Movies are a great way to escape your troubles. They transport you to the past and the future, or let you stay in the present. Movies allow you to visit foreign countries and get a glimpse of different cultures around the world, and let you enjoy amazing special effects. The beauty of international films, specifically, is that they give you an authentic look at these cultures, all while telling heartwarming, funny and entertaining stories. Below you will find six of my favorite international movies. Most of them can be found on Netflix or on Amazon.
1. The Beauty Inside
This South Korean film will make you laugh, cry and feel all the feels. It centers around a man who has a different body every time he wakes up (he can wake up as either gender). Except for his one friend and his mom who know his secret, he has no relationships with other people. Spoiler alert (minor): this is a love story, but if you’re not into that, you should still watch it. It’s really really good. You can find this movie on Netflix.
2. Amelie
This French film is quirky and funny, and you’ve probably already watched it on Netflix because it’s pretty well known. However, I still included it, for those people who have never heard of it. The movie is about Amelie, who finds a box of old toys inside the wall of her apartment, and decides to find the owner to return his childhood toys to him.
3. Instructions Not Included
This heartwarming film from Mexico is about a man who finds a girl left on his doorstep. While trying to find her mother, the two form a bond that changes them both for the better. This movie might make you cry; it made me cry a lot. However, it was still really funny and worth watching. You can find this movie on Netflix.
4. Whisper of the Heart
This Japanese animated film centers around a middle school girl who reads constantly. She starts to realize that all the books she’s reading have been read by the same person before her. While trying to find the person who’s name is written on all of these books, the girl begins to learn more about herself and what she hopes to achieve in life. While this movie is not on Netflix, you can find it on Amazon. It is also available at stores like Target and Walmart.
5. Life is Beautiful
This World War II era Italian film is about a Jewish-Italian family that gets split apart through concentration camps. Despite the serious theme of the movie, the film is still very comical and lighthearted – plus the little kid is adorable. This film is also unavailable on Netflix, but it is available to stream on Amazon Video.
6. Old Boy
This film is also a South Korean movie, however, it is a completely different genre than “The Beauty Inside.” If you’re into action or thriller movies, this movie is great! On his daughter’s birthday, a man is abducted and imprisoned in a hotel room. After being drugged and hypnotized for 15 years, he is finally let out. However, he still doesn’t know who is responsible for separating him from his daughter. Also, his kidnapper continues to control his life, outside of the hotel room. So, he decides to find this person and get revenge. “Old Boy” can be found on Netflix. Fun fact: this movie has an American remake from 2013.