Smilla's sense of snow

This is one of the best finds in recent months. A strong and edgy heroine with a damaged enigmatic past who is determined to solve a murder case apparently too big and complicated for her delicate frame. And yet she forges on despite the threat of imprisonment and risk of life. Like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the plot is near implausible, especially in the final thirty minutes, and yet it never fails to grip you with its build-up of atmosphere, the fine performance of Julia Ormond and her chemistry with the charismatic Gabriel Bryne in a mysterious role.