The Secret In Their Eyes
The winner of the 2010 Best Foreign Language Film is made so well, you won't realize it is a foreign film. Do not let the subtitles discourage you, this movie has layers of interesting questions on morality, love and friendship that American audiences can relate to. Let this movie be your vessel into the world of foreign film.
Animal Kingdom
A great ensemble cast featuring Guy Pierce and the newly popular Joel Edgerton (Zero Dark Thirty, The Great Gatsby) star in this Australian family crime drama. Honestly, it took two viewings before I was hooked, but this movie is quite the unpredictable one. Unlike Hollywood films, most of the twists and turns are shocking yet provide an important piece to the plot.
The Conversation
(Watch on Netflix Instant)
Gene Hackman has always been one of my favorite actors even before I ever viewed this movie, and I have to say, this is his best. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and released the same year as Godfather Part II, (another Coppola film) confirmed Coppola's mastery as a film maker. The Conversation was nominated for best picture but wasn't a box office hit as it was overshadowed by the previously mentioned GF II and Chinatown. Much like subtitles, some people are turned away by older movies, however give this flick a chance. Gene Hackman plays a surveillance expert that records what he believes is a harmless conversation between two people. When other parties become interested in the recording, he decides to dig a little deeper. The first 10 minutes of the movie is when this conversation actually takes place, can you decipher what will happen? Catch on Netflix right now!
The Fountain
It is always tough to recommend this movie to people as I know only about 5% of the people out there will enjoy this movie, but because they will love it, I feel the need to recommend it. When watching, try and keep in mind that The Fountain isn't a movie it's an experience. If you have seen it already and disliked it, give it another go. Hugh Jackman plays a scientist hunting for a cure to his wife’s cancer while, in a separate storyline, he plays out the main character’s role in the book she is writing. The two story lines intertwine in a fantastic way and ends the movie with the most beautiful scene I have witnessed in any film. If I never believed in love before, this movie made me believe after.
Safe Men
The only comedy on this list. I tend to enjoy and have strong affections for more serious movies however this film is one of my favorites of all time. Released in 1998, the cast at the time was unknown and unfamiliar to audiences. If this film were to be released today, I feel it would get a different welcoming. The movie features Paul Giamatti, Sam Rockwell, Steve Zahn, Mark Ruffalo as well as many other familiar faces (such as Peter Dinklage for godsakes!!) and was directed by John Hamburg (I Love You Man). The plot contains your typical "mistaken identity" setup but with all the unique and hilarious characters, it takes you to much more satisfying places. The relationship between the 2 main protagonists is just a humorous and exciting as the duo in Wedding Crashers. Throw in some Godfather and NHL references in and you have a movie that defies all expectation.
The Fall
This R-rated movie (closer to PG in my book) is a beautiful fantasy epic, with suicidal undertones. In the fashion of Wizard of Oz, a little girl creates a picturesque and immerse fantasy world for one part of the movie. The other half of the movie takes place in a hospital where the same girl has broken her arm. She befriends another patient who tells her the fantasy stories in order to manipulate the girl into aiding him with his suicide. Although a very bleak plot, much of the film is from the child's perspective so it contains some of the most beautiful cinematography I have ever seen as well as some light hearted humor and fun. Filmed in 28 different countries using no visual effects, the film is a wonder to behold. Did I mention the actress playing the little girl didn't know she was acting half the time? Watch it!
Brick
(Watch on Netflix Instant)
Before the JGL (Joseph Gorden-Levitt) boom in 2010 (11 movies in 3 years) he did a little flick called Brick, and I think it is still by far his best role and movie. He plays a high-school student who can't seem to track down his ex-girlfriend. He worries something may have happened to her. He decides to take up the investigation himself. Seems, pretty standard right? Wrong. This movie plays out like a "film noir". If you don't know what that means, Google it! Actually, any black and white detective movie you may have seen containing a "damsel in distress" and a private "dick" with a top hat and a cigarette is probably a film noir. Combine that type of feel and story with a modern setting such as a high-school and you'll not only get some laughs but some thrills as well. Instead of fighting crooked cops and gangs our "detective" has to go up against the principal and the drama club. Seems silly but it absolutely works. You can catch this on Netflix Instant right now!
