Gripping, powerfully acted account of Irish gangs in New York's Hell's Kitchen. Sean Penn plays a neighborhood kid who returns home only to find little has changed: his friends are still involved in violent, criminal lifestyles. Gary Oldman, Ed Harris and Robin Wright also star in this gritty tale, based on the exploits of the Westies gang. 134 min.

Rollicking filmization of Daniel Defoe's classic novel showcases Robin Wright as the strong-willed sprite in 18th-century England who goes from prostitute to lover of a tortured painter to social-conscious sweetheart with help from thieving friend Morgan Freeman. Stockard Channing, John Lynch and Brenda Fricker also star. 123 min.

Winner of six Oscars, including Best Picture, Director and Actor, Robert Zemeckis' modern-day "Candide" stars Tom Hanks as the simple-minded but good-hearted Forrest, whose life is a series of accidental encounters with the memorable people and pivotal events of the '50s, '60s and '70s. Endearing mix of comedy and drama also stars Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field as Mama Gump. 142 min.