Let's Talk FOREIGN Movies!!

[Paterfamilias]

This is a thread to talk about Foreign films. For the purposes of this thread, let's keep that defined as non-US films.

Jo said he will look at a thread like this to determine if there is enoug interest in starting a forum devoted to Foreign films.

So how 'bout it schmoes? I know there are lots of us that like foreign films, lets talk about 'em here.

Let's try to keep it discussion based and not slip into , "what's the best japanese movie, what's your favorite Fellini film, etc.

I'll start us off with a series of films that I have just seen recently. The Trois Colours series by Polish filmaker Krzysztof Kieslowski (1993, 1994)

These three films, Bleu, Blanc, & Rouge, representing the colors of the French flag, are fantastic!! Bleu = Liberty, Blanc = Equality, and Rouge = Fraternity.

Bleu is the first in the series and stars Juliette Binoche. Plot summary from imdb: Blue is the story of Julie who loses her husband, an acclaimed European composer and her young daughter in a car accident. The film's theme of liberty is manifested in Julie's attempt to start life anew free of personal commitments, belongings grief and love. She intends to spiritually commit suicide by withdrawing from the world and live completely independently, anonymously and in solitude in the Parisian metropolis. Despite her intentions, people from her former and present life intrude with their own needs. However, the reality created by the people who need and care about her, a surprising discovery and the music around which the film revolves heals Julie and irresistably draws her back to the land of the living.

Blanc stars Julie Delpy. Plot summary from imdb:

Blanc was written around the destructive dynamics of a relationship based upon great inequality. Karol is a Polish hairdresser working in France. He has a beautiful wife, Dominique, who he loves to obsession, and who is in the process of divorcing him for his inability to "consummate the marriage". Karol loses all of his earthly possessions and is literally driven out of France by his estranged wife. The remainder of the movie has Karol fight- ing to resolve his deep passion for Dominique with his own helplessness.

Rouge stars Irene Jacob. Plot summary form imdb:
Valentine is a young model living in Geneva. Because of a dog she ran over, she meets a retired judge who spies his neighbours' phone calls, not for money but to feed his cynicism. The film is the story of relationships between some human beings, Valentine and the judge, but also other people who may not be aware of the relationship they have with Valentine or/and the old judge.

All these movies are beautfully shot and touched me significantly. Rouge is my favorite, although all are good. The layers of relationships in Rouge is quite intruiging. Themes of forgiveness and redemption mark this wonderful film.

Anyone else see these? What do you think?

[Slim]

Thanks for starting the thread, Pater!

I've been meaning to see these movies for the longest time. Keep hearing great things about the Trois Colours trilogy. I better get to the local videostore soon.

*ahem* Hopefully a lot of schmoes will participate in this thread...

[Grebdron]

I haven't seen those Trois Colours movies yet, but will keep my eye out for them.

But has anybody seen any Spanish, or Mexican films?

Two wonderful ones I saw fairly recently (both Spanish) were

Alquimista impaciente, El (2002)

Starring the lovely Ingrid Rubio

and

En la ciudad sin límites (2002)

http://ia.imdb.com/media/imdb/01/I/37/00/12m.jpg

Synopsis

Victor is a man who gets to Paris to join his family around their seriously ill father, Max. As the chance of selling the family business begins to disrupt the family relationships, Victor is desperately asked for help by Max. What seems in the beginning mere dilusions of an old man loosing his mind begin to show traces of some sort of real 'secret' that is troubling Max's last days. Victor decide to help his father to find that something (maybe just peace) he is searching for.

Both of these were outstanding movies.

[Paterfamilias]

En la ciudad sin límites (2002) sounds good. I'll add that to my list!!

I have seen Y Tu Mama Tambien. That was very great. Also Amores Perros (sp?) Love's a bitch. That was also good.

[RicochetShaw]

Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN was indeed good, one of my favorite's of last year. I've yet to see AP or the Trois Colours ... but I will definitely see the latter soon.

[Grebdron]

Originally posted by Paterfamilias
En la ciudad sin límites (2002) sounds good. I'll add that to my list!!

Of the two, I much preferred El Alchemist Impaciente. That was an outstanding movie. Ciudad Sin Limites was good, but not as good.

I've also seen a Mexican movie, which I believe has the word "Mariposa" in the title, that left a great impression on me. A young boy's schoolteacher is a member of some resistance, and is ultimately "removed". But I can't for the life of me remember the title.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Paterfamilias]

Hey Greb, I think this is it:


Lengua de las mariposas, La (1999)
(Butterfly Tongue)

For Moncho, it's an idyllic year: he starts school, he has a wonderful teacher, he makes a friend in Roque, he begins to figure out some of the mysteries of Eros, and, with his older brother, a budding saxophone player, he makes a trip with the band from their town in Galicia. But it's also the year that the Spanish Republic comes under fire from Fascist rebels. Moncho's father is a Republican as is the aging teacher, Don Gregorio. As sides are drawn and power falls clearly to one side, the forces of fear, violence, and betrayal alter profoundly what should be the pleasure of coming of age.


Does that sound right?

[Grebdron]

Originally posted by Paterfamilias
Hey Greb, I think this is it:


Lengua de las mariposas, La (1999)
(Butterfly Tongue)

For Moncho, it's an idyllic year: he starts school, he has a wonderful teacher, he makes a friend in Roque, he begins to figure out some of the mysteries of Eros, and, with his older brother, a budding saxophone player, he makes a trip with the band from their town in Galicia. But it's also the year that the Spanish Republic comes under fire from Fascist rebels. Moncho's father is a Republican as is the aging teacher, Don Gregorio. As sides are drawn and power falls clearly to one side, the forces of fear, violence, and betrayal alter profoundly what should be the pleasure of coming of age.


Does that sound right?

God dammit, Pater. You're good! Thank you soooo much.

Find it, if you can. Outstanding film.

[Paterfamilias]

I shall add it to my netflix queue immediately!

[Grebdron]

Originally posted by Paterfamilias
I shall add it to my netflix queue immediately!
'
Does Netflix really have THAT good a selection? I haven't been able to find that movie anywhere.

How can I see a list of their movies before joining?

[The Delfonics]

Greb listed Latin/Mexican/Spanish cinema so I must oblidge:

Abre Los Ojos - The movie that was made before Vanilla Sky that had a rich original story with a dark thrilling vibe. I love both this and the remake of course. Alejandro Amenábar is an amazing director. I just picked up his first film called Thesis (Tesis) and im really excited to watch it. He has now expanded into the US market with The Others, I mean why wouldnt you?

Ive just started getting into French films. Amelie really got me into it with its amazing story and great visuals. Though this was mostly due to Jean-Pierre Jeunet's directing. I was surprised to see his name was taged onto Alien Ressurection. Of course like Alejandro, he ventured the US market to produce trash. Although I actually enjoyed Alien4 on a horror fan level and his style made the visuals at least watchable. Its funny watching a director go from Alien 4 to a film like Amelie. Ive been really wanting to get my hands on City of the Lost Children and some of his other work.

Ive been getting a lot into asian film too. I mostly like the action/woo flicks and the crazy scif-fi/horror they have over there. Bullet in the Head and The Killer are among my Woo favs. Battle Royale is one of the me most suprising films Ive seen out of Asia. It has such a profound story and is very entertaining. A must see to those who havent. Then there are films like Riki-Oh which are just over crazy that I love.

[Hannibal21]

Oh god, where to start.... I was in love with foreign films before....then I stopped watching them for a while....but now thanks to the help of my fellow schmoes, I've begun to watch them again. :)

Some of my favorite foreign films are Asian films; Seven Samurai, Raise the Red Lantern, To Live, Farewell My Concubine, and Eat Drink Man Woman. I grew up with those films mainly due to my parents. Anybody who has not seen them, I recommend you to do so. :) But today I watched La Dolce Vita and I was blown away, it's now my number one favorite foreign film, words could not describe it and I felt this really strange but great feeling while watching the film, something I've never felt before.

My dad owns the Trois Colours movies, so I watched them before; they were pretty good, but with more viewings I might like them even more.

[Grebdron]

What about Like Water for Chocolate?

My girlfriend LOOOOVES this film, but I haven't seen it yet.

Any good?

[Damned Martian]

It's good that the discussion has started with spanish films:D

It's bad that i haven't seen either of those films:(

I really wanted to see both of the films recommended by Grebdron, but they lasted very little time in my city's theaters, so i couldn't check them. Plus, I think there were other films in that time that i wanted to see first. But both are in my must-see list.
The pater one didn't interested me, but would want to see it eventually. The music is made by Alejandro Amenabar, did you know it?

En la Ciudad sin Limites, for your information, was nominated to 8 Goyas (i think they were 8, or around that cipher). That means quality!

If you liked those films, i recommend you to check

La Caja 507

A bank executive of a small city whose daughter died in a forestal burning is forced to participate in a bank robbery. He's left trapped in the bank's safe. While he's there, he finds in one of the boxes information that implies that his daughter's dead wasn't an accident...

My rate: 7.5/10, but maybe gets higher with more views

Se Quien Eres

Paloma is a young psychiatrist, who is hired to work as a director of a clinic in Galicia, and is attracted to Mario, her very first patient. He suffers from a rare form of amnesia, commonly known as Korsakov's syndrome. As a result, both his short and long term memories are affected, and he has temporary lapses of perception. However, Paloma finds Mario to be a fascinating individual, not just a regular patient. Intrigued, she decides to explore Mario's past and, through their dialogues, their relationship takes an unexpected turn...

My rate: unfortunately, it's the same case than the other films: wanted to see it, but couldn't. It got very good critics in Spain.

La Madre Muerta

Ismael Lopez (Elejaldo), a petty criminal, shoots and kills a painting restorer during a bungled burglary, and shoots her daughter as well. Twenty years later, and the daughter Leire (Alvarez) has been left mute and with a mental age of a child, spending most of her time in a mental home. A chance meeting between Leire and Ismael, who now works in a bar, leads Ismael to think that she still ight be able to recognise him, and turn him in to the police. With the help of his girlfriend Maite (Lio), he kidnaps Leire and chains her to the bed in his house. He is unable to kill her, however, and instead asks the mental home for a ransom for her return. Whilst a prisoner, though, Leire and Ismael grow closer and closer through his attempts to make her laugh and their mutual love for chocolate

My rate: 7/10

[Damned Martian]

Originally posted by Grebdron
What about Like Water for Chocolate?

My girlfriend LOOOOVES this film, but I haven't seen it yet.

Any good? I saw 2/3 of it like 2 months ago, and it was way too weird and cheesy for me. Not my cup of tea.:(

[Grebdron]

Originally posted by damned martian
En la Ciudad sin Limites, for your information, was nominated to 8 Goyas (i think they were 8, or around that cipher). That means quality!

I'll keep my eyes open for those, DM. I really need to find a place where I can find more Spanish Titles. Maybe Netflix is my answer.

Out of curiosity, was El Alchemist Impaciente nominated for any Goyas? I did like it better than En la Ciudad sin Limites.

[Damned Martian]

El Alquimista Impaciente was nominated for 2 or 3, but more technichall, I think. I should check it.

[Paterfamilias]

Originally posted by Grebdron
What about Like Water for Chocolate?

My girlfriend LOOOOVES this film, but I haven't seen it yet.

Any good?

I saw this a couple years ago so it;s not fresh in my memory, but I didn't care for it too much.

As for netflix. They have an amazing collection!!!!

I think you can go to netflix.com and start searching around before you sign up. pick obscure movies and see if they have em, i bet you won't be dissapointed.

[Grebdron]

Originally posted by damned martian
El Alquimista Impaciente was nominated for 2 or 3, but more technichall, I think. I should check it.

Definitely. I couldn't find a synopsis on IMDB, but it was a riveting crime drama, and Ingrid Rubio is VERY easy on the eyes. Plus, the Spanish accent, with slurred S's, is very sexy.;)

[Grebdron]

Originally posted by Paterfamilias

I think you can go to netflix.com and start searching around before you sign up. pick obscure movies and see if they have em, i bet you won't be dissapointed.

Will do. Thanks.

[Damned Martian]

Best Film
- El otro lado de la cama
- En la ciudad sin límites
- Hable con ella
- Los lunes al sol (Goya)

Director
- Emilio Martínez Lázaro, por El otro lado de la cama
- Antonio Hernández, por En la ciudad sin límites
- Pedro Almodóvar, por Hable con ella
- Fernando León de Aranoa, por Los lunes al sol (Goya)

Actor
- Javier Bardem, por Los lunes al sol (Goya)
- Javier Cámara, por Hable con ella
- Juan Luis Galiardo, por El caballero Don Quijote
- Sancho Gracia, por 800 balas

Actress
- Adriana Ozores, por La vida de nadie
- Ana Fernández, por Historia de un beso
- Leonor Watling, por A mi madre le gustan las mujeres
- Mercedes Sampietro, por Lugares comunes (Goya)

Supporting Actor
- Alberto San Juan, por El otro lado de la cama
- Carlos Hipólito, por Historia de un beso
- José Coronado, por La caja 507
- Luis Tosar, por Los lunes al sol (Goya)

Supporting Actress
- Geraldine Chaplin, por En la ciudad sin límites (Goya)
- María Esteve, por El otro lado de la cama
- Mar Regueras, por Rencor
- Tina Sainz, por Historia de un beso

New Director
- Inés París y Daniela Fejerman, por A mi madre le gustan las mujeres
- Eduard Cortés, por La vida de nadie
- Román Salazar, por Piedras
- Julio Wallovits, por Smoking Room (Goya)

Breakthrough Actor
- Carlos Iglesias, por El caballero Don Quijote
- Guillermo Toledo, por El otro lado de la cama
- José Ángel Egido, por Los lunes al sol (Goya)
- Roberto Enríquez, por El alquimista impaciente

Breakthrough Actress
- Clara Lago, por El viaje de Carol
- Lolita, por Rencor (Goya) who, btw, is Rosario Flores' sister and also a singer, for the information of all the actors/musicians tournament habituals
- Marta Itura, por La vida de nadie
- Nieves Medina, por Los lunes al sol

Original Script
- En la ciudad sin límites (Goya)
- Hable con ella
- Los lunes al sol
- Smoking Room

Adapted Script
- El caballero Don Quijote
- El embrujo de Shanghai
- Lugares Comunes (Goya)
- Volverás

Editing
- Aro Tolbukhin - En la mente del asesino
- La caja 507 (Goya)
- Los lunes al sol
- 800 balas

Sound
- Darkness
- El otro lado de la cama (Goya)
- Hable con ella
- La caja 507

OST
- A mi madre le gustan las mujeres
- En la ciudad sin límites
- Hable con ella (Goya)
- 800 balas

Cinematography
- El caballero Don Quijote (Goya)
- El embrujo de Shanghai
- Historia de un beso
- Nos miran

F/X
- El robo más grande jamás contado
- Guerreros
- Hable con ella
- 800 balas (Goya)

Production Director
- El embrujo de Shanghai
- El viaje de Carol
- Guerreros
- La caja 507 (Goya)

Artistic Direction
- Rafael Palmero, por El alquimista impaciente
- Félix Murcia, porEl caballero Don Quijote
- Salvador Parra, porEl embrujo de Shanghai (Goya)
- Gil Parrondo, por Historia de un beso

Costumes
- Callas Forever
- El embrujo de Shanghai (Goya)
- El viaje de Carol
- Historia de un beso

Make-up
- El embrujo de Shanghai (Goya)
- Historia de un beso
- Lisistrata
- Trece campanadas

Foreign Film (spanish language)
- El crimen del Padre Amaro
- El último tren (Goya)
- Nada
- Un día de suerte

European Film
- Mostly Martha
- The pianist (Goya)
- Gosford Park
- Italian for beginners


For other years list:
http://www.ciudadfutura.com/cine2020/goyas.htm

[Ren Hoek]

I would love to check out 800 balas asap, martian. Do you know if it is already out on DVD or where I can get hold of a copy (preferably with English subtitles, of course ;)).
Originally posted by The Delfonics
Bullet in the Head and The Killer are among my Woo favs.
Fucking bliss! You're only the second schmoe to mention BULLET IN THE HEAD as long as I've been around here (first one was Jim H if memory serves). I can't believe that this brillant anti-war movie isn't more popular outside Asia. It has everything that makes Woo's movies so fascinating: his trademark style (gunfights, car chases etc.), an intriguing plot, and production values that put many Hollywood productions in this genre to shame. Hands down my favourite Woo film!

[Damned Martian]

I think 800 Balas is available in DVD already in Spain, but i doubt it has english subtitles. However, is De la Iglesia's weakest film so far. It works great until the last half an hour, which IMO is horrible. 6/10

Also, Bullet in the Head is my favorite Asian John Woo film, and maybe his best (Face/Off would be very close). BUT the last 15 minutes, again, diminish a lot its quality. Also the beginning is a bit lame, but that's less important than the unuseful last sequence IMO. 7/10

[Romero&Juliet]

Ooo, oh my..!

Firstly, DELFONICS.. If you liked Amelie then you'd enjoy the other Jeunet/Caro flick called Delicatessin. IMO, its just as cool as City..


THE TIN DRUM! Go rent this mutha, for the love of schmoes.. this is the first (and only) adaptation of Pulitzer Prize winner Gunter Grass' PHENOMENAL "Danzig Trilogy". It follows the lives of the semi-poilsh Kashubians throughout the War and the Teensy little Oskar. The precocious little bastard develops and ego way too quickly and decides to stop growing (on his third birthday) in spite of his crooked family.

The stunted growth is paralleled with the destructive war and its effects on the modern (as we know it today) Kashubians. Their virility, sense of nationalism.. He becomes a spokesperson for all the radical changes and its a fucking devastating movie.

The acting is ALL spot on, especially in Bennent's performance. how a twelve year old could act with such intensity is just beyond me.



Iglesia's Cannibal Man. The seventies euro cannibal flicks will always drum up the nasty sort of hype.. this flick, for some reason, has always been criticized for its content. I have no idea why.

The film centers around a workin man living in Franco's Spain.. His looses his marbles after he kills a man in an arguement. From there, we get a story of the slave's constant degradation (or sophistication) in an unsympathetic world.. Murderous rampage, superhero shit, etc.. this is a mindfuck. Plain and simple. Luckily, its done well (ie, its coherent!) and it gives you someting to think about.

[Fisting Ackbar]

Originally posted by Romero&Juliet
If you liked Amelie then you'd enjoy the other Jeunet/Caro flick


Just to point out...Caro didn't have anything to do with AMELIE ;)

But since I'm into all sorts of films - including foreign stuff, I support the motion of giving them their own forum.

[Romero&Juliet]

Originally posted by Fisting Ackbar
Just to point out...Caro didn't have anything to do with AMELIE ;)


Ooopsh..

I thought they did everything together but screw! :D

[flowrchild]

Right now, my 3 favorite foreign movies are:

City of God
Run Lola Run
Grave Of The Fireflies

[thirdeye]

Originally posted by RenHoek
I would love to check out 800 balas asap, martian. Do you know if it is already out on DVD or where I can get hold of a copy (preferably with English subtitles, of course ;)).

Fucking bliss! You're only the second schmoe to mention BULLET IN THE HEAD as long as I've been around here (first one was Jim H if memory serves). I can't believe that this brillant anti-war movie isn't more popular outside Asia. It has everything that makes Woo's movies so fascinating: his trademark style (gunfights, car chases etc.), an intriguing plot, and production values that put many Hollywood productions in this genre to shame. Hands down my favourite Woo film!


You have Great taste:D :D :D :D :D

[bowieee]

Favorite foreign movies:

Fitzcarraldo
Aguirre the wrath of God
Nosferatu remake
(Actually anything by herzog for that matter)
Nosferatu
The Seventh sign
Seven Samaurai
Princess Monoake
Crash
The city of lost children
Delicatessen
Deep Red
Tenebre
Opera
Zombie
Phenomena
Suspiria
and tons more. The world has alot to offer.

[James Logan]

Here's the Frenchie, with a few suggestions:

LA HAINE
LES RIVIERES POURPRES
and pretty much anything from Truffaut

That's for French stuff. I'm also a huge fan of SEVEN SAMURAI, NOSFERATU, GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES, LOLA RENNT (RUN LOLA RUN), ABRE LOS OJOS and THE KILLER. And of course, try watching some Almodovar -- the man's special, but he's skilled...he's very skilled.

[bob]

I can't reccomend enough any collaboration between:

A) Akira Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune

or

B) Francois Truffaut and Jean-Pierre Leaud

You're pretty much guaranteed a great film if either of those pairs are working together. Start with (respectively) Yojimbo and The 400 Blows, then work your way outward to Kurosawa's masterpiece Seven Samurai and the only Truffaut film that rivals The 400 Blows, Day for Night.

[JCPhoenix]

ooh i'm back from vacation, just saw this thread, woohoo :D hope that forum gets made.

i just bought the asian horror flick The Eye in toronto, as well as Infernal Affairs (which i bought earlier but it had no english subtitles taht version so i couldn't watch it [i'm chinese but can't really understand more than conversation level chinese]) going to watch them later.

OOOH, and i also just got another Miyazaki film!!!! i'm so excited :D going to watch that tomorrow i guess, too many films lol...it's one of the ones i haven't seen yet, Porco Russo...sweet ghibli case looks real only $7 canadian (about $4 U.S.)

Miyazaki films so far from favorite to least favorite (but still favorite):
1.Laputa: Castle in the Sky/My Neighbor Totoro
2.Spirited Away
3.Kiki's Delivery Service
4.Princess Mononoke
5.Nausicaa: Valley of the Winds

And i love all of them so :D great films some of the best animated films ever, and check out Grave of the Fireflies everyone it's a definite MUST SEE...one of the saddest movies i've ever watched...

I'm also a big fan of Amores Perros and The Princess and the Warrior...I've seen Run Lola Run but contrary to what most people feel, I loved Princess and the Warrior, more so than Run Lola Run (which was great). Abre Los Ojos was a great film too, very different in tone to Vanilla Sky...

And of course everyone go and watch some older Jet Li movies like Fong Sai Yuk (without the dub please, watch it subbed), and Fist of Legend...great stuff. I also liked his newer one Hero (Ying Xiong) but i'm hoping the extended cut is better. Also check out The Emperor and the Assassin great dramatic film (Hero even used some of the sets from this movie)

Yeah this is the weirdest post i've ever posted...i'm like listing off foreign films i liked but that's because if we had an individual forum devoted to foreign films (coughcoughJoblocoughcoughhinthint) then i would talk more about each film...

Anyway, I REALLY, BADLY want to see City of God what with all the appraise and all...planning on renting that when it's out on dvd (is it out yet?...)

And i'm going to try and check out some of the older foreign films, like the Kurosawa films...starting with Rashomon because that sounds like the film that i would enjoy the most out of his movies.

[maria_901]

First of all, THANKS FOR THIS THREAD, I love foreign movies.

:)

I liked Trois Couleurs but I didn't like the way the three stories got related. Bleu was the best one, Rouge could have been better.

I love Todo sobre mi Madre. In my opinion it's the best of Almodovar's films. For those who haven't seen it: There's this woman who had a son and he liked very much this actress Huma. One night they go to the theather where Huma was acting and after the show they stayed because he wanted an autograph. It was raining. The son (I don't remember his name) dies while trying to get the autograph. Then the woman decides to go to Barcelona and meets a Huma and ends up working for her. You have to see it, it would take to long if I keep on writing about this film, but it's simply great.

There are also other wonderful films, like the cuban film Fresa y Chocolate, the french Amelie and La Fille sur le Pont. Watch them if you have the chance.
;)

[maria_901]

I forgot to mention Amores Perros!!!

[Grebdron]

Been trying to find this all day...

Amants du Pont-Neuf, Les (1991)

Set against Paris' oldest bridge, the Pont Neuf, while it was closed for repairs, this film is a love story between two young vagrants: Alex, a would be circus performer addicted to alcohol and sedatives and Michele, a painter driven to a life on the streets because of a failed relationship and an affliction which is slowly turning her blind. The film portrays the harsh existence of the homeless as Alex, Michele and Hans, an older vagrant survive on the streets with their wits. As they both slowly get their lives back together, Michele becomes increasingly dependent on Alex as her vision deteriorates further. Fearing that Michele will leave him if she receives a new medical treatment Alex attempts to keep Michele practically a prisoner. The streets, skies and waterways of Paris are used as a backdrop to the story in a series of stunning visuals which dominate the film.

________________________________________________

Wonderfully acted, not so wonderfully written tale. A bit on the pretentious side, but quite watchable. This was my introduction to the lovely Juliette Binoche.

[bob]

Originally posted by JCPhoenix


And i'm going to try and check out some of the older foreign films, like the Kurosawa films...starting with Rashomon because that sounds like the film that i would enjoy the most out of his movies.

I'd strongly reccomend against starting with that one. At 85 minutes, it feels about 40 times longer than the 3 and 1/2 hour long Seven Samurai. I think there are much better representations of Kurosawa's work out there.

[Shakamaker]

I'll be sure to check out what's been mentioned that I've not seen! Thanks Schmoes!

Meanwhile, I'll offer up some recent films, and second James Logan on La Haine - a great movie. As one Schmoe once said to me, she loves the film because the violence it potrays is shot - in stark contrast - so beautifully. Ahh oui, le Français!

So...

From China, The Little Chinese Seamstress - right of passage film set in Maoist China in the early 70's. Forget the political undercurrents and focus on the magnificent scenery and the message about love, and progress at cost.

From New Zealand, Whale Rider - simply magnificent reminder about why films were made in the first place. A real tear-jerker about overcoming the past in order to change the present, and shape the future. Astonishingly acting from the lead, the young Keisha Castle-Hughes.

From France, Monsieur Batignole - cute, light-hearted take on the adventures of a man and his mission; to get some French-Jews out of Nazi-occupied France. Sure, the topic has been done to death, but worth revisiting to see the film's charm and wit.

From France, Travelling Birds - a visual poem. Taking over 4 years to complete, and edited from 350 hours of film, this is magic! It follows the migration of literally thousands of birds, transglobally. It has without doubt some of the best camera-work I have ever had the pleasure to see. It's not just a documentary, it's an emotional adventure. See it to believe it, then visit the official site to understand how they did it. Breathtaking stuff.

From Russia, Russian Ark - eye-candy, and a brilliant achievement. Shot in one extended take on DV!, we're one of two people transported into the (restored) Russian State Hermitage Museum, where we're taken on an extraodinary tour of it's works. On the way we travel through different periods in Russian history, encountering various important historical figures. The other travellor, our companion, is Sergei Dreiden, played ever so fucking well by a bloke named Sergei Dontsov. Dreiden was a French aristocrat, famous for bagging Russians, so some of the scenes where he encounters Russian citizens (in various eras) are very amusing. Really enjoyed this 'tour'.

From Denmark, Open Hearts. Sobering look at the fragility of life, the destructive nature of obsession, and the power of love. Some great writing, and good performances help to cover the somewhat slow pace. Well worth a watch to have the universal message drilled in to you.

Now I'm looking forward to Malkovich's directorial debut, The Dancer Upstairs, shot in Spain and Columbia. If you've seen this, let me know your thoughts!

[Ren Hoek]

Originally posted by JCPhoenix
And i love all of them so :D great films some of the best animated films ever, and check out Grave of the Fireflies everyone it's a definite MUST SEE...one of the saddest movies i've ever watched...
Have you seen ONLY YESTERDAY (Omoide poro poro)? I was in awe by what Isao Takahata accomplished with this work because the film basically tells a kind of coming-of-age story we've heard a million times before. I don't think it's on a par with the brilliant GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES but I'm sure you would love it. It is quite a light-hearted movie but some scenes also have this beautiful sadness which made GRAVE so special (the final minutes of this movie got me all teary-eyed), and the way Takahata intercuts scenes from his protagonist's childhood with those from her current life is nothing but brilliant.

[Jerk Shapiro]

Howbout the German great Nosferatu? 1922, silent, one of the 5 greatest German films of all-time. Yeah I own it on DVD. Blind buy.

9/10

[arto_j]

Anyone seen Los Sin Nombre (The Nameless)? I saw a few reviews of it at the horror section, but only a few...A very good moody thriller...Sort of Se7en-ish in its atmosphere. Very much recommended.

If any of you for some reason would be interested in checking out some quality Finnish movies, try and find anything by Aki Kaurismäki...The Man Without a Past was his latest, and I loved the hell out of that one. Quirky, but excellent.

My recent favorites in non-US cinema include Lola Rennt and Fucking Åmål, I think everyone should check 'em out.

Now, I gotta find Y Tu Mama Tambien somewhere and check out some Almodovar to get on to the Spanish scene better...

[Damned Martian]

Originally posted by JCPhoenix
OOOH, and i also just got another Miyazaki film!!!! i'm so excited :D going to watch that tomorrow i guess, too many films lol...it's one of the ones i haven't seen yet, Porco Russo...sweet ghibli case looks real only $7 canadian (about $4 U.S.)
I saw this film a few ago, and it's very entertaining. Not at the same level than Mononoke or Chihiro, but a great stuff too. And it has much more humour. 7/10

Anyone seen Los Sin Nombre (The Nameless)? I saw a few reviews of it at the horror section, but only a few...A very good moody thriller...Sort of Se7en-ish in its atmosphere. Very much recommended. Pssst! Here, here!:D

i saw this film in theaters a few years ago, and it was the scariest spanish film till that date! If you liked it, then I recommend you Jaume Balaguero's next film: Darkness, with Lena Olin and Anna Paquin. About haunted houses and Lovecraftian's cults. If you want someone to give you on screen what Ramsey Campbell gives you in writing, Jaume is your man!

(BTW, did you know that he directed also a documentary about the "Spanish Idols"? what a man have to do for money...)

[Damned Martian]

Mmmmm... i was thinking... this thread is a bit messy.

Maybe we should talk about cinematography of one country to begin with, and go jumping from country to country. Or maybe with films, talk about one and then start with another. Other way, this is going to be a bit confusing for a continuous discussion

[RicochetShaw]

Originally posted by JCPhoenix


And i'm going to try and check out some of the older foreign films, like the Kurosawa films...starting with Rashomon because that sounds like the film that i would enjoy the most out of his movies.


I disagree with Bob here... I think that's the best way to start off with Kurosawa, since it is, after all, the movie that made him famous. I thought that film was outstounding, myself. It introduced something to movies that had never been used before (but I don't want to say what that is... don't want to spoil it). I do agree with bob, though, that Seven Samurai is his best work, with Rashomon as a close second . But I still have a LOT to go for Kurosawa movies.


As for myself, I want to start to get into Werner Herzog.

[dellamorte dellamore]

Croupier

Greenfingers

Happenstance


Urban Ghost Story


Rosie : Devil in my head


Venus Beauty institute


Rain


Dreamlife of Angels



Volcano High


Memento Mori


Kairo


Cure


Resurrection of the Little Match Girl ( a poor man's Matrix , but still a surprisingly entertaining ride nonetheless , if confusing as hell )



Taste of others


Va savoir



Lantana


Insomnia ( original )



Winter Sleepers



Wonderland


All or Nothing




War Zone




Human Resources




Time Out




Lovers on the Bridge




Pola X




Woman on the Bridge




Live Flesh



All about my Mother




Talk to her



Matador




Women on the Verge of a nervous breakdown


Forever Fever ( that's the way i like it )



Help ( Lat sui wu cheng is the mandarin title )



Needing you



Solaris ( the original )


The Sacrifice


The Returner



Wild Zero



Rosetta



Love on a Diet



Kourei


Shiri



Son of the Bride



Jamon Jamon ( penelope cruz should stick with Spanish cinema , it's where she did her best work , and Bigas Luna never fails to deliver something special ) .


Casino Raiders


Mifune



The KIngdom 1 and 2


Italian for Begginers



The Celebration


Dreams




Adrenaline Drive





Gonin




I know i mentioned some of these before , but since this is a thread especially for foreign films , i thought i would list them again .

[Paterfamilias]

Originally posted by damned martian
Mmmmm... i was thinking... this thread is a bit messy.

Maybe we should talk about cinematography of one country to begin with, and go jumping from country to country. Or maybe with films, talk about one and then start with another. Other way, this is going to be a bit confusing for a continuous discussion

I agree. Actually the best thing would be to have a separate Foreign Films Forum :D Had a nice ring to it doesn't it?

It's hard to keep everyone on one topic in a thread as broad as this one but we can try.

How about this, maybe in the subject line, you can type the country that you are discussing. This will help readers to browse entries.

So try to keep posts to one country. If you want to talk about twofilms from two different countries, just split it into two posts with the countries as the subject. Does that make any sense?

[Damned Martian]

Originally posted by Paterfamilias
It's hard to keep everyone on one topic in a thread as broad as this one but we can try.

How about this, maybe in the subject line, you can type the country that you are discussing. This will help readers to browse entries.

So try to keep posts to one country. If you want to talk about twofilms from two different countries, just split it into two posts with the countries as the subject. Does that make any sense? Me thinks that's a good system until...

I agree. Actually the best thing would be to have a separate Foreign Films Forum :D Had a nice ring to it doesn't it? ...this happens. Very soon, hopefully:D

[Paterfamilias]

Ok, I'm planning on immersing myself in Kurosawa for a hile probably starting next week.

I have seen Seven Samurai and really enjoyd it. I thought it was a good balance of action and humor. There are some great characters.

I have on my netflix queue Rashomon, Yojimbo, and Ran. What others should i try? What are your thoughts about Kurosawa? These films in particular?

What other japanese film maker should I try?

[Slim]

Originally posted by Paterfamilias
I agree. Actually the best thing would be to have a separate Foreign Films Forum :D Had a nice ring to it doesn't it?


Hear, hear! This thread has become a foreign films free for all.

[Damned Martian]

Originally posted by Paterfamilias
What other japanese film maker should I try? The only japanese i can recommend you from what i've seen is Hayao Miyazaki. i know about other great asian directors, but i'm not sure which nationality they have: Wong Kar Wai, Ang Lee:) , etc... i think they're chinese.

[Paterfamilias]

Thanks DM.

Miyazaki did Princess Mononoke, right? Did he do anything besides anime? I haven't really gotten into anime.

[Lynn Minmei]

Originally posted by Paterfamilias
Thanks DM.

Miyazaki did Princess Mononoke, right? Did he do anything besides anime? I haven't really gotten into anime.

Yeah, he did Princess Mononoke, but I believe all he's done has been anime. But if you wanna check out his stuff, there's a decent amount of it on DVD.

[Damned Martian]

Originally posted by Paterfamilias
Thanks DM.

Miyazaki did Princess Mononoke, right? Did he do anything besides anime? I haven't really gotten into anime. He has made also Porco Rosso, My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away, between others. Yes, he's an anime director, but that doesn't make him less talented. Au contraire! He has been even compared to Kurosawa, and if any of these days i finally reach to see any of Kurosawa's films (very difficult to find them here or in our sucking national tv), I'll tell you if they're right.;)

[scottish-movie-freak]

Everyone seems to be talking about anime so I have two words for you: Perfect Blue. It is probably my favourite anime, anyone else seen it?

Its about a pop star who decides to quit music and focus on acting but her latest character is reasonably slutty. Its only when websites appear, tracing her every move as if she had continued in the pop group that things become strange. Friends and workers pop up dead which worries Mima (the popstar turned actress) that she may be losing her touch with reality.
Let me say this movie took me completely by suprise! I was just expecting another mind fuck but it was actually very good. This was the VERY FIRST anime I saw (courtesy of my friend, an anime obsessive) and I enjoyed it lots. It was actually pretty gory but it was like a Hitchcock/Argento movie rather than I Know What You Did Last Summer. I'd give it a healthy 8/10.

[notchreturns]

Some of my favorite foreign films:

Persona
Grave of the Fireflies
The 400 Blows
Fucking Amal (Show Me Love)
Abre Los Ojos
Yojimbo
Suspiria
Y Tu Mama Tambien
M
Au Revior Les Enfants

[Slim]

Originally posted by scottish-movie-freak
Everyone seems to be talking about anime so I have two words for you: Perfect Blue. It is probably my favourite anime, anyone else seen it?

I thought Perfect Blue was a great thriller. A number of disturbing moments and all. It's one of my favourite anime films. Good stuff!

[Slim]

Originally posted by damned martian
He has made also Porco Rosso, My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away, between others. Yes, he's an anime director, but that doesn't make him less talented. Au contraire! He has been even compared to Kurosawa, and if any of these days i finally reach to see any of Kurosawa's films (very difficult to find them here or in our sucking national tv), I'll tell you if they're right.;)

Indeed. Miyazaki is great at crafting these films which could easily appeal to all ages. Clearly, one of the best Japanese directors.

[BadCoverVersion]

Since I've just finished watching Ichi The Killer, I thought I'd throw my two penneth in...

Completely satisfying, a shitload of gore to boot, stunning (extremely hilarious) visuals, great performances, vibrant imagery, a bizzaro plot...and more besides.

I was fucking enthralled throughout.

Beautiful bloody stuff...Takashi is right up there with the best...

Extreme, controversial, orgasmic!!!

City Of Lost Souls - 7/10
Dead Or Alive - 9/10
Dead Or Alive 2 - 9/10
Ichi The Killer - 9/10
Visitor Q - 9/10
Audition - 10/10

[The Delfonics]

I just watched Alejandro Amenabar (Abre los Ojos, The Others) entry level thriller called Thesis. Its a very original and haunting thriller with a slightly cliched ending but nevertheless the story is haunting enough engrave it onto your brain. The movie is about a college chick who is researching a paper on violent films. She stumbles across a snuff film that shows a girl getting tortured. She later finds out that the girl being tortured was a former student at her school. Until the so-so ending this film posses some strong stuff. Snuff films are truly a haunting area and this film found a nice way to use them in a story. (8/10)

[The Delfonics]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
Since I've just finished watching Ichi The Killer, I thought I'd throw my two penneth in...

Completely satisfying, a shitload of gore to boot, stunning (extremely hilarious) visuals, great performances, vibrant imagery, a bizzaro plot...and more besides.

I was fucking enthralled throughout.

Beautiful bloody stuff...Takashi is right up there with the best...

Extreme, controversial, orgasmic!!!

City Of Lost Souls - 7/10
Dead Or Alive - 9/10
Dead Or Alive 2 - 9/10
Ichi The Killer - 9/10
Visitor Q - 9/10
Audition - 10/10

Hey BCV have u seen Riki-Oh or Battle Royale? If not I think these would be right up your alley.

[Directly2Deep]

Amores Perros
(Loves a Bitch) 2000
Very good movie

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by The Delfonics
Hey BCV have u seen Riki-Oh or Battle Royale? If not I think these would be right up your alley.

Battle Royale is one of my favourites...I haven't seen Riki-Oh yet, but I'm keeping my eyes open...:)

Thanks for the recommendation Sir.


Oh, and Notch...GREAT CALL on Persona, a personal treasure.

[Damned Martian]

YO PEOPLE PEOPLE!

Can we make this thread as Paterfamilias said? These are the RULES:
-Put the nationality of the movies you're going to talk about in the title of your post.
-Limit your post to one nationality.
-If you want to talk about different nationalites, make it in different posts
-Don't make lists about your favorite foreign movies, talk about them, discuss them. That's the reason of this thread, and future forum:cool:

[Fisting Ackbar]

Originally posted by The Delfonics
I just watched Alejandro Amenabar (Abre los Ojos, The Others) entry level thriller called Thesis. Its a very original and haunting thriller with a slightly cliched ending but nevertheless the story is haunting enough engrave it onto your brain. The movie is about a college chick who is researching a paper on violent films. She stumbles across a snuff film that shows a girl getting tortured. She later finds out that the girl being tortured was a former student at her school. Until the so-so ending this film posses some strong stuff. Snuff films are truly a haunting area and this film found a nice way to use them in a story. (8/10)

It had a few errors - like why the main characters didn't just go to the police - but it was quite suspenseful and the message about violence in the media was great.

[Psychocandy]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
Since I've just finished watching Ichi The Killer, I thought I'd throw my two penneth in...

Completely satisfying, a shitload of gore to boot, stunning (extremely hilarious) visuals, great performances, vibrant imagery, a bizzaro plot...and more besides.

I was fucking enthralled throughout.

Beautiful bloody stuff...Takashi is right up there with the best...

Extreme, controversial, orgasmic!!!

City Of Lost Souls - 7/10
Dead Or Alive - 9/10
Dead Or Alive 2 - 9/10
Ichi The Killer - 9/10
Visitor Q - 9/10
Audition - 10/10

Ah...the movies of Takashi Miike. You really need to see Fudoh and Happiness Of The Katakuris. I've yet to see Dead or Alive 2 but I fucking loved the first one. It goes without saying that the double doses of insanity that bookend this movie are amazing but I also enjoyed everything in between (many reviewers found the meat of the movie to be boring). I should be putting my hands on several more slices of Miike madness very soon. I'll post my thoughts. I'm definitely getting Graveyard Of Honour from my friendly neighbourhood bootlegger. A review shall be forthcoming.

[James Logan]

Fuck we need a forum...

[Psychocandy]

Originally posted by James Logan
Fuck we need a forum...

That we do...that we do. :D

[Psychocandy]

Two of the best movies i've seen so far this year are the beautiful Nowhere In Africa and the bleak and depressing Lilja 4-ever. I don't recall seeing these two movies mentioned anywhere on the forum. A couple of times i've come close to writing a review but I prefer not to do that until i've seen a movie two or three times. Has anyone seen these?

[bob]

Just got back form seeing a brilliant film called Russian Ark (from Russia, natch). The film is about two strangers who travel through time and see all the major events in russian history. The film is one long, uninterrupted shot. If you like watching films that have something to say about almost EVERYTHING, go see this film. One of the most important films of all time.

[Psychocandy]

Originally posted by bob
Just got back form seeing a brilliant film called Russian Ark (from Russia, natch). The film is about two strangers who travel through time and see all the major events in russian history. The film is one long, uninterrupted shot. If you like watching films that have something to say about almost EVERYTHING, go see this film. One of the most important films of all time.

This sounds really intriguing. I'm a sucker for movies that deliberately set out to do things the hard way and doing a 96 minute movie in one single take with a large company of actors certainly qualifies. And, hey!!! It's out on R1 DVD. I may be tempted to misuse my credit card again (I ordered 11 DVDs earlier this week).

[Ren Hoek]

RUSSIAN ARK is my favourite 2003 film so far. This film is absolutely mesmerising though I have to admit that it took me quite a while to get into the "flow" of the movie. My first thought was that this unedited 100-minute steadicam shot would be just a visual gimmick (what it definitely is), but it really helped giving me the feeling that I was walking through the hallways of the St Petersburg Hermitage. It's one of the very few films during which I really lost the consciousness that I was only sitting in a movie theatre. Absolutely beautiful and an outstanding achievement in filmmaking. Surprisingly, I was the only one among my friends who really liked it. :(

LILYA 4-EVER must be one of the most depressing films I've seen in a while. I was deeply impressed by the performances (especially the wee lad who played Lilja's friend did a fantastic job) and gritty, dreary atmosphere. The soundtrack is also extremely important and helps to underscore the characters' emotions. You will never listen the same way to those hideous pop tarts T.a.t.u. again.

[Paterfamilias]

Originally posted by RenHoek
RUSSIAN ARK is my favourite 2003 film so far. This film is absolutely mesmerising though I have to admit that it took me quite a while to get into the "flow" of the movie. My first thought was that this unedited 100-minute steadicam shot would be just a visual gimmick (what it definitely is), but it really helped giving me the feeling that I was walking through the hallways of the St Petersburg Hermitage. It's one of the very few films during which I really lost the consciousness that I was only sitting in a movie theatre. Absolutely beautiful and an outstanding achievement in filmmaking. Surprisingly, I was the only one among my friends who really liked it. :(


Wow, I hadn't heard of this. Sounds amazing! 100 minute shot?!? Has that ever been done before?

I need to see this even if just of for the gimmick. But the story sounds intruiging too.

[The Delfonics]

Originally posted by Romero&Juliet
Ooo, oh my..!

Firstly, DELFONICS.. If you liked Amelie then you'd enjoy the other Jeunet/Caro flick called Delicatessin. IMO, its just as cool as City..

Hey Romeo I just caught the last hour of this flick on STARZ movie channel. Pretty good. I usually dont just jump into the latter acts of a movie but when I turned it on I couldnt stop watching it. Its going to be repeated at 9:30 PM EST so ill be sure to see it in full

[Paterfamilias]

OK, I just watched Kurosawa's Yojimbo (The Bodyguard) 1961.

Excellent movie!! Right now i'd say 4/5.

From Netflix:
"The incomparable Toshiro Mifune stars in Akira Kurosawa's stunning and darkly comic Yojimbo (The Bodyguard). In order to rid a village of corruption, a masterless samurai turns a range war between two evil clans to his own advantage. "

This movie spawned the remakes A Fistful of Dollars (Sergio Leonne) and Last Man Standing (starring Bruce Wilis). I have always loved A Fistful, but I gotta say this was better. As much as I love Westerns, I can't believe that I am just now getting around to these Samurai classics. Oh Well, better late than never.

[Fisting Ackbar]

Originally posted by Paterfamilias
100 minute shot?!? Has that ever been done before?


Nope. Which is why I want to see this really bad.

[JoBlo]

I am closing this "general foreign movie talk" thread, because we now have a (trial) new FOREIGN FILM TALK forum in which you can discuss all different types of films in various threads....