Must See - Foreign Language Films (European)
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- DirectorClaude BerriStarsYves MontandGérard DepardieuDaniel AuteuilA greedy landowner and his backward nephew conspire to block the only water source for an adjoining property in order to bankrupt the owner and force him to sell.Jean de Florette (1986)
This is not just a movie, it is a moving experience about life and human nature. The cinematography is wonderful, the acting superb, and the story is timeless.
It's uplifting, like deeply breathing in the fresh air of a cool forrest. Like a fine wine, this one just gets better with age.
My favorite film of all time, bar none!
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi279511321/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
A masterpiece. - DirectorClaude BerriStarsYves MontandEmmanuelle BéartDaniel AuteuilA beautiful but shy shepherdess plots vengeance on the men whose greedy conspiracy to acquire her father's land caused his death years earlier.Manon of the Spring (1986)
Also known as "Manon des sources" (original title)
This movie is nearly equal to it's prequel, Jean de Florette. In some ways I like it better. Remember: revenge is a dish best served cold. Again, the acting is superb and the cinematography outstanding. It has a wonderful ending, which takes the sting away from the ending of Part One, where Manon's father, Jean, dies.
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1402470681/[/link]
A masterpiece. - DirectorJan TroellStarsMax von SydowLiv UllmannEddie AxbergSmåland, Sweden, mid-19th century. A farming family struggle with their rocky, unyielding land, and decide to embark on the arduous journey to new hope in America.The Emigrants (1971)
Also known as "Utvandrarna" (original title)
Outstanding. Amazing acting, wonderful script, beautiful cinematography. Very touching, and American story of settlement.
A must see. The most overlooked best film on IMDb.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU2DGlyRFyc[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D - DirectorMarco Tullio GiordanaStarsLuigi Lo CascioAlessio BoniJasmine TrincaAn Italian epic that follows the lives of two brothers from the 1960s to the 2000s.The Best of Youth (2003)
Also known as "La meglio gioventù" (original title)
My favorite Italian film. Enjoy this captivating journey of two brothers lives, presented in this 6 hour epic. You'll wish it was 8 hours long.
Trailer: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sku1qEqzmNc[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C - DirectorWolfgang PetersenStarsJürgen ProchnowHerbert GrönemeyerKlaus WennemannA German U-boat stalks the frigid waters of the North Atlantic as its young crew experience the sheer terror and claustrophobic life of a submariner in World War II.Das Boot (1981)
Simply the most *realistic*, and best submarine movie ever made. Not just according to me (and I've seen many), but from many submariners.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtUw_JnmYQ0[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: B - DirectorYves RobertStarsJulien CiamacaPhilippe CaubèreNathalie RousselEvery holiday Marcel and his family go to their cottage near Marseilles. During one of these holidays he meets Isabelle, a pretty but conceited girl... Adapted from the cult classic novel from Marcel Pagnol.My Mother's Castle (1990)
Also known as "Le château de ma mère" (original title)
I think this is much better than the first film in this duo, 'La Gloire de mon père' (also on this list). It's much funnier, whimsical, and touching. It delves into even deeper into human nature which is what Marcel Pagnol is known for.
The film is just beautiful, and a near masterpiece. If it had been more focused on Marcel as a character it would have been even better in my opinion. Even so, it's a MUST SEE (along with it's prequel).
My favorite quote from the film: "Such is the life of a man. Moments of joy, obliterated by unforgettable sadness. There's no need to tell the children that."
The second most overlooked great FLF on IMDb.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM8BbSvYfyg[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D - DirectorJan TroellStarsMax von SydowLiv UllmannEddie AxbergA Swedish immigrant family struggle to establish a new life for themselves in the forest of Minnesota in the mid 19th Century.The New Land (1972)
Also known as "Nybyggarna" (original title)
[Part 2 of 'The Emigrants']
A great film, just not a masterpiece in my opinion. It just lacks something special that would make it even better than it already is. Perhaps the missing ingredient is the adventure of it's prequel, The Emigrants.
Note: There is a particular scene in this movie, depicting a violent act, that makes this movie very difficult to locate (due to censorship). It shows a dead baby with a spear through it, stuck to the side of a cabin.
The third most overlooked great FLF on IMDb.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPMXGiY0HQc[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D - DirectorJean-Loup HubertStarsAnémoneRichard BohringerAntoine HubertLouis, a nine-year-old boy from Paris, spends his summer vacation in a small town in Brittany. His mother Claire has lodged him with her girlfriend Marcelle and her husband Pelo while she's having her second baby. There Louis makes friends with Martine, the ten-year-old girl next door, and learns from her about life.The Grand Highway (1987)
Also known as "Le grand chemin" (original title)
Whether you're male or female, you'll relive your childhood through two magnificent child actors in this wonderful and complex story that takes place during one summer in a small French town.
The story is about a precocious 10 year old local girl and a younger boy who is visiting and is staying with his mother's friend while awaiting the return of his expectant mother. The girl befriends the boy and has decided to share her secrets with him during their summer adventure together. The boy learns to overcome the many challenges he's faced with.
Discover how the young man not only personally transforms, but also has a healing influence on the childless couple that he's staying with.
And don't be deceived. This is not a children's film. Sure, a large part of it is about that feeling of discovery as a youth, but it is so much more. You will see the children's perspective of the adults, the adults perspective of the children, the children's perspective of the children, and the adults perspective of the adults.
The fourth most overlooked great FLF on IMDb.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wvKow97mhA[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: F - DirectorJean BeckerStarsJacques VilleretJacques GamblinAndré DussollierA chronicle of a group of friends in rural France between the wars. Garris and Riton live in the marshlands along the banks of the Loire river. Riton is afflicted with a bad-tempered wife and three unruly children. Garris lives alone with his recollections of World War I trenches. Their daily life consists of seasonal work and visits from their two pals: Tane, the local train conductor and Amédée, a dreamer and voracious reader of classics. Meanwhile, Garris is overwhelmed by an unspoken love for a housemaid in the town, Marie.Les enfants du Marais (1999)
- Children of the Marshlands
Forget the IMDb rating of this magnificent film... read the reviews!
This film delivers. It's a slice of life set in the beautiful French countryside.
It starts out very simple but keeps building, relationships evolving and unfolding into a glorious crescendo. The friendship between Garriss and Riton is something that is not often captured in film.
A reviewer commented "I sat through it waiting for something to happen" and was disappointed. I contend that if one watches this film waiting for a shootout, nudity/sex scene, a car chase, an explosion, or any of the other typical Hollywood cliché subplots, one is going to be disappointed.
You don't sit through this film "waiting for something to happen". Something happens to you! You're immersed in a world of nostalgia, one that will warm your soul and broaden your notions of what life is really about, and how it really should be.
Trailer: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw6xO_FNo5A[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D - DirectorMichael RadfordMassimo TroisiStarsMassimo TroisiPhilippe NoiretMaria Grazia CucinottaA simple Italian postman learns to love poetry while delivering mail to a famous poet, and then uses this to woo local beauty Beatrice.Il Postino: The Postman (1994)
There's so much to love about this movie. The acting. The scenery. The cinematography. The humor. It was poignant as well. If I can find one fault, it's that the film ended too soon. After much development and anticipation, the viewer is basically left with crumbs at the end after rooting for the main character (Massimo Troisi) to finally win the girl of his dreams. I feel this detracts from the ending and thus the film.
An added dimension to this film, like no other, is that a day after shooting was completed Massimo Troisi died of heart failure. One can tell he put his all into this film, at great risk, postponing his operation until shooting was done. This man was beloved in Italy, and the world has suffered a loss with the passing of this brilliant actor/writer. God Bless you, Massimo!
Trailer: [link]http://www.zuguide.com/#Il-Postino[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C - DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsIvana BaqueroAriadna GilSergi LópezIn the Falangist Spain of 1944, the bookish young stepdaughter of a sadistic army officer escapes into an eerie but captivating fantasy world.Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Also known as "El laberinto del fauno" (original title)
An amazing, adult fairy tale that lives up to the hype. This movie strikes a wonderful balance between the real and fantasy.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2728329497/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: A - DirectorOliver HirschbiegelStarsBruno GanzAlexandra Maria LaraUlrich MatthesTraudl Junge, the final secretary for Adolf Hitler, tells of the Nazi dictator's final days in his Berlin bunker at the end of WWII.Downfall (2004)
Also known as "Der Untergang" (original title)
An ultra-realistic portrayal of Hitler's last days. Absolutely riveting.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YTePIi4arg[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: B - DirectorEric GuiradoStarsNicolas CazaléClotilde HesmeDaniel DuvalAntoine moves home to help his mom drive the mobile grocery, when his dad's hospitalized. He brings Claire along, hoping she'll become more than a friend. He drives around Provence's countryside, selling mainly to old people.Le fils de l'épicier (2007)
- The Grocer's Son
People can change. Transformation is possible, and redemption awaits the willing. A lovely story about family, relationships, and benevolence. The story is as deep as the subtlety of human emotions that the viewer perceives as unfolding before him.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2814903065/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D - DirectorPietro GermiStarsMarcello MastroianniDaniela RoccaStefania SandrelliA married Sicilian baron falls in love with his cousin and vows to wed her, but with divorce illegal he must concoct a crime of passion to do away with his wife.Divorce Italian Style (1961)
Also known as "Divorzio all'italiana" (original title)
A subtle, yet humorous look at love, Italian style. This is the best 'pure' Italian comedy that I've watched.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-5MZYcevHY[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D - DirectorOliver HirschbiegelStarsMoritz BleibtreuChristian BerkelOliver StokowskiFor two weeks, 20 male participants are hired to play prisoners and guards in a prison. The "prisoners" have to follow seemingly mild rules, and the "guards" are told to retain order without using physical violence.Das Experiment (2001)
A psychological thriller based upon a true story. Amazing acting, fabulous cinematography, and superb directing are the foundations of this absolutely riveting film.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi4070572313/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C - DirectorGaspar NoéStarsMonica BellucciVincent CasselAlbert DupontelEvents over the course of one traumatic night in Paris unfold in reverse-chronological order as the beautiful Alex is brutally raped and beaten by a stranger in an underpass tunnel.Irreversible (2002)
I really like the artistic nature of this film. It's Gasper Noé genius. From the shaky camera (time destroys all things) to the movie going in reverse, to the title Irreversible, this film has the artistic depth of an impressionistic oil painting...
It's this art that gives birth to many different interpretations of the film. The ending is intentionally ambiguous and has created much debate on IMDb, however I believe that Noé has left *clues* as to the intended outcome. Along with great acting and realistic screenplay this is yet another strength of this film.
Warning: This movie will shock you and it *will* provoke strong feelings. There is a rape scene that is very realistic and may be difficult to watch.
It warrants several viewings to comprehend the abstract camera work alone, which adds a rich depth to the story while also evoking subconscious emotions.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2601845529/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C - DirectorGiuseppe TornatoreStarsSergio CastellittoTiziana LodatoFranco ScaldatiA photographer and the types of people he encounters.The Star Maker (1995)
Also known as "L'uomo delle stelle" (original title)
Amazing film. Funny yet poignant. Superb acting. Wonderful cinematography.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExH-i9oNQec[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D - DirectorKen AnnakinAndrew MartonGerd OswaldStarsJohn WayneRobert RyanRichard BurtonThe events of D-Day, told on a grand scale from both the Allied and German points of view.The Longest Day (1962)
This film has enough German and French spoken to be classified as a foreign language film (over 1000 lines of dialogue).
It's a truly magnificent war film of the highest caliber. Experience D-Day with all of the impact as "Saving Private Ryan".
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1458569497/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C - DirectorYves RobertStarsPhilippe CaubèreNathalie RousselDidier PainAt the end of the nineteenth century, little Marcel lives with his parents in the Provence countryside. During his holiday, Marcel meets Lili, a local boy who knows all the secrets of the hills, and the two become fast friends.My Father's Glory (1990)
Also known as "La gloire de mon père" (original title)
I really wanted to like this film more. But it starts out slow, with no clear direction at the beginning. It does however have plenty of amusing anecdotes and it gets much better in the mountains. There are many great moments in the story, although the plot is a little thin. Yet this is a fine film, very wholesome; it just doesn't captivate the way one would hope. "My Mother's Castle" is better in my opinion, yet the two movies go hand in hand.
Trailer: [link]http://www.videodetective.com/movies/trailers/my-fathers-glory-trailer/4703[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D - DirectorBernardo BertolucciStarsRobert De NiroGérard DepardieuDominique SandaThe epic tale of a class struggle in twentieth-century Italy as seen through the eyes of two childhood friends on opposing sides.1900 (1976)
Also known as "Novecento" (original title)
This rating is for the uncut version, a 5 hour epic which was rated X in 1976. It does have some sex scenes in it, including a young, nude De Niro, along with some disturbing content (violence to animals).
The cinematography of this movie is amazing. It captures many beautiful scenes of the Italian countryside. The storyline is good, takes a few weird tangents, but overall is not hard to follow has a good, complex plot.
The ladies may find it interesting that a young De Niro displays full frontal nudity in one scene.
✓ "Novecento" by Ennio Morricone available for free mp3 download: [link]http://dc344.4shared.com/img/95181186/7f650cf2/dlink__2Fdownload_2F0vMNripd_3Ftsid_3D20110702-150227-b144ec45/preview.mp3[/link]
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGTgw6KjhSo[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C - DirectorGiuseppe TornatoreStarsPhilippe NoiretEnzo CannavaleAntonella AttiliA filmmaker recalls his childhood when falling in love with the pictures at the cinema of his home village and forms a deep friendship with the cinema's projectionist.Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Also known as "Nuovo Cinema Paradiso" (original title)
Very sentimental, with strong directing and a wonderful musical score by Ennio Morricone. There are some very deep, thought provoking moments that can easily provide much contemplation for days after viewing. This is one to been seen time and again.
✓ "Love Theme" by Ennio Morricone available for free mp3 download: [link]http://dc121.4shared.com/img/82220803/b5927a80/dlink__2Fdownload_2FdgHz-bOE_3Ftsid_3D20110517-221817-40cf81d1/preview.mp3[/link]
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1665925401/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C - DirectorChristian CarionStarsMichel SerraultMathilde SeignerJean-Paul RoussillonSandrine, a woman in her thirties gets tired of life in Paris and decides to leave her work in computers and become a farmer. She takes the required practice for two years, and after that she buys an isolated farm from Adrien, an old farmer who decides it's time to retire. However, Adrien wants to stay a few more months before moving away from the farm, and the rough winter finds them together...The Girl from Paris (2001)
Also known as "Une hirondelle a fait le printemps" (original title)
I liked this a lot. It had moments that reminded me of Jean de Florette, especially when the townspeople were talking about the girl from Paris, and the old man disconnected her electricity. It has the same "outsider" theme as JDF.
I'm a sucker for the French countryside, and this film is just as beautiful with its great views from the mountains.
Overlooked and underrated on IMDb.
Trailer: [link]http://www.artistdirect.com/video/the-girl-from-paris/70027[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D - DirectorGiuseppe TornatoreStarsMonica BellucciGiuseppe SulfaroLuciano FedericoAmidst the war climate, a teenage boy discovering himself becomes love-stricken by Malèna, a sensual woman living in a small, narrow-minded Italian town.Malèna (2000)
I enjoyed this movie, it was more than just a young boys infatuation. It was very humorous at times and touching during others.
A solid movie with good acting.
✓ "Malèna" by Ennio Morricone available for free mp3 download: [link]http://www.mp3searchxi.com/mp3-ennio-morricone-malena.html[/link]
Trailer: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4C0szpgokQ[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C - DirectorDino RisiStarsVittorio GassmanCatherine SpaakJean-Louis TrintignantAn impulsive braggart takes a shy law student with him for a two-day road trip from Rome to Tuscany.The Easy Life (1962)
Also known as "Il sorpasso" (original title)
This film is non stop entertainment! It's intelligent and quite humorous. It portrays two men (who have just met) of opposite personalities, zooming around Italy in a Lancia Aurelia B24 sports car. One is the veritable extroverted Italian playboy and the other is the shy law student. It's fast paced as the scenes and the situations are changing rapidly as these two are living life large and affecting all those they come into contact with.
This is one of those films where a single viewing is just not enough. It's upbeat, charming, thought provoking, and engrossing from beginning to end. A solid 8, nearly a 9.
The ending is abrupt, with a fatal car accident, but the viewer can see the writing on the wall all throughout this film.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43qsRNGDbFY[/link]
IMDb User's Votes - Rating: D - DirectorJoseph VilsmaierStarsDominique HorwitzThomas KretschmannJochen NickelThe story follows a group of German soldiers, from their Italian R&R in the summer of 1942 to the frozen steppes of Soviet Russia and ending with the battle for Stalingrad.Stalingrad (1993)
Another great film from the producers of "Das Boot". It offers dramatic realism and superb acting. There's one scene in particular that will probably stick with you forever, representing the very finest in film.
I just wish it wasn't so focused on the one fighting unit (the Stormtroopers) but had briefly shown other forces throughout Stalingrad, so one could get a better sense of the complete desperation and devastation of this battle. There were other countries involved in this battle and yet their forces were not shown. Another hour could have easily been added to this film which would have made it much stronger and historical.
All in all, this is a solid 8 and nearly a 9. Amazing soundtrack.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3213164825/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C