Worst2First: My Top Ten Foreign Films

Worst2First: 

My Top Ten Foreign Films

While the United States is well-known for producing some of the biggest blockbusters in cinema, around the world there's so many amazing pieces of film that goes far beyond the imagination of Western minds and deliver compelling, visually stunning work that demands to be seen - as long as you can suffer through subtitles.

Here are my personal top ten foreign films, worst2first...

**THERE WILL BE NO SPOILERS**

#10

 Martyrs

There's a new wave coming from France called the New French Extremity, showcasing the most visually haunting, stylistically profound horror movies to ever hit the big screen.  "Martyrs" is one of those films that focuses on the true depravity of man, all in the hopes of achieving enlightenment.  The film follows a young woman who was tortured as a child and is now haunted by ghosts of her past, and whether or not it's all in her head.  It's one of those films that you will never forget after seeing it.

#9

Inside

Joining "Martyrs," "Inside" is another of the New French Extremity that tackles an issue that every expectant mother fears - loosing the child inside her.  This film follows a widowed woman who is about to give birth, and a woman who will stop at nothing to have that child for her own - even if it means killing the expectant mother.  The film doesn't shy away from the tough nature it tells, and is extremely violent and memorable, another film you'll never get out of your head after seeing it.

#8

The White Ribbon

From Germany, "The White Ribbon" is a marvelous film shot in black and white, following a family in northern Germany before World War I, telling the story of how evil exists in many forms.  The film was honored with a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film, and was nominated for two Academy Awards including Foreign Film and Cinematography. 

#7

Amour

 From Austria, "Amour" tells the story of a married couple in the twilight of their lives, and the physical and mental struggles they go through.  The film is powerful and thought-provoking, delivered by two impeccable performances in Jean-Louis Trintignant and the late Emmanuelle Riva, who became the oldest woman ever nominated for an Academy Award.  The film was honored at the Oscars with the Best Foreign Film award, and was also nominated for Best Picture, Actress, Director, and Original Screenplay, which is practically unheard of for a foreign film.  After seeing it, there's no surprise why it garnered such praise.

#6

Suspiria

 From Italy, "Suspiria" comes from the mind of one of horror's most prolific directors - Dario Argento.  The first of a trilogy of his "Three Mothers" (the equally amazing "Inferno" and the lackluster "Mother of Tears"), "Suspiria" attacks all the senses as it gives an eerie soundtrack, flashy colorful visuals, and a terrifying story at the heart.  An American ballet student goes to Italy to study, but finds that the ballet school is harboring something deadly in its underbelly.  It's stunning and visually arresting, a classic that's withstood the test of time.

#5

Waltz With Bashir

From Israel, "Waltz With Bashir" is a unique documentary about a man who lost his memories of the 1982 Lebanon War, and the lengths he goes to remember what happened.  Visually stunning, the film has some profound animations that was groundbreaking during its time, and is still powerful even today.  It won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film, and was nominated for an Academy Award.

#4

Spirited Away

From Japan, "Spirited Away" is the crowning achievement of Hayao Miyazaki, who directed some of the most visually arresting animated films in modern history.  Not only is it a visual marvel, but "Spirited Away" also tells an important message through the eyes of a young girl who must grow up faster than she planned, as she finds herself trapped in a spirit world and desperately tries to save her parents - who have been turned into pigs.  It's beautiful and profound, intelligent and heartfelt, and became the only hand-drawn animated non-English speaking film to win the Best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards.

#3

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

From Taiwan, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" remains as one of the most prolific foreign films in history, earning a whopping ten Academy Award nominations (winning Foreign Film, Art Direction, Original Score, and Cinematography).  The film centers on a group of warriors in the 19th century China who go in search of the fabled Green Destiny sword, and stars Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun-fat, and Zhang Ziyi.  Even today, the film is heralded for its spectacular sword fighting sequences and action, blending excitement and beauty in a way that's unparalleled. 

#2

Seven Samurai

Known as one of the most remade, reworked, referenced films in cinema, "Seven Samurai" came out in 1954, but remains as timeless as ever.  From Japan, the film centers on a group of seven ronin (samurai) hired by a small town to protect it from bandits.  If this sounds familiar, it's the basis for the classic "The Magnificent Seven," as well as countless other films.  Still as profound and powerful as it was decades ago, this film has withstood the long test of time and remains as influential now as it did all those decades before.

#1

Pan's Labyrinth

From visionary director Guillermo del Toro comes "Pan's Labyrinth," a film from Spain that takes place after the Spanish Civil War.  A young girl whose father is a ruthless captain escapes to a world of fantasy to get away from the depressing real world she endures, and discovers she is a princess with more worth than she's ever known.  With imaginative creatures, stellar effects, and a moving tale, "Pan's Labyrinth" remains del Toro's crowning achievement (even moreso than his Oscar-winning "Shape of Water"), earning the film three Academy Awards for Art Direction, Cinematography, and Makeup, and taking us to a world filled with possibilities and fascinating creatures that could only come from a truly visionary mind.