# Great Unique Non-English Language Movies **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** movies\ **Created:** [November 7, 2022, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540 "2022-11-07T23:26:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MortSahlFan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@MortSahlFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortSahlFan)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2022, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/1 "2022-11-07T23:26:32Z")
I only get three pleasures in life – music, comedy, and **movies** … I’ve seen many. But I notice a trend, that the ones I’ve been able to sit through have mostly been foreign, despite watching a majority of American movies (usually on Turner). By unique, I’d really love great without weird. A unique script. I never needed a lot of movement, either. “Paradise: Love” - a middle-aged single woman drops off her teenage daughter before going to Kenya for sex tourism. This is the one advantage of newer movies - taboo subjects, but it’s done well, despite a lot of nudity… I’ve traveled a lot all over the world, and know what it’s like to feel like a dollar sign, but it really looks at both sides. If you have seen it, I’d like to talk a little more about it… Margaret Thiesel was great in this, and I really felt for her character, which is what a great movie does. Getting lost in a movie, maybe even “falling in love” (temporarily) with a character on screen is great fun, but rare. Thanks in advance! ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2022, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/2 "2022-11-07T23:33:46Z")
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen it, but _Das Boot_ made a huge impression on me. English-dubbed version? Great! German version? Great! Maybe some day I’ll be able to find the original German mini-series: that will undoubtedly be great, too! Two things: It seemed like the movie was a labor of love for all involved and it was magnificent just for the _craft_ of movie-making. ---
**Author:** ![MortSahlFan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@MortSahlFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortSahlFan)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2022, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/3 "2022-11-07T23:37:15Z")
This movie has been on my list for years… A few times, the movie had already started. Once at the library, the quality was bad. Another time it was too long to fit in and my DVR was near full, but no excuses now. I will try to see this soon. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2022, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/4 "2022-11-07T23:43:32Z")
I can’t tell you which version to see first; the English-language version is so well dubbed you’d almost swear the entire cast had learned English. Oh, slight caveat: I think there are at least two additional “cuts” beyond the original release. Haven’t seen them so can’t vouch for 'em. Enjoy! ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2022, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/5 "2022-11-07T23:57:06Z")
I recommend _Tampopo_, which is about a noodle shop in Japan. It’s great. ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/6 "2022-11-08T00:08:39Z")
The first great foreign language film that popped into my mind is Bergman’s _The Seventh Seal._ Brilliantly acted, beautifully photographed (in B&W), with a profound, yet _relatively_ accessible script. A truly iconic film. > **[The Seventh Seal (1957) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050976/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0)** > > The Seventh Seal: Directed by Ingmar Bergman. With Gunnar Björnstrand, Bengt Ekerot, Nils Poppe, Max von Sydow. A knight returning to Sweden after the Crusades seeks answers about life, death, and the existence of God as he plays chess against the... ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/7 "2022-11-08T00:14:50Z")
If you watch Amelie, you will feel happy and content about life. ---
**Author:** ![BrickBat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ac91a4/32.png) [@BrickBat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrickBat)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/8 "2022-11-08T00:22:20Z")
I heartily second ‘Tampopo’. ---
**Author:** ![gkster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gkster/32/14107_2.png) [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/9 "2022-11-08T00:58:29Z")
One of my favorite non-English movies is _Black Orpheus_, weird and unique. However, the first time I saw it was with friends who didn’t like it because they felt there was too much movement and samba music. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/10 "2022-11-08T01:06:34Z")
Kung Fu Hustle is one of my favourites. It has plenty of movement, though. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/11 "2022-11-08T01:10:18Z")
I’ll add a third vote for _Tampopo_. And here are a couple of Korean movies I think are excellent: _Marathon_, about an autistic boy who finds joy in running. _Glove_, about a former pro baseball player who, instead of getting jailed for assault, is sent to coach a baseball team at a school for the Deaf. _The Crucible_ (also known as _Silenced_), based on the true story of faculty sexually molesting students at a school for the Deaf. And, just for fun, a Chinese movie: _Under the Hawthorn Tree_, which follows the life of a Chinese schoolgirl sent to the countryside during the Cultural Revolution. ---
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/13 "2022-11-08T02:36:50Z")
Two French films: [Diva](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diva_(1981_film)) [Subway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subway_(film)) Both are thrillers with wild plots that are impossible to describe briefly. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/14 "2022-11-08T02:42:36Z")
“[Parasite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasite_(2019_film))”. I have not seen it but I have heard great things about “[Decision to Leave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decision_to_Leave)”. Also, “[Pan’s Labyrinth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan%27s_Labyrinth)” is great (albeit unsettling). Fairy-tale (a dark one) so may or may not be your thing. Might be too weird. If you want even more fantasy then the French film “La Cité des enfants perdus” ([City of Lost Children](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_City_of_Lost_Children)) is great (also dark fantasy) but I think that is getting too far down the “weird” lane you don’t want. If you want a good, old suspense/comedy “[The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tall_Blond_Man_with_One_Black_Shoe)” is fun. It was re-made as an American film called “The Man with One Red Shoe” with Tom Hanks. The original is better IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![peccavi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peccavi/32/388_2.png) [@peccavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peccavi)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/15 "2022-11-08T02:49:04Z")
Recent movies that did _not_ win an Academy Award _Cold War_ (lost to _Roma_) _Shoplifters_ (lost to _Parasite_) And worth a look from this year (or late last year, but seen this year) _The Pink Cloud_ (Chilling) _Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom_\*(Heartwarming) _Compartment No. 6_ (Russian/Polish Rom-Com) _The Worst Person In The World_ (As are we all) _Petite Maman_\*(Aww…just Aww) _Anaïs In Love_ (Crazy) _Official Competition_\*(A hoot, especially if you love movies) _My Donkey, My Lover & I_\*(Crazier) _Alienoid_ (Just batshit crazy…and there’s a part 2 in the works!) _RRR_\* (Unbelievable, why aren’t all action movies like this?) _Decision to Leave_\*(Pure 40’s-50’s film noir set in the era of cellphones) _Triangle of Sadness_ (A wild ride with a pointed message on class and money) \*=Among peccavi’s favorite movies in 2022 ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/16 "2022-11-08T02:59:02Z")
_Farewell My Concubine_ to see the turmoil of 20th century China as a backdrop. _Raise the Red Lantern_ is a gritty drama about an intelligent woman put in a position that is the antithesis of where she wants to be. _Shall We Dance_ was originally a Japanese movie. I believe Richard Gere made an American version a decade later, but the Japanese version is far superior as it plays against societal norms and is actually a cute, funny Rom-Com. Definitely a date movie. ---
**Author:** ![Dropo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ce7236/32.png) [@Dropo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dropo)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/17 "2022-11-08T03:07:52Z")
_Amok_ (1934) – Hothouse French melodrama set in the tropics about an illegal abortion performed by a dissolute doctor. _Rapt (1934) -_ French-German co-production directed by a Russian about two mountain towns and how the killing of a dog in one leads to a revenge kidnapping in the other. _Les Disparus de St. Agil_ (1938) - Disappearances and murder in a boy’s school lead a trio of students to team with gruff teacher Erich von Stroheim (excellent and unusually sympathetic) to uncover the culprit. _Beyond Oblivion_ (1956) - Well-mounted Argentinean prototype for _Vertigo_ has rich widower trying to remake a whore into his angelic lookalike deceased wife. _Death in the Garden_ (1956) - Characters on the lam in an unforgiving jungle battle the elements and their own psyches in this little-known ultra-ironic Buñuel film. _Man on the Tracks_ (1957) - Polish drama of long-time, recently fired train engineer found dead on the tracks. Flashbacks reveal he was more than just a hardass with a Hitler moustache, but was it an accident, suicide or…? _The Graceful Brute_ (1962) - Shot almost entirely within one apartment, this is a Japanese black comedy about a family with a professed entitlement to scam. They meet their match in the title character played by gorgeous Ayako Wakao. _Le Septième Juré_ (1962) – In the French jury system, jurors can ask direct questions of those testifying. Twist: juror no. 7 is the actual killer. _The Sword of Doom_ (1966) - One of the greatest samurai films ever. Psychotic master swordsman Tatsuya Nakadai goes nuts after watching Toshiro Mifune in action. Incredible ending. _Perinbaba_ (1985) – (from IMDB) “A fairy-tale about an old lady (Giulietta Masina, dubbed) who takes care of snow and Jakub who does not fear death. It reflects the idea of people’s longing for happiness, love and understanding, their effort to overcome troubles and win over death. It criticizes greed and evil desires.” Low-budget, but inventive. _Kamikaze Girls_ (2004) – Japanese comedy (with misleading U.S. title) chronicling the unlikely team up of a would-be fashion designer obsessed with Rococo and a tough biker chick. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/18 "2022-11-08T03:16:08Z")
> [@peccavi](#): > > _RRR_\* (Unbelievable, why aren’t all action movies like this?) I just Googled that and there is a little [Easter egg on the results page](https://www.google.com/search?q=rrr&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS956US956&oq=RRR&aqs=chrome.0.0i355i433i512j46i263i433i512j46i433i512j0i433i512l7.343j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8). No biggie but kinda fun. Never seen that before (I mean, one done like that…can’t tell if Google did that or that is something people can add to their search results now…but that is a hijack of this thread). ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/19 "2022-11-08T03:22:19Z")
Get the subtitled one, NOT the dubbed one. > **[Babette's Feast (1987) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092603/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk)** > > Babette's Feast: Directed by Gabriel Axel. With Stéphane Audran, Bodil Kjer, Birgitte Federspiel, Jarl Kulle. During the late 19th century, a strict religious community in a Danish village takes in a French refugee from the Franco-Prussian War as a... ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/20 "2022-11-08T03:28:43Z")
Recently I saw [The Lunchbox](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2350496/reference/) on TV. I had seen it before but enjoyed it just as much second time around. It is a very quiet, unexpected meditation on connection. I guess it’s a romance. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540/21 "2022-11-08T03:52:52Z")
Fourth for Tampopo, it was the first movie that came to my head when you said you loved movies and comedies, but I will comment that it is somewhat absurdist, if not weird. But unlike some comedies that just don’t quite work in other languages and cultures, it is an easy chuckle for Western audiences as well. Just be prepared to be hungry when you’re done watching it! I’ll also throw a second at Pan’s Labyrinth and City of Lost Children. Both of which I enjoy immensely, but as dark fantasies, you’ll have to evaluate them against your other preferences. I will say that some of my friends with less unusual tastes found them both unspeakably weird (but even they loved Tampopo). Continuing the dark fantasy theme, I also enjoy [Nightwatch](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0403358/) but even with it’s weirdness, it’s closer in theme to modern western movies, so look it up first as well. Many of the visuals are stunning, combined with an epicly gray take on morality and the greater good. Swerving back over to comedies, if you want something absurdly fun, but less actiony than Kung Fu Hustle (or if you’ve seen it already), I must mention Shaolin Soccer. But if anything, it’s **more** absurd/weird than KFH, although the [spreading fire of DANCE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UdFRtk41vU) must be seen to believed! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-unique-non-english-language-movies/974540.md?page=2)