Incendies
Have you ever watched a movie that left you speechless and haunted long after the credits rolled? That's exactly what happened to me after watching the 2010 Canadian film, "Incendies". This compelling and emotional story follows the journey of twins Jeanne and Simon as they uncover the secrets of their mother's past in war-torn Lebanon.
Ah-ga-ssi
In 2016, South Korean director Park Chan-wook released his latest cinematic masterpiece, "Ah-ga-ssi" (The Handmaiden). This film quickly gained attention and critical acclaim, winning numerous awards and captivating audiences worldwide. Set in 1930s Korea during the Japanese occupation, "Ah-ga-ssi" tells the story of a young Korean woman named Sookee who becomes the handmaiden to a wealthy Japanese heiress, Lady Hideko. However, as the two women grow closer, they begin to uncover a web of secrets and deception that threatens to destroy them both.
Nelyubov
It's not often that a movie comes along and truly shocks audiences with its power and emotional impact. But that's exactly what happened when "Nelyubov" was released in 2017. This Russian film, directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev, tells the story of a couple going through a bitter divorce and the impact it has on their young son. But it's not just a simple tale of family drama – "Nelyubov" is a searing commentary on contemporary Russian society, exploring themes of corruption, greed, and the breakdown of human relationships.
Good Bye Lenin!
In 2003, a German film called "Good Bye Lenin!" made its debut in cinemas around the world. The movie tells the story of a young man named Alex who tries to shield his mother from the reality of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent reunification of Germany. His mother had been in a coma during this time, and Alex goes to great lengths to recreate the socialist society that she knew before her coma. The film explores themes of nostalgia, memory, and the impact of political change on personal relationships.
Mandariinid
In 2013, a film titled "Mandariinid" was released, which quickly became one of the most critically acclaimed movies of the year. The Estonian-Georgian co-production tells the story of two farmers in war-torn Georgia, whose lives are forever changed when they find themselves caught in the middle of a violent conflict between Georgian and Chechen troops. The movie is an emotional journey of survival, sacrifice, and human resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Doctor Zhivago
In the midst of the Cold War, a film was released that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. "Doctor Zhivago," directed by David Lean and released in 1965, is a sweeping epic set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution. The film tells the story of Yuri Zhivago, a poet and physician, and his tumultuous relationship with Lara Antipova, a woman caught between two men and two worlds.
C.R.A.Z.Y.
In 2005, Canadian cinema was revolutionized with the release of "C.R.A.Z.Y.", a coming-of-age drama directed by Jean-Marc Vallée. The film centers around Zac, a young boy growing up in Quebec during the 1960s and 70s, who struggles with his identity and sexuality against the backdrop of his conservative Catholic family. "C.R.A.Z.Y." was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and becoming one of the highest-grossing Canadian films of all time.
4 luni, 3 saptamâni si 2 zile
The year 2007 was a significant year in the Romanian film industry, as it saw the release of one of the most impactful films of the decade - "4 luni, 3 saptamâni si 2 zile" (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days). This masterpiece of cinema, directed by Cristian Mungiu, tells the story of two Romanian college roommates, Gabita and Otilia, as they go through the harrowing process of obtaining an illegal abortion in 1987 Communist Romania.
Hævnen
The year 2010 saw the release of a Danish movie that would go on to make waves across the globe. Directed by Susanne Bier, "Hævnen" (The Revenge) tells the story of two families whose lives become intertwined after a tragic incident. The movie explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the impact of violence on individuals and their relationships. It received critical acclaim, with many praising the performances of the actors, the direction, and the thought-provoking nature of the story.
Un long dimanche de fiançailles
In 2004, French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet released the highly acclaimed film "Un long dimanche de fiançailles" (A Very Long Engagement). Based on the novel by Sebastien Japrisot, the movie is set in France during World War I and tells the story of a young woman named Mathilde who is determined to uncover the truth about her fiance's disappearance on the battlefield. With its stunning cinematography, intricate plot, and exceptional performances, "Un long dimanche de fiançailles" has become a beloved classic of French cinema.
