Here’s a compilation of some of my favorite foreign films organized by their country of origin. Don’t be scared away by the subtitles. Some of the best movies ever made were made in a non English-speaking place, and you’ll get used to reading the subtitles if you haven’t already. All of these movies are wonderful! So, get some popcorn and enjoy. Maybe you can even brush up on your language skills in the process.
France
The Intouchables (2011) If I’m friends with you, I probably already made you watch this movie. If we don’t know each other personally, then this is my way of saying “Drop everything and watch this film because it will make you feel warm, fuzzy, and have faith in humanity.” Best part? This extraordinary movie about the friendship between a rich paraplegic and his caretaker is based on a true story.
Amelie (2001) As far as descrptions go, this is a pretty good one: “Amélie tries to enrich the lives of those around her by weaving her special brand of mischievous magic.” This is a great and quite famous movie. Definitely worth watching if you’re in the mood for a delighful, romantic, quirky tale of love and finding yourself. And, of course, if you like Paris!
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) Perhaps the most moving film I’ve ever seen. It tells true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, the 43-year-old editor of Elle, who falls victim to an accident that leaves him in a state of complete paralysis. Lying in his facility, Bauby was incapable of communication but possessed full mental faculties–a state of “locked-in syndrome.” Somehow, through using the oly part of his body he can control, Bauby and his nurse can communicate and write a memoir together. It’s extraordinary.
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Italy
Life is Beautiful (1997) This is a beautiful, must-see movie about Italy during WWII, but also about family, love, and what it means to be brave. Bring tissues. Here’s Roberto Begigni’s, the director and lead actor, Oscar acceptance speech in all its glory.
Best of Youth (2003) Sure, you may be able to spend the 400 minutes it takes to watch this movie doing something productive like homework. But The Best of Youthis hands down one of the most unforgettable four hours I’ve ever experienced. The film tells the tale of two brothers, tracing their lives from their childhood in the 1960’s to adulthood in the 2000’s.
Cinema Paradiso (1988) One of my all-time favorites, Cinema Paradiso is an ode to first love and to film itself. In the film, a famous director returns to his childhood home in Sicily after 30 years and reminisces about his childhood. He remembers Alfredo, the film projectionist who first spurred his love for movies, and Elena, his first love. Also, the music is really beautiful. Just watch it, trust me.
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Germany
The Lives of Others (2007) Another Oscar winner for best Foreign film, this German film takes place in 1984 East Berlin. It explores a time period I hadn’t been familiar with but since watching, became increasingly interested in. The IMDB synopsis describes the plot well: “In 1984 East Berlin, an agent of the secret police, conducting surveillance on a writer and his lover, finds himself becoming increasingly absorbed by their lives,” but does no justice towards the poignancy of the main character’s quiet bravery. This is also a very interesting to watch post-Snowden.
Goodbye Lenin! (2003) Another perspective on Communist Germany, Goodbye Lenin! takes place in 1990, right after the fall of Communism. Alex, the main character, attempts to protect his fragile mother from a fatal shock after a long coma and must keep her from learning that her beloved nation of East Germany as she knew it has disappeared. It’s a tragicomic and utterly enjoyable romp.
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Spain
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) Every high school Spanish class in the U.S. watches this film for a good reason: it’s amazing. Pan’s Labyrinth is an unforgettable, magic-realism movie that takes place during the Spanish Civil War. It centers on a young girl who enters into a surreal world, perhaps as an escape from her increasingly deteriorating family life. But is the world real or not?
All About My Mother (1999) If you have yet to watch a film by the amazing Pedro Almodovar, this is a good one to start with. Like all of his movies, this is a visually-powerful, character-driven piece that explores topics of redemption and womanhood. In a quick synoposis, All About My Mother tells the tale of a iwoman and her circle of friends who find themselves suffering a variety of emotional crise It also won an Oscar for best foreign film.
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Sweden
Patrik, Age 1.5 (2008) A totally heart-warming tale of a young gay couple in Sweden that encounters various problems trying to adopt a child. So, when the Swedish government tells them a young boy named Patrik is available for adoption, they are overjoyed. A misplaced decimal leads them to think he is 1.5 years old, as opposed to his true age, 15. Chaos ensues when a delinquent shows up on their doorstep. Trust me, it’s great.
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Czech Republic
Kolya (1997) Another winner of Best Foreign Language Film, I stumbled across Kolya on a rainy day date with Netflix, and I’m immensly grateful I did. It’s the story of a slightly grumpy philandering cellist and the young boy, Kolya, who he has to take care of for a period of time. His life, as I’m sure you can foresee, changes drastically.
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Argentina
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) TALK ABOUT TWISTS!!! This a crime thriller from Argentina will have you glued to the screen for the duration of its many twists, turns, and flips. It’s slow and wonderful.
Nine Queens (2000) Another excellent film from Argentina starring the incomparable Ricardo Darin (you’ll recognize him from The Secret in Their Eyes, this is an old-school caper with another fabulous twist. Watch as Marcos tries to teach Juan the art of being a conman and everything that ensues.