Cinema Paradiso
Released 1988 from Italy and France
'Cinema Paradiso' is a powerful and enchanting film that is a personal love letter to the art of filmmaking. The viewer can live vicariously through the main character, a young boy who discovers he loves film while helping out at an old movie theater. Films like this remind me that I did make the right decision in attaining a Film Studies Degree.
Amélie
Released 2001 from France
'Amélie' is a true tour de force of filmmaking. The film is a must-see, comedic philosophical journey with an absolutely inspired performance by Audrey Tatou who plays the titular character.
City of God
Released 2002 from Brazil
'City of God' is an astounding film that itself is a religious experience. This brilliantly shot masterpiece is a tale of two children who, despite growing up with the same background, have drastically different lives based on the choices they make.
Kung Fu Hustle
Released 2004 from China
Roger Ebert once wrote that 'Kung Fu Hustle' is " like Jackie Chan and Buster Keaton meet Quentin Tarantino and Bugs Bunny." There is no amalgamation of words that could've made me want to view this film more. The amount of style, ingenuity, humor, heart, and stunning choreography packed into this film is almost to a point that it is a miracle that it functions.
Be sure to browse The Brown Deer Publics Library's large selection of international films which include but are not limited to the aforementioned titles.
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