It should come as no surprise that one of the best parts of life is travelling the world. But given the harsh reality of 2020, international travel looks less and less likely every single day.
And as vacation periods pass us by, and we long for a summer in the French countryside or a boat ride around Capri, it can be hard to see past the seemingly never ending restrictions.
Enter: foreign language films.
Since we can’t leave the country just yet, why not pack your bags and jet set via your television screen? Dive into the world of another culture, and take in the sights and sounds of a country far from home, all without the need for your passport.
Looking for some escapism from the comfort of your couch? Below, we’ve rounded up 18 of the best foreign films that are sure to take you far, far away.
Parasite (2019)
Language: Korean
Directed by Bong Joon-Ho, Parasite is a must-watch for any cinephile. The Academy-award winning film is a black comedy and thriller that follows the members of an unemployed family who try to deceive a wealthier family in order to become their employees. However, their lives are suddenly plagued with increased paranoia, jealousy and intimacy. Parasite is filled with the intricate details and skill, and offers a look into the distinction between levels of wealth in Korea.
Watch it here.
Roma (2018)
Language: Spanish
Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma follows a year in the life of a maid to a middle class family in Mexico City in the 1970s. The film combines the theatrics of everyday life with monumental political upheaval. Filmed in black and white, it is a breathtaking drama which subtly yet vividly transports you into the time and place of Mexico City.
Watch it here.
Life Is Beautiful (1997)
Language: Italian
Directed by Robert Benigni, who also leads the film, Life Is Beautiful follows Guido, a charming but bumbling waiter who has created a beautiful life for his young family. Filmed in Italy during World War II, his happy life is threatened by the war, and he must rely on his imagination and sense of humour to save his beloved wife and son from an unthinkable fate.
Watch it here.
L’Auberge Espagnole (2002)
Language: Spanish/French
For those who have studied or lived abroad, finding L’Auberge Espagnole is the equivalent of finding gold. Known as The Spanish Inn in English, the film follows a French student, Xavier, who travels to Barcelona in search of himself. Cooped up in a beautiful apartment with six other contemporaries—all from different countries—Xavier wades through the muddy waters of cohabitation with men and women who don’t share his customs or language. If you’re desperate to travel, this one’s for you.
Watch it here.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Language: Mandarin
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon follows a politician’s daughter who steals a legendary warrior’s precious sword. Because of her actions, a sequence of events is triggered to recover the sword, which leads to a deadly encounter with the thief’s witch-like minder. Directed by Ang Lee, the film received four Academy Awards and offers a scenic look into rural China.
Watch it here.
Portrait Of A Lady On Fire (2019)
Language: French
One of the best reviewed films of 2019, Portrait Of A Lady On Fire is an intimate and deeply-affecting period drama about freedom, love and desire. Set in the French countryside, the film follows painter Marianne who is commissioned to paint a wedding portrait of Héloïse without her knowing. Marianne disguises herself as her companion to get closer to her subject observing by day and secretly painting at night.
Watch it here.
Atlantics (2019)
Language: Wolof/French
Created by first-time Senegalese director Mati Diop, Atlantics follows Ada who is in love with Souleimane, a young construction worker—but she has been promised to another man. One night, Souleimane and his co-workers disappear at sea, however they come back to haunt their old neighbourhood by taking possession of the girlfriends they left behind. Set in Senegal, the film not only showcases the city of Dakar, but also showcases the real problems faced by real women all over the world.
Watch it here.
Amélie (2001)
Language: French
A French classic, Amelié is one of the most popular showcases of Paris to ever exist. The visually stunning film follows the mischievous Amélie who finds a trove of toys hidden for 40 years behind a baseboard in her apartment. She sets out to find the owner but her impulse of generosity sparks more benevolent acts, and along the way, she discovers love.
Watch it here.
Russian Ark (2002)
Language: Russian
Alexander Sokurov’s Russian Ark is simply an unprecedented feat of 21st Century cinema. The film is purely an uninterrupted shot lasting for the entire film, weaving in and out of the stunning rooms of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum and royal Winter Palace. However, behind this filmmaking marvel lurks a magnificent ghost story about Russia’s detachment from its own history.
Watch it here.
I’m Not Scared (2003)
Language: Italian
Set in the picturesque countryside of a small town in Italy in 1978, I’m Not Scared follows 9-year-old Michele finds a young boy in a deep hole in the ground, while on a bike ride with friends. Terrified of what he has seen, Michele decides not to tell his father. After returning to the scene, Michele discovers that the boy is still alive and being held captive. Michele continues to keep his secret as he makes several visits to the boy, who has no memory of the events leading up to his captivity.
Watch it here.
Dear Ex (2018)
Language: Mandarin
When a widow finds out that her late husband bequeathed all his money to his free-spirited lover, she takes her teenage son on a wild journey to get what she thinks she deserves. What ensues is a highly complicated, and highly captivating love triangle. Be prepared to laugh, cry and take in the sights of Taiwan.
Watch it here.
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
Language: Hindi
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara follows three friends take a trip to Spain as part of their pre-wedding festivities. However, what was supposed to be a rowdy party turns into a heartfelt journey where old wounds are healed and personal demons are faced. Having won a lot of International awards, the film is sure to have you dreaming of your next holiday.
Watch it here.
Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
Language: Hindi
Yet another Bollywood classic, Kal Ho Naa Ho is sure to give you a good cry. The film follows Naina, who finds a new meaning to her life when she meets Aman. Even though she loves him, Aman claims to be a married man and convinces Rohit, her friend, to woo her. If you’re a fan flicks like The Notebook and A Walk To Remember, you’ll be sure to love this.
Watch it here.
La Dolce Vita (1960)
Language: Italian/English
One of the greatest classics in cinematic history, Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita is the perfect mental escape for lovers of Italy. It follows Marcello, a young playboy and jaded journalist who spends his days between celebrities and rich people. But when a famous film star comes to Rome, he does everything he can to meet her, and when he does, he is totally charmed by her. Pop a Prosecco, sit back and enjoy.
Watch it here.
Pierrot Le Fou (1965)
Language: French
If there’s one iconic French movie that should be on your must-watch list, it’s Jean-Luc Godard’s Pierrot Le Fou. The 1965 classic follows Fernand as he hits the road with Marianne, a student he once loved. As the couple travel through the breathtaking French countryside, their trip quickly turns to the chase as a group of gangsters that Marianne seems to be mixed up with, continuously tracks them.
Watch it here.
Y Tu Mamá También (2001)
Language: Spanish
Two teenagers road trip across Mexico with an older woman who they’ve convinced to join them on their journey across Mexico. Nominated for an Oscar for best original screenplay and best foreign language film at the Golden Globes, it’s a classic for a reason.
Watch it here.
Okja (2017)
Language: Korean
In yet another masterpiece by Bong Joon-Ho, Okja follows young Mija who has been caretaker and constant companion to Okja—a massive animal and an even bigger friend—at her home in the mountains of South Korea. But when a multinational conglomerate takes Okja for themselves and transports her to New York, an intent, Mija sets out on a rescue mission.
Watch it here.
Hors De Prix (2006)
Language: French
Set in a coastal city in France, a shy bartender is mistaken for a millionaire by a beautiful, scheming opportunist named Irene. When Irene discovers his true identity, she abandons him, but he doesn’t let her go. If you’re dreaming of your next French rendezvous, Hors De Prix is the perfect watch.
Watch it here.
