As native English speakers, we have access to a lot of media that we often take for granted; much of the world looks to America’s popularity as an indicator of success. As such, it is easy to go through life watching only English-language films and TV, or at least have an easily accessible dub. Yet, not embracing subtitles and the output of other countries leaves a lot of fantastic films behind if you don’t look beyond the few that manage to strike mainstream success.
All these international films are mini-masterpieces, but due to language barriers or distribution issues, they have often flown under the radar. Yet, whether you are looking for drama, horror, romance, or comedy, these films are worth tracking down, especially since this will be the first time many have even heard of them.
Here are 10 great international movies not enough people in America are aware of.
10
‘Blue Spring’ (2001)
Arts Magic
In a rundown Tokyo high school, apathy and violence determine which students rise to the top of the school’s hierarchy. When the leader of the most dominant student gang, Kujo, decides to focus on his education, his once-best friend, Aoki, takes the lead. Feeling betrayed by his friend, Aoki turns up the violence. The lives of several students are affected by this change, with many of them becoming victims of a system that has already given up on them.
The Kids Are Not Alright
A statement on the economic crash that left many Japanese youths facing an uncertain future, Blue Spring is a tragic coming-of-age story where the audience is made to witness the inevitable downfall of several teenagers. Despite its distinct critique of Japanese society, the story of disenfranchised youth and the unfortunate paths they take when not given proper direction is universal. The movie is also highlighted by strong performances, a rocking score, and a visual style that complements its rebellious students.
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9
‘Soul’ (2019)
Netflix
Also known by its original Malay title Roh, Soul follows a single mother living in isolation with her kids in the jungle. This peace is disturbed when an orphaned girl appears to give a prophecy of their impending doom and ends her own life in front of them. The three are soon met by other characters, who only make their future more ambiguous as they try to navigate the curse put upon them.
Finely Crafted Folk Horror From Malaysia
Selected as Malaysia’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards, Soul is a true gem from the often underexplored world of Malaysian cinema. This is a shame, as the movie uses a slow-burn horror approach, steeped in Malay lore, and with visceral violence and ambiguity that would comfortably fit in and stand out in the A24 horror catalog. It gives films like The Witch and The Blackcoat’s Daughter a run for their money, and should be an absolute must-watch for those who enjoyed either of those A24 offerings.
8
‘The Samurai’ (2014)
Artsploitation Films
After a small German town seems to be under attack from a wolf that is killing its dogs and destroying property, timid police officer Jakob is assigned to track it down. When his investigation leads him to a man squatting in an abandoned house, wearing a dress and sporting a samurai sword, Jakob begins to suspect he is involved. As Jakob follows the samurai, the two become more familiar with each other, with the man appearing to help Jakob overcome his timid nature by confronting those who look down on him through violence.
A Samurai Stalks the Residents of a Small German Town
The Samurai, also known as Der Samurai, is a surreal journey of self-discovery disguised as a horror film. The film effortlessly intertwines moments of shocking horror with drama, all presented with an ethereal flow, visuals, and sound design. Like a stylized nightmare, the closest comparison to something more familiar would be the work of Nicolas Winding Refn. Yet, director Till Kleinert’s vision is too distinct to draw a direct comparison. Also, Pit Bukowski’s performance as the samurai will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll.
7
‘Birdboy: The Forgotten Children’ (2015)
Netflix
On a small island once prosperous, a bomb has left its few remaining residents struggling to get by. Among them is the solitary Birdboy, an outcast who is feared by most of the inhabitants, believed to be trafficking drugs into the region. Yet another resident, a young mouse named Dinky, dreams of escaping her home along with Birdboy to give the drug-addicted bird a second shot at life.
A Tragic Yet Cute Animated Film About Mental Health Struggles and Substance Abuse from Spain
This Spanish animated film is certainly not for kids, with the world of Birdboy: The Forgotten Children being one steeped in tragedy, discrimination, violence, poverty, and fractured minds. Birdboy is a silent character, but he fights his inner demons through substance abuse. Meanwhile, Dinky and her friends embark on a journey into the darkest parts of the island, where rats fight to the death over a scrap of copper to scrape by; again, this is not for kids, despite its cute design. The visual direction here is stunning, and the story is deeply contemplative and atmospheric. Not to spoil, but there is a little light at the end of the tunnel on this one as well.
6
‘Helter Skelter’
Asmik Ace Entertainment
Chronicling the rise and fall of the fictional model known as Lilico, Helter Skelter begins with the prized celebrity at the pinnacle of her career, hiding the secret that she is being held together through experimental surgery. As her body begins to decay, she becomes more desperate, and starts manipulating those close to her to sabotage her competition.
Doom and Gloom Never Looked This Fashionable
A surreal story of mental and physical decline, made beautiful with vibrant colors and some of the most glorious fashion ever committed to screen, Helter Skelter has sadly not moved beyond cult status in the West. The movie explores similar themes to the fan-favorite The Substance and is well-deserved of similar accolades. Almost every other scene in the film is a moving piece of art. The performance by Erika Sawajiri is pure perfection. The script offers a deeply engaging critique of the fashion industry, and there is enough sensational violence to appease horror fans; there is a lot to love here.
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5
‘Wetlands’ (2013)
Release Date
August 22, 2013
Runtime
105
Director
David Wnendt
Writers
Claus Falkenberg, David Wnendt, Sabine Pochhammer, Charlotte Roche
Challenging societal norms, eccentric and adventurous Helen has a unique view of her sexuality and hygiene. After she is hospitalized after a shaving incident, she uses this event to try to get her parents, a cleanliness-obsessed and cold matriarch and an awkward and emotionally distant father, back together. At the same time, Helen finds herself falling into the arms of her nurse, Robin. Throughout her hospital stay, Helen is forced to reflect on the events in her life that have shaped her into the person she is.
One Raunchy Dramedy
Wetlands may be the most raunchy tale of self-discovery ever committed to film, with viewers needing to get over some very unhygienic stories of sexual encounters before getting to its more dramatic elements. Wetlands is a fascinating character study first and an outrageous comedy second, but both are integral to its success. Wetlands did receive a degree of notoriety, but it’s far removed from the puritan values of the West, dooming the lewd dramedy to obscurity; it was released without a rating but certainly would have gotten the cursed label of NC-17.
4
‘3-Iron’ (2004)
Silent Tae-suk lives on the fringes of society, surviving by living off people on vacation by squatting in their homes. At the same time, Tae-suk repays his victims by repairing and cleaning their homes. When he is caught by Sun-hwa, who is trapped in an abusive marriage, she becomes obsessed with the man, and the two soon become romantically involved. When Sun-hwa’s husband learns of the relationship, he uses his power to get Tae-suk sent to prison, but the silent thief is soon able to escape.
A Love That Blossoms in the Shadows
Plot aside, 3-iron is more about the ‘vibes,’ as a slow-burn South Korean romance movie with an emphasis on atmosphere. Still, the real highlight of the film comes from Tae-suk learning to shadow people and live their lives alongside others by simply staying behind them and copying their movements. It may sound silly on paper, but in execution, it is wonderfully idyllic and charming.
The movie predates South Korean romance becoming mainstream and may be too unconventional for casual fans. At the same time, the contentious director Kim Ki-Duk, behind the camera, it is unlikely the film will ever have a resurgence from its initial modest following. Still, make no mistake, 3-Iron is one of the most original and meditative romance stories ever made.
3
‘Alleluia’ (2014)
Gloria is a lonely single mother and morgue worker in Belgium who finally decides to start looking for a relationship through online dating. This leads her to meet Michel, a charming shoe salesman whom she soon falls in love with. After a night together, Gloria realizes she has been robbed of her earnings and that Michel is a con artist. Instead of being mad, Gloria becomes obsessed, tracking down Michel and offering to help him. As the two start conning other women, Gloria’s jealousy begins to grow violent.
The Couple That Kills Together, Stays Together
Based on the crimes of the “Lonely Hearts Killers,” which saw a duo targeting victims through local lonely hearts ads, Alleluia is a dark psychological film with a true-crime tint. Belgian Director Fabrice Du Welz has carved out a name among a cult fan base for his disturbing yet distinct films, which explore the darker side of human nature. For those who enjoy gritty, emotionally charged crime stories (and don’t mind some disturbing sequences), Alleluia is a hidden gem.
2
‘Alpha Male’ (2022)
TVP Dystrybucja Kinowa
Polish everyman Piotrek is coaxed by his wife into joining a male self-help group, with his addiction to smoking putting strain on their relationship. It is here he meets the charismatic man known as “The Leader,” who oversees a group of other men with similar problems. As Piotrek goes through a series of absurd rituals, he slowly becomes indoctrinated, being forced to change his views to a male-centric view of the world where women are the enemy.
Alpha Male Con Artists Thrive in Poland
Men have been proven to work well under the guidance of others, and what Alpha Male does so well is acknowledge the importance of these connections while also pointing out how many people take advantage of others through this need. The result is an unassuming man, slowly coming under the spell of a cult leader through a series of absurd mental exercises meant to optimize his manliness.
While this could be cringey, the script here is sharp, and the movie never goes too ridiculous to remove the viewer from the sad truth behind the various mind games played. If Alpha Male were in English instead of Polish, it would have been an instant cult classic; the message is that cleverly and hilariously delivered.
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1
‘Mermaid Legend’ (1984)
ATG
Migiwa works as a pearl diver in a coastal village in Japan, making a modest living while her husband works on the mainland. Her life is turned upside down when her husband is murdered by corrupt officials, sending her spiraling into a deep depression. Yet with revenge in mind, Migiwa meticulously plans her revenge.
Beauty and Violence in a Japanese Seaside Village
Mermaid Legend has seen a recent resurgence in popularity among Japanese movie fans, thanks to its recent increased availability. Still, unless a viewer is actively seeking out Japanese thrillers from the ’80s, there is a good chance they have never heard of it. Mermaid Legend is highlighted by a single-shot action sequence that rivals the brutality and intensity of Old Boy’s hammer scene.
The film certainly gets brutal as Migiwa uses various tools at her disposal to get blood-soaked revenge. However, the film’s violence is underscored by its serene landscape and underwater shots, which give the film moments of idyllic beauty. Mermaid Legend is by the same director of the more infamous Evil Dead Trap. However, those who have seen that bizarre gorefest will discover that director Toshiharu Ikeda is one of the most diverse and understated Japanese directors after seeing Mermaid Legend.
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