I think a lot of people are skipping "Things We Lost In The Fire" because they think it is going to be depressing. While the film is definitely sad, it is not depressing because it is about coping and surviving in the face of tragedy. It is one of the best films of the year.

Halle Berry and Benicio Del Toro give amazing performances and it is unfortunate that there are not more films that take advantage of their talents. I bet Halle Berry would not make so many bad films if she were given more scripts like this. The photography and directing are first rate.

If you have enough interest in this movie to be reading this review, you need to run out and see "Things We Lost In The Fire." This is a film about the things that matter most in life. It will lose much of it's impact on video, so you need to see it on the big screen while you can.

Brian Burke (David Duchovny) is best friend to junkie Jerry Sunborne (Benicio Del Toro). When Brian dies, Jerry tries to help Brian's wife Audrey (Halle Berry) and children. Audrey tries to break Jerry's habit. Alison Lohman plays a recovery friend, and John Carroll Lynch plays a friendly neighbor.

Danish director Susanne Bier brings a European sensibility. It's an unsettling series of emotional chaotic melodrama. Benicio Del Toro puts in a heart breaking performance. Halle Berry is playing a confused mess. It can be very slow especially in the first half. It settles down to a sad recovery for everyone.

Everyday is a struggle and everyday something is being lost. On some days you lose more than on others. But there is always something you can gain, even in loss. It's always about perspective, but also about dealing with things happening to you. And when you have top class actors like Halle Berry and Benicio Del Torro portraying the main characters in your movie, you know you can't really go wrong with that.

Having said that, the movie is not the easiest to watch, but even if you know where this is going. It's not only about how the characters are able to cope, but if you as a viewer are ready to go on that journey with them. If you decide you are, the movie will "treat" you. It may help you put on a different perspective on some things too ...