I thought since most film-threads are about Hollywood productions and the general, contemporary film-focus being overly Amerocentric, I'd start a discussion about foreign films - do you have any recommendations? Which are your favourites? In a thread with this topic, Bicycle Thieves cannot go without mentioning; not only is it the best non-american film, but also is it one of the absolute best films ever. Definitely on my top 10 list. Lilja 4-ever is a nice Swedish film about prostitution/trafficking that I would recommend.
http://www.politicalforum.com/index.php?threads/good-movies-that-arent-in-english.503561/ Did this inspire you?
Cantinflas - generally acknowledged as Latin America's greatest comedian: He made many hilarious movies over his many years.
I saw half of this last night.. I saw it with English subs, but I feel asleep half way through. Godzilla (1954) From what I saw, this was a very anti Nuclear movie.
Saw Kon Tiki the other day - nice film about the crazy Thor Heyerdahl's raft-journey across the Pacific. Sadece Sen and Mustang are two nice Turkish films. The younger sister in the latter is a total badass.
If I have to watch a non English speaking film and read subtitles, <the pain> <the pain> Downfall (2004). And without Downfall, we wouldn't have all those "Hitler Finds Out . . . . " clips on YouTube. Here's a play list of just 130
I probably watch more subtitled films than American films (for obvious reasons). Predominantly European, but with a good side order of the Eastern product. There are some very interesting Asian directors, besides Ang Lee. oooh ... I just said the name 'Lee'. TRIGGERED!
Some vintage faves from my personal library: Kaos (Sicilian) Valley of Flowers (joint Indian/Jap/Brit) Heaven (Italian, but starring Cate Blanchett ... speaking Italian) Horse Thief (Tibetan) RAN (Japanese) Das Boot (German) My Life as a Dog (Swedish) gosh .. so many greats. have dozens on dvd, but that's best I can do on spur of moment.
I've been planning to watch this one since forever, but I haven't done so yet. :/ My favourite Swedish film is still A Summer Tale ('Den Bästa Sommaren')
I never understood this argument that all people of the anglosphere seem to use as an excuse for not watching foreign films. Why is it so painful to read subs? It is not like you are reading a book or anything. You don't even really have to read the subs, just seeing the translation is enough since the brain is a very powerful, high-tech tool. Only once have I found it to be agonising to follow the subs and that was watching Leviathan. There was this scene in a court room where the lawyer would just not stop talking... Really fast too and with incomprehensible juridical terms. Damn you Russians! Think I have to re-watch it one day though. From what I remember, the moral of the story was "fu*k the government" and that is always nice.
I've got both of them and watch them again from time to time. One of the best I have is a Russian-made film called Burnt by the Sun. A little slow to get going but well worth it from about 20 minutes in. The Australians make some good ones as well; I recently bought 'We of the Never Never' from Ebay (I accidentally chucked away my first copy ) and I never tire of watching it (about 10 times upto now). Great production, cinematography - the Oz outback is stupendous - music, and superb acting by the main players including the supporting Aboriginals. Or is it Aboriginees? Whatever!
Interesting. You, as a non-American, refer to non Hollywood films as "foreign." That shows the worldwide dominance of Hollywood, or at least worldwide minus the Indian subcontinent. Bollywood is a regional king.
I've not seen this yet, but I've just saw this trailer It reminds me of a Dutch Simon Pegg from the looks of it though, but a little more vulgar. Called New Kids Turbo.
I've never understood that, either. It's a very easy 'skill' to learn (your brain does it for you), and opens doors and minds. I can't imagine only being able to watch films in my own language. Such a tiny fraction of what's available, and so limited in scope. It would be like being fed the same food, over and over again. Forever.
It's a bit dated now, obviously, but still worthwhile. As far as Swedish films go, I also quite like "Let the Right One In". Quite unsettling, but brilliantly realised. "As it is in Heaven" is the polar opposite. A bit too cheesy for my tastes, but good for those occasions when elderly parents are around
It's simply that the sheer volume of quality of English language films and the associated pop culture that goes with it make non English speaking films an extra inconvenience. I seldom watch foreign language films for that reason. There is just so much English language content, why bother? I've made exceptions, such as the excellent Das Boot, and the Netflix series Lilyhammer. The way the show handles the language barrier is unique. The Norwegians speak Norwegian and Van Zant’s character, Frank Tagliano, speaks English. The conceit of the show is that Tagliano, shown listening to language tapes on his way to Norway, can understand the language, but can’t speak it. So he speaks English, the Norwegians speak to him in their language, and he understands. It’s a weird way to have a conversation, but it mostly seems to work, if you can accept the premise that a guy can understand the language perfectly, but can’t speak a word; so half the show is subtitles. But that's an unusual compromise.
I watch all movies with captions, or subtitles, because I have a minor hearing disability. My favorite foreign language film is Seven Samurai. It is deservedly considered by the critics to be a classic.
If you have immigrant parents it is not a very weird way to have a conversation at all. To me that is just normal and kind of how I communicate with my maternal grandparents.
Agree. But for a VAMPIRE movie, LTROI is very good. As it is in heaven is super cheesy, but good for old folks not used to "foreign" films.
Perhaps so. Still not very good though. En man som heter Ove is one of the better Swedish films made the last years and, imo, the perfect choice for "old folks not used to foreign films." I think Hollywood-films are still the best in the world. Although they make alot of crap, they also have the largest budgets and best actors. The best non-American actors move to Hollywood eventually too. American films tend to be very ADHD though. European films are slooooow and nothing really happens until it happens, which is nothing happens. But, then, it happens...without happening. Exciting in a different way. I think Americans are to hyper to enjoy Euro-films. Of course it is important not to forget, Hollywood always have to "steal" the best foreign films and ruin them with new productions. That is kind of annoying. Turkey are much better than US making dramas though. I like that over-dramatic stuff where the protagonists does not necessarily have to end up together. Also like it when someone dies lol.