Another film by the same director (vincent ward) that is REALLY worth checking out is "The Navigator".

It was made in the mid 80's, and was the film that got him to hollywood. (I think it won the Palme d'Or at Cannes).

It's set in europe during the black plague, and follows a young boy who has a vision in a dream about how to save his village from the deadly illness by carrying a cross to a cathdral in a 'city of lights'.

A group of villagers tunnel through the earth on this quest, and emerge somewhere quite unexpected.

If I say more I'll ruin it.....

Very very cool film.