Cinema has brought to the world an experience that offers viewers a break from their mundane lives.
Now, it’s time to cut off that Hollywood chain for a while and take a look at these foreign films if you want a perfect cinematic experience.
1. PARASITE – South Korea, 2016
Set in the South Korean capital of Seoul, the plot really starts to take shape once the Kim family devise an elaborate scheme to infiltrate the Park’s lavish household. Parasite is as sensationally absorbing as it is deeply melancholy, a true phenomenon that has been created to last the test of time. Get into the world of Bong Joon Ho’s coming of age tragicomedy with a little of thrill as it portrays an intricate examination of class conflict between the working-class Kim family and the wealthy Park family.
2. CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON – China, 2000
Directed by Ang Lee, this film was set set in the 18th century Qing dynasty in China, a young Wudang swordsman by the name of Li Mu Bai decides to give up his ‘Green Destiny’ sword to mark the end of his perilous career. The sword is swiftly stolen by a mysterious master of the martial arts which prompts Li Mu Bai to come out of early retirement. The film submerges you into the world of ancient Chinese culture with a solid dose of martial arts and a side of romance.
3. AMELIE – France, 2001
Amélie is another whimsical fairytale but dig a little deeper and it becomes decidedly dark. It follows the eponymous protagonist, portrayed by the wonderful Audrey Tautou. This, by far, is one of the most successful French films in history—from cinematography, soundtrack, story and overall atmosphere makes this film a cinematic masterpiece.
4. CITY OF GOD – Brazil, 2022
The Brazilian film follows two boys growing up in the unavoidable violent slums of 1970s Rio de Janeiro – one aspiring to be a photographer, the other a drug kingpin. City of God is brave in its portrayal of the viciousness of Rio and utter abandonment of the districts by the state. The protagonists struggle as they were robbed of their innocence but their development of characters as living is tangible and brilliantly rewarding.
5. RASHOMON – Japan, 1950
Set in 12th century Japan, the film explores the levels of human communication from a multi-perspective outlook and proves that exists solely in the mind of the beholder. Rashomon was the film that solidified Akira Kurosawa’s ingenious reputation, a chilling psychological thriller presents four different peoples’ accounts of a horrifying crime. This uniquely disturbing drama enhanced a new wave of western interest into the visionary artistry of Japanese cinema.
6. ROMA – Mexico, 2018
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, Roma follows a year in the life of a 1970s housemaid in Mexico City. The intimate family drama centers around Cleo – one of two domestic workers who help a middle-class couple take care of their four children. Cuaron uses intimacy and relatability to express the ups and downs of ordinary, hard-working life. The humanistic connection is perhaps the most touching part of the story.
7. THE HANDMAIDEN – South Korea, 2016
Chan-wook sticks to his signature psychological thriller style with ‘The Handmaiden’. The plot is about a con-man hiring a handmaiden to a rich heiress with a view to steal her inheritance. It stirs the viewers’ senses by appealing to the gut feelings, sense of morals, and ethics.
8. PAN’S LABYRINTH – Spain, 2006
Set in Falangist Spain, Pan’s Labyrinth opens with Ofelia and her pregnant mother being sent to live with her new stepfather, the ruthless Captain Vidal. Pan’s Labyrinth is a twisted masterpiece that drags the audience both through the horror of 1940s Spanish fascism and nightmarish fantasy of Ofelia’s challenges. Part fairy tale, part dark fantasy, part psychological exploration and part protest.
