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My Favourite 'World Cinema' Films
By an Amazon.com customer
Read My LipsRead My Lips
Buy used from: $2.00
A beautiful French film. Starts off as a psychological drama and quickly evolves into a first rate thriller. The two main characters are played excellently by Emmanuelle Devos and Vincent Cassel. The film is romantic and tense, and although there are a few coincidences near the end, the film makes you believe that it could all have happened.
The Consequences of Love ( Le Conseguenze dell'amore ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Great Britain ]The Consequences of Love ( Le Conseguenze dell'amore ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Great Britain ]
Buy used from: $24.80
A stylish Italian film with an unmissable ending. This film is beautifully shot, with incredible attention to detail. It's a thought provoking mafia movie that focusses on why a middle aged man has been living in the same Swiss hotel for 10 years.
LantanaLantana
Buy new: $13.49 / Used from: $1.01
An Australian film that raises questions about trust, long-term relationships and love. It is a psychological thriller that puts four marriages under the microscope and also includes a very credible and interesting murder mystery. Lantana is probably my favourite ever film - and the ending is stunning.
The Piano Teacher (Unrated Edition)The Piano Teacher (Unrated Edition)
Buy new: $24.99 / Used from: $12.99
A thought provoking French film that takes an unflinching look at the life of repressed piano teacher, Erica Kohut, magnificently played by Isabelle Huppert. Erica is dominated by her tyranical mother and fantasises about sado-masochism. The film follows her relationship with a young male student of hers, which spirals horrifically out of control. The ending is truly horrifying, yet understated.
Cache (Hidden)Cache (Hidden)
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $3.95
A French film which is fascinating and throws up as many questions as it answers. It studies the issue of blame and guilt, and whether we can be honest with ourselves about our past actions. It also includes a scene that made me cry out with shock the first time I saw it.
The Page TurnerThe Page Turner
Buy new: $20.49 / Used from: $4.50
Icy French thriller about a young woman who has never forgotten an incident from her childhood...and seeks her revenge. It is short and sweet, with all fat trimmed from the 82 mins running time, but it is still a substantial film and very entertaining. Includes lovely music and a twist in the ending that caught me off guard.
Look Both WaysLook Both Ways
Buy new: $26.99 / Used from: $1.58
A surprisingly upbeat Australian film that looks at death and dying from all possible angles. Sometimes funny, often sad, but always true and real, this film packs a solid emotional punch. It includes some small animated sections, which really enhance the film. It makes you think about your own life, and what is important in the world.
Lemming (Original French Version - With English Subtitles)Lemming (Original French Version - With English Subtitles)
Buy new: $22.49 / Used from: $3.00
French supernatural thriller that gets off to a great start, but slows down somewhat in the second half. A bit melodramatic near the end, it nevertheless is entertaining and includes an unforgettably vicious and cruel performance from Charlotte Rampling. I loved the ironic use of the final song 'Dream a little dream of me', by the Mamas and the Papas.
The PianoThe Piano
Buy used from: $15.65
A haunting and beautiful New Zealand film starring Holly Hunter and Harvey Keitel in roles that seem made for them. Also stars Anna Paquin doing what must surely be some of the best film acting by a child ever seen. Includes wonderful music and a storyline that tugs at the heart. The Victorian costumes and constraints seem at war with the rugged New Zealand landscape. A truly beautiful love story.
Facing WindowsFacing Windows
Buy used from: $7.00
Italian drama about a frustated woman who starts to find her attractive neighbour more appealing than her unreliable husband. However, through a chance meeting with an elderly man with a tragic past, she rediscovers what it means to be happy and never give up on your dreams. A multi-layered, hopeful story.
Central StationCentral Station
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $10.51
A dazzling Brazillian film that shows it is never too late to change for the better. Fernanda Montenegro plays her role as a disgruntled letter writer (Dora) to perfection, as does Vinicius de Oliveira as a boy (Josue) who is left alone after the death of his mother. The film is beautifully shot and the ending blew me away. It is the kind of film that reaffirms your faith in human goodness.