Around the world in foreign film

Subtitles? Slow-moving plot? Strange cadences and obscure philosophical underpinnings? Bring it on! Especially if it shines a light on a particular culture or country–in fact, that’s how I’m organizing the films I watch (usually late at night or at the independent theater here on Bainbridge, and always with popcorn, my buttery weakness).

Belgium: Ma vie en rose
Canada: C.R.A.Z.Y., The Barbarian Invasions, Seducing Doctor Lewis
Czech Republic: Kolja
China: The Road Home, Not One Less
Denmark: Babette’s Feast, Villa Paranoia
England: Pride and Prejudice,
Brideshead Revisited,
Children of Men,
Room at the Top,
24 Hour Party People A blend of re-creation and documentary–after the Joy Division section was over, I got a bit bored. The best thing about this film is that it makes me want to go to more live shows. Suitable for 15+. 12/09
France: Red,
White,
Blue trilogy,
My Father’s Glory,
My Mother’s Castle,
Un Coeur en Hiver,
Diabolique,
La Belle et la Bete,
400 Blows,
The Science of Sleep,
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,
Children of Paradise,
L’Emploi du Temps,
The Dinner Game,
Breathless,
Tell No One,
I’ve Loved You So Long,
La Femme Nikita,
The Class,
Amelie,
Delicatessen,
A Very Long Engagement,
Etoiles: Dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet A compelling documentary featuring articulate, thoughtful, lithe and beautiful dancers. The cheekbones! The clavicles! The honesty and grace and artistry–how could I not love this one? Suitable for all. 12/09
Germany: Wings of Desire, Far Away, So Close, The Blue Angel, Run Lola Run, Das Leben der Anderen
India: Lagaan, Bride and Prejudice
Italy: Il Postino
Life is Beautiful
Cinema Paradiso
The Bicycle Thief
Nostalghia
La Strada I have mixed feelings about this one. Fellini’s fable is filled with strange and wretched characters, a gorgeous trumpet refrain, existential questions, abuse. Suitable for 12 +. 12/09
Iran: Children of Heaven, The Color of Paradise, Baran
Ireland: The Secret of Roan Inish A lovely mix of myth and realism. Suitable for all.
Into the West
Waking Ned Silly, fun, outlandish plot.
Israel: Waltz with Bashir Set in Lebanon, this is an important film, though emotionally difficult and harrowing especially at the end. The story unfolds through a mix of genres: frustrated memoir, documentary, drama. The fact that this film is animated adds to the unreal feel and the horror in the ending clips. Yes, this happened. (Similar to Grave of the Fireflies in that way.) Note on R content: except for one (easily skipped) scene, content is suitable for 15+. 11/09
Ha-Ushpizin A look at an Ultra-Orthodox couple who unwillingly host a couple of rascally (and secular) guests. By turns culturally illuminating and distressing. Suitable for 11 +. 1/10
Japan: Dreams
Grave of the Fireflies–This remains the saddest movie I have ever seen.
The Seven Samurai
The Bad Sleep Well Long, campy, interesting time capsule of 1960 Japan and corporate corruption, suicide. Suitable for 12+. 12/09
Departures A beautiful, absorbing, deeply moving film. Suitable for 12+. 4/10
Kenya: Out of Africa
South Korea: The Way Home
Lebanon: Caramel
Mexico: Amores Perros
New Zealand: The Piano, Whale Rider Powerful performance by young Keisha Castle-Hughes, good adaptation of story by Maori writer Witi Ihimaera. Suitable for 6+. 5/12
Norway: Elling
Mongolia: The Story of the Weeping Camel
Roma (Gypsies): Gypsy Caravan
Sweden: The Sacrifice, Wild Strawberries, Through a Glass Darkly, Winter Light, The Silence, The Seventh Seal
Turkey: The Edge of Heaven
Vietnam: The Scent of Green Papaya