Pop Culture Buzz

1.) Amelie

“Amelie” is a 2001 French film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and starring the fabulous Audrey Tautou. “Amelie” is a whimsical and creative depiction of contemporary Parisian life, set in Montmartre. It tells the story of a shy waitress who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better.

The blending of fantasy elements and special effects through Amelie’s daydreams is brilliant. Audrey Tatou gives one of the sweetest performances in years as the title character. This film will make you fall in love with Paris and keep your faith in love alive. This is one of the purest most original romantic movies of all time, hands down!

2.) Run Lola Run

“Run Lola Run” is a 1998 film by Tom Tykwer, starring Franka Potente as Lola. The film is set against the gritty urban scenescape of Berlin and has a pounding techno soundtrack. The film is a frenetic, inventive thriller that explores the life-altering impact of seemingly inconsequential actions.

The director of “Run Lola Run” tells the plot three times with cunning variations that are executed like a masterful music video. This fast paced rollercoaster ride is wickedly inventive and it will keep you in its grip until the last frames. I also recommend fans of electronic dance music to check out the classic dance heavy soundtrack.

3.) Ma Vie En Rose (”My Life In Pink”)

“Ma Vie En Rose” (”My Life in Pink”) is a 1997 Belgian film directed by Alain Berliner. It tells the story of a boy named Ludovic, who was born in a male body despite having a female gender identity. The film shows the struggle over gender identity he and his family go through in such a painfully realistic way.

The filmmakers and actors of this film have created one of the most authentic, touching households ever put on film. Even though some parts of this movie are harsh and sad, it has just the right recipe to leave a smile on your face.

4.) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

This Academy Award winning Chinese-language film (featuring the “Wuxia” martial arts style) was released in 2000 and was directed by Ang Lee. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and was nominated for six other Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Made on a mere US $15 million budget this film became a surprise international success. It grossed $128 million in the United States alone becoming the highest-grossing foreign-language film in American history. This movie is one of those films you can re-watch over and over again.

5.) Like Water For Chocolate

“Like Water for Chocolate” is a 1991 film based on the popular novel, published in 1989 by first-time Mexican novelist Laura Esquivel. When “Like Water For Chocolate” was released it slowly became the highest grossing foreign film ever released in the United States at the time.

“Like Water For Chocolate” is a funny, touching, sumptuous, and incredibly romantic ode to the joys of love and food that is a rare treat for movie lovers who have not seen it. The book is also a terrific and fulfilling read that, just like the film, is peppered with fantastic authentic Mexican recipes.

6.) Pan’s Labyrinth

“Pan’s Labyrinth” is an Academy Award-winning Spanish language fantasy film written and directed by Mexican film-maker Guillermo del Toro. The movie takes place in a dual setting: in the “real world” the story is set in Spain during the turbulent period shortly after the Spanish Civil War.

The main character Ofelia wins over your heart within the first few moments of this film. And much like Alice down the rabbit hole this trippy fantasy has just as many dark moments as it does fantastical creatures and worlds. This film is not only a dark thrilling war time epic, but a great fantasy film for the ages.

7.) Life Is Beautiful

“Life Is Beautiful” is a 1997 Italian language film which tells the story of a Jewish Italian, (played by Roberto Benigni, who also directed and co-wrote the film), who must learn how to use his imagination to help his son survive their internment in a Nazi concentration camp.

This movie is not for the faint of heart and for those who are sensitive to heavy subject matter. Roberto Benigni won the Academy Award for Best Actor and Best Foreign Film for this tender and uplifting tale of hope and loss. Make sure you have lots of Kleenex when you watch this one folks!

8.) Persepolis

“Persepolis” is a 2007 award-winning animated film based on Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel of the same name. The film was written and directed by Satrapi with Vincent Paronnaud. It is currently nominated for a 2007 Best Animated Feature Length Film by The Academy (which it will lose to “Ratatouille”).

This heartbreaking and crisp black and white animated feature is a one of a kind masterpiece. Fusing real world history and pop culture references “Persepolis” gives insight into a time in history many Americans have no clue about. This fill will enlighten and charm fans of both animation and foreign cinema.

9.) Y Tu Mama Tambien

“Y Tu Mama Tambien” (literally translates to “and your mom, too”) is a 2001 Mexican film written by Carlos Cuarón and directed by Alfonso Cuarón. “Y Tu Mama Tambien” was a big critical and financial success and was also nominated for the 2002 Academy Award for Original Screenplay.

The film is a coming-of-age story about two teenage boys taking a road trip with a woman in her late twenties is a smart, steamy mix of road movie, coming-of-age story and political satire. Anyone with a passion for cinema, and indeed sex, should see this sexy and moving movie as soon as possible.

10.) All About My Mother

“All About My Mother” is a 1999 Spanish film written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The film deals with complex issues such as AIDS, transvestitism, sexual identity, gender, religion and faith but with Almodovar’s classic tragicomedy touch and dark humor.

“All About My Mother” is an affecting, wonderfully acted, but oddly quaint drama filled with marvelous performances, fabulous wit, and some dizzying images. By the time I was done watching this movie in the theater for the first time I was in love and wanted to see it again.

RUNNERS UP: “Kung Fu Hustle”, “The Sea Inside”, “The City of Lost Children”, “Spirited Away”, “The Host”, “Volver”, “La Vie En Rose”, “Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down”