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<keyword id="3619523" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="markus-zusak">Markus Zusak</keyword> famously known as the author of books like ‘<keyword id="1413609" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Book-Thief">The Book Thief</keyword>’ and ‘The Messenger’ is going to be soon in the company of Asia’s brightest minds at the Mountain Echoes Literary Festival. Ahead of the festival, the Australian Young Adult writer talked to Business Insider while still being focused on finally finishing his new book after- what he calls- ‘a good decade of false starts, failed attempts and misadventures’. 

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 Excerpts from the conversation: Q1. How can we focus on promoting local literature? Marcus: This has been a topic of discussion in <keyword id="6355478" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Australia">Australia</keyword> in recent times, but more in the first step of keeping indigenous languages alive. In Australia, Aboriginal <keyword id="24504" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="culture">culture</keyword> has a vast multitude of languages (in the vicinity of two hundred and fifty) and many have been lost through decades of shame to use them, and decline through white invasion. I can’t claim to be an expert on this, but I know that family stories have been so important to me. If I was to use the term indigenous in my own case, I would think of the stories my parents brought with them to Australia, from Germany and Austria. There was a great willingness in them to tell those stories, and a great willingness in me to listen - and I think the first step to promote any kind of literature, be it indigenous or other, is that willingness to listen - to seek them out. <div type="embedgroup"> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="59560713" title="Ed Sheeran’s Mumbai concert tickets got sold out in just 48 minutes today" rank="1.0" kind="RELATED" publishDate="Jul 12, 2017, 3:45 PM" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div></div>


 Q2. How can literature festivals like Mountain Echoes impact a country’s academia? Marcus: These festivals bring writers and storytellers from all around the world together, and I guess the immediate impact is getting people excited about the possibilities literature provide us. I think of the <keyword id="4800905" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mountain-Echoes-Festival">Mountain Echoes Festival</keyword> as a series of many-faceted sparks, able to ignite not necessarily academia, but the imagination. As a writer, I have to confess that academia does interest me, but imagination is what truly excites me - to me, that’s where the magic is. Q3. Is this your first time in <keyword id="6356598" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bhutan">Bhutan</keyword>? What are you looking forward to? Marcus: It is my first time to Bhutan, and for my sessions, I know that one is focused on The Book Thief, as well as other writing, and another is on the topic of dystopia - which I may have to get imaginative on. 

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 Q4. Tell us about your upcoming books. Are you planning on sticking to Young Adult as a genre? Marcus: I just don’t even think about categories like Young Adult. The only ambition I have when I sit down to work is to write someone’s favourite book…It’s a lofty ambition, I know, but otherwise, what would be the point? If you fail, there’s no shame - there are so many great novels in the world. But you have to try. As for my new book, it’s about a boy who’s building a bridge, and in doing so, is building his life into it - and he wants it to be perfect, to make something great and miraculous…A little like trying to write someone’s favorite book.

The author of ‘The Book Thief’ on how to retrieve missing local voices and writing someone’s favorite book

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Paso Robles has become my favorite hidden gem in California.</li><li>The central coast town has small wineries and delicious food.</li></ul>Where should you go in California for delicious food, sprawling vineyards, and the immensely satisfying sound of a freshly uncorked wine bottle? Let me guess, you're thinking of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/castello-di-amorosa-napa-wine-castle-2017-8">Napa</a>.But what if I told you there's a hidden gem on the central coast where you can get all of the above with fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and cooler tasting experiences?Welcome to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/camper-van-trip-california-coast-2021-11">Paso Robles</a>.<h2 id="36165750-92c9-41bd-a940-33e84e79d4b5">A wine for everyone</h2><div type="image" title="JUSTIN Winery in Paso Robles" height="1333" width="2000" msid="115017464" hostid="261" sizebytes="244696"></div>Growing up in the Bay Area, Napa Valley quickly became a special place for my family. With no relatives living in the US, my Greek parents took us there every Christmas to make the holidays feel special.I've visited Napa over 20 times, but over the past few years, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/camper-van-trip-california-surprises-van-life-2021-11">Paso Robles</a> has stolen my heart.Paso Robles is almost exactly in the middle of Los Angeles and San Francisco, about 200 miles each way. Parallel to the mountains and the sea, the region has a unique terroir due to big temperature swings. The topography's distinctive microclimates are perfect for growing a variety of grapes, helping Paso distinguish itself in a crowded California wine market."The diversity of this area really separates itself from the monoculture that Napa has become," Andrew Jones, the owner of Field Recordings Winery, told me.Adding to that diversity is the low barrier to entry in the Paso Robles wine industry. Most of the wineries are small and family-owned, and the winemakers are often on-site to guide you. This refreshingly laid-back approach makes tastings feel intimate and approachable."Napa has a taller order; they have to live up to a brand that's worldwide," Neeta Mittal, one of the first Indian women to open a winery in the US, said. "Where we thrive in Paso is we're able to etch our own identity, and that's a great nimbleness that we're allowed."<h2 id="0ce7c576-57f2-4f53-8a01-a808c811fb12">Not your typical tasting experiences</h2><div type="image" title="Paso Robles LXV Wines" height="1500" width="2000" msid="115017465" hostid="261" sizebytes="254432"></div>Mittal and her husband Kunal own <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lxvwine.com/">LXV Wine</a>, which offers the only wine-and-spice pairing in the US. I visited LXV during my first trip to Paso Robles and was delighted that my tasting came with cheeses covered in various spices. I learned how ginger and black truffle salt can bring out the flavors of a Cabernet and why Szechuan peppers and Nebbiolo make a great team.I've also had some great tastings at <a target="_blank" href="https://fieldrecordingswine.com/">Field Recordings</a>, which prides itself on making wines that "are all about the flavor — with none of the pretension," as its website reads. Jones specializes in small-batch, single-vineyard wines. They're fun and funky, decorated with colorful labels and names like "Kitties" or "Super Gnario." I'm partial to the bubbles tasting and always take home a bottle of Skins, an orange wine.<div type="image" title="Paso Robles Tin City" height="1200" width="1912" msid="115017462" hostid="261" sizebytes="411760"></div>Field Recordings is in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tincitypasorobles.com/">Tin City</a>, my favorite part of Paso Robles. The converted industrial hub features 27 wineries, where tastings typically cost between $20 and $30 and are within walking distance of each other. It's perfect for a wine crawl, but there's also a brewery, hard cider, and the very fun <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tincitydistillery.com/">Tin City Distillery</a> if you're craving cocktails.It's a far more accessible price point than Napa, where the high cost of winemaking has trickled down to tourists.Before a recent trip in August, one of my friends was tasked with finding us a morning tasting. Almost every price they sent to the group chat ranged from $80 to $100 a person. This echoes findings in Silicon Valley Bank's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.svb.com/globalassets/library/uploadedfiles/wine/svb-2024-direct-to-consumer-wine-survey-report.pdf">2024 Direct to Consumer Wine Report</a>, which found that the average tasting fee in Napa is $75, while the average in Paso Robles is $30.<h2 id="27aad291-2c1f-48ce-ac7f-34f1a289cc47">Where you can wine and dine</h2>Another reason I keep going back to Paso Robles is the fantastic restaurant scene. I never skip a dinner at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.alchemistsgarden.com/">The Alchemists' Garden</a>, which has a wildly fun cocktail list and some of the best french fries I've ever tasted.My parents still rave about the meal we had at <a target="_blank" href="https://ilcortileristorante.com/">Il Cortile Ristorante</a>. Its pappardelle is handmade and paired with a rich and luscious Bolognese, and the branzino fish is light, bright, and cooked to perfection. But the star is the risotto covered in white truffles, a holiday splurge I've never forgotten.<div type="image" title="Paso Robles Alchemist Kitchen food" height="1280" width="960" msid="115017459" hostid="261" sizebytes="152164"></div>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.justinwine.com/dine">Restaurant at Justin</a>, which earned its first Michelin star in 2022, bested any fine-dining experience I've had in Napa. I still have pictures saved from that dinner, where my boyfriend and I feasted on maple-leaf duck breast, prime filet, and various veggies picked from their 26-acre farmstead.And no visit to Paso is complete without a stop at <a target="_blank" href="https://brownbuttercookies.com/">Brown Butter Cookie Company</a>, which has mastered the combo of salty and sweet in a little treat. The hand-rolled cookies are made locally and available in a variety of flavors (I'm partial to the original). On my last visit, I grabbed a dozen bags for my family, friends, and myself, of course.<h2 id="c6c10d0b-d96e-46ee-8a93-989a7a44ae74">A vacation for any season</h2><div type="image" title="Anneta in Paso Robles" height="1129" width="1505" msid="115017463" hostid="261" sizebytes="187290"></div>Blessed with California sunshine, Paso Robles is a great vacation year-round. I've gone in the fall, summer, and winter — where it's festively decorated for the holidays — and have always been charmed by the small-town vibes and friendly locals. (Don't miss karaoke nights at the Pine Street Saloon.)No matter the season, I've found it easy to find Airbnbs that are a 5-10 minute walk from Paso Robles' bustling downtown. There's also a range of affordable hotel options.The wine-making world is slowly starting to learn about Paso Robles, but the town itself remains a hidden gem. On my most recent trip in September, the streets were quiet, and the reservations were aplenty. The wine and food, though, remained as fantastic as ever.For now, at least, this is California's best-kept secret.

I skip Napa Valley and head to Paso Robles instead. It's California's best-kept secret for wine lovers.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I really enjoyed growing up in Barcelona but moved away 10 years ago.</li><li>I'd love to return to my home city, but the cost of living and many tourists make it difficult.</li></ul>I loved <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/surprising-things-moving-to-barcelona-spain-from-us-long-process-2024-3">growing up in Barcelona</a>.There's nothing like the shimmering Mediterranean Sea at the foot of the Collserola mountain range, its monuments celebrating Spanish and Catalan culture, the festivals steeped in centuries of tradition, and even its scars of the 1936 Civil War— bullet holes in walls and alleyways that stand eerily at chest height.From an early age, it was a playground for my friends and me, made accessible by a robust public transportation system and a low cost of living.Yet, in all my memories of beautiful parks and Gaudi-esque architecture soaked in near-eternal sunshine, I cannot remember the first time I saw the all-too-common graffiti that I see now: "Tourists go home."I moved out of Barcelona about 10 years ago, partly because of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cities-hurt-by-tourism-2017-12">tourism's impact</a><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cities-hurt-by-tourism-2017-12"> on locals</a>. Now, at 27, my parents and grandmother are aging, and I'm thinking of moving back.But the choice isn't easy, especially when it feels like Barcelona prioritizes visitors over residents.<h2 id="ce06b32d-2848-4a79-9014-2cffbe7afce9">Tourism has been booming for decades, but Barcelona has become too reliant on it</h2><div type="image" title="Tourists at Sagrada de Familia" height="683" width="1024" msid="112932533" hostid="261" sizebytes="87412"></div>Barcelona is a major tourism destination year-round, and it has been for a while. According to the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-of-protesters-rallying-against-overtourism-in-barcelona-2024-7">Barcelona Tourism Observatory</a>, the city received 15.6 million tourists alone last year.Tourism accounts for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/barcelona-cannot-absorb-infinite-tourism-growth-needs-curbs-mayor-says-2024-07-23/">about 15% of the city's economy</a>, which is bad news for the many locals who aren't reaping the benefits of having millions of visitors in their home.Sure, tourism brings more jobs to Barcelona — but even if that was a career path I wanted to pursue, many of them aren't built to support the actual cost of living in the city.Research published in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.paradigmpress.org/le/article/view/1206/1067">Paradigm Academic Press</a> in July found that the majority of new jobs in Barcelona's hospitality industry were only part time, and the average monthly wage in this sector is 1,200 euros or $1,327 — 300 euros less than the city's average wage.Meanwhile, Spanish newspaper <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-02-24/when-it-comes-to-renting-in-barcelona-anything-goes-storage-rooms-storefronts-and-basements-cost-hundreds-a-month.html">El País</a>, citing official data, reported that the average monthly rent in Barcelona in the third quarter of 2023 was about 1,171 euros or $1,295.But housing has become an issue for workers across industries. Spain's housing crisis — worsened by many <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/spain-crack-down-holiday-rentals-address-housing-crisis-2024-07-03/">homes becoming Airbnbs</a> — means it's hard to find an affordable place to live.It's one of my concerns when I think of returning to Barcelona. Many of my friends must live with their parents well into their 30s because they're struggling to afford to rent an apartment with roommates.Some residents are also forced to split another limited essential resource: water.In <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/18/1232301986/in-spain-a-years-long-drought-is-pitting-locals-against-the-tourism-industry">recent years</a>, Barcelona and the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://apnews.com/article/spain-drought-barcelona-climate-ba6f65b6ce01e3a7b081586e602a38e7">greater Catalonia region</a> have experienced and been vulnerable to droughts. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.politico.eu/article/spain-barcelona-tourists-catalonia-anger-rain-water-drought">Water rationing</a> is becoming a new reality for many residents, who are expected to keep their resource usage low and limited while <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ahead-easter-rush-officials-say-drought-must-not-put-off-barcelona-tourists-2024-03-22/">hoping globetrotting guests</a> do the same.It's hard to imagine moving back to a place where residents' basic necessities are often sacrificed for a single industry.<h2 id="850bd518-51c1-4c35-b7a0-3cecaf49fe4b">Recent protests show how much urgent change is needed — and why I'm not sure I'm ready to go back</h2><div type="image" title="tourists not welcome sign in spain" height="683" width="1024" msid="112932532" hostid="261" sizebytes="61708"></div>Last month, friends sent me videos of the viral <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-of-protesters-rallying-against-overtourism-in-barcelona-2024-7">anti-tourism protesters</a> squirting water pistols at tourists. The protesters echoed a sentiment shared by many residents: We need fewer tourists, especially in already overcrowded areas.Local politicians have taken some actions, like limiting the number of hotel beds allowed in Barcelona and raising the cruise tourist tax for those who spend less than 12 hours in the city.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://apnews.com/article/barcelona-spain-tourist-apartments-154cf293078aa14c299e3539d90e9350">Barcelona City Hall</a> took action against short-term rentals like Airbnb when it announced it would not renew licenses allowing people to rent their apartments to tourists after they expire in 2028. This is partly to help residents deal with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/top-tourist-destination-barcelona-plans-shut-all-holiday-apartments-by-2028-2024-06-21/">rising rent</a> and real-estate costs.But we need faster changes and more <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tourists-extend-vacations-fewer-longer-trips-more-sustainable-2024-5">sustainable tourism</a>, which starts with less tourism overall.I hope people can come and enjoy the beauty of my home city, but I want them to realize their impact and rise to the challenge of being a tourist in a city that is loved by too many.Maybe it starts with tourists prioritizing small businesses during their trips or <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-lesser-known-italy-travel-destinations-according-to-local">visiting lesser-known spots</a> in the city instead of areas that are already overwhelmed.As for myself, I'm hoping that residents' desire to reimagine Barcelona as it was — not a tourist destination or the backdrop of an Instagram photo, but as a living city — shapes the city's policies going forward.Perhaps it'll lead to positive changes — like more affordable housing and stable employment opportunities — so I can finally book a one-way ticket home.

I grew up in Barcelona and live in the US. I'd love to go home, but tourism is making life unbearable for locals.

Nestled in the heart of the majestic Himalayas, <keyword id="20406432" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sarahan" source="keywords">Sarahan</keyword> in Himachal Pradesh is a picturesque destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual significance. This charming town, often referred to as the "<keyword id="20406434" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gateway-to-Kinnaur" source="Orion">Gateway to Kinnaur</keyword>," is home to some incredible attractions that make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and offbeat experience. Here are the top must-visit destinations in Sarahan: 1. <keyword id="9038496" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bhima-Kali-Temple" source="Orion">Bhima Kali Temple</keyword>: The Bhima Kali Temple stands as a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Sarahan. Dedicated to the goddess Bhimakali, this ancient temple is a stunning example of Indo-Tibetan architecture. Surrounded by deodar forests and snow-capped peaks, the temple's intricate wooden carvings and vibrant colors make it a visual delight. The annual Bhimakali Fair attracts pilgrims and tourists alike, adding a festive charm to the town. 2. Sarahan Bird Park: For nature enthusiasts and bird lovers, the Sarahan Bird Park is a hidden gem. Located near the Bhima Kali Temple, this park is home to a variety of exotic bird species, including Himalayan Monals, pheasants, and eagles. Birdwatchers will find themselves captivated by the vibrant plumage and melodious calls echoing through the serene surroundings. 3. Shri Raghunathji Temple: Situated on a hill overlooking Sarahan, the Shri Raghunathji Temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Dedicated to Lord Rama, this temple is an architectural marvel with its wooden structure and intricate carvings. The peaceful ambiance and stunning vistas make it an ideal spot for meditation and spiritual contemplation. 4. Shrikhand Mahadev Peak: Adventure seekers and trekkers should not miss the opportunity to conquer the Shrikhand Mahadev Peak. This challenging trek takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, and snow-clad landscapes. The summit rewards trekkers with breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, making it a memorable and rewarding experience. 5. Sarahan Pheasantry: The Sarahan Pheasantry is a conservation center dedicated to the breeding and protection of the endangered Monal Pheasant. Visitors can witness these vibrant birds in a semi-natural environment. The center plays a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of the region and educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation. 6. Bhaba Valley: Nature lovers can explore the enchanting Bhaba Valley, known for its lush greenery, meandering rivers, and alpine landscapes. The Bhaba Valley trek is a delightful journey that takes you through quaint villages, apple orchards, and terraced fields, providing a glimpse into the local way of life. Sarahan, with its rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes, beckons travelers seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Whether you're drawn to ancient temples, diverse birdlife, or challenging treks, Sarahan has something to offer for everyone. Embrace the serenity and charm of this Himalayan gem as you explore its top must-visit destinations and create memories that will last a lifetime. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.

Your himalayan escape: unveiling sarahan's beauty and rich heritage

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Christmas is one of the biggest movie days of the year.
This year, eight movies will come out on Dec. 25.
If you're heading to theaters, and aren't sure what to see, we've compiled which films are worth checking out and which you should wait for on DVD.&#xa0;
<h3>1. Pass: "Unbroken"</h3>
What it's about:&#xa0;Based on a true life story, the World War II movie follows former track star Louis Zamperini (Jack O'Connell)&#xa0;as he spends over two years in Japanese prisoner of war camps after surviving a plane crash.
Why to see it:&#xa0;The survival story is Angelina Jolie's third time behind the director's chair&#xa0;with a script from the Oscar-winning team of Joel and Ethan Coen ("Fargo").
Why to pass:&#xa0;While the film covers a lot of ground, reviews suggest the movie <a href="http://www.timeout.com/london/film/unbroken">doesn't completely capture the essence</a> of Zamperini while <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie/unbroken/review/752885">shortchanging on a few significant scenes</a> from Laura Hillenbrand's book of the same name.
The film failed to gain any big nods at the Golden Globes which doesn't bode well for the film at the Oscars.
<h3>2. Must See: "The Imitation Game"</h3>
What it's about:&#xa0;The World War II film follows mathematician Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) as he leads a secret team on a mission to crack a code that will allow the British to decipher secret German codes and help win the war. The film is getting its wide release on Christmas.
Why it's a must-see: See the film for Cumberbatch and co-star Keira Knightley alone. Both are masterful on screen. Cumberbatch has a knack for playing awkwardly humorous geniuses on screen.
The story of Turing and how he helped win the war was a long held government secret that took a tragic turn due to the mathematician's homosexuality which was illegal at the time. This part of the film feels slightly rushed through.
Both Cumberbatch and Knightley received Golden Globe nominations for their roles. Cumberbatch is almost certainly a lock for an Oscar nomination.
<h3>3. See: "Selma"</h3>
What it's about: The film follows&#xa0;Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) as he attempts to lead a voting march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965.
Why to see it: Powerful and emotional, it's&#xa0;impossible to watch this film without thinking of the parallels between the protests today in light of the Eric Garner and Ferguson cases.&#xa0;David Oyelowo is the perfect embodiment of Dr. King.
One scene that sticks out in particular is a hard-to-watch&#xa0;portrayal of Bloody Sunday in which 600 marchers were brutally attacked.
As our reporter Brett Arnold <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/selma-speaks-to-contemporary-race-issues-2014-12">points out in his review</a>, it's an important film not only to see where we came from but to help show how much farther we need to go as a nation.&#xa0;
<h3>4. For the family/musical lover: "Into the Woods"</h3>
What it's about:&#xa0;The adaptation of the book and musical of the same name follows a group of fairy-tale characters&#xa0;from "Cinderella," "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Rapunzel," and "Little Red Riding Hood" after a curse is placed upon a baker and his wife by an evil witch (Meryl Streep).
Why to see it: Anna Kendrick, Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, and more singing. Need we say more?
Disney not only has an all-star cast, but composer Stephen Sondheim,&#xa0;the lyricist behind plays including "West Side Story," "Sweeney Todd," and "Into the Woods."
<h3>The four other movies coming out Christmas Day:</h3>
5. "Big Eyes": Tim Burton's comedic drama based on the true-life story of artist Margaret Keane&#xa0;(Amy Adams)&#xa0;whose husband Walter (Christoph Waltz) started taking credit for her successful paintings of characters with big eyes.&#xa0;Both actors were nominated for Golden Globes. See it.
6. "The Gambler":&#xa0;Mark Wahlberg stars as a professor who has a double life as a gambler and gets involved with a student.&#xa0;Skip.
7. "American Sniper":&#xa0;Clint Eastwood's second film this year ("Jersey Boys")&#xa0;is based on the New York Times' best-seller of the same name starring Bradley Cooper as United States Navy SEAL Chris Kyle who&#xa0;was known as the deadliest sniper in US history. See it.
8. "Leviathan":&#xa0;The Russian drama is about a&#xa0;man fighting against a corrupt mayor to retain ownership of his property. The film is currently sitting at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes with&#xa0;<a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/leviafan/?search=leviathan">over 30 positive reviews</a>.&#xa0;&#xa0;The film won <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2802154/awards?ref_=tt_awd">best screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival</a> this year. A good alternative from the ordinary.
<h3>Other films to check out:</h3>
If you don't want to see any of those movies, here are a few recent releases you should consider seeing over the holidays.
<h3>"Top Five"</h3>
Release date: Dec. 12
Chris Rock's return to theaters is both funny and&#xa0;and an introspective look at fame. Rock plays Andre Allen, a washed-up actor known for a franchise in which he plays a cop in a bear suit called "Hammy the Bear." Years later, Allen tries to rejuvenate his career with a more serious role; however, most reporters just want to talk about his old franchise. In many ways, the film echoes this year's earlier film "Birdman," starring Michael Keaton but without the feeling of a dramatic one-shot.&#xa0;
Fans hoping to see Kevin Hart, who has been a regular in promos for the film, will be disappointed by a short cameo from the comedian. However, there are a few other big cameos in the film to make up for it.
<h3>"The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies"</h3>
Release date: Dec. 17
The best of "The Hobbit" trilogy, director Peter Jackson's final installment takes us back to Middle Earth one last time to battle a dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) and a handful of armies who descend upon a mountain filled with treasure.
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hobbit-battle-of-the-five-armies-review-2014-12">While not perfect</a>, this is the movie with the majority of the action that fans have been waiting for through two other installments. The film is already performing very well overseas and should end up with one of the largest hauls at the box office this year by the end of its run.
<h3>"The Theory of Everything"</h3>
Release date:&#xa0;Nov. 7
Eddie Redmayne's magnificent portrayal of Stephen Hawking not only earned him a Golden Globes nomination, but also wowed Hawking himself. As a result, he&#xa0;allowed filmmakers to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/stephen-hawking-voice-in-the-theory-of-everything-2014-10">swap out a synthetic voice they created for Hawking's character with his own trademarked version</a>.
Redmayne trained for four months to play the cosmologist, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-eddie-redmayne-prepared-to-play-stephen-hawking-2014-10">reading everything and watching every video he could find on the theoretical physicist</a>. He also regularly worked with a choreographer and visited a neurology clinic where he spoke to patients.&#xa0;
Not only does the film narrates Hawking's life, but also the hardships it brought upon his relationship with wife Jane, beautifully played by Felicity Jones.
<h3>"Inherent Vice"</h3>
Release date: Dec. 12 (limited). Wide release is Jan. 9
Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon reunite in a wacky detective tale where Larry "Doc" Sportello (Phoenix) investigates the disappearance of an ex girlfriend.
Based on the novel by Thomas Pynchon, our own Brett Arnold says the film is worth a watch for Phoenix's performance alone as a "<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/inherent-vice-review-2014-10">pot-smoking hippie who obliviously stumbles from one major clue to the next.</a>"
Phoenix received a Golden Globe nod for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical.

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