Every month LIH’s staff will each put in our vote for a “must see” film. Today our focus and discussion will be on “must see” foreign films. As an exercise to hone our cinephile senses we will review films with positive buzz from word of mouth. We hope you enjoy!
Comic Relief-A Unique Treat!
I saw a unique French romantic comedy; I saw the film Romantics Anonymous. Making its international premiere at the 2011 Tribecca Film Festival, to give you synopsis of the film, two extremely shy people meet at a chocolate shop in Paris. The couple was distinguished by two unique individuals; one being the managing employer; the other being the chocolate company’s newest employee. So shy are they that they can barely communicate while attempting to fashion a relationship. Many comic scenarios ensue before they find themselves almost unable to function without one another. Ultimately a story about courage Romantics Anonymous makes one ponder about how shy people can persevere when the odds can appear to be firmly stacked against them.
Open Book-Must See!
The Wave or Die Welle German film directed by Dennis Gansel was released in 2008 and is based on a true story. I loved this film because of its unpredictability and bold honest look at a politically incorrect social issue.
Ozzie– One of My Favorites!
One of my favourite foreign films is Pan’s Labyrinth. Set in 1944 fascist Spain, the film tells the story of a young girl called Ofelia. Ofelia and her pregnant mother go to live with her new stepfather, who is a psychopathic Captain in the Spanish Army, with orders of to hunt down the remaining rebels of the Spanish Civil War. She finds a way to escape her own harsh reality when she meets a faun (a half goat, half human with goat horns) who convinces her that she is really a princess and must complete three tasks to prove it. The film is beautifully shot and has a haunting soundtrack. Most of the special effects are done by make-up and animatronics but the CGI work is still as breathe taking the real life effects. The film’s director Guillermo del Toro calls it “a fairy tale for adult” which it most definitely is! Whether you’re male or female, it has something that will captivate you. It has many themes; war (there is plenty of violence and it is quite graphic), survival (how loved ones protect each other and the length they go to in order to do so), fantasy (the rich and detailed mythical world that Ofelia enters), horror (the brutality of war and the scary creatures Ofelia meets), morality (whether the actions taken are right and wrong on both sides, plus how far to take it in order to survive and protect loved ones) and love (between the families, fellow countrymen and the complexity of Ofelia’s mother and step father’s relationship). Whether you end up loving this film or hating it, it will definitely move you and make you think!
Parisienne– All Time Favorites!
The Intouchables and Au Revoir, Les Enfants are my all time favorite foreign films. The Intouchables is a heartwarming film based on a true story. Click here to watch trailer.
Au Revoir, Les Enfants is also based on a true story from the childhood events of director Louis Malle. Click here to read about Au Revoir and click here to read about Les Enfants.
Bliss is a Turkish film that came out in 2007. It starts out slow and there are plot holes, but it was a very well done film. A young girl is raped and to bring honor back to her family she is sent away to be killed. The man charged with her execution cannot go through with it and they take off. In the midst of their journey, they meet a former University teacher and he takes them under his wing. Unbeknownst to them, they are being tracked down by her Uncle (the one who sent her away) and his henchman because they know the young man did not do the job. It’s very eye opening to see old customs meet the new ones, how women are treated even in this day and age, and how being open minded can bring about more compassion. It’s a slow film until the last 10 minutes. That is when we see who it was that raped the young girl and what happens to her once she is found.
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Something I did not say about “Romantics Anonymous” was it also illustrated how the French often held some of their cultural traditions in much higher esteem than we “Americans” do. If you know little about Julia Child, even animated movies like “Ratatouie” will tell you that the French take their cuisine very seriously.
“Romantics Anonymous” is built on this knowledge of high cuisine. The French appreciation for chocolate making makes one able to appreciate how the main characters revere to this art/craft. This appreciation is almost another character in the movie.
Thank God for foreign film!
LB,
One of the best reasons to see foreign films is they offer us an opportunity to see the lives of others live outside our shores. “Bliss” seems like a very challenging film for an American audience. “Someone deserves to be murdered because they we’re raped.” As bad as this sounds; to me this sounds very familiar.
I had a friend who moved to Israel in the mid-nineties and to my surprise seemed to fully adopt the values of the new land he moved to. Before I go further I should say I’m not sure what Israeli values are since I have never visited there or lived there myself. What I’m about to say may only or entirely represent my friend and no one else. You may recognize I’m about to say something that I think is objectionable to American ears.
Some time after moving there and participating in many local/national customs like being drafted into their army he told me that he agreed with local attitudes toward the disabled. He claimed that they frequently had very little regard for the physically challenged community and agreed they were a drag against the society and deserved little or no sympathy. If this was a poor evaluation of Israel’s response to it’s own physically challenged community I apologize.
Yes I was surprised to hear those things from my friend, yet in the end I had to accept (if what he was saying was true) that others in other countries deserved their values and for whatever reason did not have ours.
CR,
That’s sad that people with any type of physical challenge are viewed as having little regard by other cultures. I don’t know if you watch many medical shows but I’ve watched many surgeries (on t.v.) performed on children who have cleft palates. Their home country often views them as having demons inside of them or a curse put on them by someone when in reality they were born like that.
I think that more awareness is needed not only for people with physical challenges but mental and emotional as well.
A less depressing movie but has different morals and beliefs to ours is an Iranian film called Offside. It’s about a group of girls who try to sneek into a soccer match (women/girls aren’t allowed) but are caught and spent the rest of the time in a pen trying to sneak glimpses of the game.
Ozzie,
If I could take a minute to get over the environmental sexism I might be laughing at the fan mania of these women in “Offside.” Sorry, honestly I would be laughing WITH them.
The friend I mentioned before referring to the “shame considering the physically challenged community,” was a manic sports fanatic. Watching him during a college football game was like watching a Shakespearean drama. He would laugh, cry, brood, curse, whine, scream, nearly pee in his pants and jump around the room yelling at the television. He was so out of control, he would stampede you if you were in the room with him. I’m not sure he realized he was my entertainment more than the game; honestly he was a kind of dramatic nightmare. Why should I be surprised these Iranian women might provide the same kinds of fanatic insanity? I would now like to see that film.
Oh dear! Fortunately (or unfortunately for the entertainment value) I haven’t come across a manic sports fan. I’ve come close but no jackpot! 🙂
Oz! U are in for a real treat. It’s hilarious. My brothers really get worked up its quite funny. Yeah, watching them is better then watching the game.
I need to meet people like this! I’m missing out by the sound of things!
Hahaha!
Paris,
Thanks for the understanding, honestly I’m still surprised by my friend for whatever reason I think he was going through; maybe an odd impressionable phase. In his defense, being a Jewish America he at other times demonstrated some the most impressive examples of sympathy I ever saw. No, one doesn’t have to be of Israeli heritage to perform that. Yet those experiences I shared with him, made me very proud of our friendship.
I only brought up the issue to say looking at an issue like rape, might produce completely different responses depending on what shore your looking at it from. LB seemed as dismayed as I was that rape should produce a movie that highlighted communities’ feelings of SHAME. I think of rape as an example of BRUTALITY or SELFISHNESS. I (and I believe LB) assumed others westerners might interpret the same.
It’s good to watch movies like this and talk about it though. Even if it is a difficult and delicate subject. For society to progress to a better place, awareness and discussions have to happen. Otherwise we won’t learn.
CR and everyone,
it is very interesting and sad to see how rape is interpreted in other parts of the world. The video I posted below is not about rape, but goes along with the theme that women are nothing and men can do whatever they want or think they can do whatever they want with a woman’s body without ANY regard for the woman or young girls.
Fortunately, the film doesn’t focus on the rape itself, but how one can be treated.
Furthermore, I believe the national health care systems of Canada and England, were for a long time much better than ours. One of the ways I was informed about our health care system was Michael Moore’s documentary “Sicko.” Before that I had heard the Clinton’s and eventually President Barack Obama talk about our health care system.
I’ve gained knowledge about how England’s healthcare system through conversations with Ozzie. The only reason why Americans would shit their pants is because we’ve been conditioned long enough that “our way is the best way” and that other types of health care are a type of control. Also it would screw over the insurance companies majorly and god forbid they lose money.
Hahahahahahahahaaahahah
Hi everyone!
Interesting movies choices! Hopefully I’ll find somewhere that streams or sells them!
OB,
Because I have never been to Germany, I (like I imagine many American westerners) have a hard time detaching the country from its World War 1 and 2 influence and attitudes. I have to admit this is entirely unfair. Everyone should have the opportunity to learn from his or her mistakes and recreate a new personal character based on new beliefs. “The Wave” seems to offer a great example of Germans wrestling sincerely with their past.
Honestly, I have heard they (the country) have undertaken a wholesale attempt to rethink their past, their motivations, and the feeling that promoted that once grizzly behavior. Honestly to this day, the United States has never taken as seriously a look at their own genocidal programs referring to both Africans or Native Americans so who are we to be so pious. It’s amazing how hard it is to be introspective when you are the topic of evaluation.
Though I missed seeing this movie the first time I will look for opportunities to see it again. Thank you for highlighting it in this article.
Here is the person The Wave is based on. Ron Jones did an experiment with his high school history class in Palo Alto, CA. in 1967. The reason he did the experiment to see if the holocaust could happen today.
Here is an interview on the Director of “The Wave.”
http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-dennis-gansel-talks-the-wave-and-we-are-the-night
That’s really interesting. I’m going to have to look more up on it!
Oz! I didn’t know about this experiment until I saw the film. Now I wasn’t even born when the experiment occurred but it did happen in my own backyard and I’m embarrassed to say I had to find out by watching a German film. Anyway, the DVD commentary is really worth checking out if u get a chance to see the film.
I love netflix because most of these films are on instant play! I’ve already put it in my queue to watch. 🙂
Ozzie,
Yeah, something else theatrical!!! Like you, Ozzie my appreciation for Guillermo del Toro grows with every film he makes. I’m hoping for a future del Toro film festival that I can patronize. I’m sure I would be one of the first in line. To me he’s a wizard. Endorsing your taste, here is (to my mind) a creepy clip from the movie.
That Ofelia can turn her back on that thing is astonishing to me. What planet is she from?
High five from another Guillermo del Toro fan! That monster scares me so I couldn’t have my back turned on it either!
Paris,
I don’t pay nearly as much attention to Hollywood buzz as I should but now I get it why people think Omar Sy is such a revelation. I would be lying if I said I don’t know why the white community finds physically able young dark-skinned black men so intimidating. But let’s be honest if you were raised in the west his community has to be “the other.” Yaawwwnnn!!!!!!
Kudos on Omar’s part for taking advantage of his audiences boring stereotypical biases. Yet, in terms of attitudes, there’s probably enough of that toxic waste in movie theaters to possibly fuel an entire career of film appearances. I guess that’s a win-win proposition for everyone.
I imagine a generation of young filmmakers see him providing an unusual opportunity to excise a lot of cultural tendencies and other ideas that otherwise might go unexpressed. I imagine that may be a good thing for common audiences. Thanks Paris.
One more planned film watching experience to place on my movie watch calendar.
I’m sorry I should not have said “yawn.” Though I imagine it is good exercise generally, variations on “Guess who’s coming to dinner” (Sidney Poitier, Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy 1967) gets old when the topic has to keep being revisited. I wish the basic premise was learned, promoted and built upon.
I imagine the movie may be useful for those who have never been introduced to the topic.
Since we’re on the race topic, I just saw an aesthetically dynamic movie that I did not like. As rare as this situation is, I and many actually share an ethnic background with the director. But contrary to his former thoughtful output this movie was so offensive that I absolutely understand why the studio demanded he do it.
Yes, frequently, directors and actors do movies for professional or financial reasons that don’t correspond with their actual wishes or beliefs. What’s offensive is the Asian American community receives far too few opportunities to be seen on screen for them to be playing terrorists in this movie. Here’s a clip from the movie:
I should mention it was nice seeing so many formally “A” list actors’ (Ashley Judd, Gerard Butler, Angela Bassett) appear in an “A” list blockbuster movie again.
Hmm! This was such a bad film. I feel bad for Antoine Fuqua.
I HONESTLY didn’t see one trailer for it on TV. Did I miss that or were there not many commercial spots?
I don’t watch TV so I don’t know if it was advertised on television. Still if u haven’t seen a trailer on TV than u probably never will.
…. One could claim that contemporary national politics make “Olympus has fallen” relevant, but I think Hollywood should take a look at it’s self in the mirror before vilifying yet another ethnic group (for entertainment’s sake).
I must say everyone picked great films. Ozzie great choice. “Pan’s Labyrinth” I’ve seen at least four times. “Romantics Anonymous” I’ve also seen before and watched it twice. Its such a sweet and endearing fun story especially if u love chocolate. Hahaha!
The other films The Intouchables and Bliss look really good. I’ve heard good and bad things about The Intouchables. I still want to see it for myself.
Paris-
What do u think about this review of The Intouchables? Do u agree or disagree?
http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/c1221a10-a5a5-11e1-bcc4-123138165f92
Did u know they are re-making the film with Colin Firth?
I can see the similarities between Bringing Down The House and The Intouchables. The leads in the respective films all save each other emotionally. That’s where the similarity ends.
Philippe needs someone like Driss to bring him out of his emotional funk because his wife passed away and although he’s gone through many applicants for an aide, he wanted someone who challenged him mentally and not take pity on him.
Philippe and Driss both brought out the other’s strengths. As far as the casting of Omar Cy, I think Omar did an excellent job and he’s been cast in the next X-men film already.
I do know that they are planning a remake with Colin Firth and I’m not happy about it. I love the French version. I’m such a francophile.
I love french films because of their honesty, raw emotion and realistic exploration of the human condition. To me they are very soulful. However, why do u like french films?
Because I was French in my past life and its a past life carry over. LOL! In all honesty though, I studied French in HS and College and dropped out of college with a semester to go I would have had by BA in International Studies in French. I dropped out to follow my passion and study acting.
Hahaha! I knew it! Gosh it makes perfect sense. When I visit France I want u to be my tour guide…:)
D’accord! (OK!)
AWESOME!
Another francophile! I come from a family of francophiles… Except for my Mum… I don’t know why. Maybe it’s a rebellion thing, lol!
Are u a francophile too Ozzie?
Yes, I am! 🙂
Ozzie- What is it about french films that’s so appealing? Were u also french in your past life?
LB- I must say “Bliss” is such a necessary movie and topic given Turkey is a top destination for victims of Human Trafficking. Do u believe this film is Turkey’s attempt at opening up the dialogue on abuse against women and Human Trafficking?
Hi OB!
Not necessarily, but I think Whores’ Glory sure does! Although coming from a Turkish standpoint, quite possibly, but it shows they still have a long ways to go with that discussion.
Hi Everyone!
CR-
Can u imagine “Romantics Anonymous” being re-made for an American audience?
it reminds me, kind of, of the musical She Loves Me
Hello all! Did I finally get the right day for discussion time? LOL!
Hi Ozzie!
Perfect! U are right on time. LOL!
Woo hoo! 🙂
Ozzie- Why do u think Pan’s Labyrinth appeals to such a diverse audience?
I think that it has many genres in it. For history fans there’s the end of the Spanish Civil War, and if you think wider, World War 2. For those interested in love/drama stories, there are many complex relationships (just not really romantic ones though). But you have the relationship aspects between Ofelia and her mother, Mercedes (the helper), the captain and her brother. Also that of Mercedes and her brother. Then how far do you go to protect your loved one? Do you try to be good or bad? Do you have to do bad things to be good and protect those you love? What about one’s love for their country and cause? What about self preservation? The obvious fantasy story which appeals to those of us with an active inner child! And finally lot’s of blood, guts and scary monsters (depending on what you consider scary) for horror fans! Apart from an obvious sugary love story, comedy or sci fi, I think most genres are present in the movie.
Ozzie- This is a really great observation. Regardless of the time period, horror and cultural differences etc.. This film appeals to the heart and soul.
Could this film work if it was re-made to appeal to an American audience?
Maybe. It could go either way. I don’t think it would be a “so-so” movie though. It would be either a massive hit or a massive dud! I think it would lose it’s charm if it were remade.
I have not understood why filmmakers take great foreign films and try to Americanize them. If folks aren’t willing to take the time to try and culture themselves, screw ’em! Sorry, those were hormones talking. 🙂
Hear, hear LB!
Hahaha! ITA LB and Oz!
OB,
I’m really interested in seeing “The Wave” now. I’m forever fascinated by the fact that many people can be easily led and not think for themselves.
I know that something like this is happening now and if you don’t mind i’d like to bring it over here to discuss it. HW uses the same tactics.
I know. Did u read the interview of the Director? Ron Jones the teacher who did the experiment believes its a psychological problem not political. Do u agree or disagree?
I totally agree it is a psychological issue.
psychological!
“What happened today is a clear example of how crazy obssesed fans act. They started “enthusiastic” about their idol’s b-day. But then, all their repressed angst and sexual frustration projected in that mediatic monster called Robsten led them to start showing their true colors: flipping fingers, harrasing people and stalking everyone in search for pics of their “Queen”. Now they’ve just reached the pic of delusional frenzy, threatening people, crying and devastating everything on their way.
This kind of psychotic collective behavior is well known for psychologist and psychiatrist; it’s called BASIC ASSUMPTION GROUP. They most representative example of this fenomenon and its terrible consequences was the Third Reich. All you need to configurate a B.A.G is to gather a bunch of pariahs, outcasts and underdogs in need of recognition and they’ll soon find their messiah, their Queen, who, by the way, is the perfect portray or their inner anguish. They’ll deify their leader, cover him/her with nonexistant attributes, all those things they’ll like to be admired for, but they can’t develop themselves. They can even come up with delusions of a “better future” or a “promised land”; in this case, manifested in that manufactured atrocity they call The Golden Child. Don’t expect any kind of logical reasoning or coherent behaviour when dealing with a horde of B.A.G alienated people. They’re literally out of their minds. Don’t feed them either, for they can turn extremely dangerous.”
Paris- Where did u find this?
It was found on tumblr and posted on a site.
This was found on tumblr and deals with the Twilight fans (the delusional ones) not all of them are. This person is talking about the photos from Kristen’s B-Day.
Wow! What the hell? Why is Kristen even relevant anymore? Come on! Twilight is over. Did u read what the director of “The Wave” said about Twilight? Anyway, these fanatics are looking more like a cult if u ask me.
Only her fans are making her relevant, and frankly I think it’s a huge group. Her Publicists goes everywhere, so I don’t believe anything but PR with ehr.
What can I say for Ruth….making sure one’s client is whored out properly is a full time job.
Paris- I really admire Rob’s resolve. Wow! These fans really demand they get their Robsten fix at certain intervals. Plus, it doesn’t help u have some loser using them because they lack talent and faith in themselves. All because they squandered the opportunity’s given to them by trying to get ahead with tabloid stunts rather than developing their acting abilities.
I’d say Rob’s resolve is wearing thin. Did you see the pics of him at her b-day?
No! I haven’t seen the pics or following. I’ve been a bit busy. However, this is making Rob stronger and more decisive IMO.
YES! I just read the director interview. He’s right though. It saved the genre but hurt it in a way.
U said Hollywood uses the same tactics. Can u explain this or give an example please?
I just gave it to you.,……The Robsten Fans. I’m sure Nancy and her crew knew what they were doing when they developed Robsten.
So the tactics would be preying on lonely, vulnerable people with low self-esteem giving them attention and making them apart of a group in exchange for their support in pushing the Celebrity/Studio propaganda? Would that be right?
YEP!
Paris have you watched Starsuckers? I want to watch it!
nope not yet! I want to though. I don’t have the money to pay for it I’m totally broke. LOL
ARgh! maybe they have the whole thing on youtube? I don’t even know if it’s on netflix yet.
They do. Its a 1.50 but I don’t even have that.
Can u go to the public library or even University film libraries have recent films u can see for free.
Ok, that other person living in your house needs a really good talking to…
Are u talking about this?
YES!!!!
Hi everyone!
Sorry I am late. I’m going to get caught up, but I wanted to post another film I just recently watched. It’s a foreign documentary that I would HIGHLY recommend and will explain why in a bit.
and an excerpt (one of the most honest moments)
Hi LB!
I will watch them now.
I’ll have to watch this too!
I really have to see this doc. Thanks LB.
AFter watching it, please let me know. I think it’s a great door opening for HW viewing pleasure of women in media and film.
Yes, I sure will.
LB,
Whore’s Glory is a very powerful film (I know I’ve only seen the trailer) but what would you think would be some ways to change the thinking of people in different areas of the world to accept women? As far as here in the States the same could be said for the LGBT community.
Oh Paris,
It is raw and gritty, devastating, sickening, horrifying and depressing. I don’t want to sound like a Debbie Downer, but in all honesty, I think it’s such a rampant problem that is getting bigger and bigger, that there may not be a way to change peoples’ thinking. There will always be the a$$tards who can’t wait to fly over to these countries and get their jollies. Respect for the opposite sex starts in the home and is led by example. That is said for the LGBT community as well. Be an example to your friends and family and community.
What impressed me most about this film is how it completely strips sex of glorification. The Mexico section is the worst, imo. The vulgarity of the men is atrocious.
Have u seen this film? Its based on a true story.
Here’s an article on the person this movie was based on.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/08/05/kathryn-bolkovac-the-real-whistleblower-on-human-trafficking-in-bosnia.html
Ladies,
I’m going to go for the evening. Thanks for the discussion.
I need to go as well, but I will be back to get caught up. Great discussion!
Goodnight Paris & LB.
Ozzie-I’m going to say goodnight as well.
I will come back tomorrow.
TC!
I’ll be off too! Night all. I’ve had fun and have a long list of films added to my “To Watch” list!