Belgium film critics are in 'Heaven'

German film wins Union's Grand Prix

By IAN MUNDELL

BRUSSELS -- The Belgian Film Critics' Union has given its Grand Prix to German Oscar hopeful "The Edge of Heaven."

Helmer Fatih Akin was commended for his style and personal approach to the big themes of politics, culture and religion.

Zhang Yimou's "Curse of the Golden Flower" came in second.

Closer to home, the critics disagreed with the national choice for the foreign language Oscar. The Union awarded its Cavens prize for best Belgian film of the year to "Nue propriete," the third film by Joachim Lafosse, rather than Nic Balthazar's "Ben X."