Foreign films have influenced American entertainment for decades. From directors paying homage to popular foreign films or even making an American remake. However, foreign films tend to fall beneath the cracks for movie lovers in the U.S.A. Some might not find the appeal of watching a movie with subtitles if the native language isn’t English. Culture shock could also be why viewers might not choose one of these films. Foreign films deserve more recognition as they offer plots and themes anyone can relate to.
What We Do In The Shadows (New Zeland)
While the FX series of the same name is popular here in the States. The comedy series about a group of vampires living in Staten Island wouldn’t exist without the original. ‘What We Do In The Shadows,’ directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, follows the everyday lives of three vampires. Vladislav, played by Clement; Viago, played by Waititi; and Deacon, played by Jonny Brugh. They navigate vampire life in New Zealand while dealing with relatable conflicts. Like petty fights, figuring out the chore wheel, and trying to gain entry into the hottest nightclubs on a night out. ‘What We Do In The Shadows’ is available to rent on Amazon.
The Way He Looks (Brazil)
An extended version of the popular short film, ‘I Don’t Want To Go Back Alone.’ ‘The Way He Looks’ is an LGBTQ+ foreign film from Brazil. Blind teenager Leonardo, played by Ghilherme Lobo, longs for more independence. He is under the overprotective eye of his mother and only friend, Giovana, played by Tess Amorim. When new student Gabriel, played by Fabio Audi, befriends him and Giovana, Leonardo soon develops feelings for him. Asking Giovana to describe what he looks like to him. When the two are paired up for a class project, romance blossoms. ‘The Way He Looks’ is available to rent on Amazon.
Raw (France)
A surrealist horror foreign film, ‘Raw’ is a bloody coming-of-age story. Following Justine, portrayed by Garance Mariller, a strict vegetarian who is off for her first year at the veterinary school. Where both her parents attend and where her older sister Alexia, played by Ella Rumpf, is currently studying. After eating a rabbit’s heart as part of an initiation ritual, Justine develops an insatiable appetite for meat. Soon, she finds herself hungry for meat that didn’t come from the school’s cafeteria. Soon, the hunger consumes her, making Justine question her sanity. ‘Raw’ is available to rent on YouTube and AppleTV.
Parasite (South Korea)
Making history at the 2020 Oscars as the first non-English language movie to win Movie of the Year. ‘Parasite’ is a dramatic look at the class struggle in South Korea. The Kim family lives in a cramped basement apartment, struggling to make ends meet. Adult son Ki-woo is asked by an old friend to tutor the daughter of the wealthy Park family. He soon discovers he can easily scam jobs for his parents and sister. Soon, they envision a life for themselves like the Parks. Until an unexpected house guest threatens their dreams of a better life. ‘Parasite’ is currently streaming on MAX and available for rent on Amazon.
Akira (Japan)
‘Akira’ is one of American media’s most influential animated foreign films. Inspiring plot points of Netflix hit ‘Stranger Things’ and Kanye West’s song ‘Stronger.’ Set in a futuristic version of Tokyo after a nuclear bomb was set off 30 years ago. After a biking accident, teenager Tetsuo is taken to a government facility and is experimented on. When he returns, he has telekinetic powers and is haunted by a voice calling for Akira. When Tetsuo’s powers threaten Neo-Tokyo, his friend Shotaro Kaneda and a child physic must stop him. ‘Akira’ is available to stream on Crunchyroll and to rent on Amazon.
Final Thoughts on Foreign Films
While American movies are still entertaining and impactful to pop culture, foreign films have always had their influence. Despite different cultures and languages, foreign films still deliver the aspects viewers want in their media. They take unique looks at issues we find within ourselves and society. Foreign films also allow American movie watchers to take a peak into other countries they may never see. When looking for a movie to watch, consider one of these foreign films for your next movie night.
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