The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland List: Best International Feature Winners

How often do you sit there thinking about what to watch? You might have an endless watchlist that keeps piling up (I certainly have one myself). Sometimes you are just in the mood for a type of film or a certain filmmaker or actor and want to take yourself into a deep dive. As someone who watches so many movies, I have people asking me for recommendations all the time. One of the best feelings as a cinephile is recommending a film and that person loves it. Take this wealth of cinematic knowledge and experience and enjoy some recommendations on me. Genre. Subgenre. Filmmaker. Actor. Composer. Writer. Genre. Story. Trope. Cliché. Any other cinematic elements or them. Here is The Wasteland List:   

Best International Feature Winners

Bicycle Thieves (1948)

What makes this Vittorio De Sica so engrossing and authentic? This Italian drama features a cast full of amateur performers who craft genuine characters impacted by real effects. The father and son dynamic is so powerful at the core of it.

Rashomon (1950)

What makes this such an influential masterpiece from Akira Kurosawa? The nonlinear approach and presenting the actions of the narrative from different perspectives is such a bold and impactful approach. The cast is excellent as well and Kurosawa’s direction is breathtaking as the mystery of a murder is explored in feudal Japan.

Nights of Cabiria (1956)

Do you know how charismatic Giulietta Masina was? Her role as Cabiria is one of the most engaging and charming performances of all time in this Federico Fellini film. A sex worker wandering the streets and getting up to shenanigans one night makes for such a fun and dramatic experience.

The Virgin Spring (1959)

Which of Ingmar Bergman’s masterpieces deserves more attention? The Virgin Spring is a harrowing tragedy that features the destruction of innocence through the gorgeous veil of Bergman’s cinematic vision. Max Von Sydow leads an incredible cast that brings so much emotion to the experience.

Cinema Paradiso (1988)

What is the most powerful expression of love in the history of cinema? Italian filmmaker Guiseppe Tornatore crafted an endearing epic of love and cinema for the young Toto. Ennio Morricone’s score might be the most beautiful and affecting composition in the history of cinema.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

How did Ang Lee elevate the martial arts genre to an international and award’s darling? Crouching Tiger is one of the most gorgeous looking and refined films in the genre as it delivers some of the greatest action and practical effects put on film. The likes of Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh lead a stellar cast who deliver cinema magic as well.

The Lives of Others (2006)

What is the most paranoia-driven thriller this side of The Conversation? Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck directed The Lives of Others with so much tension and intensity as it explores a voyeuristic experience and the long arm of surveillance. Ulrich Muhe also delivers an incredible performance that is a must see.

A Separation (2011)

Are you ready for a different kind of “Marriage Story”? Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi brings his own experiences and culture into a tense and dramatic narrative about the fracturing of marriage. Payman Maadi and Leila Hatami deliver a dynamic pair who struggle with their own hopes and needs which set their marriage on a dangerous course.

A Fantastic Woman (2017)

What is a film timelier than ever? The trans story at the core of A Fantastic Woman is a powerful one that echoes the prejudice that people have to a whole group of people who just want to live their true lives. Daniela Vega delivers a star-making performance at the heart of Sebastian Lelio’s vibrant and powerful film.

Parasite (2019)

What is the most successful winner of this award ever? It is hard to argue with Bong Joon-ho and Parasite when it won four Oscars including Best Picture. Joon-ho’s darkly comedic thriller digs deep into the world of class struggle with plenty of bold filmmaking and killer performances (including Song Kang-ho’s stellar leading turn).

Another Round (2020)

Do you think it is a good idea to go through your day slightly buzzed? That is the wild premise that opens the door for an incredibly human experience in Thomas Vinterberg’s engrossing drama. Mads Mikkelsen leads an impressive cast while also delivering a physical performance at the end that just might be the most cathartic ending in all of film.

Drive My Car (2021)

How should you combine “epic” and “intimate” as a filmmaker? Just look at the excellent work of Ryusuke Hamaguchi and his towering achievement in Drive My Car. This is a tale of artistry, loss, and the human condition through the impressive work of Hamaguchi and Hidetoshi Nishijima.