All in Foreign

Episode 26 - Life is Beautiful

This week, we watch a movie that takes a uniquely positive spin on the atrocities of the holocaust. Aiming to and arguably achieving the goal of telling a story of unfazed positive outlook on life, this film is somewhat divisive in its decision to potentially lighten the historical events. Life is Beautiful (1996), directed by Roberto Benigni.

BONUS EPISODE - The Boy and The Heron

This week, we watch the newest and likely final Hayao Miyazaki movie. This film was in production for seven years due to a combination of COVID and Miyazaki’s slower working pace due to age. It was well worth the effort in our opinions, as he has possibly created the most beautiful movie in his legendary filmography. The Boy and The Heron (2023), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

REPOST - Tokyo Story

This week, we’re reposting an episode on a film that has come up a lot since we watched it over five years ago, including during our last episode on Past Lives. If a film has stayed in the conversation as long as this one has, it is worth a second look to those who might have missed it.. Tokyo Story (1953), directed by Yasujiro Ozu.

BONUS EPISODE - Three Colours: White

This week, in our art-house drama journey, we delve into 'Three Colors: White' (1994). We spotlight the film's intriguing plot, Julie Delpy's performance, and Kieślowski's celebrated storytelling. Does this second installment of the trilogy resonate differently with our hosts? Explore 'Three Colors: White', another installment of the trilogy directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski.

BONUS EPISODE - Three Colours: Blue

This week, we venture into the emotionally charged world of the first installment in a French trilogy, "Three Colours: Blue" (1993), directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski. We dissect its compelling narrative that intertwines themes of love and loss, focusing on the film's intent, execution, and the thought-provoking elements it unveils. Join us as we navigate the captivating storytelling and distinctive cinematic style in this part of a renowned trilogy.

BONUS EPISODE - Argentina, 1985

This week, we watch the 2023 Oscar nominee for Best International Film from Argentina. This film depicts the historical court case that came after the downfall of those in power during the long run of dictatorships, where the perpetrators of various crimes are tried for accountability. Argentina, 1985 (2022), directed by Santiago Mitre.

BONUS EPISODE - Flee

This week, we continue our Oscar binge with the film from Denmark that is nominated for this year’s Best Foreign Picture, Best Documentary, and Best Animated Film Academy Awards (the first film to ever be nominated for all three of these Oscars). Our review is - this film is amazing, do yourself a favor and put it at the top of your queue. Flee (2021), directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen.

BONUS EPISODE - Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom

This week, we continue our Oscar binge with the film from Bhutan that is nominated for this year’s Best Foreign Picture academy award. Filming at an elevation of approximatly 16,000 feet, this movie utilizes the non-actor population of the mountain town Lunana to create a very simple and nice story about teaching, learning, and the many ways to utilize yak droppings. Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (2021), directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji.

BONUS EPISODE - A Hero

This week, we watch the Grand Prix winner at this years Cannes Film Festival, which is equivalent to second place (first place being last weeks movie, Titane). The writer/director who gave us the dramatic masterpiece A Separation back in 2011 is bound to get the same kind of recognition yet again for this new film. A Hero (2021), directed by Asghar Farhadi.

Episode 55 - The Lives of Others

This week, we watch the Oscar winning drama about Stasi spies in the 80’s. Although this film is a work of fiction, it takes place during a real historical time period, and the fear of the government portrayed by each character was very real for the people of East Germany at the time. The Lives of Others (2006), directed by Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck