These must-watch international films represent a diverse range of cultures and styles, and have received critical acclaim and numerous awards.
- The Lives of Others (Germany): This film is set in East Germany in 1984, and follows the story of a state-appointed agent who is tasked with spying on a playwright and his actress girlfriend. The agent becomes emotionally involved with his subjects and begins to question the regime he works for.
- City of God (Brazil): The movie is set in the favelas (shantytowns) of Rio de Janeiro and follows the story of two young men growing up in the 1960s and 1970s. One becomes a photographer, the other a ruthless drug lord. The movie is known for its sharp and violent portrayal of the drug trade and poverty in the favelas.
- Pan’s Labyrinth (Mexico): Set in 1944 Spain under the fascist regime of General Francisco Franco, this dark fantasy film tells the story of a young girl who discovers a fantastical world beneath her home. The film follows her journey through this world as she tries to escape the brutal realities of her life and the war.
- 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (Romania): Set in Romania in 1987, the film follows two university friends as one of them helps the other obtain an illegal abortion. The story is an unflinching look at the dangers and difficulties of obtaining an abortion under a communist regime.
- My Neighbor Totoro (Japan): This is an animation movie that tells the story of two young girls, Satsuki and Mei, who move to a new house in the countryside with their father to be closer to their hospitalized mother. They discover that the surrounding woods are home to magical creatures, including a large, friendly creature named Totoro, who becomes a source of joy and wonder for the sisters.
- Incendies (Canada): The story follows twin siblings as they set out on a journey to the Middle East to uncover their mother’s past, during which they discover the dark secrets of their family’s history and learn the truth about their mother’s life.
- The Secret in Their Eyes (Argentina): Set in Argentina in 1999, the film follows a retired legal investigator as he writes a novel about a case that has haunted him for 25 years. The case involved the murder of a young woman, and the investigator’s unrequited love for his colleague. The film intercuts between the past and present, building towards a powerful conclusion.
- A Separation (Iran): The movie is set in contemporary Iran and follows the story of a couple who is getting a divorce and the events that unfold. It explores themes of family, marriage, love, and tradition in Iran.
- The White Ribbon (Germany): Set in Germany in the lead up to World War I, the film tells the story of a series of mysterious events in a small village, including the abuse and injury of several children. The film is a story of guilt, responsibility and the consequences of actions, and is a stark critique of the morality of the ruling class in pre-World War I Germany.
- The Great Beauty (Italy): The film is a portrait of Rome and its inhabitants, seen through the eyes of an aging writer who moves through the city’s social circles, reflecting on his past, his loves, and the lost dreams of his youth.
- Parasite (South Korea): The movie follows a poor family who manage to infiltrate a rich family by getting employed as their servants. But as they become entangled in the wealthy family’s problems, their ruse is soon exposed
Each film provides a unique perspective on the world, allowing viewers to gain new insights into different cultures and societies. The films I have listed are just a few examples of the many must-watch international films that are available, and I recommend checking them out. Each of these films has received critical acclaim and numerous awards and you will enjoy the unique way of storytelling and the new world it will open for you. So, if you’re looking for a way to expand your cinematic horizons, give these must-watch international films a try. Netflix has a great selection of international films too.
