The year in movies presented numerous offerings that attempted, in simplest terms, something different. Here are my picks for the 10 best films of 2006. Some don't open in San Diego County until 2007 but opened elsewhere for 2006 Oscar consideration and were screened for local critics.

1) "Letters From Iwo Jima"

The follow-up to "Flags of Our Fathers," Clint Eastwood's second film dealing with the pivotal World War II battle tells the story of the Japanese soldiers awaiting invasion by American forces. Facing almost certain doom, the soldiers prepare for a desperate defense. Using letters from these soldiers only recently discovered, "Letters From Iwo Jima" is a harrowing, fascinating account of men under duress during war, willing to give ultimate sacrifice in the name of honor. More than an ode to patriotism, though, "Letters From Iwo Jima" is a deceptively quiet, startling exhibit of common ground. By telling a story from two different vantage points, the two films merge beautifully. It isn't likely we've ever seen two companion films of this quality in the same year, or will again soon. With a claustrophobic feel, "Letters From Iwo Jima" opens up and breathes through honest words, nicely crafted performances and the director's courageous vision. (Opens Jan. 12.)

2) "United 93"

A daring and respectful study of the events surrounding the hijacking and crash of the United flight seized by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001. Told in real time, with some of the real-life officials who were on duty that day portraying themselves, "United 93" creates a nervous tension without relief, despite -- or perhaps because of -- the fact we know what will happen. Avoiding hype, the film presents everyday people in an extraordinary situation, honoring their courage, in a gripping and compelling film, deeply troubling but also cathartic. Like "Letters From Iwo Jima," there was nothing else like it, or even close, this year.

3) "Thank You for Smoking"

Rare satire that flies high, this story of a lobbyist who advocates one of the most unrecommendable choices -- lighting up tobacco. Taking big swipes at the tobacco industry and the lobbying industry, liberals, conservatives and all manner of political correctees, "Thank You for Smoking" has its way through dark humor and cutting dialogue, also managing to become tender and almost caring despite itself. Another original.

4) "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer"

Showing the high style a film like "Silence of the Lambs" could only dream of, "Perfume" outperforms its surface story as the tale of a serial killer and becomes a bold, eye-opening vision of colors, sights and even smells. Story is the true account of a killer who briefly terrorized 18th-century France, compelled by his superhuman sense of smell, a trait we should probably all be thankful we don't possess. With a stunning lead performance by relative unknown Ben Whishaw, and startling directorial vision from Tom Tykwer ("Run Lola Run"). Opens Jan. 5.

5) "Little Miss Sunshine"

Smart comedy with sting, "Little Miss Sunshine" shows how cynicism can evolve into something tender without losing its edge. A fractured family sets off on a Southwestern road trip with the goal of a SoCal beauty pageant on its agenda but encounters multiple obstacles, including their relative distaste for each other. By trip's end, after much fretting and venting, a small miracle occurs. Tight-space ensemble acting buoyed by dialogue unafraid to go where it must.

6) "Bobby"

Bypassing its potential to become a mediocre biopic, writer-director Emilio Estevez chooses to focus on mostly fictional characters at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles the day Robert Kennedy was shot, creating multiple vivid characters while deftly capturing the mood of the era and the spirit of Kennedy's vision for renewal. With an array of unexpected great performances, "Bobby" emerges as still another example of outside-the-box filmmaking.

7) "Cars"

Funny and poignant, the Disney-Pixar creation is one of the most complete films of the year, a computer-animated yarn that packs multiple themes but enjoys a clear vision. A smug race car trapped in a small town gets a lesson on humility and a second lesson on Americana, making "Cars" a nostalgia trip filled to the top of the tank with relevant lessons. Entertaining and unusually creative.

8) "The Illusionist"

Magic for adults and others eager for more sophistication in their Hollywood movies, the story of love and otherworldly stuff in old Vienna. Mystery, beauty and surprises interact with rare care and class in this story of undying love between a talented illusionist and the woman he can't quite land without the aid of ultimate trickery. Full of crafty grace.

9) "An Inconvenient Truth"

It's easy to scratch heads over why environmentalism remains a political issue. Quick (and distant) point: When the front porch collapses, you fix it, you don't consult the local political party chair. Meanwhile, Al Gore's to-the-point documentary on global warming presents a problem -- and possible solutions -- with clarity. Even if the claims presented were only 10 percent true, we should get a move on. A staid, college-style lecture from a politician in a sport coat? Good. Let's make it a TV series, a summer replacement for, say, "American Idol"?

10) "Invincible"

The rare sports movie that does everything it should, the underdog true story of a Philadelphia bartender who made the local NFL team despite overwhelming odds. Inspirational, feel-good Disney stuff unafraid to get its hands dirty with hard-hitting field action and sweat and grime and all that good junk. Simple story of unexpected success celebrating the can-do spirit, perhaps the thing we need most considering the world is melting. (See above).

Honorable Mention:

"A Prairie Home Companion," "Akeelah and the Bee," "Aurora Borealis," "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," "The Bridesmaid," "The Departed," "The Descent," "Down in the Valley," "Factotum," "Flags of Our Fathers," "48 Up," "Half Nelson," "Happy Feet," "The Holiday," "Hollywoodland," "House of Sand," "Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man," "Little Children," "Miami Vice," "The Nativity Story," "The Night Listener," "The Painted Veil," "Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles," "Shut Up and Sing," "Superman Returns," "Talladega Nights: The Story of Ricky Bobby," "Time to Leave," "The Queen," "Volver," "Who Killed the Electric Car?," "World Trade Center."