Favorite foreign films

Haven't seen any spectacular films lately, so I figured I would post another list from my top tens. Subtitles, some people hate them, others don't mind. Personally, I enjoy a good film that I can't understand, and here are some of the best.

1.       Foreign films
- Father and Son (Отец и сын) (Russia; 2003)
- Goodbye Lenin (Germany, 2003)
- Lagaan (लगान ; لگان ) (India; 2001)
- Pan Tadeusz (Poland; 1999)
- Nightwatch (Ночной дозор) (Russia; 2005)
- Ballad of a soldier (Баллад о солдате) (Russia; 1959)
- The return (Возвращение) (Russia; 2003)
- Amelie (Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain)(France; 2001)
- The class (Entre les murs) (France; 2008)
- Day of the wacko (Dzień świra) (Poland; 2002)
- Slumdog Millionaire (स्लमडॉग करोड़पति ) (United Kingdom; 2008)
- Moscow does not believe in tears (Москва слезам не верит) (Russia; 1979)
- Knife in the water (Nóż w wodzie) (Poland; 1962)
- The irony of fate or Enjoy your bath (Ирония судьбы, или С лёгким паром!) (Russia; 1975)
- Sexmission (Seksmisja) (Poland; 1984)
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (臥虎藏龍 ) (Taiwan; 2000)

 I noticed there is a lot of Russian films, I guess my academic interests influence the rest of my life. Feel free to suggest some others.

Hey Babu Riba (Бал на води) (1987)

It's not everyday you can watch a film from a nation that no longer exists. This Yugoslav film is a wonderful time capsule back into the 1960's, when eager youthfulness battled with the official seclusion of Josip Tito's rule of Yugoslavia. The combination of an engaging story, great music, and historical commentary makes this film, made before the breakup of the Yugoslav Republic, one that is charming and memorable. 

My Rating- 4.0. 

MPAA Rating- R

Length- 1h, 48m. 

Main Cast:

Gala Videnović

Nebojša Bakočević

Dragan Bjelogrlić

Srđan Todorović

Goran Radaković

Please vote for me ( 请投我一票 ) (2007)

The past few movies which I have received from Netflix were compilations of the best of Soviet animation, which, while interesting for me may not have held others' interest. Also, its hard to review a DVD of many films.  Finally I decided to review a movie I saw a few weeks ago, and very much enjoyed.

Please Vote For Me, while initially billed as a documentary about a democratic election in a socialist nation, is really about the dynamics between children that exist in every society. The three main characters, students in a Chinese elementary school, display such raw emotion and fragility as they seek to become their class's monitor through a class-wide vote. The process of garnering votes turns into a glorified popularity contest between not only the students, but also their parents, who assist the children to impress the class. 

I think the real appeal of this film is watching, as children who have previously had few chances to set themselves apart in their society, learn the ups and downs of politics, which extend from the smallest class election to the largest nations in the world.   My Rating: 3.5

Length- 58m. 

Not Rated

Top ten

I've been lazy and busy, so I didn't put any new movies up in a little while. I will post 2-3 tomorrow, but for now, I will post my top ten favorite movies.  I have a detailed list of my favorites from different genres, so I will post that once in a while. Enjoy, and let me know what your favorites are!

- My Girl (USA; 1991)
- Forrest Gump (USA; 1994)
- A river runs through it (USA; 1992)
- Dead Poets Society (USA; 1989)
- Seven years in Tibet (USA; 1997)
- The red violin (Canada; 1998)
- Pay it forward (USA; 2000)
- Love Actually (United Kingdom; 2003)
- Garden State (USA; 2004)
- Life is beautiful (La vita è bella)(Italy; 1997)

The Green Hornet (2011)

I was pretty excited to see this movie because I have always enjoyed movies about comic book or super heroes.  I pretty much knew what to expect in Seth Rogen's characterization of Britt Reid, and I got it. However, Rogen also played the role of slacker rich-boy in a tender way that opened the character up to new dimensions. In my opinion, the real star of the show was Jay Chou. His portrayal of Kato was both completely satisfying and surprising.  There is also an interesting and fresh dynamic between Kato, Reid, and Lenore Case. The action sequences are pretty standard for this day in age and are sadly lessened by the Black Beauty's defenses. After all, what's the point if the heroes can't get hurt?  Despite that, I definately enjoyed myself with the Green Hornet and I think you will too. My rating- 4.0. 

MPAA Rating- PG-13
Length- 2h, 0m. 
Main Cast-
Seth Rogen
Jay Chou
Cameron Diaz
Christoph Waltz

Little Fockers (2010)

I initially resisted seeing this movie because I believe that taking an original and funny movie into a third re-invention just makes the idea tired. For the most part I was right.  Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) still does not trust his son-in-law Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) and Greg still does not tell Jack to buzz off, but there is a little bit more heart between the two characters this go around, and the usual hi-jinx borne out of Greg's lying and last name did manage to bring a smile to my face. Truthfully, the addition of kid's did nothing for the story, but I guess the producers couldn't resist taking the obvious titular route.  My rating- 3.0. 

MPAA Rating- PG13
Length- 1h, 38m. 
Main cast:
Ben Stiller
Robert De Niro
Owen Wilson
Blythe Danner

Black Swan (2010)

I'm always a little wary when a movie is hyped as much as this one, and I tried not to allow the Oscar buzz to further influence me. All the buzz was worth it though. I was absolutely, without any exaggeration, blown away by Natalie Portman. Each scene captivated me more than the previous, and I found myself cringing, laughing, confused, and exuberant, completely lost in the story. What's best about Black Swan is that it actually keeps you guessing about what comes next and hoping for the best and worst at the same time.  My Rating- 4.5

MPAA Rating- R

Length- 1h, 48m. 

Main Cast- 

Natalie Portman

Mila Kunis

Vincent Cassel