Nobody Knows

This is a strange and affecting story about four children trying to survive after they are abandoned by their mother. Yuya Yagira won best actor at Cannes for his portrayal of Akira, the oldest son, who must look after his young siblings. He’s natural and effective in this heartbreaking story that uses fairy-tale elements to explore the horrors of urban poverty and the slow slide to hopelessness. The film’s only flaw is its 140 minute length, but if you’re butt is up to the challenge, the story pays off.