I really, really miss travel.
How do you poke at the travel itch when you can’t exactly scratch it? One of my favorite ways is with foreign films!
So what am I to do? Well, one of my favorite ways to poke at the travel itch when I can’t fully scratch it is with foreign films! Admittedly, it can be hard to know where to look for good ones. You watch Parasite, and you’re like, yes! Give me more! But then all you find is each country’s equivalent of Paul Blart: Mall Cop.
I’ve got your back, my friend.
My latest quarantine project is this: The 2020 Stuck-At-Home International Film Festival. Go ahead and draw yourself a festival pass on a piece of cardboard. We’ve got some good ones to watch.
Here’s how it’ll work: Each week(ish) I’ll curate a new batch of films from around the world, along with links of where to stream them, since they can be found all over the internet. Most of these will be free, but some are being streamed from film festivals that were cancelled this spring for a small fee that benefits local theatres and out-of-work artists.
So… ready?
Here’s part one.
CHINA • 2019
Wild Goose Lake
What’s this about: The story revolves around a gang leader who ends up a fugitive after killing a cop while trying to halt a gang fight. While he knows he can’t run forever, he tries to find a way to make sure the reward money for his arrest ends up with his wife.
What’s interesting: The was released in late 2019 and set in Wuhan. It offers one late look at the city before its name became widely associated with the coronavirus. It’s also a modern Chinese take on the classic genre of film noir, featuring tropes like nocturnal scenes in alleyways, an encounter with a mysterious woman driving the plot, and a cat-and-mouse rhythm.
You might like this if: you enjoy film noir and would appreciate seeing the genre in a new context. If you like Quentin Tarantino movies, Wild Goose Lake hits some similar notes with its stylish action scenes. It’s unusually violent for a film coming out of China, which tends to censor these things more.
My thoughts: The thing I liked most about Wild Goose Lake was its visual style. It did have an intriguing plot, but it unfolded fairly slowly and was sometimes difficult to keep track of.
Where to watch: So this was one meant to be shown at a local theatre in my area this month. Instead that theatre is allowing people to stream it as a way to help them stay afloat. Follow this link to support my favorite San Diego theatre while watching. - $12
PAKISTAN • 2018
Cake
What’s this about: A family and the relationships between different family members over time. The father of a Pakistani family falls ill, and so his children reunite in their childhood home. That’s just a vehicle, though, for the real questions that the film raises, surrounding toxic masculinity, how sibling dynamics evolve in adulthood, and how international borders and migration impact an ordinary family.
What’s worth knowing before: Pakistani films have long struggled to find their footing, largely because Bollywood films from neighboring India do really well in Pakistan and are tough to compete with. It doesn’t help that censorship laws in Pakistan create more obstacles. Many Pakistani friends have raved about this film to me. It might be helpful to know a bit about gender dynamics within the culture, but this film itself is a way to explore it.
Ideal for fans of: If you like a dramatic comedy that surrounds a complex family like Little Miss Sunshine or The Silver Linings Playbook, I think you’ll find a similar appeal in Cake.
My thoughts: Honestly, this one starts off a little slow, but hang in there. Many South Asian films are known for their length, but your patience will be rewarded in the second half. Also, if the synopsis of “it’s about a complicated family” is hard to get into, just give it a shot. It’s hard to do this film justice with such a short description.
Where to watch: Netflix
ITALY • 2018
Happy As Lazzaro
What’s this about: Sometimes, the less you going into a film, the more enjoyable it will be. The film starts off in the middle of an Italian countryside with a small town (really, just a handful of families squished into a little house) filled with sharecroppers doing manual laborer for a noble family. In the middle of this, Lazzaro remains eternally optimistic and befriends the son of one of the nobles. Close to halfway in the film, a HUGE plot twist strikes and that’s all I’ll say about that.
What’s worth knowing before: You don’t need a ton of context to enjoy this movie, but it might be worth knowing a bit about the practice of sharecropping in Europe, and in particular, Italy, where it was technically legal up until the 1960’s.
Ideal for fans of: Because of the big plot twist, it’s tempting to say M. Night Shyamalan films, but in many ways that comparison sounds insulting to Happy As Lazzaro. Actually, if you liked the next film on this list, Parasite, this might be a good next stop. Visually, it reminded me a bit of Everything Is Illuminated. The character of Lazzaro is a bit like a male Amelie. You’ll also enjoy this movie if you’re an Elijah Wood fan, as its lead actor has more than a slight resemblance.
My thoughts: You will remember this film because of its big plot twist, but in the moment you’ll also be impressed by its strong characters, great acting performances, and gorgeous camera work. I don’t hear a TON of buzz about this movie, so if you’re looking for an underrated gem, head over here.
Where to watch: Netflix
SOUTH KOREA • 2019
Parasite
What’s this about: Odds are, you’ve already heard a lot of the buzz surrounding Parasite. I wondered if there was much of a need to include a film that took home four Oscars on this list, but if you haven’t seen it yet, you should. Here’s another film where I get to say: the less you know going into it, the better it will be. The film follows the struggles of a financially challenged family living in a South Korean slum that suddenly finds an opportunity to make ends meet by intertwining their jobs and lives with a substantially wealthy family.
What’s worth knowing before: Maybe get to know a bit of the work of Bong Joon Ho. The Korean director’s past work includes Snowpiercer- a Chris Evans film that envisions the entire world living on a high-speed train where cars are ordered by class, and Okja- a bizarre film about a girl and her pet animal that offers commentary on the meat industry. Wild concepts meant to convey social commentary, especially about class, are his thing.
Ideal for fans of: Bong Joon Ho’s other movies. They’re distinct enough that it’s hard to draw comparisons. The one other creator I think is cut from a similar cloth might be Jordan Peele. So if you liked Get Out and Us, this might be a good one for you.
My thoughts: One of the best things about this movie is the way it keeps subverting expectations, bending and blurring genres. There are some parts of this film that felt extremely comedic- a bit of a surprise given its director’s typical work. Other parts had a distinct horror feel. Others felt like a drama. But it always works.
Where to watch: It’s on Hulu as of April!
SENEGAL • 2019
Atlantics
What’s this about: It’s a ghost story! And a love story! And a commentary on class and justice. A futuristic tower is being built in Dakar, but its workers haven’t been paid for months. After failing to collect their wages from the tower’s owner, many sail to Spain to find work. Soleiman is among them, leaving his girlfriend’s family to arrange her marriage to a wealthier man. When fires and mysterious break-ins spark rumors that Soleiman is back, a hot-shot detective starts investigating, and things get weird!
What’s worth knowing before: Hopefully this represents a comeback for Senegalese cinema. The country had a Golden Age of cinema in the 60’s and 70’s, but has only produced 6 films in the past ten years. It’s impressive that one this bold and unconventional would be the latest.
Ideal for fans of: hmmm…. This is a tough film to compare to anything else. Maybe if PS I Love You came with some broader social commentary? Maybe if Terrence Malick directed The Lovely Bones? Maybe if The xx made movies instead of music?
My thoughts: I loved how unconventional this film was. The long shots of the sea and dusty Senegalese streets gave it kind of a dreamy feel that made its supernatural elements more believable. It’s a great starting point if you’re wanting to see more African Cinema. There are some parts that drag a little bit, but that seems to add to the ambience.
Where to watch: Netflix
PHILIPPINES • 2013
Metro Manila
What’s this about: A farming family from the rural Philippines sees their earnings grow smaller and smaller. To help take care of his wife and daughter, the father moves to an area outside Metro Manila and takes a job driving an armored car. Quickly, he discovers that his job opens the opportunity to earn even more by being caught up in organized crime.
What’s worth knowing before: While the Philippines releases large amounts of film, they tend to occupy just a few specific genres: quirky romantic comedies, over-the-top slapstick films, and thrillers surrounding organized crime and drug trafficking. This one fits firmly in the latter category, but is made with much more heart than the typical piece.
Ideal for fans of: City of God, Sicario, or Widows. If you enjoy any film that explores the complicated world of crime in a way that’s still humanizing and empathetic of those who are caught up in there, this is a strong film.
My thoughts: The opening scene captures the dynamic between rural poverty, urban poverty, and crime in slums so proficiently. It’s a reality for millions around the world, yet very rarely is it portrayed in a way that does it justice.
Where to watch: Netflix (However, it looks like some countries no longer have it available, so here’s a link to TinyZone as a backup plan... lower quality but safe.)
BRAZIL • 2014
Trash
What’s this about: Three kids living in a Rio de Janeiro favela survive off discoveries they make in the city’s landfills. At one point, they make a big discovery that leads to them being pursued by both police and gang members.
What’s worth knowing before: This is a pretty accessible film even without a lot of orientation to Brazil and favela life. It might be worth noting that one of the most salient narratives in a lot of Brazilian films is the level of inequality visible in the country.
Ideal for fans of: well… it isn’t quite the heartwarmer that Slumdog Millionaire is, but the similarities between the films might be hard to overlook. If you’re looking for something that captures the contrast between a gritty setting and characters with a lot of heart, this is a good pick.
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this film. There is a part of me that wishes it gave a little bit of nuance to the dynamics of favela life and provided some more context, but I realize it would be hard to do this without distracting from the well calibrated tone of the movie. I was also happy to see a surprise appearance by Martin Sheen playing, of course, a priest.
Where to watch: Netflix
Stay tuned for the next batch!