Favorite Foreign Films of the 2000s

[Mahatma]

Originally Posted by FindYourWay

I own this on DVD. It's more of a take of the filming of Nosferatu, but nice to see that the actor cast as Nosferatu, was indeed the legend. Dafoe was brilliant.

Do believe it was a US film though. Not 100% sure though.

That's foreign.......to me Seriously though,thought it was english but wouldn't be the first time if I'm wrong.

[jhiggy23]

So I just finished watching Tell No One, as per a recommendation from surfdude and several others.....all I can say is wow. Surfdude claimed it was one of the best thrillers he had ever seen....I absolutely concur. The movie was fantastic on many levels: directing, acting, cinematography, story concept, and especially writing. Yes, they revealed everything at the end, but that did not bother me at all. It is impossible to figure anything out along the way. It was an absolutely incredible film, 4 stars out of 4. I see why many critics listed it on their top 10 list. Also, nice use of "With or Without You". I will def be buying it on blu via amazon (region-free).

Generally I do not post my opinions on films directly after seeing them bc I think impressions are more accurate after a few days reflection. This is an exceptional case however.

[goochspot]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

So I just finished watching Tell No One, as per a recommendation from surfdude and several others.....all I can say is wow. Surfdude claimed it was one of the best thrillers he had ever seen....I absolutely concur. The movie was fantastic on many levels: directing, acting, cinematography, story concept, and especially writing. Yes, they revealed everything at the end, but that did not bother me at all. It is impossible to figure anything out along the way. It was an absolutely incredible film, 4 stars out of 4. I see why many critics listed it on their top 10 list. Also, nice use of "With or Without You". I will def be buying it on blu via amazon (region-free).

Generally I do not post my opinions on films directly after seeing them bc I think impressions are more accurate after a few days reflection. This is an exceptional case however.

Wow. I just added it back to my Netflix. I have The Lives of Others at home, but I still need to watch it.

[CHERRYGARCIA]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

So I just finished watching Tell No One, as per a recommendation from surfdude and several others.....all I can say is wow. Surfdude claimed it was one of the best thrillers he had ever seen....I absolutely concur. The movie was fantastic on many levels: directing, acting, cinematography, story concept, and especially writing. Yes, they revealed everything at the end, but that did not bother me at all. It is impossible to figure anything out along the way. It was an absolutely incredible film, 4 stars out of 4. I see why many critics listed it on their top 10 list. Also, nice use of "With or Without You". I will def be buying it on blu via amazon (region-free).

Generally I do not post my opinions on films directly after seeing them bc I think impressions are more accurate after a few days reflection. This is an exceptional case however.

yup..great film!
bought it on BD a few months back..have yet to re-watch, as I picked up the book and want to read before I see the film again..hopefully in the next two weeks

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by CHERRYGARCIA

yup..great film!
bought it on BD a few months back..have yet to re-watch, as I picked up the book and want to read before I see the film again..hopefully in the next two weeks

I am buying the book today!

Gooch, let me know what you think of The Lives of Others. I will be thoroughly shocked if you don't love it.

[zombie63]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I am buying the book today!

Gooch, let me know what you think of The Lives of Others. I will be thoroughly shocked if you don't love it.

Ive just started the audio book of Tell No One and having seen the film the similarity so far is identical (Apart from the book being set in New York)

As for The Lives of Others this is one of the greatest films ever made and I defy anyone not too like it.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by zombie63

Ive just started the audio book of Tell No One and having seen the film the similarity so far is identical (Apart from the book being set in New York)

As for The Lives of Others this is one of the greatest films ever made and I defy anyone not too like it.

I read that the ending is different but that the author liked the film's ending much better. I will be interested to see what is changed (I know of one other minor thing). Definitely agree on The Lives of Others...amazing (I can't say it enough times)

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

So I just finished watching Tell No One, as per a recommendation from surfdude and several others.....all I can say is wow. Surfdude claimed it was one of the best thrillers he had ever seen....I absolutely concur. The movie was fantastic on many levels: directing, acting, cinematography, story concept, and especially writing. Yes, they revealed everything at the end, but that did not bother me at all. It is impossible to figure anything out along the way. It was an absolutely incredible film, 4 stars out of 4. I see why many critics listed it on their top 10 list. Also, nice use of "With or Without You". I will def be buying it on blu via amazon (region-free).

Generally I do not post my opinions on films directly after seeing them bc I think impressions are more accurate after a few days reflection. This is an exceptional case however.

Glad you liked it jhiggy! I'll admit I had to watch it twice to really get it. As Ebert said (i'm paraphrasing): This plot may seem complex, even with leaks, but let me assure you: its air tight, hermeatically sealed!

I loved Stephen Holden of the NY TImes way of summing it up (on the cover of the BD): Vertigo meets The Fugitive

i'll have to buy the book now too. someone posted on some other thread that they prefer reading the book before watching the movie, as reading teh book after the movie can be tough, as you've already secured in your head the director's vision of teh book, which may prevent you from getting your own vision. but i dont care, this one i'll definitely have to read! but i thought that was inciteful.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Glad you liked it jhiggy! I'll admit I had to watch it twice to really get it. As Ebert said (i'm paraphrasing): This plot may seem complex, even with leaks, but let me assure you: its air tight, hermeatically sealed!

I loved Stephen Holden of the NY TImes way of summing it up (on the cover of the BD): Vertigo meets The Fugitive

i'll have to buy the book now too. someone posted on some other thread that they prefer reading the book before watching the movie, as reading teh book after the movie can be tough, as you've already secured in your head the director's vision of teh book, which may prevent you from getting your own vision. but i dont care, this one i'll definitely have to read! but i thought that was inciteful.

Agree on all accounts, and you are almost exactly right about Ebert's quote (I ALWAYS read Ebert's review minutes after viewing a film). He is spot on--this really is a complex story and while it seems like there are so many things that could be loose ends (especially when the character says "wait there's more!"), there are none whatsoever.

I also agree with the book thing, for the most part, although it did not affect me in reading Atonement after viewing the film.

[jhiggy23]

Counterfeiters, an Academy-Award nominee from last year, will be coming on netflix on Saturday. It is about a Jewish master counterfeiter who was forced in his prison camp to counterfeit many different currencies to throw the Allies for a loop. By doing so, he stays alive, but he helps the Nazis accomplish their goals. Seems to be quite the moral quandary and I look forward to it.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Counterfeiters, an Academy-Award nominee from last year, will be coming on netflix on Saturday. It is about a Jewish master counterfeiter who was forced in his prison camp to counterfeit many different currencies to throw the Allies for a loop. By doing so, he stays alive, but he helps the Nazis accomplish their goals. Seems to be quite the moral quandary and I look forward to it.

I wont spoil anything, but....

Moral quandry? Oh my YES. Really good film.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I wont spoil anything, but....

Moral quandry? Oh my YES. Really good film.

I guess the bolded statement can be construed two different ways. My implication wasn't that he ACTUALLY helped them accomplish their goals, but that if he decided to counterfeit for them he possibly could help them. I haven't seen it, but that was the synopsis I got!


Obviously you have seen it, which doesn't surprise me because you have good taste. I will post my results here after watching and would be interested in comparing my opinion with yours.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I guess the bolded statement can be construed two different ways. My implication wasn't that he ACTUALLY helped them accomplish their goals, but that if he decided to counterfeit for them he possibly could help them. I haven't seen it, but that was the synopsis I got!


Obviously you have seen it, which doesn't surprise me because you have good taste. I will post my results here after watching and would be interested in comparing my opinion with yours.

I am fairly sure we will agree. The bolded statement is just something for you to ponder during the film. And, there are more than one (the obvious) moral quandries that he and his fellows face. It's a real rock-and-a-hard place position, with a lot of difficult choices, and some very clever schemes. I'll stop. Enjoy.

[Romulus]

Well I hope you like the Counterfieters because I thought it was a little boring. :/

[jhiggy23]

We shall see my friends! All I know is that the last two foreign films I saw (Tell No One and Sin Nombre) were incredible, with Tell No One being a recommendation from several here. When I created this thread I was hoping to find just one film recommendation that led to me finding a film that I loved. That has already happened and I have great trust in those who have posted on this thread, due to the many great recommendations.

[BLUCanadian]

1. City of God
2. Oldboy
3. A Bittersweet Life
4. Tae Guk Gi
5. The Lives of Others

[SquidPuppet]

OK...I finally remembered the name of this one. It was stuck in my head for a couple days. The subject matter is quite odd, but I found it engrossing. It's British, so it qualifyies as foriegn. Highly recommended.

Pierrepoint:The Last Hangman(2005)

Synopsis: Following in his father's footsteps, Albert Pierrepoint (Timothy Spall) becomes one of Britain's most prolific executioners, hiding his identity by working as a grocery deliveryman. But when his ambition to be the best inadvertently exposes his gruesome secret, he becomes a minor celebrity and faces a public outcry against the practice of hanging. Juliet Stevenson plays Pierrepoint's oblivious wife in this fascinating biopic based on real events

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

OK...I finally remembered the name of this one. It was stuck in my head for a couple days. The subject matter is quite odd, but I found it engrossing. It's British, so it qualifyies as foriegn. Highly recommended.

Pierrepoint:The Last Hangman(2005)

Synopsis: Following in his father's footsteps, Albert Pierrepoint (Timothy Spall) becomes one of Britain's most prolific executioners, hiding his identity by working as a grocery deliveryman. But when his ambition to be the best inadvertently exposes his gruesome secret, he becomes a minor celebrity and faces a public outcry against the practice of hanging. Juliet Stevenson plays Pierrepoint's oblivious wife in this fascinating biopic based on real events

hmm sounds interesting, and I think Spall is a very good supporting actor. Would be interested to see how he does in a main role.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

hmm sounds interesting, and I think Spall is a very good supporting actor. Would be interested to see how he does in a main role.

His perfromance strongly lifts an already good film. He performs some displays of dignity and humanity that are touching. The film travels to an emotional place that you would NOT expect. It is unique and quite satisfying.

[jhiggy23]

So I just finished The Counterfeiters and thought it was a very good, but not great film. I liked that it was an interesting topic that I wasn't familiar with. People oftentimes complain about the plethora of Holocaust and WWII movies that come out each year, but the reason there are so many released is because there are so many different stories to tell. I also liked the very difficult moral quandary presented: when faced with the threat of death, do you help the enemy to preserve your life or do you stand up for yourself and your people? I also liked the moral dilemma regarding the comraderie of the prisoners.

On the negative side, I never really felt sympathy for the main character. To me, his character was pretty bland and the audience has a hard time understanding what he is going through. The moral dilemma is presented much better through the other prisoners.

Watching this film with Downfall and even The Boy in the Striped Pajamas on my mind is tough, as I think both are better films. In the case of Downfall, a much better film. It is also tough because the last two films on my foreign film streak that I watched were the incredible Sin Nombre and Tell No One. I thought both of those films were fantastic, and that this film was not on either of their levels (despite being a completely different topic). That being said, I give the film 3 out of 4 stars and recommend a viewing as it is a very interesting and little known story.

The next film on my list is the recent Academy Award nominee, Sophi Scholl, about an anti-Nazi young lady put on trial.