Night and the City (1950) is a classic film noir definitely worth checking out.

From imdb.com

A small-time grifter and nightclub tout takes advantage of some fortuitous circumstances and tries to become a big-time player as a wrestling promoter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTQw_tNGA7Q

Before the dog days of winter conclude, an action/adventure/wintry “mountain man” film worth checking out is Jeremiah Johnson (1972), starring Robert Redford as pretty much a one-man gang.

From imdb.com

A mountain man who wishes to live the life of a hermit becomes the unwilling object of a long vendetta by Indians when he proves to be the match of their warriors in one-to-one combat on the early frontier.

I came away thoroughly impressed after watching The Guard (2011), a comedy-thriller set in a small Irish town. The cast features several of my favorite actors, including  Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle, and the great Fionnula Flanagan.

How can I not recommend Groundhog Day (1993) on Groundhog Day? A Billy Murray classic, worth the watch. (‘Punxsutawney Phil’ Predicts Early Spring)

Cidade de Deus (original title) or City of God (2002) is a Brazilian film which tracks two boys growing up in a crime-ridden area of Rio de Janeiro. The critically-acclaimed, award winning film was a hit with mainstream viewers as well, and took on a cult following of sorts.

Backdraft (1991) is definitely worth checking out if you have never seen it. The film has a loaded cast and weaves together a story featuring gritty, memorable characters and action-packed scenes.