Ten Great Canadian Films

When it comes to film it seems that Hollyood North often gets overlooked here in the United States. The truth is Canada has a lot to offer any movie buff. Here are some of the greatest Canadian films from the past few decades:

The Saddest Music in the World (2003)

Director Guy Maddin makes films like no other contemporary director. His films (like 1992's Careful and 2007's My Winnipeg) have a grainy 1920's feel and surreal plotting. The Saddest Music in the World is no exception. Set in Winnipeg during the Great Depression, this features great performances by Mark McKinney and Isabella Rossellini, the latter a beer baroness offering a reward to the nation with the titular saddest music.

The Sweet Hereafter (1997)

This film, directed by Atom Egoyan and starring Ian Holm Sarah Polley, is a Canadian classic. The Sweet Hereafter is set in a small British Columbia town and deals with the aftermath of a fatal school bus crash. More than just a film about loss and scandal, The Sweet Hereafter achieves something more entirely. It was a critical success both in Canada and abroad and remains one of the greatest Canadian films.

Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006)

Okay, so this may not be quite as dramatic and pedigreed as some of the other offerings on this list, but Bon Cop, Bad Cop is a great Canadian film. This comedy-thriller models other films in the buddy-cop genre, but is inherently different in that it uses the cultural differences between English Canadians and Québécois as a crux for much of the humor. There are few people outside of Canada who could get all of the cultural references (I know more than a few have been lost on me), but the film is hilarious and well-paced nonetheless.

The Decline of the American Empire (1986)

This comedy/drama from Quebec is probably not for everyone. The film focuses on eight academics (four men and four women) who gather for a dinner party. Most of the film revolves around the conversations that the group of men have and the group of women have, finally coming to conflict at the dinner. This film is notable for its candor and humor, a great Canadian film.

Away from Her (2006)

This is the film that is probably most familiar to American audiences, having been released internationally to wide acclaim and having multiple award nominations to its name. Sarah Polley directs this devastating look at Alzheimer's starring Julie Christie and Gordon Pinset. This is definitely a film worth watching, if you haven't seen it already.

Atanarjaut: The Fast Runner (2001)

This amazing Canadian film is the retelling of an ancient Inuit legend and is the first feature-length film to be written and performed entirely in Inukitut, the Inuit language. The story may be an old one, but the characters come fully to life in this incredible movie. This film definitely qualifies as one of the greatest Canadian films.

The Changeling (1980)

This is one of my all-time favorite horror films. Even though it is set in the United States, it was filmed almost entirely in Canada by a Canadian production company, making it one of the best Canadian films. The Changeling is a classic haunted house film and may be the best of example of that trope. This film is supposedly based on a real haunted house where the author once lived.

Jesus of Montreal (1989)

This film is considered by many to be one of the best examples of Canadian film-making. Jesus of Montreal centers on a troupe of actors hired by the Roman Catholic church to perform a passion play. The actors interpret the life of Jesus in a unique way which doesn't sit well with the church. To say anything more about how the film plays out would give too much away. Let's just say that this is a Canadian film that is a must-see for any movie lover.

Thirty Two Short Films about Glenn Gould (1993)

This Canadian film is exactly what its title suggests. Instead of one long narrative film, this one is broken up into thirty-two short (between one minute and six minutes each) films about the life of piano prodigy Glenn Gould. This film is stylistically unique and well-done, making it one of the greatest Canadian films.

Mon oncle Antoine (1971)

Considered by many to be the greatest Canadian film of all time, Mon oncle Antoine is set during the Asbestos strike of the 1940's in rural Quebec during the Christmas season. The film focuses on a 15 year old boy coming of age in a small mining town. This French-language film is subtle and gorgeous, and definitely worth watching for anyone with an appreciation for great film.

Sources:
IMDB. Internet Movie Database.