10 Foreign Films To Watch To During Lockdown
The release of Parasite shone a spotlight on international films for the better, and now we are increasingly being offered up a wealth of movies from around the world via streaming services.
Growing up in a quasi-European house, one of the constant features was foreign film. They’re something that bonds my parents, my family overseas and myself, all together. Clocking more than six months of isolation has meant the movie archives have well and truly been delved into.
As Melbourne straps in for what looks like another month of restrictions, I’ve complied a list of my favourite international movies for a taste of overseas while we can’t be there ourselves.
Life is Beautiful (1997) Italy
It’s rare that I cry because of a movie, but Life if Beautiful makes it impossible not to. Set in WWII, a father tries to mask the reality of war from his son with humour. Winning a number of Academy Awards and accolades, it’s become perhaps one of the most iconic films of all time — foreign or otherwise.
The Great Beauty (2013) Italy
A quirky take on Rome in the 21st century. Former journalist Jep Gambardella begins reflecting on the lavishness of his past life as his worldview shifts after his 65th birthday. Watch for its artful cinematography and glamorous depiction of Italian society.
Funny Games (1997) Austria
A young family gets more than they bargained for when arriving at their holiday home. Not for the faint hearted, this psychological thriller is pretty dark. Critically-acclaimed, the film spares no detail in the depiction of their horror.
La Vie En Rose (2007) France
Based on the life of Edith Piaf, it takes its title from her iconic song, as we see her tumultuous journey to fame. Starring Marion Cotillard as the famed french singer it earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress — marking the first time an Oscar had been given for a French-language role.
Handsome Devil (2016) Ireland
If you liked Normal People this will likely be for you - and also stars a familiar face. Based in suburban Dublin the story follows two seemingly opposite teenage boys sharing a room in a conservative Irish boarding school.
Mustang (2015) Turkey
A movie about old traditions colliding with modern life for five sisters. The girls, who were orphans, are raised by their grandmother in a rural village but aren’t pleased about the path she’s set out for them.
Let The Right One In (2008) Sweden
I have a bias for liking scary movies and this one may be polarising. A highbrow European Twilight (without the Volvo product placement). The story follows Oskar, a sensitive, bullied 12-year-old boy living with his mother in suburban Sweden, and his new mysterious neighbor.
LOL (2008) France
The inspiration for the Miley Cyrus English-remake (yes the one with Douglas Booth) I watched this DVD non-stop when I was younger. Re-watching it now I can safely say it’s lost a bit of its lustre, but, it’s still a good coming of age movie. Main character Lola undergoes the many firsts of adolescence.
Loveless (2017) Russia
This is really sad, so I would recommend watching if you’re in the right headspace. Alluded in the title, this film is about a broken relationship and the collateral damage it causes. A couple going through a divorce teams up to find their son who has disappeared.
Oldboy (2003) South Korea
Just as wild as Parasite, if not more so. A man is imprisoned in a cell which resembles a hotel room for 15 years without knowing the identity of his captor or his captor's motives and earned praise from Quentin Tarantino. The action-thriller is story about the lengths people can go to bite back.