7 To See

Every so often, I will post this segment called 7 To See. It will be a list of 7 films, based on genre, studio, language (as this one is), etc…

Be enlightened!

7 To See – Foreign Language

 

 

1. Pan’s Labyrinth (Director: Guillermo del Toro Writer: Guillermo del Toro) SPAIN

            Pan’s Labyrinth is the magnificent story of young Ofelia, the stepdaughter of brutal fascist officer, Captain Vidal. Thrust into a world of darkness when her mother marries the fascist officer, Ofelia resorts to her imagination to get through each day. Pan’s Labyrinth is one of the most beautifully shot films, and was Spain’s nominee for Best Foreign Language Picture of 2007 at the Academy Awards, and winner of three technical awards for art.

 

2. Let the Right One In (Director: Tomas Alfredson Writer: John Ajvide Lindqvist) SWEDEN

            This gem from Swedish director, Tomas Alfredson is by far the best vampire movie ever made. Adapted from Lindqvist’s novel, this is truly a romance that feels no prejudice. However beautiful the landscapes and the romance may be, this is one of the most horrifying films I’ve seen. Let the Right One In is most likely destined for Sweden’s nomination for Best Foreign Language film of 2010.

 

3. Au Revoir Les Enfants (Director: Louis Malle Writer: Louis Malle) FRANCE

            Set in a French boarding school during World War II, Au Revoir is a classic tale of friendship during a time when friendship was the most important human battle. Nominated for 2 Oscars®, Au Revoir Les Enfants is a significant film by an even more significant director.

 

4. 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days (Director: Cristian Mungiu Writer: Cristian Mungiu) ROMANIA

            An intense, and at times, unbearable tale of rebellion is the only Romanian movie I’ve ever seen, but it certainly won’t be the last. Set in 1980s communist Romania, two women must find a way to get an abortion, which was highly illegal. It’s a taut and suspenseful insight into the struggles of living in a communistic society.

 

5. The Triplets of Belleville (Director: Sylvain Chomet Writer: Sylvain Chomet) FRANCE / BELGIUM / CANADA

            An animated caper about a man, his bike, the mafia, and a set of triplets. Confused? It’s actually a wonderful tale about perseverance and dedication. With a fantastic vaudeville backdrop, Triplets is sure to win anyone’s heart and maybe even the Tour de France.

 

6. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Director: Julian Schnabel Writer: Ronald Harwood) FRANCE

            This film is told entirely through the eyes of Jean-Dominique Bauby, who is left paralyzed after an accident. When I say “entirely through the eyes”, I couldn’t be more precise. The only muscles Bauby could move were his eye lids. The screenplay is based on the book that Bauby wrote after his accident (you’ll see). As grueling and vicarious a movie you will ever see, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is simply beautiful.

 

7. City of God (Directors: Kátia Lund, Fernando Meirelles Writers: Bráulio Mantovani [screenplay], Paulo Lins [novel]) BRAZIL

            City of God is a thriller from Brazil about the difficulties of living in the slums, and dealing with the type of life that springs from those roots. A very gritty, and true story that details the importance of decision-making through the lens of a photographer.