A haunted vet, a garbage robotic and a happy-go-lucky charmer

"Waltz with Bashir," Ari Folman's lively movie about an Israeli soldier's flashbacks, has been named exceptional film of 2008 by using the countrywide Society of film Critics, the maximum prestigious of the critic'a companies giving year-cease awards.

The exceptional movie

the other large winner was Mike Leigh's "satisfied-cross-lucky," the story of a congenitally joyful young woman and her struggle with a afflicted, indignant using trainer. 

It tied for second inside the exceptional movie category with "Wall-E"--and turned into additionally venerated for best actress (Sally Hawkins), nice assisting actor (Eddie Marsan), and best director and screenplay (each Leigh).

This turned into reputedly the satisfactory showing by using a single movie inside the history of the NSFC, and allows Hawkins' chances of being nominated in this year's aggressive Oscar race. 

Leigh, a British director of coiling, bittersweet circle of relatives testimonies, has piloted 3 different actresses to Oscar nominations, and has been nominated himself five instances.

"Waltz with Bashir" is a film the use of animation to inform a harrowing person tale of a soldier piecing collectively a memory of a painful incident in Israel's fighting in Lebanon.

The critics glaringly

The tie for 2d for Andrew Stanton's lively "Wall-E" joins a protracted list of other 12 months-cease wins for the robotic trash collector, including high-quality picture honors from the Chicago and l. 

A critic associations, and first-rate lively function nods from the ny movie Critics Circle, the country wide Board of evaluation and the Southeastern movie Critics.

not like other groups, the NSFC exhibits its vote totals, to indicate near races and dissent. Heath Ledger, usually concept to be the the front-runner in the Oscar nice assisting actor race, positioned second to Marsan, 41 votes to 35. 

Viola Davis ("Doubt"), likely a shoo-in for Oscar's first-rate assisting actress, became in a technical tie with Hanna Schygulla ("the edge of Heaven"), with 29 each, but located second due to the fact Schygulla's vote overall came from more person ballots.

despite the fact that the critics glaringly unfold their votes widely in maximum categories, there had been  landslides: Sean Penn ("Milk") received over Mickey Roiurke ("The Wrestler"), 87-40, and Sally Hawkins were given 65 votes to 33 for Melissa Leo ("Frozen River").

The Unlikely Trio: A Haunted Vet, a Garbage Robot, and a Happy-Go-Lucky Charmer

In a quiet corner of a bustling city, an extraordinary trio came together, forming an unlikely bond that would change their lives forever. It was a story that defied logic and expectation, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected friendships can bring the greatest joy.

The Haunted Vet:

At the heart of this story is James McCullough, a Vietnam War veteran who had seen more than his fair share of horrors during his time in service. Now in his late 60s, James lived a solitary life, haunted by the memories of his past. The war had left him with deep emotional scars, and he had become a recluse, rarely venturing out of his dimly lit, cluttered apartment. He was a man of few words, haunted by the ghosts of his past, both real and imagined.

The Garbage Robot:

In stark contrast to James was Rusty, a state-of-the-art garbage collection robot created by a local tech genius. Rusty was a marvel of modern engineering, equipped with sensors, AI algorithms, and a cheerful personality. Designed to roam the streets, collecting trash, and recycling materials, Rusty was the city's eco-friendly answer to waste management. With its bright blue chassis and friendly demeanor, Rusty was a striking figure as it whirred through the streets, tirelessly fulfilling its duties.

The Happy-Go-Lucky Charmer:

And then there was Lily, a young woman in her mid-20s with an infectious zest for life. She worked as a street performer, bringing laughter and joy to the city's busy streets with her lively music and magnetic charm. Lily's bright red hair and beaming smile were like a ray of sunshine, and her music seemed to cast a spell on all who heard it. She was known as the "Happy-Go-Lucky Charmer" among her regulars, and her presence could brighten even the gloomiest of days.

One fateful day, as fate would have it, their paths crossed in the most unexpected way.

It began with Rusty encountering a stray kitten stuck in a tree, just outside James' apartment. The robotic garbage collector might have been efficient at its job, but it had a soft spot for animals. It extended its mechanical arm to rescue the frightened kitten, and as it did so, James happened to glance out of his window. For the first time in years, he felt a flicker of interest.

Lily, who had been performing on the street nearby, witnessed the scene unfold. She rushed over, attracted by the commotion. As she approached, she noticed James at his window, his eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern. She couldn't resist striking up a conversation with the enigmatic veteran.

Over time, this chance encounter blossomed into an unusual friendship. Lily's vivacious spirit drew James out of his shell, and he began to share his wartime experiences with her, gradually exorcising the demons that had haunted him for so long. Rusty became a regular visitor to James' apartment, bringing him not only recycling bins but also a newfound sense of purpose.

Together, this unlikely trio discovered the transformative power of friendship. James found solace in sharing his past with Lily, while Lily learned the value of listening and empathy from James. Rusty, the garbage robot, reminded them both that even in the most mundane tasks, there could be a touch of magic.

In a world filled with divisions and differences, the story of the haunted vet, the garbage robot, and the happy-go-lucky charmer was a testament to the extraordinary connections that could form between the most unexpected companions. It was a reminder that, in the end, what truly mattered was the humanity we shared, regardless of our backgrounds or circumstances.