Posted by PS on March 19, 2003 at 13:50:25:
In Reply to: PS: Myth/Legend additions posted by PS on March 19, 2003 at 13:24:55:
These are some of the foreign films I remember that I really enjoyed. All but the last two have themes involving children and their perspectives as victims of tragedy or injustice in life, which is perhaps why I loved them.
City of Lost Children (French) - This is like an older Dark City in some ways, where instead of aliens we have something like the Borg, in a city full of abducted children. Great film.
Children of Heaven (Iranian) - Must see this, especially with all the dehumanizing of Iraqis and Iranis the last couple decades. Think about kids like this as we go to bomb innocents abroad.
The next four all include an element of an orphan or discarded child bonding to an adult who wants nothing to do with children at all, but ends up being both delivered and a deliverer in the process. There are wonderful journey motifs in Central Station and Kikujiro.
Central Station (Mexican) - Lent it to Bill, and now it's on his favorites list. See why.
Julio's Angel (Mexican) - Production is not the greatest, but the story is powerful. Strongly recommend this.
Kikujiro (Japanese) - This is an amazing journey motif, both tragic, comedic, and redemptive.
Kolya (Russian) - Saw this with Jonvon in a theater in Atlanta. We were both deeply moved.
The next two are comedies set around the theme of ballroom dancing. Linford Detweiler recommended Strictly Ballroom to me as one of the best satires he had seen. I agree--a hysterical movie. I found Shall We Dance on my own, and was similary delighted.
Shall We Dance? (Japanese)
Strictly Ballroom (Australian)