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. See citation from IMDB.com.

6. Genre:
This movie is a science fiction thriller.

7. Curriculum Ties:
I do not think that a school would show this movie unless it was dealing with philosophical questions on what is real. If such was the case, then possibly an English class would be most fitting, and even then I would only show clips.

8. Booktalking Ideas
What is reality?
Is Frank a figment in Donnie’s imagination, due to delusions from mental illness or real?
Do you believe that time travel is possible or the existence of parallel universes?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I think that the themes in this film would be most understood by 17 and 18 year olds. They would be able to think abstractly and understand the questions posed by the film. Furthermore, they would be able to relate to Donnie’s relationship with his parents and siblings.

10. Challenge Issues
Since this motion picture is rated R, teens under 17 cannot legally watch it without parental/guardian consent. Therefore, I would suggest that any adult who wishes to show this film to minors needs to write out consent forms and obtain a parent’s signature.

For an example of school procedures see Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 PDF:

http://www3.d93.k12.id.us/media/117671/2160p%20classroom%20use%20of%20videos%20and%20movies%20procedures.pdf

11. Why was it selected?
I chose Donnie Darko because I thought that this was a film that provoked teens. I think that there are far too many examples of older teen movies strictly made for entertainment, and I wanted to include an example of one that made teens think.

12. Citation Page

Bonneville Joint School District No. 93. Classroom use of videos, dvds, and movies procedures. Retrieved from http://www3.d93.k12.id.us/media/117671/2160p%20classroom%20use%20of%20videos%20and%20movies%20procedures.pdf

Internet Movie Database. (2010). Awards for donnie darko (2001). Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246578/awards

Internet Movie Database. (2010). Richard Kelly (II). Retrieved from www.imdb.com/name/nm0446819/

DVD Town. (2009). Donnie darko dvd. Retrieved from http://www.dvdtown.com/moviedatabase/coverart/donnie-darko/dvd/9720/0

13. Awards
2002 Silver Scream Award at the Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival
2003 Chlotrudis Award for Best Actor and Best Screenplay
2002 Cinénygma - Luxembourg International Film Festival Audience Award
2003 Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards
2002 Gérardmer Film Festival Premiere Award
2001 San Diego Film Critics Society Awards
2001 Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival Best Screenplay
2001 Sweden Fantastic Film Festival Audience Award
2002 Toronto Film Critics Association Awards Special Citation