Favorite Foreign Films of the 2000s

[jhiggy23]

I love foreign films. To me, they have a purity that is due to being unaffected by the Hollywood populist dogma, resulting in films that feel much more real and far less processed. I do not hate American films by any means, and really do not prefer one over the other, but I have a deep respect for many foreign films and directors. I decided to create this thread after buying Downfall on dvd today (no blu version in the US yet--will def. double dip), and was interested to see what foreign films people really like. Please list films and tell WHY you like them so much. Explanations are much more interesting for me to read than a simple listing.

In my opinion, the following four films are the best foriegn films of the past 10 years, and some of the best ever (no order):

1) The Lives of Others--I listed this in the top 5 movies of all time in that thread a month or so ago and it was listed high on many people's lists. It has been called (by famous critics): the best film of the past 25 years; the best and most unique character study of all time; and one of the most socially important pictures in years. I think that it was a flawless film with tremendous acting and writing. It is easily, imo, the best character study of all-time and an incredibly important movie.

2) Downfall--I also listed this in my top 10 movies of all time, and many members of this site have listed it among the top 3 war films of all time. I think that it is, without a doubt, the most realistic portrayal of Hitler ever seen on film. Bruno Ganz's performance ranks among the top 3 performances EVER imo, as well as many others on this site. It's funny--I watched Valkyrie two days after this film, which wasn't that bad of a movie; nothing special, but not bad. I could not take that film seriously after seeing many of the same characters in this film. The authenticity of this film is only matched by Schindler's List and Band of Brothers, in terms of war (the opening of Saving Private Ryan, too). Absolutely incredible.

3) City of God--I mention authenticity above, and here it is again. This was a brutal, often difficult film to watch. Fernando Meirelles is a visionary director and he crafted an amazing film. Hard to watch but hard to turn away.

4) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon--beautiful in every semblance of the word. There is a reason why many critics consider it to be one of the best movies of all time. It is visually amazing but has deep thematic issues at play. The acting is top-notch, as are the fighting sequences.


There are many more foreign films that I love, but to me, these are the best of the past 10 years. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts, and I'm sure Pan's Labyrinth will be allll over this thread, but just so you know, The Lives of Others CLEARLY deserved to win the Oscar over it!