>Consider this too: some of the best performances in acting >today are done by total amateurs
So true. Keisha Castle Hughes who was 12 years old with no acting experience out acted 95% of Hollywood in Whale Rider. City of God had only one professional actor, and I believe that the entire cast of Raising Victor Vargas had virtually no acting experience (minus one film short). Amazing performances all around.
You know I'm not a big fan of Taste of Cherry but I can't front on the awsome performances in that either.