Stocking Stuffers for the Foreign Film Buff

Foreign Films are often overlooked in surveys of the best films. Overlooked for best drama, best comedy, and best romantic comedy. Most foreign films that arrive on US shores are frankly not half as good as those that do not. They are sometimes celebrated at Venice or Cannes, but mostly underpromoted in the US. Here is a list of ten outstanding films that were produced abroad in the last decade. Great stocking stuffers as dvds for your foreign film buff. Must sees for anyone who is a fan of great film.

1. Valentin (2002) Argentina. An 8 year old boy is abandoned by his mother and his abusive father and living with his poor grandmother. He is one very clever and likeable kid who manages to make friends with his father's new girlfriend. Many laughs but also tears. Kleenex alert.

2. Kitchen Stories (2003) Norway. You have to watch this film two times to "get it". The first time you watch you will be so bored or confused you might turn it off. The second time you will laugh very hard and cry too. Subtle incredibly honest and beautiful film. Soundtrack is so good it hurts even if you have never been exposed to Swedish jazz before.. Kleenex alert.

3. The Downfall (2004) Germany. Hitler's last days in his bunker in Berlin. Not what you expect. Incredibly and brilliantly acted by actors you have never seen before. I had to watch it several times it was that good. Partly written by Joachim Fest who is undeniably the world authority on this subject. Huge Kleenex alert for unexpected heart tugger not about Hitler himself.

4.Xizao (Shower) (2000) China. Made in 1999 but not released untll 2000 it is one of the most beautifully and briliantly crafted films ever made. The story of a young man who thinks his father has died and then finds him hard at work in his bath house. Many life lessons. Many tears. Bring Kleenex.

5. Volver (2006) Spain Brilliant cast, meticulously directed, incredible cinematography. I almost thought this was Miss Cruz best film until I saw what she did in Italy. Volver is complicated but entertaining and you will love it. Many have called this film a masterpiece for Almodovar, but I don't think so. The better came later,after 2006 (Broken Embraces)

6.The Sea Inside (2004) Spain. Bardem. an actor who is not only great to look at, happens to be a genius as well. An unparalleled performance, based on a true story, about a paralyzed man who fights for death for 30 years. Kleenix and conscience alert. Incredible Bardem.

7. Osama (2004). Afghanistan.. No, its not a documentary about the crazed terrorist. It is the first film to come out of Afghanistan since the Taliban occupation and is about a 12 year old girl and her mother who are trying to attempt to survive under the regime. Startling.

8. The Unknown Woman (2006) Italy. Tragic, suspenseful, gripping mystery. One of the best films of the decade that you have never heard of.

9. Murderous Maids (2000) France. Fact based film based on the incestuous and murderous Papin sisters. Intense, disturbing and extremely well done. Must see, but be forewarned you will never forget this film as it is that dark and that haunting.

10. Don't Move (2004). Italy. Castellitto's masterpiece both as director and actor. based on a novel written by his wife, Margaret Mazzantini. If you see no other film this decade, see this one. It will make you completely rethink what you consider quality in a film. Perhaps one of the best films made Or at least one of the best films made in a very very long time.