Listmania!
Excellent international films
By an Amazon.com customer
Don't Die Without Telling Me Where You Are GoingDon't Die Without Telling Me Where You Are Going
Buy new: $26.99 / Used from: $13.50
Eliseo Subiela is a director from Argentina who is a master of magical realism, and this is one of his most romantic films. I won't try to summarize the plot for the same reason it's useless to explain one's dreams to other people. I will only tell you that I left the cinema walking on air!
Like Water for ChocolateLike Water for Chocolate
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $5.00
A wonderful Mexican film about love and food based on Laura Esquivel's novel.
Strawberry & ChocolateStrawberry & Chocolate
Buy used from: $18.97
Before watching this film I associated Cuba only with music, literature and painting, now I know that there are some great movie directors as well!
Monsoon WeddingMonsoon Wedding
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $1.98
This marvellous film by Indian director Mira Nair is a feast for the senses!
The Last Emperor - Criterion CollectionThe Last Emperor - Criterion Collection
Buy new: $39.99 / Used from: $25.90
Bernardo Bertolucci's film about the life of Pu Yi only deserves superlatives!
Raise the Red Lantern (MGM World Films)Raise the Red Lantern (MGM World Films)
Buy new: $17.49 / Used from: $28.55
Zhang Yimou's film based on Su Tong's novella introduced me to Chinese cinema, and even though I have watched other movies by this director in the meantime, it remains my favourite. Gong Li’s performance is superb.
The Scent of Green PapayaThe Scent of Green Papaya
Buy used from: $44.88
Is it possible to tell a love story almost without dialogue, where every scene and gesture is sensual without being openly so? Watch this visual gem by Vietnamese director Tran Ahn Hung and find out!
Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $4.88
I believe that this brilliant adaptation of Jane Austen's novel is director Ang Lee's masterpiece so far.
The PianoThe Piano
Buy used from: $11.59
Beautiful and romantic, this is an unforgettable film from New Zealand by director Jane Campion.
Il PostinoIl Postino
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $5.98
A very touching film based on the novel by Chilean author Antonio Skarmeta, which narrates the friendship between a simple postman and poet Pablo Neurda. Massimo Troisi's performance is outstanding.
Bread and TulipsBread and Tulips
Buy new: $20.99 / Used from: $10.95
This delightful romantic comedy demonstrates that it is possible to produce excellent films on low budgets. Silvio Soldini is a very talented director and Licia Maglietta is a great actress.
Cinema Paradiso (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition)Cinema Paradiso (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition)
Buy used from: $47.96
More great Italian cinema by director Giuseppe Tornatore. The magic of childhood and the magic of cinema are united in this very moving film.
The Leopard - Criterion CollectionThe Leopard - Criterion Collection
Buy new: $38.49 / Used from: $22.95
Based on the novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa and masterfully directed by Luchino Visconti, this magnificent historical drama portrays the decline of an aristocratic Sicilian family at the time of Italy’s unification.
Romeo & JulietRomeo & Juliet
Buy new: $8.49 / Used from: $3.93
Franco Zeffirelli is one of my favourite directors, and I think that this adaptation of Shakespeare's play is his masterpiece.
Cyrano de BergeracCyrano de Bergerac
Buy new: $14.98 / Used from: $10.18
Gérard Depardieu is perfect in the role of Cyrano, one of the most romantic characters in French literature.
Jean De Florette / Manon of the Spring (MGM World Films)Jean De Florette / Manon of the Spring (MGM World Films)
Buy new: $15.99 / Used from: $37.42
This French film based on the novel by Marcel Pagnol and directed by Claude Berri is set in Provence, but don't expect a movie about idyllic life in the countryside. What you can expect instead, is a gripping story with unforgettable characters, great acting and the most beautiful scenery.
VolverVolver
Buy new: $12.49 / Used from: $2.77
Pedro Almodovar is one of my favourite directors and this film is among his best. There is the recurrent theme of solidarity among women, and the story is very compelling, but what I enjoyed most was the element of nostalgia. Much of the action takes place in a small town of Almodovar's native region of La Mancha, where the constant wind drives people crazy, and everything is magical.
Three Colors Trilogy (Blue / White / Red)Three Colors Trilogy (Blue / White / Red)
Buy used from: $31.45
Kieslowski was a genius and this is probably his masterpiece. The trilogy is inspired by the colours of the French flag and the values they represent: liberty, equality and fraternity. My favourite of the three is the Blue.
The Decalogue (Special Edition Complete Set)The Decalogue (Special Edition Complete Set)
Buy new: $79.95 / Used from: $50.26
Kieslowski succeeded remarkably well in showing modern viewers how much the Ten Commandments are still relevant today. All of these films made for Polish TV are original, entertaining, and none of them is preachy.
Fassbinder's BRD Trilogy (The Marriage of Maria Braun / Veronika Voss / Lola) - Criterion CollectionFassbinder's BRD Trilogy (The Marriage of Maria Braun / Veronika Voss / Lola) - Criterion Collection
Buy new: $71.99 / Used from: $60.83
My favourite of the trilogy is "The Marriage of Maria Braun", with an extraordinary Hanna Schygulla.
Wings of Desire (Special Edition)Wings of Desire (Special Edition)
Buy used from: $14.98
This romantic film is my favourite by Wim Wenders.
Tokyo Story - Criterion CollectionTokyo Story - Criterion Collection
Buy new: $30.49 / Used from: $19.00
This delicately observed Japanese film by director Yasujiro Ozu tells the story of an elderly couple who visit their adult children in Tokyo. The indifference which awaits them there is mitigated only by the kindness of their widowed daughter-in-law.