Learning a language is no easy task, but it is incredibly worthwhile. After the Languages Week assembly on Monday, where Year 13s spoke about their links to different languages, it became even more evident that the WHS community is full of different cultures. While most people look to Duolingo to learn a language, there are many other strategies that can be used. My favourite is watching films. Read on for my top recommendations for my top non-English films!
The Academy Award for Best International Feature Film has been awarded at every Oscars ceremony since 1956. Film festivals such as TIFF and Cannes are places where ‘foreign’ cinema reigns supreme. In a world increasingly anglophone, celebrating international cinema is essential to ensure Hollywood does not overpower non-Western productions. As the director of Parasite, Bong Joon-ho, famously stated, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” So let this article be a way for you to take your first step over the hurdle that is subtitled cinema, and begin enjoying all that these movies have to offer.
1– Ma vie de Courgette (PG) – Switzerland, France
My first suggestion is an easy and heartwarming watch: Ma vie de Courgette. This Franco-Swiss animation clocks in at only 66 minutes, making it a perfect short introduction into international cinema. It follows a young boy called Courgette as he journeys through grief, belonging, and new friendships in a children’s home. It is a PG film, so perfect for all ages of WHS students.
2– La Haine (15) – France
La Haine is part of the A-Level French curriculum, but don’t let this fool you. It is one of the most engaging and well-shot films I have ever seen. It exposes the bleak conditions of France’s banlieue (housing estates on the outskirts of Paris) and centers on 24 hours in the life of three young men. While it is a powerful social commentary on racism and marginalisation, it is also funny and enjoyable to watch. As a result, La Haine is considered a masterpiece by film lovers all around the world. If there is one movie you watch from this article, I’d say La Haine is THE international film to add to your watchlist as soon as you can.
3— Les Misérables (15) – France
Do not confuse this with the West End musical! Les Misérables was released in 2019, with a plot worryingly similar to La Haine. Despite this, it works well on its own and doesn’t feel like a cheap copy of the 1995 thriller. It follows a band of tweens and three police officers in the Parisian banlieue over two days. It is riveting and tense, but definitely a watch for older pupils due to violence.
4– Sentimental Value (15) – Norway
Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier, won countless awards: 9 nominations at the Oscars and a win in Best International Feature film; the Grand Prix at Cannes Film Festival; 8 nominations at the Golden Globes; and a crazy sweep at the European Film Awards where it won six total awards. As you can see, it is a well-acclaimed film and for good reason. It has absolutely stellar performances from the whole cast, amazing direction, and a compelling script. The plot follows two estranged sisters, Nora and Agnes, as they reunite with their neglectful father, Gustav. He is filming what will probably be his last movie ever, wanting to cast Nora and use their childhood home as the filming location. This film is sad and tender, and the needle drop at the end is absolutely delightful.
5– La chimera (15) – Italy
Next, La chimera. This stars Josh O’Connor (Challengers, Wake Up Dead Man) as an ex-archeologist turned tomb raider in 1980s Italy. O’Connor learned Italian from scratch in order to give a compelling performance. La chimera relies on a loose narrative style rather than a fast-moving traditional Hollywood plot, so perhaps it is more well-suited to the more seasoned film watchers among you.
Honourable mentions:
1– Intouchables (15) – France
Those of you studying French will have probably already seen snippets of this film, but it is a great family watch. It tells the true story of a wealthy disabled aristocrat and his caregiver. It’s very funny and heartwarming – a great introduction to French and international cinema.
2– Life is Beautiful (PG) – Italy
I remember watching this when I was very young but it still sticks out in my memory. It’s set during the second World War and follows a father trying to shield his son from the Holocaust. It is definitely a sad watch but a pillar of international cinema.
If any of these movies stand out to you, give them a go! Whatever you do, always watch them subbed, not dubbed. Subtitles are not something to be feared – as soon as you start watching non-English films, you’ll never look back. Happy Languages Week!
