Birth ***1/2
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Cameron Bright, Danny Huston, Lauren Bacall, Alison Elliot, Arliss Howard, Anne Heche, Peter Stormare
Director: Jonathan Glazer
Running Length: 1:40
MPAA Classification: R

Ten years after her husband's death, Anna (Kidman) is engaged again, and her life is going well. She has gotten over the husband she has lost and found another man, named Danny (Huston), that she loves. Then, in walks 10-year old Sean (Bright), throwing her world upside down. He claims to be her dead husband. Skeptical at first, Anna blows him off, but before long she realizes that young Sean knows way too much to be making things up. Or does he? Anna's family takes turns trying to get to the bottom of the mystery, and through it all, Anna and Danny's relationship suffers. Just what will Anna do, especially if Sean is who he claims to be?

I really liked this movie. Though not perfect, "Birth" is highly compelling as it explores the possibility of reincarnation. (The dead husband Sean ironically did not believe in it.) Nicole Kidman gives an excellent performance as the woman torn between loves. If there is any doubt that Nicole Kidman can act, all you have to do is view the three minute long close up in which her face goes through a wide range of emotions. Director Jonathan Glazer does an excellent job, filling the film with nuances that give the characters great depth. "Birth" is a very good movie, but one that will not appeal to all. In fact, I think that this is a movie that will be loved or hated. That being said, it is worth taking the chance that you will love it. I highly recommend.