The best Bruno Amato’s drama movies

A story set in the Prohibition Era and centered on a group of individuals and their dealings in the world of organized crime.

“Farah,” a bread seller, walks the streets of a Middle Eastern town, while an American military vehicle, surrounded by soldiers, slowly passes by. A moment’s silence. Then, a devastating explosion. Civilians are bloodied, wounded. The horrors of war. “Farah” looks around aghast and wailing. But nothing here is quite what it seems. In fact, “Farah” is a character played by an aspiring actress called Laila. And this isn’t Iraq, but a replica village erected on the Fort Irwin army base in California, used to train American troops before being sent abroad. Laila believes her acting talents are being wasted away in this arid simulation, where female role-players are limited to mute, background roles. She takes things much more seriously. Laila plots her way out.

It's Christmas Eve and an unexpected delay at the airport has left everyone stranded. Young Joy (Savannah Page Ray from NBC's Parenthood) is traveling on her own to visit family for the holidays, so a retired flight attendant at the airport (Shirley Jones) becomes her travel companion. As they wait with their fellow travelers, they soon learn that everyone can use a Christmas Miracle, especially a young man trying to escape his past, and they join together to help. Allow your spirit to be lifted and your heart to be warned as you watch each person receive their Miracle at Gate 213