I'm from the United States. I
love our domestic dramas, like Take Shelter and Prisoners, but I also
love the international releases -- from South Korea to Denmark. These
foreign dramas tend to travel into territory Hollywood is afraid to
explore. They offer a sense of culture shock, and I love it. So, I've
compiled this list of my favorite foreign dramas, and, to narrow the
scope and have a common denominator, all of these films can be found on
Netflix. Also, some of these films might have elements of other genres
(i.e. a drama-thriller hybrid) blended into them, but the core should be
as dramatic as it gets. And, finally, I haven't seen every foreign
drama on Netflix; if I missed one of your favorites, leave a comment and
I'll check it out.
One final note: I tried to skip the films
everyone lists as their favorites to give this list some originality and
identity. So, some of your popular favorites may be missing from this
list.
The Hunt
Watch it on Netflix!
Read The Hunt (Review) Here!
A
powerful and difficult drama to watch. The film focuses on a man on the
verge of repairing his life only to be brought down by a small lie -- a
molestation accusation from a kindergarten student. Prepare yourself
for one of the most infuriating, saddening, and gripping experiences
ever captured on film.
Pieta
Watch it on Netflix!
Read Pieta (Review) Here!
A
dark and moody drama that follows a vicious young man whose life is
flipped when a woman shows up claiming to be his mother. This is a
multi-layered drama with strong themes and subtle symbolism, and a plot
that leads to a devastating climax.
Graceland
Watch it on Netflix!
Read Graceland (Review) Here!
Graceland
is a low-budget drama-thriller hybrid that travels to uncharted
territory. The film keeps you on edge as it takes you through the
criminal underworld of child trafficking, and it keeps you there until
it reaches its twisted climax.
Ocean's Heaven
Watch it on Netflix!
Jet Li offers a more sentimental role in this powerful drama about life, death, and family -- it doesn't dwell in complete darkness, as there is some light in this film.
Biutiful
Watch it on Netflix!
Read Biutiful (Review) Here!
In
a sense, this is a beautiful film about life, death, and relationships
-- it's painful, saddening, depressing, and even haunting, but
beautiful. This is especially effective for those that have been
affected by terminal illness.
A Hijacking
Watch it on Netflix!
Read A Hijacking (Review) Here!
Moving
slightly away from bleak and depressing, A Hijacking is a
drama/thriller hybrid. It features a level of realism most films don't
reach, and some authentic, gut-wrenching suspense.
Floating City
Watch it on Netflix!
Read Floating City (Review) Here!
Beautiful
in both narrative and aesthetics, Floating City is a captivating drama
about life, family, sacrifice and discrimination, and it's equally
inspirational, triumphant, and reassuring.
Masquerade
Watch it on Netflix!
Read Masquerade (Review) Here!
An
immersive and authentic historical piece, Masquerade delivers a
powerful, dramatic tale. Masquerade becomes more effective as it
masterfully blends drama and comedy, as well as its subtle yet
noticeable political undertones.
Aftershock
Watch it on Netflix!
A
raw, emotional disaster drama. The disaster is difficult to watch and
effective, but Aftershock differentiates itself by focusing on the
difficulty of rebuilding one's life after a disaster -- which can be a
disaster on its own.
Hara-Kiri (2011)
Watch it on Netflix!
Takashi
Miike helms this remake and creates a beautiful but poignant tale; a
technical piece of art, and a classic narrative told for modern
audiences.
Love foreign films? Love Netflix? Enjoy this list? Have friends? (Of course you do!) Why don't you share this posts on Twitter, Google+, Facebook, and anything else you use by using the social media buttons in the gray rectangle below. While you're at it, follow me on Twitter @JonathanCA_KMR for updates! Thanks for reading!
No comments:
Post a Comment