The Passion of Joan of Arc – Review

The 1928 classic focuses on the trial of Joan of Arc and is known to be one of the most groundbreaking films of all time. But is it really that good?

Well in short, yes. If not better than the acclaim it’s achieved. Wherever you look you’ll see this considered as one of the best silent movies ever made and once you watch it you’ll understand why. Maria Falconetti gives in my opinion, the greatest silent performance of all time, with the emotion feeling so real and heartbreaking. The cinematography is genius, revolutionary and just outstanding. It brings the film to life and adds to the hugely unique style of this film. Carl Theodor Dreyer shows his pure talent as a director with his own masterpiece and really shows us why he’s a director who shouldn’t be forgotten. The sound adds to the intense feeling of the film, whilst complementing Falconetti’s beautiful acting.

The story of what would seemingly have a very thin plot and couldn’t really go very far, completely surpasses all expectations and will have you gripped from start to finish. This is mainly through the beautiful direction and the realism Falconetti shows.

If you’re not a fan of silent films, then this may be the film to begin with, as the film is just a masterpiece to look at. It’s one of the greatest classics of all time; quite possibly the greatest ever silent film.

It cannot be missed.

Overall: 10/10

10 of the greatest directors of all time

This list will explore some of the best directors in the film industry of all time, looking at their best films, a brief overview of each director and my personal favourite of their films. (In no particular order.)

1. Akira Kurosawa

Possibly the greatest Japanese director of all time and with his huge influences on films such as The Magnificent Seven and Star Wars, he will always be renowned as one the greats. He spent a lot of his career focusing on samurai films, with his most famous being that of ‘Seven Samurai’ a film in which was the idea behind The Magnificent Seven, yet still in my opinion being a far better production than that of its re-invention. In his later career with the movement to colour, he created the visual masterpiece ‘Ran’. Still today, many Director’s are hugely influenced and in admiration because of the genius of his work. However, with Akira Kurosawa comes an actor who is almost constantly overlooked and forgotten which is that of his most commonly used leading actor Toshiro Mifune. Kurosawa was the winner of the very prestigious Oscar Honorary Award.

Some of Kurosawa’s greatest works:

Rashomon

The Hidden Fortress

Ikiru

Throne of Blood

Yojimbo

Seven Samurai

Ran

My personal favourite: Seven Samurai – its story is gripping, with a brilliant talent of acting. Yet the direction and production design steals the show creating an absolutely breathtaking classic.

2. Fritz Lang

A director who dominated much of German Expressionism. His idea’s revolutionised cinema and is still renowned today as the creator of one of the greatest Sci-Fi films of all time ‘Metropolis’. The film has grown in popularity over time, yet it was hugely impactful when it first hit screens, it is said to have been Adolf Hitler’s favourite film. Lang was a director who pushed boundaries and made the most of his ability as a director.

Some of Fritz Lang’s greatest works:

Fury

Metropolis

M

Dr Mabuse: The Gambler

Testament of Dr Mabuse

Destiny

My personal favourite: M – This was a very difficult decision for me as I’m a huge fan of all of his works, whilst loving Metropolis and the Dr Mabuse films, I will always be a huge fan of M. I think he took a huge chance on the film with the huge controversy it would cause, yet he created it anyway. With Peter Lorre’s acting, the beautiful cinematography, directing and the eerie and creepy sound, it is an absolute great film. A unique and unforgettable story, this is a true classic.

3. Steven Spielberg

Spielberg is now one of the best known contemporary directors. He has created some groundbreaking films, whilst being a fantastically versatile director, creating films from all different genres. He is the winner of 3 Academy Awards and vast amounts of nominations. He’s a director whom will surely go down as one of the most revolutionary and genius directors of his time. He has countless classics and with surely many more to come.

Some of Spielberg’s greatest films:

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

E.T

Schindler’s List

Lincoln

Jaws

Saving Private Ryan

My personal favourite: Schindler’s List – one of the greatest films ever made on World War 2, focused on the Jewish point of view from the holocaust. It’s heartbreaking, with incredible directing and acting. It will leave you emotional and stunned.

4. Alfred Hitchcock

Hitchcock was a genius of his time and is now so regularly known everywhere, with his Best Picture winning ‘Rebecca’ and his timeless classic and one of the most loved films of all time ‘Psycho’. He made thrillers his own and created tension which has never been equalled, working with some of the greatest actors of all time. He will always be one of the most appreciated directors.

Some of Hitchcock’s greatest films:

Rebecca

Psycho

North by Northwest

Notorious

The Birds

Vertigo

Rear Window

My personal favourite: Psycho – not just due to the absolutely huge appreciation by critics and all film lovers but because it was one of the greatest and tense films I’ve ever watched. It will leave you disturbed and amazed by the strange story, the eerie acting and the stunning iconic music.

5. Billy Wilder

A director who worked in the same period as that of Alfred Hitchcock, with an equal talent but sometimes overlooked due to Hitchcock’s brilliance. He was a versatile director who could create works of all different genres from his brilliant comedy ‘The Apartment’ to his great Drama ‘Sunset Boulevard’. He is one of the most decorated directors with winning an incredible 6 Oscars, if you watch his films you’ll soon realise why.

Some of Wilder’s greatest films:

The Apartment

Some Like It Hot

Sunset Boulevard

Witness For The Prosecution

Double Indemnity

Stalag 17

The Lost Weekend

My personal favourite: I could not choose one favourite, his different genres and styles left me split, yet I’m a completely huge fan of Sunset Boulevard/Witness For The Prosecution/Some Like It Hot.

6. Ingmar Bergman

Ingmar Bergman is a director who is loved by film critics but can also split people’s decisions with his very disturbing and sometime convoluted plots. He was a swedish director who was at his best through the 50’s-60’s. Whether you like him or not he’s definitely a director you should watch and decide for yourself. He was nominated for an incredible 9 Academy Awards.

Some of Bergman’s greatest films:

Persona

Seventh Seal

Fanny and Alexander

Wild Strawberries

Cries and Whispers

My personal favourite – Persona: I must say personally I am not a huge Bergman fan, yet I am able to appreciate his great skill and imagination as a director. Yet when I watched Persona, my view was changed when I was absolutely amazed and absorbed by the ingenious and beautiful film.

7. Federico Fellini

Fellini was an Italian director who was known for his films of realism and inventive ideas. He was at his peak during the 50’s-70’s and is loved by film fans and critics alike. Nominated for an unbelievable 12 Oscar’s with many of his films winning the Best Foreign Film Award he’s a director you cannot miss.

Some of Fellini’s greatest works:

White Sheik

La Dolce Vita

Nights of Cabiria

8 1/2

Amarcord

La Strada

My personal favourite – Nights of Cabiria, I’m a huge Fellini fan and although this is not considered his greatest, I was in love with the film. It was completely heart breaking and very easy to be absorbed by the leading actress.

8. Stanley Kubrick

Stanley Kubrick is one of the most well-known American director’s despite not making very many films, each was beautifully directed and inventive. He was very versatile, creating films from all different genre’s from Sci-Fi to War to Crime to Horror. Despite only winning one Academy Award he was nominated for many more and is still appreciated as being one of the greatest of all time.

Some of Kubrick’s greatest films:

The Shining

Clockwork Orange

2001: A Space Odyssey

Dr Strangelove

Barry Lyndon

Lolita

Paths of Glory

Full Metal Jacket

My personal favourite: Full Metal Jacket, I love most of Kubrick’s films but this for me was just incredible. I’m a huge fan of War films and I love his film on World War 1 ‘Paths of Glory’ but it doesn’t begin to compare to Full Metal Jacket. In my opinion the greatest Vietnam War film surpassing the likes of Dear Hunter, Apocalypse Now, Platoon and many more. The film is almost in two parts, with beautiful cinematography, outstanding acting and a really great and gripping story.

9. Frank Capra

The great director of the 30’s and 40’s creating endearing and lovely stories. The winner of 3 Academy Awards, he was known for using James Stewart as his leading actor. One of the greatest and sweet actors of the 40’s. Known for the greatest Christmas film of all time ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Capra will always be one the great old Hollywood directors.

Some of Capra’s greatest films:

It’s a Wonderful life

Mr Deeds Goes To Town

Mr Smith Goes To Washington

Meet John Doe

It Happened One Night

My personal favourite: Mr Deeds Goes To Town, although I love ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, Gary Cooper leads a brilliant and funny story which will leave you smiling and admiring the beauty of this classic.

10. Francis Ford Coppola

Coppola is one of the greats and is obviously best known for his unforgettable hit ‘The Godfather’ whilst also creating the classic Vietnam War film (also starring Marlon Brando) Apocalypse Now. Many forget that even without the Godfather trilogy he is still an incredible director. Loved by critics and the winner of 5 Academy Awards, he’s one of America’s best.

Some of Coppola’s greatest films:

The Godfather trilogy

Apocalypse Now

The Conversation

American Graffiti

The Rainmaker

My personal favourite: The Godfather – undoubtably one of the best films ever made and what I believe to be a flawless film.

So there is 10 of the greatest directors of all time, I will soon add another list including 10 more directors who can equal the talent of these geniuses.

Birdman – Review

When I watched this film, it had just began to appear in cinema’s, it was achieving rave reviews everywhere and was currently the biggest film of the year. However, as I watched the trailer and looked at the film, my first reaction was one of confusion. I didn’t like the trailer, I wasn’t really very excited and my only reason for going to the cinema was because I was a huge fan of Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s earlier works such as ‘Amores Perros’ and ‘Babel’ and basically I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about. So what did I think?

Well, the film follows an actor, who was once a well known respected film-star, known for his leading role in the super-hero film ‘Birdman’ (A fictional film, with a joke upon Michael Keaton’s earlier role as Batman). This follows our protagonist Riggan (Michael Keaton) try build a relationship with his daughter Sam (Emma Stone). The film has the sub story of his relationship with his daughter and the idea of his old self and who he has become – a washed up old actor who’s barely remembered. However, he sets up to create a new hit broadway play, hoping to claw back some of the fame and respect he once had.

Well, before entering the cinema the plot to me seemed to be very dull and ordinary without any real place this film could go. However, I walked out of the cinema in pure amazement. The plot which seemed very thin, came to life and was so capturing. You begin to really understand Michael Keaton’s character and feel his anger and disappointment at what his life has become. There is a real connection with his character and this is undoubtably due to his impeccable acting performance. Michael Keaton really came back out of nowhere to show the world just how good he was, ironically, this was quite similar to the premise of the film. Whether he should have won the Oscar over Eddie Redmayne is an argument in which I do not wish to divulge. They were both incredible performances and either one was deserving.

Not only this but the characters of Edward Norton and Emma Stone are wonderfully created, Emma Stone plays the beautiful yet angry teenager with a lot of resentment towards her Dad. Which I couldn’t believe just how good she was, for me it was the defining film of her career and was an idea of what we get to see from this hugely talented actress in the future. She was maybe unlucky to miss out on an Oscar but definitely deserving of her first ever oscar nomination. Whereas Edward Norton comes as the actor to join in the broadway performance, who is hugely talented and wants to make the show into something brilliant. As always with Norton, his performance is just brilliant. For me the great scene where he decides to completely re-make one of the broadway scenes and show Keaton’s character how to perform it, is just pure acting gold. He came up for his 3rd Oscar nomination and was a sure winner until the unmatchable performance of J.K Simmonds (Whiplash). Yet, Edward Norton is still one of the greatest contemporary actor’s to hit our screens. So overall, despite no acting performance bringing in any Oscar’s, it was an incredible display by all 3 of them.

Now, the acting on its own was enough to make this film great, however, that acting is not what grabbed my attention. It was the unforgettable cinematography. The idea was to make the film seem like it’s what long and interrupted shot, which would seem an impossible task, yet it was performed outstandingly. The lighting in the shots was breathtaking. Emmanuel Lubezki, took him his second consecutive Oscar (the year before winning for the Sci-Fi hit Gravity) with one of the best styles and shooting of a film I have ever witnessed.

For the final part, you can not overlook Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s genius. To make what seemed like such a very thin plot into something hugely fascinating and interesting. The writing was just perfect for the film and it would be very difficult to flaw. Yet, his directing was just on a whole new level, he made the film his own and wasn’t afraid of taking risks. The whole concept of the film was widely considered that it would fail. Yet he tried anyway and took a chance. He’s not a director who feels the need to play safe and choose an easy option and for that we were privileged with an utterly unique and original film.

The film ended up winning 4 Oscars’ 3 of which to Alejandro G. Iñárritu for Directing, Writing and of course the prestigious award for the Best Picture. Whilst also taking home the winner for Cinematography which was a very much unchallenged category for Birdman. Whilst also being nominated for 5 more in Acting and Sound, it was obvious that this was loved by film goers and critics.

So did this deserve to win Best Picture? Many argued that Boyhood was more original, far more clever and an actual better film. Yet, in my opinion this was an absolutely brilliant film and by far deserving of the Best Picture honour. In a year which created many great films such as: Grand Budapest Hotel, Boyhood, Whiplash, Imitation Game and many more. This came out on top and I’m sure will become a true classic in years to come.

9/10

German Expressionsim

German expressionism was a creative movement made in Germany which began in the 1920’s and through to the early 1930’s. During this period, it created some of the most unforgettable and mesmorising films of all time. If you have never seen a film created during this period, I would strongly urge you.

The directors managed to come up with idea’s which were so creative and fascinating they are still rarely equalled. This period ranges from a selection of silent movies and talkies, during the switch to sound in 1927 (Through the classic ‘The Jazz Singer’ ) so whether you enjoy silent movies or not, there is something for everyone. They are also not subjected to one director or one genre, they covered a vast range of genre’s with their huge idea’s. Going from Fritz Lang’s unforgettable Sci-Fi hit Metropolis which later went on to influence Star Wars and directors such as Kubrick and Spielberg who still use its influences in their films.

Whilst also creating Murnau’s creepy and eerie groundbreaking Horror, Nosferatu. The use of shadows in this film were an ingenius creation by Murnau, with the same idea’s being replicated across the world even today. With an outstanding performance by Max Schreck many would still claim, that Nosferatu is completely superior to the American’s ‘Dracula’ despite Dracula being created 9 years later and with the addition of sound.

Whilst creating hugely controversial works with the likes of ‘M’ (See my ’10 Must See Foreign Films’ to read more on this film) looking at the life of a child murderer and Pandora’s Box, the film which follows a young prostitute in her life.

German Expressionism broke boundaries in cinema, created unsurpassed ideas and was a huge milestone in cinema. Even today, many of the works created in this short amount of time have never been equalled. If you’re an avid film lover and are yet to see German Expressionist films, then you’ll be hugely surprised.

So as a reference here are some of the greatest of German Expressionist films to watch if you’re interested:

– The Cabinet of Dr.Caligari

– Faust

– M

– Metropolis

– Dr Mabuse the Gambler ( The sequel is equally incredible ‘The testament of Dr Mabuse’)

– Pandora’s box

– Nosferatu

– The Last Laugh

The two directors to really look at would be F.W. Murnau and Fritz Lang, the two created multiple hits and revolutionised cinema and will always be known as two of the greatest of all time.

Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton?

The constant question asked – who is the greatest silent comedian?

First of all I will begin by explaining my choice to not include Harold Lloyd in this selection because although I respect him hugely, I believe he doesn’t begin to compare to these two geniuses of film.

I came across silent comedy quite late into my film appreciation and began with what seemed the obvious choice of Charlie Chaplin. His idea’s were exceptional and very, very funny. I will never forget watching his films for the first time, it’s a huge milestone in cinema and a director/actor you must watch. Some of his greatest films I would recommend:

– The Kid

– The Circus

– Modern Times

– City Lights

– The Gold Rush

– The Great Dictator

Now, these are my favourites and are hugely adored by film fanatics and critics. He has a very child like essence about his character, crying out for sympathy with an endearing personality. However for me, Charlie Chaplin’s genius is not of that from his skill as a director but that of a silent actor. The way he is able to convey emotion and produce comedy through his expressions and acts is incredible and I believe it is unmatchable.

However, Buster Keaton who was supposedly Charlie Chaplin’s ‘rival’ (despite teaming up for limelight, further into their careers) is a filmmaker I came across after Chaplin. I hadn’t heard much of him as silent comedy is hugely dominated by Chaplin. Yet his films were incredible, they are pure genius. Despite his acting and humour through expression not being as humorous or effective as that of Chaplin’s, his directing and idea’s are on a whole new level.
A huge example of this is using the idea of cuts between shots, into comedy in his film ‘Sherlock Jr’. He seems to me to be a far more intelligent filmmaker. He is also a director who would take huge risks in his work, an example of this being ‘The General’ My recommended films would be:

– Steamboat Bill Jr

– The Cameraman

– The General

– Sherlock Jr

Overall, I believe they are equally talented in the world of cinema. It is difficult for me to rate them in one category because although they both take on the same time era and genre, they go towards their works in unique and beautiful ways. However I will say that I believe Chaplin was a better actor and Keaton a better director.

It’s pointless to wonder and question, who is the greatest, the best way to view it as they are two of the most incredible and influential stars of film of all time. We should always appreciate and admire their incredible works which will forever entertain.

The Godfather – The greatest of all time?

The Godfather, is widely considered one of the Best Films of all time. For me, aged 10, it was my introduction to film. The introduction to classic cinema and I’ve watched it many times subsequently and with each time it gets better.

This film follows the New York mafia family in 1940’s America as they try to protect and build upon their empire whilst challenged by rival families. Full of violence, organised crime, family and suspense it keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film feels so real, with the production and costume design it adds to the intensity and enjoyment. Although many claim it’s too long, Francis Ford Coppola was forced to add an extra 50 minutes and yet, I can’t imagine it being as brilliant or intriguing without those extra minutes.

This film is filled with outstanding performances, Al Pacino plays the role of the son who is against everything the family stands for but throughout the film slowly finds himself going against everything he believed in and consequently joining their ways and eventually becoming the leader of the family after Don Corleone’s life comes to an end. Thoroughly deserving of his Oscar nomination. Marlon Brando playing the main role as Don Corleone in the film is at his very best and absolutely deserved his Academy Award for his performance. He gives a real sense of realism to the film and shows us the intelligence and pride in the mafia rather than the criminality and violence people stereotype the mafia with. John Cazale, who plays Fredo, gives the performance of a lifetime as he plays the runt of the family, lacking intelligence and bravery and will never live up to his father’s aspirations for him. He always lives in the shadow of his two brothers and is seen as inferior to them throughout, Cazale shows psychological realism as we see his struggle to come to terms with his inferiority. Robert Duvall plays Tom Hagen, the family’s lawyer and adopted son of Vito, he also plays a terrific role as he plays the calm, less violent and clever side of the mob life also picking him up an Oscar nomination. James Caan, plays Sonny, the hot head, the next in line to be head of the family, but his huge temper always causes trouble and gets him into dangerous situations. It’s another incredible performance and an unbelievable 3rd nomination in the Best Actor in a supporting role category at the Oscar’s.

The film which Francis Ford Coppola, adapted from Mario Puzo’s book is just incredibly well written.

This film portrays the Mafia in a way which we find ourselves sympathizing with the characters despite their criminal antics. Which is astonishing to see due to the severity of their crimes.

Many films such as Once Upon A Time in America, Casino and Goodfella’s have tried to replicate the outstanding way in which the mafia is portrayed in this masterpiece but to me, none of them (although absolutely amazing films) can match up to this.

The film is like a work of art. Although not even being nominated for an Academy Award in the cinematography. It’s one of the best shot films I’ve ever seen. Gordon Willis ( who later went on to win the Honorary Award ) uses brilliantly dark shots across the film but with an absolutely beautiful feel to the film. With the different shots across the film following from their Gangster lifestyle in America and the nights of crime, into the beautiful sun of Italy. It’s cinematography is often overlooked but, watch it again and admire it for what it is.

The soundtrack is just unforgettable. Nina Rota helps to make an astonishingly good soundtrack which is now so classic and recognisable.

Well for the Production Design, the Costume Design and the make up. Just watch for yourself and you’ll realise why the film feels so real and looks so good.

With unforgettable quotes and scenes, it’s a film that you will never forget.

With a mixture of outstanding acting, directing, writing, cinematography, production, costume design and music this is an all time classic. It’s flawless.

A truly unmissable film.

To answer the question, it’s very difficult to ever claim there’s a best film of all time, considering the different genre’s and time periods but this will always be one of the movies no one forgets.

What have Horror movies become?

Hollywood and cinema have quite blatantly developed and changed since the early 1930’s, when the original ‘Dracula’ and ‘Frankenstein’ movies first appeared on our screens. Now in most part, cinema has progressed hugely and it has been positive. However, can that be said for Horror films?

Given, that in the 1960’s through to the 1980’s Horror films, were undoubtably at their best, with films such as, ‘The Shining’, ‘Night of the living Dead’, ‘The Exorcist’ and of course the outstanding ‘Psycho’ and many more. Yet, the premise of a horror film has completely changed. It is no longer about a riveting story, made to keep you on the edge of your seat and quiver in fear. It seems to have become, an idea of how much violence can you create?

For instance the contemporary idea of a Horror Film, is ‘Saw’ or ‘The Human Centipede’. Although I believe the first Saw film, was actually a clever and good film, the sequels were just dreadful. The idea could’ve been brilliant, yet they decided to forget about the plot and just delve into the violence and really focus on that. It seems the meaning of a Horror Film has changed.  The Human Centipede is just a very strange and disturbing film, however not ‘scary’ as a Horror Film would imply.

I have a huge problem, with the ease of which a film can be produced and the relaxed censorship laws that have seemed to change. Not because I hate violence and find it to difficult to watch, but because it has ruined Horror as a genre. The best Horror films of all time, have the violent scenes done subtlely or the implied violence is completely off-screen and we are left to imagine it as we may. The censorship laws have allowed films to just focus on disturbing images rather than creating a good plot which will lead to an atmospheric and frightening film. A long with the censorship laws, the use of CGI, has allowed far more gruesome and disturbing scenes.

The ‘Blair Witch Project’ – is a very clever film. Given it was made in 1999, therefore not as contemporary as the films, I am pointing at but still is brilliant. The violence is subtle and it focuses on the emotions and fear of the characters making it far more scary than what seems to be a film about violence.

Horror has become a ruined Genre, and this can be observed by almost any current horror film. I completely advocate the use of violence in films and especially in Horror, but it has been taken far too far from the plot. ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ has huge amounts of violence but is still brilliant with the huge fixation on the characters and the plot not just on constant violent scenes.

One of the most Classic Horror’s ever made – ‘Nosferatu’ is a beautiful example of a film with no violence but with a very creepy and great atmosphere. It may not be frightening now but it’s still an impressive film for the time.

So overall, I am disappointed and saddened to see, the development of Horror as a genre and I hope that it can one day get back to its greatness as it was through the 60’s-90’s.

My opinion on the ‘IMDB Top 250 films’

As an early film lover, I decided to look on the internet to discover what films I should watch next to expand on my knowledge. IMDB, claim to have the top 250 films, which intrigued me as a place to begin. Over the years I have expanded and expanded my knowledge but it was always a place for me to look back on and choose films from. About a year ago, I completed the ever-changing list.

However, looking back on the audience ratings to determine how the films are chosen, it’s bitterly disappointing. Many astonishing works are just hugely underappreciated and it leads me to think that many of the people who rate the films, are very deluded in their thinking.

So, I would like to point to say that if you are an avid lover of film, IMDB’s Top 250 (rated by audiences, not critics or the website) is not the place to look. It’s very far from what I would consider the top 250 films, with some questionable choices and some utterly outstanding films not to be included.

No list will ever show you the right films for you, or what you should watch. Learn to love the actors you watch, the directors, the cinematographers and delve deeper into their films rather than looking down a list to see what’s good and what’s not.

However if you do insist on finding a list with a comprehensive overview of some astonishing films then the most complete list in which I have come across would be the ‘1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die’ However, although not on the same scale as IMDB’s list there are some questionable conclusions and some great films missing out. Although I would completely recommend it.

10 Must See Foreign Films

10 Brilliant Foreign Films, of different ages, of different genres. All remarkable in their own way.

1. Man Bites Dog (C’est arrivé près de chez vous): 1992, Director : Remy Belvaux

A film which is bound to cause controversy, in the same respect as that of Videodrome 1983 and Funny Games, 1997. However, you must understand the meaning of the film to truly enjoy it.  The film represents the idea ( much like Videodrome and Funny Games ) of the effects that films can have on it’s viewers and the violence in which we have become so used to and accept so easily. The main character is a psychopath, Ben, who goes round France following his daily life as a serial killer. We see the film crew who avidly enjoy to watch Ben’s killing, not only film for personal gain but begin to help with his crimes.

This film challenges your morals as you are forced to laugh at the farcicality of his persona and the way he carries out his crimes. It will make you laugh and repulse at the protagonist whilst really question how violent films have influenced the average viewer.

Yet if we move away from the underlying message of the film, it’s difficult not to appreciate the dark humour, which things film brings. With a low budget but a brilliant idea – this film is one you may enjoy for it’s humour or watch in repulse.

2. (Hotaru no haka) Grave of the Fireflies, 1988. Director : Isao Takahata

As an avid fan of Studio Ghibli’s hugely successful and astonishing animations it was difficult for me to choose just one. Although I am a big fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s most famous, Academy Award Winning Spirited Away and his endearing story in My Neighbour Totoro, this for me is the greatest film in the Studio Ghibli collection.  Unlike most of the Studio Ghibli films, this is directed by Isao Takahata, the lesser known of the two directors yet equally talented.

This film contrasts to the other Studio Ghibli films hugely as this is a very dark and sad story. Based in Japan, on the events of the second World War, we follow two siblings Seita and Setsuko, who struggle to survive in their poverty stricken town. They are left fending for themselves with very little to get by on.

I believe that this will one day go down as a classic war film. Not only for the sensational idea of using animation to tell the story of the devastating effects of the war but for also focusing on the perspective of the Japanese ( a very rare perspective to be depicted in War films, an exception being Tora! Tora! Tora! ) The use of animation leads to being able to create an astonishing effect that an ordinary film could not. This film is full of emotion and will stay with you for years.

3. (Das Cabinet des Dr.Caligari) – The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, 1920 : Robert Wiene

This has to be not only one of my favourite foreign films but simply one of my favourite ever films. A film produced during the period of German Expressionism (known for so many classic such as, Metropolis, The Blue Angel, The Last Laugh, Faust, etc.) Which happens to be my person favourite era of film making.

The film follows Frances retelling a story of Dr Caligari and his somnambulist Cesare, and his deadly predictions. This film is an outstanding Psychological Thriller and in my own opinion I believe one of the best plots ever created. If you’ve seen Martin Scorcese’s ‘Shutter Island’ and are a fan of silent films, you’ll love this.

With a quirky design, an imaginative story and a shocking twist, this is a film which will always go down as one of the greatest films produced during the German expressionism period.

4. (Le Notti Di Cabiria) – Nights of Cabiria, 1957. Director : Federico Fellini

Federico Fellini is undoubtably one of the greatest director’s of all time. I decided to choose only one of his films for this list, however I highly recommend watching others such as ( Eight and a half, La Strada and La Dolce Vita.) Although Nights of Cabiria is rarely classed as his greatest film, it’s an absolute beautiful film to watch.

It follows Maria, a young prostitute who is desperate to find love, yet wherever she goes, finds disappointment and heartbreak. You begin to sympathise with Maria and it’s easy to feel the psychological realism of her character and truly love her. The story, has many twists and turns and finishes the film off with an unforgettable end.

Picking up the Academy Award for: Best Foreign Language Film, whilst staring Giulieta Masina ( One of Fellini’s favourite actresses to use, as seen in White Sheik and La Strada ) is a work of art. It’s beautifully directed and acted. It’s a truly emotional and heartbreaking film.

5. La Haine 1995, Director : Mathieu Kassovitz

This film is a low budget masterpiece. Very underrated in my opinion as it is fast paced, funny and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Starring Vincent Cassel ( Black Swan ) in one of his earliest films, we see a brilliant performance accompanied by beautiful directing.

The film follows three teenage boys, who live in an under privileged town in France. After one of their friends is shot down by a policeman and is in hospital, the protagonist Vinz, finds a gun and swears that he will shoot a policeman if he dies. It’s fast paced, it’s full of drama and it’s very original.

A film that deserves far more accolades than it has. Truly magnificent.

6. (Cidade de Deus) – City of God, 2002. Director : Fernando Mierelles

City of God picked up the Best Foreign Film Academy Award and once you watch it, you’ll know why.

The film follows two brothers, who take very different paths in life in the slums of Brazil. One takes the path of crime and chooses a life as a drug dealer, the other, pursues a dream of being a photographer and to stay away from the dangers around him. It’s an incredible story which will keep you interested until the end.

One of the greatest contemporary Foreign Films, based on a true story. A truly irresistible film.

7. (Abres Los Ojos) – Open Your Eyes, 1997. Director : Alejandro Amenabar

Open Your Eyes was a film Tom Cruise loved so much, he bought the rights to re-make it instantly after watching it. (Vanilla Sky) I strongly advise to watch this before Vanilla Sky, although Vanilla Sky is a good film, comparatively it seems very poor.

Our protagonist Cesar finds the love of his life in a young, beautiful Sofia ( Penelope Cruz ), but when he is in a car accident everything changes. He tries to rebuild what he had, but his life will never be the same. It’s gripping, and jaw droppingly clever.

A psychological thriller which is hard to top. With brilliant acting and a great story it’s a beautiful film. Although the plot does become very convoluted, if you can follow it, it’s difficult not to love.

8. M – 1931. Director : Fritz Lang

Like Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria, this is also not renowned to be Fritz Lang’s masterpiece. However Lang is also an incredible director, with many great films, most famously his groundbreaking Sci Fi, ‘Metropolis’. However, I believe this is equally as good.

A hugely controversial film about a child murderer. The police can’t catch him, so instead the criminals set off in a manhunt. Pete Lorre, plays Hans Beckert, the serial killer. In an absolutely outstanding, yet unappreciated performance it adds to the eerie atmosphere in the film.

This film is one of those, which is quite close to flawless. The cinematography is incredible with the use of shadows of the disturbing character, the shots are used perfectly to set a very creepy atmosphere. The eerie music, is beautifully used to send shivers down your spine. The directing as always by Fritz Lang, is just phenomenal – whilst Pete Lorre, has the performance of his career to make this an all time classic.

9. Persona, 1966. Director : Ingmar Bergman

No foreign film list is complete, without the inclusion of an Ingmar Bergman film. He constantly divides opinions with his strange and unique films. Love him or hate him, he made his films his own. However, again I decided to choose not his most famous, The Seventh Seal, but his far less famous and less acclaimed ‘Persona’.

A nurse is made to look after a mute actress. However she soon finds that her persona is beginning to merge with that of her own. This film, can be difficult to follow and very peculiar at parts, however it’s a compelling and hugely intriguing story. The performances by the two actresses brings this film to life and really allows you to see the realism in these two characters.

I believe this is possibly Ingmar Bergman’s best film ever, maybe a controversial opinion but agree or not, this is a film to definitely watch it. Original and unique.

10. (La Vita e Bella) – Life is Beautiful, 1997 Director : Roberto Benigni

Many directors try to take on the role of the leading actor in many films and vise versa and 95% of the time, they fail miserably. But Roberto Benigni, pulls it off perfectly. He may not be the director, that the likes of Lang, Fellini and Bergman are, but he still made an oustanding and beautiful film here.

The film starts of with a young man Guido, enjoying life and going into every day with a fun sense of humour and a smile. When he and his son become victims of the holocaust, he tries to keep his sons spirits high and hide the truth of the terror they are facing. The acting is incredible, the story is heartbreaking, yet the humour still flows throughout.

Imagine a comedy during the holocaust? It’s impossible to comprehend. Yet Bengini pulls it off. The Drama and the Humour mix perfectly for an unforgettable film. The music was perfectly fitting. The acting incredible. But the story, was just amazing. Winner of 3 Academy Awards : Best Foreign Film, Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Original Score ( Whilst nominated for an additional 4 ) this film was very well acclaimed. Watch it and you’ll realise why. The writing along with the acting come together to make this a brilliant film.

So there it is, there’s 10 Great Foreign films you have to see.
(This is not a list of the 10 Greatest, there are many, many more equally good and possibly better, but I will do 10 more each month, next month I intend to focus on the works of Akira Kurosawa)