Buffalo 66

Buffalo 66" (1998) directed, written & starring Vincent Gallo (whose music also features in the soundtrack), and stars with Christina Ricci, is an interesting film which delves deeply into what it means to be accepted and loved. The film is about a guy who has just been released from prison and wants to visit his parents-who thinks he has been succeeding in life with a career and is married. Impulsively he decides to kidnap an girl who he needs to play the role of his partner. The film turns into a love story which is quite dark but also moving.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_'66
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118789/

Mood: Pretty dark.
Good aspects: Independent & interesting film. Has some experimental filmmaking techniques.

The Bird People in China

"The Bird People in China" (1998) is directed by the Japanese director Takashi Miike. The film follows the story of a Japanese salaryman (businessman) who has been sent to a village in China to evaluate jade, and is accompanied by a yakuza (Japanese mafia). The film has moments of violence (characteristic of Takashi Miike's films), but also has moments of melancholia and beauty.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0142181/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bird_People_in_China

Mood: Magical realism, philosophical.
Good aspects: Interesting story with great cinematography.
Worth noticing: Not your typical Takashi Miike film-which are usually ultra violent.