Reel Critics:

Moviegoers seldom get a chance to see Oscar nominees for Best Foreign Film before the ceremonies. But tree of the five nominees are playing in Orange County this week.

“The White Ribbon” (Germany) — Director Michael Haneke (“Cache”) gives us another film where bad things happen for no discernible reason.

Beautifully shot in black and white, this head-scratcher places towheaded “Village of the Damned” kids into a Bergman-esque film. Some may find it a snooze; others are kept waiting for a payoff that never comes.

“Ajami” (Israel) — Five characters become fatefully intertwined through revenge killings, drug deals and family dynamics after one act of violence. This compelling drama is a terrific feature debut for young directors Scandar Copti and Yaron Shani.

“A Prophet” (France) — Baby-faced Malik begins a six-year prison term illiterate and ignorant of many ways of the world.

César, a lion of a Corsican crime boss who “owns the place“ on the inside, takes him under his wing — when he is not belittling him as an “Arab dog.”

Malik’s survival through a web of double- and triple-crosses is as compelling and suspenseful as anything you’ve ever seen. We take an interest in him even as we watch him become a brutally clever and cold-eyed criminal. And we hold our breath as we anticipate violence around every corner.

The performances are powerful, especially Tahar Rahim as Malik and Niels Arestrup as César. Director Jacques Audiard has truly created a crime masterpiece.

Dig around for some small treasures

Once a year the management at Regency Theatres makes sure we have a chance to catch some rare cinematic gems. They screen the best short films from all over the world that are now up for Oscar nominations. The entries are separated into two categories: live action and animated films. Both contain some R-rated material.

Most of these productions are less than 20 minutes long but pack a lot of punch across the genre spectrum. The entries include rollicking comedy, deadly serious dramas and offbeat tales full of wicked twists and turns. Watching these small treasures reminds us of the potential for great results when sharp ideas are brought to focus in a concentrated way.

“The New Tenants” is a bizarre urban tale as strange and thought-provoking as the Coen Brothers’ best work. “The Door” is a brief but stunning look at the personal aftermath of disaster. “Kavi” and “Miracle Fish” offer real hope for children after ominous beginnings. But these serious efforts are joyfully interspersed with amusing humor.

A would-be magician bumbles his way through “Instead of Abracadabra.” Wallace and Grommet cavort in “A Matter of Loaf and Death.” Slapstick and deep philosophy mix it up in “The Lady and The Reaper.” But the best of the bunch may be “Logorama.” It’s a dazzling look at our rocket-paced world engulfed by advertising and sensory assault.

SUSANNE PEREZ lives in Costa Mesa and is an executive assistant for a financial services company. JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator for the Orange County public defender’s office.