With so many people indoors and practising social distancing to combat the Coronavirus, the itch to travel is strong. While travel is advised against in most areas of the world, that doesn’t mean you can’t still experience a different culture. By watching foreign films, you are able to break the barriers of language, cultural differences and distance all from your couch. From Soviet-era dramedies to charming Parisian films, there’s something on this list for everyone. Here are seven foreign films you should watch while in self-isolation.
Foreign Films To Watch In Self Isolation
1. Goodbye Lenin!
This German favourite takes place in berlin just months before the fall of the Berlin Wall. It follows Alex Kerner, an avid West supporter who is living with his mother, a loyal party member. After an unexpected accident, he must go to great lengths to keep his mother from having a literal heart attack over the dissolution of East Germany. It’s funny, it’s sweet, and it’s a sobering look at life in East Germany pre and post-Soviet Union.
2. Amelie
Amelie is an adorable French film following the life of a quirky waitress. Determined to spread happiness and joy in the lives of others, she goes to great lengths to solve their problems. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about herself, life and the world as a whole.
3. Parasite
By now everyone has heard of South Korea’s award-winning dark comedy, Parasite. This quadruple Oscar-winning film is a thought-provoking dialogue on class, wealth and tragedy. It follows the lives of a small family living in poverty who make it their mission to infiltrate the lives of a wealthy family to make more money. In order to do this, they must risk it all.
4. Le Grande Belleza
Le Grande Belleza is a brilliant Italian story about how an elderly writer begins to change his view on The Eternal City. It follows his endeavours from lavish parties to admiring the ancient city of Rome. It’s about finding beauty within and outside of yourself, where you least expect it.
5. ROMA
This black and white 2018 Mexican masterpiece follows the life of a maid in 1970’s Mexico City. Cleo is young, innocent and right on the edge of the rest of her life when she gets pregnant. Simultaneously, the house runs into domestic problems all the while Mexico City is dealing with a history of its own.
6. Au Revoir Les Enfants
Au Revoir Les Enfants is a glaring look at childhood, friendship and tragedy in Nazi-occupied France. This equally tear-jerking and heartwarming film follows the life of a young Jewish boy named Julien. Attending Catholic school as a disguise from being Jewish, he must overcome the obstacles of his secret.
7. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Arguably one of the best and most epic foreign films of all time, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon cannot be missed. This romance slash action slash drama tells the story of 18th century China. After a mysterious and powerful sword named Green Destiny, is stolen, Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien embark on an adventure to find it.