The world of cinema, as big and beautiful as it seems, is even more massive than one can imagine, with movies being shot and directed around the globe. While films within the country find their audience easily, global cinema deserves all the recognition, too, having produced some of the finest films with unique filmmaking styles and storytelling. Some of these movies have inspired Hollywood remakes and are studied in film schools to date.
1. Rashomon (1950)
Directed by Akira Kurosawa, among the most revered filmmakers in the world, Rashomon is a Japanese period film based on a short story. It revolves around various characters, all of whom describe a particular event that transpired. The twist here is that each one of them retells the event in a different way, which reflects their true nature and challenges the flow of the narrative. This format even gave rise to a plot device called the “Rashomon effect,” in which different characters describe a certain event in their own version. Rashomon won several accolades when it was released, including an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1952.
2. Pather Panchali (1955)
Set in the early 20th century, Pather Panchali is a Bengali-language Indian film directed by Satyajit Ray. It is the first movie in the Apu trilogy, followed by Aparajito and Apur Sansar. Pather Panchali revolves around a little boy named Apu and his struggles with the harsh realities of poverty. The movie is highly admired for its depiction of life and realism, as well as the way it is shot—at real locations with natural lighting. The movie got several nominations and awards, including the Best Human Document award at the Cannes Film Festival.
3. Cinema Paradiso (1988)
This film is highly admired for the emotions it invokes. Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, Cinema Paradiso is an Italian film that revolves around the life of a little boy, Salvatore, and how he became one of the most popular film directors. The film focuses on Salvatore’s friendship with the projectionist of a cinema hall called Cinema Paradiso. The film won quite a few awards, including an Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA, in the categories of the best international and foreign language films.
4. Amélie (2001)
This is a light-hearted, romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. It is a French film centered around its quirky lead character—Amélie, and her determination to help people find happiness. Meanwhile, she keeps wandering in her imagination and fantasies to deal with her own loneliness. The movie beautifully portrays how people can find joy and contentment in the simplest things. Along with that, audiences especially love Audrey Tautou’s brilliant performance in the titular role.
5. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
There are movies that are fantastical and those that are realistic, and then, there is Pan’s Labyrinth, which strikes the perfect combination of the two while also depicting the horrors of war. Directed by Guillermo Del Toro, this 2006 Spanish film revolves around the life of a little girl named Ofelia, who finds a mysterious, magical labyrinth. Meanwhile, Ofelia also witnesses the horrors of the Spanish Civil War as she is stuck with her new stepfather, an officer serving in the war. Along with its exceptional story and screenplay, the movie was applauded for its art direction and makeup, winning an Academy Award for both.
6. Oldboy (2003)
Directed by Park Chan-wook, Oldboy is a South Korean thriller film. It revolves around the story of a man, Oh Dae-Su, who has been held captive for a long time and is on a quest to find the ones responsible for it. The film’s plot, direction, and acting have been appreciated by audiences around the world. Among the several accolades Oldboy won, one is a BIFA for the Best Foreign Language Independent Film, and another is the Cannes’ Grand Prix. The film also inspired a Hollywood remake of the same name starring Josh Brolin.
7. City of God (2002)
Originally known as Cidade De Deus (in Portuguese), City of God is a Brazilian crime drama directed by Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lund. The film revolves around the development of organized crime developed in Rio De Janeiro. It is largely based on a novel by Paolo Lins but also derives a lot of its story from real events. City of God was nominated for several Academy Awards and even won a BAFTA for Best Editing.
8. Bicycle Thieves (1948)
Set in the post-World War II period, Bicycle Thieves is an Italian drama film directed by Vittorio De Sica. It follows the story of Antonio Ricci, a poor man whose bicycle gets stolen on the first day of his job. Then, along with his son, Antonio sets out on a journey to find the bicycle thieves and get justice for what happened to him. Bicycle Thieves has earned a lot of recognition and respect for its themes of poverty and the love that Antonio has for his family. The film was released in 1948 but is revered by film enthusiasts to date. It has also won several awards, including an Honorary Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language Film, as well as a BAFTA.