Each year, critics at the Oscars shed some light on other film industries in the world so they can acknowledge the talent that dwells outside the boundaries of Hollywood. The power of film making is unprecedented and filmmakers that are focused on using this power to highlight different societies and cultures, along with the problems they face deserve to be acknowledged the most.
Unfortunately, when it comes to ‘cinema life’, foreign-language movies fail to hit the mark. Some people blame it on the actors, while some blame it on the clumsy dubbing. On the other hand, foreign-language dramas have outshone the movies. With TV series like Money Heist gaining massive popularity and driving Netflix to new heights, we can assume that if audiences did decide to give a second chance to foreign-language movies, then it’ll all be because serials made them change their minds.
Maybe this is the reason why there is always a substantial number of foreign-language movies already available on Netflix. Sometimes, if you’re lucky enough, you can find these movies on your favorite TV channels. If you have the Spectrum channel lineup you would probably be able to catch up one or two movie right on your TV.
Foreign-language movies are undermined because a) the idea of catching up on subtitles seem tiring and b) many people aren’t comfortable with giving new directors and actors a chance, and thus they prefer sticking with their trusted old, favorites.
So, if you’re planning to give foreign-movies a shot, then you can change your perception by beginning with watching these top movies that did not only great in their local cinema halls, but also managed to sweep international audiences off their feet.
The Intouchables
The story revolves around a French aristocrat, who gets paralyzed due to a paragliding accident. He hires a black Muslim caretaker, with whom he develops a special friendship.
Lady Vengeance
The story helms around a woman who is wrongly convicted for the murder she did not commit. During her time at prison, she plots revenge against people who framed her into getting imprisoned.
After years of imprisonment and growing loath for everyone who wronged her, Lee Guem-ja takes no time in assembling a team of her fellow inmates to exact her revenge on her enemies and start a quest to find her daughter.
Shaolin Soccer
This movie will directly impact your funny bone all the while delivering an action packed adventure. The story follows a devastated and defeated soccer coach who finds his last hope of redeeming his status as a big-time soccer coach by leading a team of players who use Kung Fu as the ‘secret ingredient’ in their skill.
Throughout the movie, you’ll see the entire cast displaying a hilarious chemistry of coming together to achieve one goal after years of being separated from each other and their spirit of Kung Fu.
Train to Busan
Zombie outbreak has become a very redundant and overused trope in movies, comics and videogames. However, Train to Busan takes a bold step by limiting bloodshed within a train tube. The story is centered on a man and his daughter, who among other passengers, are trapped in a moving train full of zombies.
Parasite
This movie has taken the world by a storm with its twisted plot. What makes it special is that it tells a very sinister tail using a very calm and linear way of conveying the story. The story follows a family bent on making a lot of money who infiltrate a rich family’s house by posing as different types of house help. It initially works out for them as their employers leave the house to them and go on a trip. However, their life of luxury is short lived as the house reveals a terrifying secret and their criminal intent is laid exposed.
In a Nutshell
Foreign-language movies might seem like an underdog but they’re really a tough cookie to beat. You never know, watching such movies might inspire you into film making and during these unprecedented times, you might come up with a story of your own.
