The 12 Best Movies I Saw in 2004
#4 House of Sand and Fog **** (from 2003)
Despite that fact that nothing good happens in this movie, and everyone in it is worse off by the time it is over, this is one heck of a movie. Do not go into this one looking for cheer though. Ben Kingsley gives one of the best performances that I have ever seen on film, as an Iranian trying to make the most of life in America. Shohreh Aghdashloo also (now of "24" fame) gave a performance that received an Oscar nomination as well. This is powerful stuff and not for people who like happy endings.