Okay, so not everyone loves foreign films because you have to read subtitles when all you want to do is partake in some escapism. I get it, I really do! Honestly though, if this is your mindset, I can tell you with absolute conviction you’re missing out on some truly awesome movies. Over the past few years, I’ve binged on foreign films and I have run into the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you’re interested in expanding your filmic horizons, here are some of my suggestions. Go forth, film lovers!
1. In the Mood for Love (Hong Kong, 2000)
From lauded Chinese director Wong Kar-wai, In the Mood for Love follows the relationship of apartment neighbors Chow Mo-wan and Su Li-zen in 1962 Hong Kong. Both have spouses who work long hours and they are frequently left alone. As time passes, they find their daily lives intersecting. Despite the negative opinion on friendship between men and women in conservative 1960s Hong Kong, the two neighbors begin to spend time with one another to ease their loneliness. However, when platonic feelings evolve into something more, problems start to arise. Not only is the acting from stars Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung poignant and arresting, the cinematography from Christopher Doyle and Mark Lee Ping Bin makes every shot breathtaking in its beauty.
2. Trollhunter (Norway, 2010)
Trollhunter, a Norwegian fantasy film, is a “found footage” mockumentary. University students Thomas, Johanna, and Kalle think they are investigating a case of bear poaching in the area, but when they follow their suspect, Hans, they learn he actually hunts trolls for the Norwegian government and his suspicious behavior was his attempt at keeping mum. Befriending Hans, they continue to follow him as he tracks trolls throughout the mountains and woods as he regales him with stories of his previous hunts and expresses dissatisfaction with the government cover-up. Thought it’s rooted in fantasy and Norwegian lore, Trollhunter has dark elements that make it more complex than the average fairytale. If nothing else, watch this one for the gorgeous scenery shots.
3. Howl’s Moving Castle (Japan, 2004)
Based on the novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones, Howl’s Moving Castle tells the journey of 18-year-old Sophie and her encounters with a wizard named Howl. After Sophie is transformed into an old woman by a spiteful witch, she finds herself on board Howl’s literal walking castle (giving a whole new meaning to “mobile home”) as they travel the countryside and become embroiled in a war with their neighboring country. Sophie’s romantic feelings for Howl bloom over time and she goes on her own personal quest to save him from his own magic. Whether or not you’re familiar with other Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli masterpieces such as Spirited Away, this film is absolutely worth the watch. Don’t let yourself be put off by the fact that it’s a film in the Japanese animation style because the artwork and storyline are actually amazing and so much fun.
4. La Haine (France, 1995)
La Haine is a powerful film about three young men Vinz (played by well-known actor Vincent Cassel), Hubert, and Saïd as they struggle to get by in their impoverished Parisian suburb. The film is shot entirely in black and white, and tackles racism, poverty, police brutality, and gang violence by way of a fantastic script, outstanding performances from all actors involved, and a conclusion that will leave you haunted for days. Be forewarned though, this film is the opposite of lighthearted, so only start it if you’re in the mood to confront some weighty subject matter.
5. The Orphanage (Spain, 2007)
If you’re a fan of Guillermo del Toro films and you haven’t seen The Orphanage, you need to immediately! The Orphanage is a foreign film set in Spain and opens with the adoption of a young girl named Laura in 1976. Fast forwarding, we see the adult Laura with her own adopted son, Simón, at the now defunct orphanage she has plans to reopen it as a center for disabled children. When Simón suddenly goes missing, the remainder of the film is a chilling descent into the dark past of the orphanage as Laura attempts to locate her child. The scares in The Orphanage are not the cheap run-of-the-mill sort you would find in American horror films and the scenery and acting is top-notch. If you’re easily spooked, this is one to watch with the lights on and a blanket to hide under.
6. Life Is Beautiful (Italy, 1997)
Italian comedian, writer, and director Roberto Benigni presents a humor-infused look at Holocaust-era Italy in Life is Beautiful. Benigni himself plays the title role of Guido Orefice, a Jewish-Italian book shop owner who falls in love with the beautiful Dora. The first half of the film is a funny look at their courtship and marriage, but things take a more somber turn when one day Guido, Dora, and their son, Joshua, are forced onto a train and taken to a concentration camp. Guido takes heartbreaking measures to ensure his son is not scared and remains ignorant of their grim circumstances inside the camp. Throughout the film, humor is utilized to take the edge off this hard-to-swallow subject and includes some very biting social commentary. One minute you’ll be laughing, and the next you’ll be pushed to tears, but it’s an emotional rollercoaster worth the ride.
7. Persepolis (France, 2007)
Adapted from the graphic novel of the same name by Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis is the autobiographical tale of Marjane growing up during the Iranian Revolution. The story mixes humor with the retelling of the horrific realities faced by Iranian people in Iran where Marjane’s family is, and Marjane herself, as she is sent abroad and deals with racism and feelings of displacement. Harrowing at times, Persepolis is captivating the entire way through and the black and white animation is exquisite in its artistry and true to the graphic novel. To be honest, grab some tissues and be prepared to cry a little…or a lot.
8. A Tale of Two Sisters (South Korea, 2003)
This particular film was subject to an atrocious American remake in 2009, entitled The Uninvited, and if you’ve happened to have seen that version only I am so, so sorry. That being said, the original Korean film, A Tale of Two Sisters, is a brilliant psychological thriller. It follows two young sisters Su-Mi and Su-Yeon as they move into a country house with their father and stepmother. The sisters unabashedly hate their stepmother who seems to return the sentiment. The two girls see what they believe is a ghost in the house and things complicate further when they unearth that their stepmother was once the live-in nurse for their dying mother, and they suspect her of being more evil than they once thought. Though horror films are generally unconcerned with cinematography, A Tale of Two Sisters is as visually appealing as the film is excellent.