"The New World" Conundrum

Okay… I’m stuck.

Most critics groups, and the Oscars, will consider Terrence Malick’s “The New World” a 2005 release, because it screened for some critics a few weeks ago.

But the final cut, which is much shorter, includes footage that wasn’t in the longer cut, and is apparently quite a different film altogether, was just finished a few days ago… in 2006.

So what do I do?

Is this my favorite film of 2005… which it is, if it must be listed as a 2005 release?

Or shall I go ahead and call it a 2006 film… in which case it’s very likely I’ve just seen my favorite film of 2006?

My full review will be at Christianity Today Movies on Friday.