Foreign Language Films 2024

 Most westerners don't realize the non English world produces a lot more movies and many of them are  well worth the effort to deal with subtitles and dubbing.  For the most part I found more to enjoy with foreigners, but maybe not so strange--there is a lot more produced.  Creativity is global.

Arabic

 from Egypt

"Finding Ola" (2024) A short series drama.  A big surprise very well done.  Carefully sets us up and leads down a few misleading steps.  A lot of different relations figure in the plot.  The second season had a surprise with part being filmed in France and a new romantic interest.  Check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/04/finding-ola-first-series.html      

 

 

 

 

 

from Tunisia

"As I Open my Eyes" (2015) An 18 year old girl sings in a rock band, but some of their songs are political. 

Danish

"A Fortunate Man" (2018) A mammoth movie focused on one man who was vain, stubborn and determined.  He turned his back on his fundamentalist family and advocated for some progressive engineering and would not back down.  His vanity and self righteousness caused him to eventually become a pathetic failure.  On the other hand a woman he romanced and who loved him, recovered from his rejection and did good things to the end.  Very moving and engaging.

 

 

 

Farsi

"The Runner" (1984)  is about a young boy on the street making a living.  At one point he decides he needs to read and is able to convince a man to let him attend a class.   Considered a classic.

 

 

 

 

"We Iranian Women" 2024) A short documentary explaining deilemma of women in Iran where not wearing a hijab can get into legal problems.  Male dominated, but women resisting.

Flemish

 "Wil" (2024) A very hard to watch film as it deals with Nazi occupied people focusing on a local police officer who tried to protect his fellow citizens including Jews while obeying Nazi superiors.  Very intimidating.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/03/wil-stuck-in-middle.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

French

"The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" (1964).  A very high rated musical, but I was not impressed.  I was only conscious of the one song. 

"The Red Balloon" (1956)  A short film about a boy who played with a balloon that had mind of its own. The only short film to win an Oscar for screen play and also a Cannes prize

"Bim the Little Donkey" (1951)

"Thie Mane" (1953)

"Stowaway in the Sky:"(1960)

"Circus Angle (1965)

"He Love Me He Loves Me Not" (2002) I have always had a soft spot for Audrey Tautou and in this film she plays an obsessed woman who think a married doctor loves her, but it really is an illusion.  

"Tori and Lokita" (2023) a depressing story of two African immigrants in Belgium.  There are plenty of people exploiting them.  Well done with some rookie actors.

"Anatomy of a Fall" (2023) English and French are both spoken to help emphasize a difference between main characters.  Is it murder, suicide or even just an accident?  The court attempts to decide.  A different role for a dog.  Deserve its awards at Cannes, the Caesar and Oscars.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"A Propos d'Antoine" (2023) is set in Quebec City and focuses on a family with a multi handicapped young boy, Antoine.  It is basically narrated by a woman who decides to co-habit with the father.  It really is an extended family including the mother, the ex wife, two children, three brothers.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/07/a-propos-dantoine-or-in-english-about.html

 

 

"Sol" (2020) A charming film about a Grandmother (former tango singer) who wanted to meet her grandson, despite her terrible relationship with the boy's father.  She had never met her daughter in law and it was a challenge so Sol pretended to be a maid (actually paid someone else to do the chores).  Of course there is a reconciliation, but the process is enjoyable to watch.

"The Crime is Mine" (2023) A light French comedy with some familiar faces.

"La Chambre" (2019_ A short film.  An Algerian daughter of a man who had just died learned her father, despite abandoning her loved her more than she realilzed. 

"Shererazade" (2018) A 17 year old is released from juvenile custody and strangely gets involved as a pimp, although not at first interested.  Fascinating tale of how he got involved and how it led to his romance.  Set in Marseille.

 

 

"What If...?" A romance comedy depicting conflicts between lovers who work in a law firm and speculating what would happen if either of them were offered a promotion.

"La Fonte des Glaces" (2024)  A parole officer works with hardened prisoners, but helps to reform them.  One of them killed her mother.  

"Rosie" (2022) An indigenous young orphan girl is sent to an aunt in Montreal.  The film is bilingual plus Cree.  Hamilton stands for Montreal.  There are two transvestites as part of the household.

 

 

 

German

"The Signal" (2024) Science fiction involving alien signals.

"Afire" (2023) A writer seeks time to work on novel.  Meets a woman who he tries to impress, but botches it.  A learning experience for a writer.

"Metropolis" (1927) English subtitles for silent film.  Science fiction.  Considered a classic.  Colorized version almost looks modern--well done.

"Who, If Not Us?  The Fight for Democracy in Belarus" (2023) Documentary about fighting dictatorship of Lukashenko.  Tied into war in Ukraine.  One charaacter to visit her exiled husband in  Ukraine had to take a flight to Poland first then back to Ukraine.  Freedom fighters in Belarus sent adi and fighters to fight the Russians from Ukraine.

Greek 

"Souls of A River" (2022) a documentary about a traveler  (director/writer) visiting border site btween Turkey and Greece where many migrants died crossing a river.

Hebrew

"Ave Maria" (2016) A 14 minute short that is a bit satirical.  It has listed 3 languages, Arabic, Hebrew, and English with most of dialogue in Hebrew.  Some Palestinian settlers have auto problem and find themselves stuck with some nuns under a vow of silence.  They are each bound by religious restrictions--kosher food, use of unbeliever phone.  Gradually break down to send the settlers on their way perhaps a little enlightened.

 Hindi

"Three of Us" (2023)  depicts a woman conscious of her progressing dementia goes with her husband to visit her first love.        

 http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/01/three-of-us-is-subtle-drama.html 

 

 

 

 

 

 "Shastry Viruddh Shastry" (2023) Conflict between Grandparents who are guardians and parents who had been squeezed by economics over the son.  The young boy is torn while father and grandfather have a history.

"Kho Gaye Human Kahan" (2023) was about a group of young swinging adults.  A lot of it seemed frivolous on the surface with  lots of egocentric behavior.  A big part was with a comedian who regularly talked on his talks with a therapist.  He offended some of his friends but at the end he revealed the shame that drove him.  It is easy to make an interesting story, but it more satisfying to understand the underlying motivations. 

"Bhakshak" (2024).  A journalist writes about abused young girls.

"Dunki" (2023) Shah Rukh Khan playing his age better in this one.  Dunki is about illegal emigration.  It is very funny in spots.   Also very serious at the end showing clips of would be emigrants who died along the way.

"12th Fail" (2023).  A very highly rated movie about an inspiring true story.  Born in a cheating culture, Manoj is re directed to an honest, but very difficult path.  Read more:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/03/12th-fail.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

"To Kill a Tiger" (2023) A documentary by Canadian about a rape victim whose family fight back in the courts.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/03/to-kill-tiger.html

"Ae Watan Mere Watan" (2024) Daughter of judge gets involved with fight for India independence.  Got a terrible rating from IMDB, but is a good movie.

"Article 370" (2024) A well constructed movie about resolving some of the constitution of Kashmir.  I feel incompetent to do a blog on it

"Laapataa Ladies" (2024).  A very interesting film that at first seems quirky, but delivers a strong message.  Directed by Kiran Rao who also was a producer with her ex-husband Aamir Khan.   check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/04/laapataa-ladies.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Madgaon Express" (2024) A comedy of three friends on their way to Goa.

"Crew" (2024) a comedic heist movie with three women smuggling gold.  Tabu is one of my favorite actresses, but she seemed a little out of place.

"Maidaan" (2024) A well constructed sports story that offers more.  Smoking is portrayed realistically.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/06/maidaan.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 "Gumraah" (2023)  A murder mystery involving identical twins.  Their DNA matches, but not their finger prints.   

"Chauhan Champion" (2024)   Sports epic.  Buried history where protagonist won a gold medal at Paralympic Games in 1972.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/08/chandu-champion.html

"Aranyak" (2021) Series of a murder mystery.

"IC 814:  The Kandahar Hijack" (2024) is about a real hijacking.  Well done.See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/09/ic-814-kandahar-hijack.html

"Sector 36" (2024) A gory mystery about a psychopath and a formerly crooked cop chasing him.  A high rating, two note worthy acting performances, Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal.

 

 

 

 

"Ulajh: (2024) Is an international spy story based around a blackmail scheme to help start a war.

"Auron Mein Kahan Dum That" (2024)  Ajay Devgn gets out of prison after 22 years to meet his lover, Tabu who actually murdered one of the two men he was charged with.  Tabu is one of my very favorite actresses and this illustrates her versatility.

 

 

"Khel Khel Mein" (2024) Starts off as another typical Bollywood frivolous film, but turns deadly serious at one point.  Comic relief definitely required.  The night before a wedding some friends and spouses end up revealing very delicate information.

Vijay 69" (2024) Vijy is 69, a widower decides to enter a triathlon.  Almost every one objects for health risks, but he is determined and does gets some help.  Anupam Kher plays the lead; with over 400 films credit he is mostly a supporting role, sometimes a key role.  For more on him check  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/05/anupam-kher-actor-i-now-respect.html

"C R T L" (2024) This film tells what might happen if you were able to destroy some one's computer ID.  They would not exist. 

"Do Patti" (2024) Mystery involving identical twins and domestic violence.

"Jigra" (2024) Received critical reviews, except for Alia Bhatt.  Prison escape, lots of action.  I enjoyed it.

"All that Breathes" (2023)  Documentary about group rescuing raptor birds in New Dellki.  One quote, "Life itself is kinship.  We're all a community of air".

 Icelandic

 "Entrapped" (2022) A series of crime.

Igbo

"Strained" (2023)  Mostly in English, but with some Igbo dialect 

"Afamefuna" (2023) An excellent drama with elements of mystery and love.

 

 

 

 

 Indonesian

"Air Mati di Ujung sajadsaah" (2023).  A mother dislikes her daughter's boyfriend.  After marriage the daughter becomes pregnant, giving birth after her husband's death.  The mother lies that the new born died and gives off the baby to a man who worked for her.  On her deathbed the daughter learns her son is alive and traces him.  Resistance and guilt result.  

 

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Androgogy" (2023) was about problems with social media.  A well regarded teacher  confronted a man who appeared to be jumping a line.  It was caught on video and spread on social media.  Accusatons hurt reputations and seemed to compound.  A former student wanting to help told about how the teacher had got him to abandon fighting by digging graves.  Then some thought that was a harsh method.  A line from the film "some things should not be shared."

"Rumah Musa Depan" (2023) Due to a death, an adult son takes his family to his home town. The widow bears a grudge against her daughter in law.  Some criminal activity stirs up some repercussions.

"13 Bombs" (2024) Their biggest budget for a film was for this action film.   Lots of gunfire, physical combat and bombs.  Crypto currency plays a role.  

"Borderless Fog" (2024) Murder mystery set in Borneo near the Malayasian border.  A serial killer decapitates victims.  

"#OOTD:  Outfit of the Designer" (2024) Indonesian fashion designer studying in Birmingham, England learns to love a man, but gets pregnant by another.  Environmental fashion.  

"This Earth Of Mankind" (2019) set in colonial Indonesia with a mix of Dutch, native and mixed races.  A romance disrupted by Dutch justice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Aruna & Her Palate (2018) Light in many ways, but more modern Western.  Set out to be a culinary travel using a work project (which turned out to be corrupt) and evolved to a romance.  Enjoyable--perk up interest in Indonesian food.

"Lala Majnun" (2021) Romance set in Azerbajian with conflict between arranged marriage and love.  Azerbajian is a coming of age story scenic with old buildings.

"Yuni"  (2022) A coming of age story with a Indonesian famale adolescent who is being pushed for traditional family arranged marriages one for a second wife), but is becoming sexually awakened.  Contains some mild nudity and masturbation. 

"Heartbreak Motel" (2024)  A well told story about an actress with a traumatic past affecting her role in a film and a relationship with her co-star.  Another relationship randomly set up.  Thoroughly enjoyed.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/two-year-end-film-reviews.html

 

 

 

 

 

Inuktitut

"Restless River" (2019) Inuk woman impregnated by American soldier.  Son is well accepted by family 

"Ce Qu'il Faut Pour Vivre"  (2010) Inuit from Baffin Island sent to Quebec City to deal with tuberculosis.  He is lonely as he doesn't speak French.  In awhile a young Inuk, also there for tuberculosis speaks French and restores his elder's will to live.  Interesting insight to Inuk culture.

 

 

 

 

Italian

 "Shun Li and the Poet" (2011)  Chinese immigrant befriends Slavic immigrant fisher in Italy (near Venice).  

"Rome, Open City" (1945).  Preparation for this film undoubtedly started during the occupation.  

"Don't Tell" (2006) a story about a hidden past.  To me a good story containing sex and nudity.  Deals with difficult subject--parental sexual abuse of their children.  Nominated for an Oscar.

 

 

 

 

"Divorce Italian Style" (1962) Well publicized at the time.  Not realized it is considered a comedy as the topic was that there was no divorce at the time unless through killing a spouse caught in an illicit carnal relationship.

"Ennio" (2022) was in many ways multi lingual.  His music was among the first that linked interest in movies to music.  He explains some of his thinking for his music.  Many composers and musicians contributed.  Special features added to enjoyment and understanding.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/11/ennio.html

"The Chidren"s Train" (2024)  A tear jerker of story involving two mothers snd one son.  Also deals with regional differences between Naples and northern Italy.
  link

 

 

 

 

 Japanese

"Orange Days" (2004) Group of four young adults finishing up college get together.  Lead female is a deaf musician.      http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/01/orange-days-still-worth-watching-after.html

"The Parades" (2024)  This is a fantasy showing how dead people with unresolved regrets deal with them .http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/03/the-parades-japanese-fantasy-film-on.html

 

 

 "Golden Kamuy" (2024) Set during and just after the Russo-Japanese War.  Seeking gold, the lead male teams up with Ainu young woman.  A peek at Ainu culture.  

"Drawing Closer" (2024) One of the saddest yet most beautiful story.  A 17 year old girl meets a 17 year old boy and tells him she has only 6 months to live.  Sad already, but there are a few twists that perhaps help one appreciate life.

"18 x 2 Beyond Youthful Days" (2024) Mostly set in Taiwan, but moves to Japan as a 36 year old man tries to follow up a love from when he was 18.  

"Missing" (2024).  A child is missing and parents are desperate.  The situation is captured by local television who sensationalize and one reporter tries to help.  A lot of hysteria and frustration.

"Perfect Days" (20240 A man who takes pride in cleaning toilet and who enjoys life.   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/10/perfect-days.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 "Good Luck" (2003)  Japanese airline pilot and his romance with a female mechanic.  Very enjoyable.

 

 

 

 

 

"Beyond Goodbye"  (2024) Series with a transplanted heart being united to original lover.  Also a sort of love triangle.  Apparently filmed in Hokaido, Japan, Hawaii and New Zealand. 

 

 

 

 

 

"Antarctica" (2011).  A series about the Japanese getting behind an international project to go forward after their humiliating defeat in World War II.  Dogs played an important role.  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/antarctica-japanese-post-war-challlenge.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Light of my Lion" (2024) A man takes care of his autistic brother.  Their routine is disruptive by the sudden appearance of very young boy who much later they learn is the child of a sister who had long left the family.    see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/light-of-my-lion.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Kannada

"Bagheera"  (2024)  A story about an honest policeman who is upset over bribery practices that hinder justice.  Becomes a vigilante acting as a super hero.  Hires helpers, one that is able to project electric shocks and another to provide explosives.

Korean

"My Demon" (2023) Series involving a devil and religious opposition.

"Killer Paradox (2024) The plot starts innocently enough.  A young man is put in an awkward situation with an inebriated man attacking him and accidentally killed him.  He is horrified and runs away.  Shortly after he learns the man was wanted by the law for violent crimes.  Soon he is approached by a woman who had pretended to be blind and witnessed the death.  She attempts to blackmail him and he resists and she ends up dead.  Here the story gets complicated involving a very sharp intuitive police detective with his own agenda and an accomplice with another agenda and another police detective also with an agenda.  Other characters (including a dog) confuse the issues more.  Corruption and taking justice to oneself are throughout.   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/03/a-killer-paradox.html

"My Name is Loh Kiwin" (2024) Set in Belgium, but filmed in Hungary concerning efforts of North Korean escapee to prove he is a defector. 

 

 

 

 

 

"Melanchola" (2024) depicts high level education corruption.  There is a brilliant young mathematician who is being a victim of favoritism that also effects a supportive teacher.  Very engaging.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/07/melancholia.html

 

 

"Behind Your Touch_ (2023)  Special powers veterinarian and cop form team to pursue criminals.  Whimsical at first, but a lot of dead bodies.

"Vagabond" (2019) Action series with a very complicated plot.  Many comments expressed disappointment with the end.  Some suggested it was ripe for a second season, but 5 years have passed.

"Queen of Tears" (2024)   Now tops the list of Korean series.  Check  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/05/queen-of-tears.html

 

 

 

 

 "Summer Strike" (2022) Another enjoyable Korean drama series.  As usual starts off slow, but gets more complex. 

""Welcome to Samdal-ri" (2021) Complex plot set mostly in Jejeu.  Family relations are critical.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/06/welcome-to-sandal-ri.html

 

 

 

 

 "The Whirlwind" (2024) Political power struggle.  Everyone seems to have something to hide.

"Love Next Door" (2024) Korean romance series.  Very well done.  A few twists.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/10/love-next-door.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Trunk" (2024) Couples entering marriage contracts that were to cover awkward situations.  Loveless marriages, but of course that rule is sometimes broken.

Malayalam

"Kaatha--the Core" (2023) offers two of the best known Malayalam actors, Mammootty and Jyothika in a very delicate drama.  Unknown by almost everyone the ideal couple wasn't ideal.  The husband was a homosexual.  They were both community oriented and had a teenage daughter.  He had been asked to be a candidate for a by-election and even though a requested divorce with its insinuation of homosexuality the party still wanted him.  The divorce case attracted a lot of attention.  Handled really well.  There is a lot of love.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/01/kaatha-core.html

"Anweshilppin Kandethkum"  (2024) An  exceptionally good cop movie with Tovino Thomas.  Check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/03/anweshippin-kandethum.html 

 

Malaysian

"Mabatt:  Misi Bakara"  This story gives the Black Hawk rescue in Somalia a different perspective.  The Malaysians felt slighted by the Americans when they were the ones who professionally rescued them.  Impressive interior cinematography inside tanks.  English was the common language between the Somalians and of course the Americans.

"La Luna" (2024) pits traditional culture against modernizing efforts with the bringing of a lingerie shop.  It seems married hijab wearing women could get enthused about lingerie.  There is also concern  about wife beating.

"Pulang" (2018)  A man leaves his home to make his fortune, but never succeeds.  His wife, son and grandson make an effort to find and bring him back. 

"Abang Adik" (2023) Immigrants struggle and meetup with tragic accident. See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/06/two-films-from-far-away-countries.html

 

 

 

 

"Adios Amigo" (2024) A self centered man and a poor man desperate to get money for his mother's surgery go on a trip with loads of misunderstandings.  Main criticism seemed to be its length (2 1/2 hours).

Mandarin

from Taiwan

"The Abandoned" (2023) An impressive murder mystery with a few novelties.  A suicidal police woman, a suspect turned to police aide.  Gruesome and interesting dynamics.  Well done.

Maori

"We Are Still Here" (2023).  8 loosely connected shorts covering New Zealand, Australia and Samoa.  rough time dealing with British rulers.  Also Samoan, English, Aboriginal, Turkish.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/10/indigenous-perspective-illustrated-with.html

 

 

 Norwegian

"Billionaire Island" (2024) is about a power struggle between salmon conglomerates.

Polish

"Inheritance" (Spadek)  Comedy about an eccentric uncle who puts his relatives through a difficult set of games. 

"Justice" (2024) A murder investigation that takes place a few years past independence.  The chief investigator had been dismissed for offending political powers.  Spying on him still carried on.  Definitely not a glamorous lead, but well done.   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/11/justice.html 

"The Mothers of Penguins" (2024) A series about disabled/autistic children and their parents.  Very well told.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/the-mothers-of-pengins-series-from.html

 

 

 

 

 

"Green Borders" (2023)   A top film criticized by the Polish government.  Concerned with refugees trying to cross border fo Belarus into Poland.  Very well done.  Deserved a blog, but overdone at time. Immigrants from Syria, Afghanistan, Kurds and Somalia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portuguese

"Luz:  The Light of the Heart (2023)  Focused on children particularly a kidnapped girl raised by Brazilian Kingland indigenous tribe who runs away to a progressive school.   Lots of secrets. link

 

 

 

"Desperate Lies" (2024) Series revolving around a woman giving birth to twins, each from a different man.  Ongoing relationship stresses.  Set near Rio de Janeiro.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/08/desperate-lies.html

 

 

 

 

 

"Black God, White Devil" (1964).  Considered a Brazilian masterpiece

"Bittersweet Rain" (2022) An adolescent boy has been diagnosed with progressive blindness and how he gets along with fiends and family.

Pular Peul

"Banel & Adama" (2023) A sort of romance set in Senegal at time of global warming killing off livestock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Punjabi

 "Amar Singh Chamkila" (2024).  Biography of a popular Punjabi singer who eventually was assassinated.  He sang popular, but vulgar songs that were not appreciated by Sikh religious leaders.

Spanish

from Argentina

 "Rest in Peace" is about a desperate situation and some coincidental violence leads to an unexpected set of circumstances.  Surprised to see the name of a favorite actor, Ricardo Darin as a producer.

"Goyo" (2024) An autistic man has never had sex until he meets an older single mother.  

From Chile

"In Her Place" (2024) A legal secretary gets involved with an accused murderer who murdered her lover.  Produced by Pablo Larrain.

 from Colombia

"The Hijacking of Flight 601" (2024), Series based on a major hijacking.  Lots of violence.  Awhile before the underlying motives are understood, but there is a lot of corruption. 

from Mexico

"Noise" (2023) Set in Mexico where there has been a massive plague of missing women many connected to drug or sex rings.  Many believe the authorities are not doing enough. 

"Totem" (2024).  A young girl is prepared for a party for her dad, but doesn't at first realize her father is very ill.  Good character study. 

 

 

 "Secret of The River"  Two young boys are involved in an accidental killing and hide the secret for over a decade.  In the meantime one of them transitions to a transgender female.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/11/the-secret-of-river.html 

 

'Emilia Perez" (2024). A musical set in Mexico about a drug lord who wants to transition to a female.  He hires a lawyer to help arrange secrecy and protection for wife and kids.  It gets very complicated when she decides she wants to live with her kids and still maintain secrecy.  read more...http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/two-year-end-film-reviews.html

 

 

 

 

 

from Spain

"Berlin" (2023) Pedro Alonso escaped being killed off in "Money Heist" (2019) and is the star of "Berlin" set a few years before, set in Paris with another elaborate robbery.

 "Iron Reign" (2024) Series about drug trade in Barcelona, Spain.  Very violent and lots of sex.

"Cathedral of the Sea" (2018)   Set in medieval Barcelona.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/05/cathedral-of-sea.html

 

  

 

"Heir to the Land" (2022) Sequel to "Cathedral Of The Sea".  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/06/heirs-to-land.html

"The Asunta Case" (2024).  A series of a real criminal case with two parents (separated) combined to kill their adopted daughter.

from Uruguay

"Society of the Snow" (2024) Based on the crash of Uruguayan airplane with a rugby team. The crash took place in the Andes with a very cold climate.  To survive reduced to eating human flesh.  

 
Tagalong

"Doll House" (2022) A sad, but realistic story about a drug addict who abandoned his wife and daughter, but later tried to get back to her.  The film was mostly in English and filmed in Rotterdam, Netherlands, but had a lot of Filipino support.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/06/two-films-from-far-away-countries.html

 

 

"Lola Igna" (2019) A woman is thought to be eligible for oldest woman in the world.  She is more reuniting with her dead husband.  One relative felt she should take advantage and merchandise products commemorating the fact.  Another relative a great great grandson visits and wants to vlog about her, but in the end they both teach each other something.  Peeing into a chamber pot is part of the plot.

 

 

"Rewind" (2024).  After a marriage a man becomes bogged down with work.  He misses an expected  promotion and handles it poorly soon resulting in the death of his wife in a car accident.  In this fantasy movie he is given a chance to undo his wife's death, but there is a catch, someone else has to die.  There is a twist which illustrates human nature. 

"GomBurZa" (2024)  in the Catholic hierarchy differentiates Spanish born, Spanish but born in Philippines, natives.  Trying to stomp down the natives the Spanish authorities unwittingly stir up resentment.  Some priests are executed, but in reality they awoke a desire from the Filipinos for freedom. 

 

 

 

"Third World Romance" (2024).  My second Carlo Aquino movie and he is becoming a favorite.  This one is a romance with poorer people.  

"Family of Two" (2023) A charming story about a relationship between a son and his widowed mother.  He meets a girl and they want to move abroad and he feels he should set his mother up with a dating site.

"Under Parallel Skies:  (2024) This romance actually uses four languages; Thai, Tagalog, Cantonese and English.  Set in Hong Kong and English is spoken as a common language.

"Chances are, You and I" (2024) is about two young adults with brain tumors that have different approaches to their danger.  Both are charming.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/09/chances-are-you-and-i-gem-from.html

 

 

 

Tamil

"Annapoorani"(2003) A lot of negative reviews with very low ratings which seems to be due to a religious bias.  In fact it is a fairly conventional movie, well done about a woman who wants to be a chef and has to deal with gender prejudice, but also although a vegetarian expected to cook meat.  

"Merry Christmas" (2024) The Tamil version apparently filmed separately from a Hindi version with the same leads, but some changes for supporting players.  Interesting murder mystery.

"Maharaja"  Looks simple, but is mysterious.  Vijay Sethupathi shows himself to be a master.  Violent, but with satisfying ending. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/07/maharaja.html

 

 

 

 

"Meiyazhagan" (2024) A man returns to his hometown that he had left with bad family feelings.  At a family wedding that he feels obligated to attend, but plans to leave before the actual ceremony.  At one of the pre wedding events he runs into a man who seems very glad to see him, but whose name and relationship escape his memory.  The process of dealing with the stranger leads to stronger family feeling.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/10/meiyazhagan.html

"Thangalaan" (2024.  Set in late 19th century.  Lots of action.  set up for actual gold mines at Kolar.  Favorite actress Parvathy Thiruvothu. 

"Amaran" (2024)  Based of life and marriage of Major  Based on military biography.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/amaran.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Telegu

"Kalki 2898)  I actually watched a Hindi version, but realize the original language was Telegu.  It is a very big budget science fiction film about a dystopian vision of the future.  Amitabn Bachchan and Deepika Padukone have prominent roles.

Hi Nanna" (2023) A single father is bringing up his young daughter who has cystic fibrosis.  Very well done.  Check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/01/hi-nanna.html

"Lucky Baskhar" (2024) Lead was taken advantage of, then he learned the tricks and became arrogant.  Humorous but points out corruption.  The lead is "lucky".  Gets away with it and then turns honest (but kept a lot of his ill gotten gains). 

 

 

Thai

"The Believers" (2024) Another top notch series.     Check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/04/the-believers.html

"Master of the House" (2024).  A power struggle within wealthy Thai family.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/07/master-of-house.html  

 

 

 

 

 

Ukrainian

"Faces of the Resistance" (2023).  A short with little vignettes of supporting people in Ukraine.  I cannot be sure, but it seems likely the Russian language refers to Ukrainians.  

Vietnamese

"The Last Wife" (2023) depicts a woman forced to marry a powerful man and endure some indignities.  She encounters a former lover and they try to get back together.  Well done.

Mai" (2024) http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/05/with-mai-vietnam-stretches-for-global.html

Yoruba

"Strangers" (2022)  is as much English as Yoruba with one point being the backward villagers needed to learn English to get educated and move ahead.  The main character Ade was affected by a disease that threatened his life, but was saved  when a doctor was brought to his service.  After being cured he felt he was too old to be educated, but was persuaded to try.  After many failures he became a doctor.  Well done by Nigerian standards

"Postcards" (2024) A series combining Nollywood and Bollywood very well done.  Mostly English with occasional subtitles for Yoruba and Hindi.  An interesting script, good acting.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/05/postcards-combines-bollywood-and.html

"Adire" (2024) again mostly in English with a few Yoruba subtitles.  English is a connecting language among a variety of Nigerian languages.  At first I was turned off by an emphasis on sex, provocative and dancing and clothing, however the plot was very good as was the acting, character development and I even liked the music behind the credits.

"The Griot"(2021) is a story about a Nigerian tradition of story telling.  In this case one fellow is a very good story teller, but shy while a close friend steals his stories as a way of courting a girl beloved by both.  The girl in question can tell beyond superficial fact.  This story is practically all English, except some English is provided with subtitles.  Story telling is what got my attention and reminded me of another blog:  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/06/tell-to-win-offers-winning-formula.html

Check for English films viewed this year  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/english-speaking-films-for-2024.html

check for last year's foreign films viewed.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/12/2023-foreign-films.html