10 Recent Foreign Films Worth Seeing

5. Shiver – Spain (2008)

A boy allergic to sunlight relocates with his mother to a shadowy hamlet nestled in the mountains. This quiet little community holds a deep dark secret. There’s a creature living in the woods surrounding the village. A creature that enjoys feasting on human flesh. Think Blair Witch, except good.

4. Tell No One – France (2006)

I love me a good murder mystery. Especially one that leads you down a path that you weren’t quite expecting. Pay close attention while watching. A quick trip to the kitchen might cause you to miss a crucial piece of the puzzle. A killer soundtrack features U2, Otis Redding and the amazing Jeff Buckley.

3. Revanche – Austria (2008)

Europeans have a knack for taking conventional plots – like a bank robbery gone wrong – and steering them in interesting places. I thought for sure I knew how this exceptional caper would end, but I was proven wrong. It received a worthy nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at last year’s Oscars. Unfortunately, it didn’t win.

2. Let The Right One In – Sweden (2008)

I’ve discovered this to be a polarizing film. People either love it, or hate it. Obviously, I side with the former. It’s about a vampire living out eternity as a 12-year-old girl and the kid next door who likes her. It’s weird, chilling and visually gorgeous. Again, not everyone will be seduced by its charms.

1. Sin Nombre – Mexico (2009)

Teenage girl Sayra is fleeing to America. Along the way she meets the brooding Casper, who is attempting to escape a murderous gang. It’s a simple story about love, sacrifice and the dream of starting anew. Writer/director Cary Fukunaga scores big in his debut film.

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