Here are some of the best foreign-language films of all time:
1. Parasite (2019) – South Korea
Director Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning Parasite is a social satire that tackles issues of class, privilege and capitalism. The film follows the unemployed Kim family as they manipulate their way into the wealthy Park family’s lives, with unexpected twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
2. Amélie (2001) – France
This whimsical romantic-comedy from director Jean-Pierre Jeunet tells the story of a young woman named Amélie, who finds joy in the small things in life. With stunning visuals and a quirky soundtrack, this film will leave you feeling nostalgic for a Paris that doesn’t quite exist.
3. Roma (2018) – Mexico
Drawing on director Alfonso Cuarón’s own childhood memories, Roma tells the story of a maid named Cleo and the middle-class family she works for in 1970s Mexico City. The film’s slow pace and stunning black-and-white cinematography make for a deeply immersive experience.
4. Tokyo Story (1953) – Japan
Directed by Yasujiro Ozu, Tokyo Story is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made. The film follows an elderly couple as they visit their adult children in Tokyo, with subtle commentary on intergenerational relationships and societal expectations.
5. The Lives of Others (2006) – Germany
Set in East Germany in the 1980s, The Lives of Others tells the story of a Stasi agent named Gerd Wiesler who is tasked with spying on a playwright and his actress girlfriend. As Wiesler becomes more invested in their lives, he begins to question the totalitarian system he works for.
6. City of God (2002) – Brazil
Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, City of God tells the story of young boys growing up in one of Brazil’s most violent favelas. The film’s non-linear narrative and kinetic editing create a visceral experience that’s both thrilling and heartbreaking.
7. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) – Spain
Guillermo del Toro’s fantastical drama is set in Francoist Spain and combines fairy-tale elements with the brutal reality of war. The film follows a young girl named Ofelia as she escapes into a magical underworld to avoid her evil stepfather.
8. Seven Samurai (1954) – Japan
Akira Kurosawa’s epic samurai film tells the story of a group of farmers who hire seven samurai to defend their village from bandits. The film’s sprawling action sequences and emphasis on honor and self-sacrifice have made it a classic of the genre.
9. A Separation (2011) – Iran
Written and directed by Asghar Farhadi, A Separation explores the emotional toll of a marital separation, as well as broader issues of gender, religion and social class in contemporary Iran. The film’s complex characters and layered plot make for a deeply resonant drama.
10. Let the Right One In (2008) – Sweden
Directed by Tomas Alfredson, Let the Right One In is a hauntingly beautiful horror film that explores the relationship between a young boy named Oskar and his mysterious new neighbor Eli, who happens to be a vampire. The film’s understated approach to gore and horror makes it all the more chilling.
In conclusion, foreign-language films offer a glimpse into different cultures, traditions and viewpoints. With so many amazing films out there, it’s important to broaden our cinematic horizons and seek out stories that may not be immediately familiar. From social satire to heart-wrenching drama, these ten films are a great starting point for exploring the world of foreign-language cinema.