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March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Italy

Roberto Rossellini’s Fear (La Paura) is a psychological drama that delves into guilt, paranoia, and emotional manipulation within a crumbling marriage. The film follows Irene Wagner (Ingrid Bergman), a woman trapped in an affair, whose life spirals into anxiety and fear when she is blackmailed. As she struggles with deception, moral conflict, and psychological torment, her husband, Albert, emerges as a complex figure whose actions ultimately reveal a sinister test of control. The film’s psychological depth reflects themes of conscience, surveillance, and manipulation, resonating with real-life tensions between Rossellini and Bergman during their controversial relationship.

Irene’s affair is the catalyst for her psychological unraveling. As she receives blackmail threats, her guilt morphs into crippling paranoia, making her hyperaware of every glance, word, and silence. She embodies Freudian repression, trying to conceal her moral transgression while becoming haunted by the fear of exposure. The film’s cinematography—claustrophobic spaces, sharp lighting contrasts, and voyeuristic framing—heightens this sense of being watched and judged, mirroring classic noir psychological distress.

Albert’s revelation that he orchestrated the blackmail as a test of Irene’s faithfulness exposes the darker side of human control. His actions align with gaslighting, a psychological manipulation tactic where the victim is made to doubt their perception of reality. Rather than confronting Irene directly, Albert orchestrates an elaborate psychological punishment, positioning himself as a morally superior force. This suggests that his love is conditional, reinforcing a power imbalance within their marriage.

Irene’s descent into despair reflects existential fear, not just of her husband’s judgment but of societal condemnation. In a post-war European setting where women’s morality was harshly scrutinized, Irene’s autonomy and sexual agency make her vulnerable. Her attempted suicide underscores her desperation—she is trapped between her husband’s psychological warfare and the external consequences of her actions.

Rossellini and Bergman’s real-life relationship was marred by scandal. When Bergman left her Hollywood career and husband for Rossellini, she was vilified by the American press, with U.S. senators publicly condemning her as an immoral woman. This intense public scrutiny mirrors Irene’s situation in Fear, where her personal actions hold socially destructive consequences.

Much like Albert in Fear, Rossellini wielded emotional and professional control over Bergman. Their creative and personal relationship was deeply intertwined, but Rossellini’s films during their time together often placed Bergman in roles of emotional suffering and moral scrutiny. This echoes how Albert in Fear tests Irene’s loyalty, suggesting that Rossellini may have projected his own anxieties and possessiveness onto the film’s narrative.

Just as Irene’s marriage in Fear is not what it initially seemed, Bergman’s relationship with Rossellini eventually soured. Their artistic collaboration, once based on ion and shared vision, became strained by miscommunication, personal turmoil, and professional disappointments. The themes of Fear—the suffocating weight of expectations, the destructiveness of doubt, and the ultimate realization of emotional incompatibility—can be read as a subconscious reflection of Rossellini and Bergman’s deteriorating marriage.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Lithuania

Directed by Marija Kavtaradze, Slow is a Lithuanian romantic drama that delves into the nuances of intimacy and connection. The narrative centers on Elena, a ionate contemporary dancer, and Dovydas, a sign language interpreter. Their paths cross when Dovydas assists Elena in teaching a dance class for Deaf teenagers. An immediate bond forms between them, leading to a deepening relationship. However, complexities arise when Dovydas reveals his asexuality, prompting both to navigate the challenges of building a fulfilling relationship that accommodates their differing needs and expectations.

The film offers a poignant exploration of relationships where one partner identifies as asexual, shedding light on the emotional and psychological intricacies involved. When Dovydas discloses his asexuality, Elena initially misinterprets it as rejection. However, Dovydas clarifies that his disclosure stems from genuine affection for her. This revelation sets the stage for their t endeavor to redefine intimacy beyond conventional sexual expressions.

The film underscores that while relationships between sexual and asexual partners may present unique challenges, they can thrive through empathy, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. The film serves as a testament to the diverse manifestations of love and the importance of honoring individual identities within a partnership. However, at the end, we do not have a clear indication of whether Elena and Dovydas were able to overcome those obstacles.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Israel

Directed by Yariv Mozer, Snails in the Rain is a psychological drama set in 1990s Tel Aviv, following Boaz, a handsome and seemingly heterosexual university student who begins receiving anonymous love letters from a male irer. These letters disrupt his carefully constructed life, forcing him to confront suppressed feelings and memories, particularly those from his time in Israel’s mandatory military service. As Boaz struggles with paranoia and confusion, his emotional turmoil takes a toll on his relationship with his girlfriend, Noa.

Boaz initially reacts to the letters with denial and discomfort, but his increasing obsession with the sender reflects a deeper internal struggle. The letters force him to re-examine moments from his past that he had tried to ignore, particularly his homoerotic experiences during his military service. Rather than dismissing the letters outright, Boaz becomes fixated on them, demonstrating a subconscious recognition of his attraction to men. This fixation manifests in erratic behavior, including his growing hostility toward the men around him, whom he begins suspecting as the sender.

His paranoia escalates, making him feel watched and exposed, which mirrors his own fear of being "discovered". Instead of processing these feelings constructively, Boaz lashes out, growing distant from Noa and exhibiting signs of internalized homophobia, a common theme in films about repressed sexuality.

Throughout the film, Boaz’s memories of the military—a hyper-masculine, emotionally intense environment—return to the surface. These flashbacks suggest that Boaz likely had unspoken or unacknowledged attractions to his fellow soldiers but dismissed them due to societal expectations and personal fear. The Israeli military, like many national armed forces, enforces a culture of toughness and heteronormativity, making it difficult for Boaz to fully process any feelings he may have had during his service.

Now, as an adult, the resurfacing of these experiences through the anonymous letters destabilizes his present relationship with Noa. The emotional and sexual intimacy they once shared becomes strained, as Boaz pulls away, both emotionally and physically. His paranoia and self-loathing make it impossible for him to be fully present in their relationship, and his discomfort with his own desires leads to emotional neglect and ive aggression toward Noa.

Snails in the Rain explores how deep-seated repression and societal expectations can create internalized conflict, leading to paranoia and emotional self-sabotage. Boaz’s downward spiral highlights the consequences of denying one’s identity, as well as the emotional toll it takes on those around him. His relationship with Noa ultimately serves as collateral damage in his struggle between self-acceptance and denial.

The film’s subtle tension, moody cinematography, and psychological depth make it a compelling examination of sexuality, fear, and the lingering impact of past experiences on the present. Through Boaz’s journey, Snails in the Rain offers a poignant critique of societal pressures and personal repression, making it a significant entry in LGBTQ+ Israeli cinema.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: UK

Sally Potter’s The Party (2017) is a sharp political satire and dark comedy set in a single location, unfolding in real time as personal and ideological tensions boil over during an intimate gathering. The film follows Janet (Kristin Scott Thomas), a newly appointed government minister, as she hosts a dinner party that quickly descends into chaos when secrets, betrayals, and existential reckonings emerge among her guests. The film’s biting dialogue, claustrophobic setting, and emphasis on character-driven conflict strongly echo Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), Mike Nichols’ seminal adaptation of Edward Albee’s play. While both films utilize black-and-white cinematography and intense character close-ups, their approaches diverge in tone, purpose, and visual style.

Both The Party and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? use black-and-white cinematography to heighten emotional intensity and create a stark, dramatic atmosphere. In The Party, the high-contrast lighting underscores the characters’ psychological unraveling and the absurdity of their bourgeois pretensions. The monochrome palette enhances the film’s theatricality, stripping away distractions and forcing the audience to focus on expressions, gestures, and dialogue.

Similarly, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? employs black-and-white cinematography to amplify the raw emotional brutality of its central couple, George (Richard Burton) and Martha (Elizabeth Taylor), as they engage in psychological warfare. Nichols’ cinematographer, Haskell Wexler, uses deep shadows and harsh lighting to reflect the volatile mood swings of the characters, much like Potter does in The Party. However, Virginia Woolf leans more into an almost noir-like darkness, where faces are often obscured by shadows, mirroring the theme of buried secrets and existential despair.

Ultimately, The Party is a sharp-witted political tragicomedy, while Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a devastating psychological drama—two films that, while visually similar, use their aesthetics to serve vastly different emotional and thematic purposes.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Romania

Directed by Cristian Mungiu, RMN is a tense, atmospheric drama that delves into the social and political fractures of contemporary Europe through the lens of a small Transylvanian village. The story follows Matthias, a man who returns home from after an altercation at his workplace. As he struggles to reconnect with his estranged son and former lover, tensions in the village escalate when a local bakery hires Sri Lankan migrant workers. What begins as economic necessity quickly turns into a community-wide controversy, exposing deep-seated prejudices, economic anxieties, and ethnic divisions.

RMN serves as a microcosm of broader European debates on migration, globalization, and national identity. The arrival of foreign workers in a predominantly Romanian-Hungarian village acts as a catalyst for resentment, with the local population reacting with fear, hostility, and discrimination. Mungiu’s film highlights how economic hardship fuels xenophobia, as many villagers see migrants as both competition and symbols of cultural erosion. Through stark realism and minimalistic storytelling, RMN presents a haunting portrait of a society grappling with its own prejudices, mirroring larger tensions seen across Europe in response to immigration.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Iran

Directed by Bahram Beyzai, Downpour (Ragbar) is a seminal film in the Iranian New Wave movement. The story follows Hekmati, an idealistic and reserved teacher who is assigned to a new school in a poor neighborhood of Tehran. His presence disrupts the local social order, especially when he develops feelings for a young woman, Atieh, who is informally promised to a local thug. As Hekmati struggles with the community’s rigid traditions and social expectations, the film explores themes of love, morality, and societal change.

Downpour is a landmark film in the Iranian New Wave, a movement characterized by its neorealistic approach, poetic storytelling, and social critique. Beyzai’s direction, blending symbolic imagery with naturalistic performances, broke away from conventional Iranian melodramas of the time. The film’s focus on social constraints, class tensions, and the individual’s struggle against societal expectations reflected the movement’s themes. Its innovative cinematography, use of non-professional actors, and exploration of cultural identity paved the way for later Iranian auteurs like Abbas Kiarostami and Mohsen Makhmalbaf, influencing the trajectory of Iranian cinema for decades.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Madagascar

Red Island (L'île rouge), directed by Robin Campillo, is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age drama set in early 1970s Madagascar. The narrative centers on ten-year-old Thomas, who resides with his family on one of the last remaining French military bases, a vestige of 's colonial presence in the region. Through Thomas's innocent and observant eyes, the film delves into the complexities of colonial life, highlighting the interactions between the French colonizers and the Malagasy people.

The film intricately portrays the lingering effects of French colonialism in Madagascar, a decade after the country gained independence. The continued presence of French military personnel and their families on Malagasy soil serves as a poignant reminder of the colonial past and its enduring impact. This setting provides a backdrop to explore the nuanced power dynamics and cultural tensions that persist in post-colonial societies.

Racism and classism are central themes in Red Island. Thomas's interactions and observations reveal the stark divisions between the French expatriates and the local Malagasy community. The film exposes the prejudices held by the colonizers, who often view themselves as superior, leading to discriminatory behaviors and social segregation.

The final act, which seems disconnected from the rest of the film, focuses on the Malagasy struggle for independence and self-determination. While Madagascar had officially gained independence in 1960, the film illustrates how colonial influences and control lingered, particularly through the continued military presence. When a group of protesters finally have an opportunity to celebrate upon the release of several political prisoners, their spirit demonstrates the true autonomy of the Malagasy people in reclaiming their identity and sovereignty.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: South Korea

Directed by Na Hong-jin, The Wailing is a chilling South Korean horror-thriller that blends supernatural horror with psychological dread. The film follows Jong-goo, a bumbling small-town police officer, as he investigates a series of gruesome murders and unexplained illnesses that have plagued his village. The arrival of a mysterious Japanese stranger coincides with the chaos, fueling local superstitions and paranoia. As Jong-goo digs deeper, his own daughter begins exhibiting signs of possession, forcing him to seek the help of a shaman in a desperate attempt to save her.

The film masterfully weaves supernatural elements into its narrative, creating an atmosphere of escalating dread. The Wailing explores themes of possession, exorcism, and shamanistic rituals, blurring the lines between folklore and reality. The village’s descent into hysteria mirrors Jong-goo’s increasing paranoia, as the film leaves audiences questioning whether the evil stems from a demonic force, an ancient curse, or human frailty. The presence of spirits, ominous omens, and ritualistic ceremonies contribute to an eerie and unsettling atmosphere, making The Wailing a standout in supernatural horror.

Unfortunately, the excessive gore and lapse of continuity in the story are what dragged down my rating.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Cameroon

Mambar Pierrette offers a profound commentary on the strength and resilience of women in the developing, particularly in the face of uncontrollable and unfortunate circumstances. Pierrette’s story highlights the multifaceted nature of women’s struggles in Cameroon, focusing on the overwhelming challenges she must overcome, such as the flooding of her home and business, being robbed, ing her two sons and a mother in poor health, and dealing with exploitative customers as a seamstress. Through Pierrette’s perseverance, the film underscores the dignity, fortitude, and agency of women when society offers them few options for survival.

One of the film’s key themes is the economic struggle that women like Pierrette face in societies where opportunities for women are limited. As a seamstress, Pierrette relies on her craft to herself and her family. However, her ability to sustain her livelihood is constantly threatened by the exploitative actions of customers who attempt to lowball her prices, undervaluing the skill and effort required to do her work. The societal pressure to accept such unfair treatment is compounded by the wider economic realities of the community, where women often have few avenues to assert their financial worth.

Despite the continuous setbacks Pierrette faces, her resilience allows her to show comion for other people. When one of her customers is stood up by a boyfriend who lives abroad, she encourages her to wear the dress that she made for her so that they can go out for a night on the town.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Turkey

About Dry Grasses (Kuru Otlar Üstüne, 2023) is a Turkish drama directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan that explores themes of isolation, human connection, and the complex nature of personal growth within a rural, conservative Turkish community. The film follows Samet, an art teacher who has been assigned to a remote village in Turkey, where he must navigate the challenges of teaching in an environment that is emotionally and culturally disconnected from his own. He counts the days until he is eligible to transfer to Istanbul, where he feels more connected to civilization.

Samet shares a house with a co-worker, Kenan, who teaches Physical Education at the same school. Kenan tends to roll with punches and is more accepting of his current circumstances. One day, the two men encounter Nuray, a teacher from a neighboring village. When Nuray takes an interest in Samet, he informs her that he’s trying to leave the area, so there’s no use in pursuing a relationship. However, things change when Kenan its to Samet that he is interested in seeing Samay. Either from jealousy or some other unknown reason, Samet sabotages any opportunities for the two of them to meet alone and arranges to arrive for dinner at Samet’s home by himself.

Ceylan’s films tend to be long because of the wordy exchanges of dialog and extended tracking shots of the rugged landscape, but I found both elements hypnotic. This is his third consecutive film (in addition to Winter’s Sleep and The Wild Pear Tree) about individuals in remote settings who are in a limbo state of ennui. However, Samet is a dislikeable character who made this cinematic journey a bit unpleasant.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Philippines

Ballot (2024) is a Philippine political thriller that takes a stark and intense look at the depths of political corruption in the country’s electoral system. Set in a remote province during a high-stakes mayoral election, the film follows Emmy, a dedicated female public school teacher who volunteers as a provincial poll worker and gets caught in the web of electoral fraud, coercion, and moral conflict. Emmy, who has always believed in the integrity of the voting process, is thrust into a harrowing situation when she is kidnapped by one candidate’s henchmen with the ballot box chained to her wrist.

Ballot explores the dark underbelly of Philippine politics, where corruption is often entrenched in the very fabric of the electoral process. Through Emmy’s plight, the film paints a grim portrait of how power is manipulated through coercion, intimidation, violence, and outright fraud. The film highlights the lengths to which political figures will go to ensure victory, often at the expense of democracy and fairness.

The plot of Ballot, particularly the scenario in which Emmy is chained to the ballot box and running through the jungle to avoid violent men trying to kill her may initially seem implausible or extreme, but it can be understood as a symbolic and metaphorical portrayal of the power dynamics at play in corrupt political systems. The act of chaining an ordinary citizen to a ballot box is an exaggerated but potent visualization of the literal and figurative constraints placed on individuals by a system that seeks to control and manipulate them. While this a powerful image, it detracts from the believability of the movie.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country:

Sleeping Sickness (Schlafkrankheit, 2011) is a German film directed by Ulrich Köhler that explores themes of colonialism, post-colonial guilt, and the tension between modernity and tradition in the context of contemporary Africa. The film follows Eckhart, a German doctor stationed in Cameroon, where he has been working in a remote medical facility combating sleeping sickness, a disease that disproportionately affects the indigenous population. Despite the good intentions of his work, Eckhart’s isolation, ethical dilemmas, and disconnection from both his professional responsibilities and his personal life come to the forefront as he struggles with the challenges of living in an African context that seems both distant and unnervingly familiar.

Sleeping Sickness explores the lingering effects of colonialism through the relationship between the German expatriates and the African community they interact with. The film critiques the paternalistic attitudes of Western aid workers, who, despite their good intentions, often remain disconnected from the very people they aim to help. This sense of cultural superiority and the inability to bridge the gap between the Western world and the African world reflect an ongoing legacy of colonialism, where Africa remains a site of intervention and control, rather than collaboration and understanding.

The movie presents a stark contrast between the modern, clinical world of the Europeans and the rural, resource-strapped realities of the African village. In this setting, the German characters' attempts to "help" seem futile and disconnected from the deeper cultural and historical context of the region. The presence of the disease itself, a remnant of colonial medical practices and research, becomes a symbol of the deep-rooted exploitation that the African continent continues to endure.

Sleeping Sickness shares many thematic elements with Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, particularly in its portrayal of European characters confronting their own moral and ethical decay in the face of an alien world. Both works explore the consequences of European colonial ventures in Africa and the profound disconnection between the colonizers and the colonized. In Heart of Darkness, the protagonist, Marlow, embarks on a journey into the Congo to find Kurtz, an ivory trader who has descended into madness due to his unchecked exploitation of the African people. The story portrays the dark heart of colonialism, where the veneer of civilization quickly erodes, revealing the horrors beneath.

In a similar way, Sleeping Sickness follows a European character, Eckhart, who is physically removed from his home in , yet still carries with him the weight of colonial attitudes, isolation, and detachment. Both Marlow and Eckhart are confronted with the dark reality of the impact of European intervention in Africa, and both experience a sense of alienation from the cultures they encounter. They are observers, rather than active participants in the lives of the people they encounter, and their inability to connect with the local communities reflects the enduring legacy of colonial exploitation and the failure of well-meaning humanitarian efforts.

Additionally, both stories grapple with the idea of "sickness" as a metaphor for the moral decay and psychological unraveling of the colonizers. In Heart of Darkness, the jungle and the disease it represents symbolize the primal darkness that lurks within European civilization, while in Sleeping Sickness, the literal disease of sleeping sickness becomes a symbol for the existential malaise affecting both the Europeans and the Africans. The characters in both stories are caught in a cycle of moral confusion, struggling with their roles in a world where colonial power dynamics remain unresolved.

In summary, Sleeping Sickness examines the enduring legacy of colonialism in Africa through the eyes of German expatriates, exploring themes of isolation, guilt, and the disconnect between Western intentions and local realities. The film echoes the moral ambiguities and critiques of colonialism found in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, portraying the African continent as both a literal and metaphorical space where European values and actions are put into stark, uncomfortable contrast with the lives of those they seek to "help."

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Peru

The Vanished Elephant (El Elefante Desaparecido, 2014) is a Peruvian film directed by Jorge Tereso that blends elements of classic film noir and neonoir, set against the backdrop of Lima, Peru. The film follows a disillusioned private detective, Ezequiel (Ezequiel Zárate), as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of a renowned illusionist and magician, Carlos—a case that leads him deep into the world of crime, secrets, and deception.

As Ezequiel delves into the case, he encounters a complex web of suspects, each with their own motives and hidden truths. The film's plot unfolds with an intricate and unpredictable structure, often playing with reality and illusion in ways that mirror the magician’s disappearing act. As the detective searches for answers, he is drawn into a personal and philosophical journey, questioning the nature of truth, love, and the boundaries between illusion and reality. The film is as much about uncovering a mystery as it is about exploring the emotional and psychological landscapes of its characters.

Film Noir Elements:
• Hardboiled Protagonist: Ezequiel embodies the classic traits of a film noir detective: cynical, weary, and morally ambiguous. He is a man driven by personal demons, struggling with a lost sense of purpose while investigating a case that seems to be more complex than he initially thought.
• Corruption and Moral Decay: The film showcases a world filled with deceit, betrayal, and a pervading sense of moral ambiguity. Ezequiel's investigation leads him into a corrupt society where the lines between good and evil are blurred, and the truth is elusive.
• Femme Fatale: In true noir fashion, a mysterious woman plays a key role in the story. She is both alluring and dangerous, complicating the detective's mission and adding an element of seduction and betrayal to the narrative.
• Atmosphere and Visual Style: The film embraces the stylistic elements of classic noir, utilizing shadowy, low-key lighting, dark streets, and a sense of impending doom. The urban landscape of Lima serves as a gritty backdrop that mirrors the noir themes of alienation and existential uncertainty.

Neonoir Characteristics:
• Modern Sensibilities: The Vanished Elephant incorporates modern narrative techniques and psychological complexity, making it a neonoir film rather than a traditional noir. The investigation is less about solving a straightforward crime and more about examining the psychological motivations and emotional turmoil of the characters involved.
• Play with Reality and Illusion: The central motif of magic and illusion in the film echoes the neonoir tendency to blur the lines between reality and fantasy. The detective’s journey is not just a search for a missing person but also an exploration of personal and philosophical uncertainties.
• Global and Social Context: While traditional noir often reflects a post-war American context, neonoir films like The Vanished Elephant are more likely to explore global or localized settings, dealing with issues of class, identity, and cultural context. Lima's urban environment becomes an integral part of the story, adding depth to the noir themes with its own unique social and political backdrop.

In summary, The Vanished Elephant conforms to the film noir and neonoir genres through its morally ambiguous protagonist, exploration of corruption and illusion, and its dark, atmospheric visuals. The film combines the conventions of classic noir with modern twists, resulting in a gripping and thought-provoking narrative that reflects the shifting complexities of identity and truth in the contemporary world.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Canada

Swan Song (2020) is a Canadian documentary that follows the career of Karen Kain, one of the country's most iconic and celebrated ballet dancers, as she prepares National Ballet of Canada to stage a new, personal interpretation of the classic ballet Swan Lake. The film delves into Kain's long and storied career while highlighting her artistic journey as she seeks to retell the timeless story through a fresh, modern lens.

In her reinvention of Swan Lake, Kain draws from contemporary cultural movements such as #MeToo and Black Lives Matter (BLM), pushing the boundaries of the traditional ballet and addressing social and political themes that resonate deeply in today's world. Kain's retelling of Swan Lake emphasizes the empowerment of the female protagonist, reimagining her as a more complex, multi-dimensional character who embodies the struggles of women across history, especially in the wake of feminist movements. Through her vision, Kain attempts to reclaim the narrative from the traditional, often patriarchal interpretation of the ballet, giving voice to the characters' autonomy and inner strength. She even challenges the aesthetics of traditional ballet by ditching the traditional white ballet tights and exposing the natural skin tones of the dancers’ legs.

The documentary explores Kain's struggles with the legacy of her past performances, her role as an artistic leader in Canada's National Ballet, and her efforts to reshape the ballet world with an inclusive and progressive approach. The film also presents personal reflections from Kain as she navigates the challenges of age, leadership, and artistic vision, culminating in a stunning reimagining of a cultural classic.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: USA

Anora (2024), directed by Sean Baker, is a compelling film that masterfully intertwines elements of romance, comedy, and drama. The narrative follows Ani (Mikey Madison), a young sex worker from Brooklyn (whose accent appears to be borrowed from Mona Lisa Vito, Marissa Tomei’s character in My Cousin Vinny), who unexpectedly marries Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the affluent son of a Russian oligarch. Their whirlwind romance propels Ani into a world of luxury and opulence, reminiscent of classic Cinderella tales.

The film draws parallels to Pretty Woman (1990), where a wealthy businessman falls for a woman he hires as an escort, leading to a transformative relationship. However, Anora offers a more nuanced perspective, presenting a raw and realistic portrayal of the American Dream and challenging romanticized Hollywood narratives.

The second act of Anora is a cinematic nod to After Hours (1985), an all-night caper film that follows a man's misadventures in New York City. Both films depict protagonists navigating unexpected and often perilous situations in the city's underbelly, blending humor with tension.

Anora stands out for its unflinching examination of societal themes, offering a fresh and engaging cinematic experience that defies traditional genre boundaries.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Ireland

The Wonder (2022), directed by Sebastián Lelio, is an historical fiction film set in 1860s Catholic Ireland. Based on the novel by Emma Donoghue, it follows Lib Wright (Florence Pugh), a skilled English nurse, who is called to a remote village to observe Anna O’Donnell (Kíla Lord Cassidy), a young girl who has reportedly not eaten for months but remains miraculously alive. The local community believes Anna's survival is a divine miracle, attributing it to the girl's deep religious devotion.

Amidst the fervent mysticism and religious zeal of the village, Lib approaches the situation with skepticism and a scientific mindset, determined to uncover the truth behind Anna's condition. As she navigates the tensions between faith and reason, Lib becomes increasingly convinced that something more sinister is at play, and she embarks on a mission to uncover the real cause of the girl's starvation.

The film is a poignant exploration of the conflict between superstition and scientific inquiry. It portrays how mysticism, deeply intertwined with the Catholic beliefs of the time, can lead to misconceptions and even harm, while highlighting the role of science in questioning and diagnosing what is often misinterpreted as divine intervention. The Wonder is a reflection on the tension between faith, tradition, and the search for truth in a society shaped by religious authority.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Greece

Apples (2020), directed by Christos Nikou, is a surreal and thought-provoking Greek film set in an apocalyptic world where an inexplicable epidemic of amnesia sweeps across the population. People suddenly lose all memories of their past lives, and the government offers a peculiar solution: to document the lives of amnesiacs as they try to rebuild their identities by engaging in new, preordained activities.

The protagonist, Aris (Aris Servetalis), is one of the amnesiacs who is enrolled in this strange program. As he navigates a series of bizarre and disconnected encounters—taking on new personas, engaging in random relationships, and participating in prescribed rituals—he embarks on a journey not only to reclaim his lost identity but also to question whether it is even worth reclaiming. However, the one memory that he is able to hold on to is his affinity for apples.

The film beautifully explores the themes of identity, memory, and self-discovery in a world where the past is erased. It raises the question of whether our identity is truly tied to our memories or if we can redefine ourselves entirely, free from the constraints of history and experience. Apples is a poetic meditation on the fluidity of identity, set against the backdrop of a surreal, dystopian reality.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Pakistan

Joyland (2022), directed by Saim Sadiq, is a poignant Pakistani drama that challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations. The film follows Haider (Ali Junejo), a gentle and reserved man from a conservative Lahore family, who secretly takes a job as a background dancer at a burlesque theater. There, he becomes drawn to Biba (Alina Khan), a confident and ambitious transgender performer, leading to an emotional and social reckoning within his family.

The film deeply examines masculinity in a patriarchal society, portraying Haider’s quiet defiance against rigid gender norms. It also highlights the constrained roles of women, particularly his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq), who longs for independence and a career as a beautician, but is stifled by societal expectations to be a full-time wife and mother. Meanwhile, Biba’s presence in the story represents both resilience and the shifting, yet still fragile, perceptions of transgender individuals in Pakistan.

As Pakistan’s first film to be featured at Cannes, Joyland sparked conversations about gender, identity, and evolving cultural attitudes. Its raw and intimate storytelling offers hope for greater acceptance while exposing the struggles faced by those who exist outside traditional norms in a deeply conservative society.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: India

Sholay (1975), directed by Ramesh Sippy, is one of Bollywood’s most iconic and influential films. A blend of action, drama, romance, and comedy, the film follows two small-time criminals, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra), who are hired by former police officer Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) to capture the ruthless bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan). As they settle into the village of Ramgarh, they form bonds with the widowed Radha (Jaya Bhaduri) and the feisty Basanti (Hema Malini), while preparing for their ultimate showdown with Gabbar.

With its gripping storytelling, unforgettable dialogues, and legendary characters, Sholay set a new standard for Indian cinema. It introduced the "Curry Western" genre, inspired by Hollywood Westerns and samurai films, while blending it with Bollywood's unique style. Amjad Khan’s portrayal of Gabbar Singh remains one of the most iconic villains in Indian film history.

The film’s legacy endures through its cultural impact, repeated references in pop culture, and its status as one of the greatest Indian films ever made. Sholay revolutionized Bollywood’s approach to storytelling and continues to be celebrated as a cinematic epic.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Sweden

The Touch (1971), directed by Ingmar Bergman, is a complex and emotionally intense drama that explores love, guilt, and the lingering trauma of the Holocaust. The film follows Karin (Bibi Andersson), a seemingly content Swedish housewife married to a respected physician (Max von Sydow). Her world is upended when she embarks on an affair with David (Elliott Gould), an American Jewish archaeologist burdened by deep emotional scars from his family's Holocaust experiences.

Their relationship is marked by ion but also by instability and emotional volatility. David’s trauma manifests in his erratic behavior, self-loathing, and inability to fully trust or connect, complicating the affair. Karin, drawn to his vulnerability yet repelled by his outbursts, struggles with her own feelings of guilt—both as an adulteress and as someone unable to fully comprehend his pain.

Bergman’s first English-language film, The Touch is an intimate, psychological study of love and suffering, subtly weaving themes of post-Holocaust trauma into its portrayal of a doomed romance. While initially overlooked, the film has gained appreciation for its raw emotional depth and its nuanced exploration of how personal and historical pain shape human relationships.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Angola

Sambizanga (1972), directed by Sarah Maldoror, is a powerful political drama that sheds light on Angola’s anti-colonial struggle against Portuguese rule. Based on the novel A Vida Verdadeira de Domingos Xavier by José Luandino Vieira, the film follows Maria, a resilient Angolan woman searching for her husband, Domingos, who has been imprisoned and tortured for his involvement in the independence movement.

The film places women at the heart of the resistance, portraying Maria not just as a grieving wife but as a symbol of strength and perseverance in the face of oppression. Her journey reflects the vital yet often overlooked role of women in revolutionary movements, highlighting their resilience, agency, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Beyond its historical narrative, Sambizanga is a landmark in African cinema, serving as both a call to action and a document of Angola’s fight for independence. Maldoror’s direction, blending realism with poetic imagery, captures the urgency of liberation struggles while humanizing the sacrifices made by ordinary Angolans. The film remains a crucial piece of political cinema, emphasizing the intersection of gender, resistance, and colonial history.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Belgium

Here (2023), directed by Bas Devos, is a contemplative Belgian drama that delicately portrays the unexpected connection between two individuals from disparate socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. The film follows Stefan, a Romanian construction worker in Brussels, who is preparing to return to his homeland. His path crosses with Shuxiu, a Chinese graduate student researching mosses and lichens. Their chance meeting evolves into a profound bond, transcending language barriers and personal histories.

Devos employs a minimalist narrative, focusing on the subtleties of human interaction. The film emphasizes visual storytelling, capturing the nuances of nature and urban life, which metaphorically reflect the characters' internal landscapes. This approach allows the audience to immerse themselves in the characters' shared moments, highlighting the beauty of simple, genuine connections.

Here stands out because of its poetic and introspective style, offering a serene exploration of human connection amidst the backdrop of a bustling city. It stands as a testament to the possibility of finding companionship and understanding across cultural divides, celebrating the quiet yet profound impact of meaningful relationships.

This is one of those films that deserves a rewatch after a long stressful day when you feel that the rest of the world is out to get you. The simplicity and quietness of the film serve as a reminder that we sometimes need to take time to ground ourselves and take notice of the possible connections around us.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country:

Camille Claudel (1988), directed by Bruno Nuytten and starring Isabelle Adjani, is a haunting biographical drama about the life of the brilliant but tormented sculptor Camille Claudel. The film focuses on her ionate yet tumultuous relationship with Auguste Rodin (Gérard Depardieu), her mentor, lover, and eventual rival. Their dynamic is central to the narrative, showcasing both the inspiration and destruction that can come from artistic obsession and unbalanced power dynamics.

The film masterfully explores the fine line between artistic ion and madness. Claudel’s relentless pursuit of her own artistic identity, coupled with societal and personal betrayals, leads to her tragic descent into isolation and eventual institutionalization. Adjani’s raw and immersive performance captures the emotional intensity of a woman battling for recognition in a male-dominated world, while Depardieu’s Rodin embodies both iration and exploitation.

With its rich cinematography and evocative score, Camille Claudel is a powerful meditation on the sacrifices demanded by art, the consuming nature of love, and the devastating consequences of being a visionary ahead of one's time.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Jamaica

The Shadowless Tower (2023), directed by Zhang Lu, is a contemplative Chinese drama that delves into themes of regret, reconciliation, and the search for purpose. The film centers on Gu Wentong (Xin Baiqing), a middle-aged food critic and divorcé in Beijing, who is estranged from his father and shares custody of his young daughter. As he navigates his daily routine, Wentong forms a bond with Ouyang Wenhui (Huang Yao), a young photographer accompanying him on his culinary assignments. Even though there is no romantic relationship between the two, she embodies other aspects of the manic pixie dreamgirl archetype due to her quirks and easygoing nature. This informal working relationship prompts Wentong to confront his past decisions and the lingering regrets that have shaped his life.

A significant motif in the film is the White Pagoda, a 13th-century Buddhist temple in Beijing's Xicheng District. Known for its elusive shadow, the pagoda symbolizes the protagonist's introspective journey and the intangible aspects of his personal history. The tower's "shadowless" nature serves as a metaphor for Wentong's quest to reconcile with his estranged father and to find clarity and direction in his life. This symbolism underscores the film's exploration of how individuals grapple with their past and seek meaning amid life's uncertainties.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Jamaica

The Harder They Come (1972), directed by Perry Henzell, is a groundbreaking Jamaican crime drama that follows Ivanhoe "Ivan" Martin (played by reggae legend Jimmy Cliff), a young country boy who moves to Kingston with dreams of becoming a famous singer. However, after facing corruption and exploitation in the music industry, Ivan turns to a life of crime, becoming both an outlaw and a folk hero.

Music plays a central role in the film, with its reggae-infused soundtrack—featuring songs by Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, and Toots and the Maytals—serving as both a narrative device and a cultural statement. The title track, The Harder They Come, became an anthem of defiance and struggle, helping introduce reggae music to international audiences.

The film’s legacy is immense, as it not only put Jamaican cinema on the map but also played a pivotal role in popularizing reggae worldwide. Its gritty realism, social commentary, and powerful soundtrack continue to influence filmmakers and musicians alike, cementing The Harder They Come as a cultural landmark in both film and music history.

For some added historical background, listen to the MUBI podcast episode.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Colombia

The Accidental Twins (2024), directed by Alessandro Angulo, is a Colombian documentary that delves into the extraordinary true story of two sets of identical twins who were inadvertently switched at birth. The film chronicles their journey of self-discovery and the profound impact of uncovering their true identities.

The narrative centers on Jorge and Carlos, raised as fraternal twins in Bogotá, and William and Wilber, raised similarly in a rural village. At 25, a chance encounter revealed their striking resemblances, leading to the realization that each family had been raising one biological son and one unrelated child. This revelation prompted a re-evaluation of their identities and familial bonds.

The likelihood of such an event is exceedingly rare, yet this case underscores the critical need for stringent identification protocols in neonatal units. Implementing rigorous measures, such as immediate and verifiable identification methods post-delivery, is essential to prevent such life-altering errors. The documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the profound consequences that can arise from lapses in hospital procedures.

The Accidental Twins not only narrates a compelling personal story but also highlights the importance of meticulous practices in medical settings to safeguard individual identities from birth.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Hong Kong

Royal Warriors (1986) is a high-octane Hong Kong action film that helped solidify Michelle Yeoh as one of the industry's leading female action stars after break debut in Yes, Madam!. Directed by David Chung, the film follows Hong Kong police officer Michelle Yip (Yeoh), who, along with a Japanese Interpol agent (Hiroyuki Sanada) and a security officer (Michael Wong), thwarts a mid-air hijacking. This act of heroism, however, sets off a deadly chain of events as vengeful criminals target the trio.

The film is notable for its intense action sequences, including brutal hand-to-hand combat, elaborate stunts, and high-speed chases—elements that became hallmarks of Hong Kong action cinema. Yeoh’s performance, blending grace and ferocity, marked her emergence as a formidable action heroine in a genre historically dominated by male leads. Her athleticism and on-screen charisma paved the way for her future success, proving that women could lead action films with the same intensity and physicality as their male counterparts.

Royal Warriors will likely become a cult classic, showcasing Yeoh’s early talent and becoming a touchstone that helped define the role of women in martial arts and action cinema.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Argentina

The Bitter Stems (Los Tallos Amargos, 1956) is a hidden gem of Argentinian cinema and a standout entry in the film noir genre. Directed by Fernando Ayala, the film tells the gripping story of a disillusioned journalist who becomes entangled in a fraudulent correspondence school scheme, leading to paranoia, guilt, and ultimately, murder.

What sets The Bitter Stems apart is its striking cinematography by Ricardo Younis, a disciple of Gregg Toland (Citizen Kane). The film employs deep shadows, stark contrasts, and dramatic angles that perfectly capture the noir aesthetic, emphasizing themes of moral decay and existential dread. The psychological depth of the protagonist, whose internal turmoil drives the narrative, aligns with classic noir’s exploration of guilt and fate.

Despite being lesser-known internationally, The Bitter Stems is a masterful example of film noir, blending suspenseful storytelling with haunting visuals. It remains a testament to Argentina’s rich cinematic history and the genre’s universal appeal.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Latvia

In my humble opinion, calling Flow a cinematic “masterpiece” wouldn’t be hyperbole. It’s amazing what Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis accomplished with open-sourced animation software, no dialogue, and a miniscule production staff. The end product is an emotion-filled journey through disaster, a fight for survival, and the unlikely alliances that can be formed along the way. No wonder it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature over big-budget studio releases.

An unnamed black cat (modeled after Zilbalodis’ own pet) reacts when a catastrophic post-apocalyptic flood drives it away from the house it shares with an unseen woodcarver. The animation's portrayal of water is particularly striking, with dramatic CGI vividly illustrating its movement and interaction with light. This meticulous attention to the fluid dynamics enhances the immersive experience, making the water almost a character in its own right.

Throughout the journey, the cat encounters various animals—a Labrador, a lemur, a capybara, and a secretary bird. Initially solitary, the cat learns the importance of cooperation as these diverse creatures band together to survive the challenges of their flooded environment. This theme of interspecies collaboration underscores the film's message about unity and resilience in the face of environmental adversity.

Flow stands out not only for its technical achievements but also for its poignant exploration of survival and companionship, all conveyed without spoken words. The film's ability to communicate profound themes through visual storytelling had such a profound impact on me that I may not view animation in the same light going forward.

March Around the World – 2025 Film Challenge
Featured Country: Japan

This required country for 2025 is Japan, with a focus on Studio Ghibli animated feels. I’ve seen most of the major ones from Hayao Miyazaki, so I chose one from another of its directors. I finally landed on My Neighbors the Yamadas directed by Isao Takahata.

This one has a different look and feel from most of the other Ghibli features. The animation is more simplistic and minimalist, but it doesn’t detract from the storytelling. Instead of focusing on a single plot line, this film is a series of vignettes in the day-to-day of the Yamadas, a typical Japanese middle-class family that includes a corporate working husband, a stay-at-home wife, two school-aged children (a son and a daughter), and a grandmother. Most of the scenes are quite relatable no matter what culture the viewer is from.

The vignette that I found the most entertaining, which is also the longest, is the one in which the family goes shopping at a mall. The young daughter falls asleep on a bench and gets left behind. The rest of the family is in the car halfway home before they realize she’s missing. They immediately turned around and searched part of the mall they had visited. Fortunately, a friend of the family discovered the daughter and took her home with her to the parents. In the meantime, the family is in panicked when they can’t find the girl anywhere and there is no response to the loudspeaker announcement.

Overall, I was impressed how the film captures the humor, struggles, and warmth of an ordinary Japanese household, highlighting universal themes such as generational differences, marital quirks, and the small but meaningful moments that define family life. Each segment, often infused with haiku poetry, offers a whimsical yet authentic reflection of suburban Japan, where tradition and modernity coexist. While My Neighbors the Yamadas lacks a conventional plot, its episodic structure and relatable scenarios make it a heartfelt and humorous meditation on family life, resonating with audiences both in Japan and beyond.

Watched on Monday February 10, 2025.

Watched on Sunday February 9, 2025.

Watched on Saturday February 8, 2025.

Not FDA approved.

Challenge hosted by Yarjka:

The requirements are:
4 Academy Award or Golden Globe Winners (in any category)
- Coco (Academy Award Winner - Best Animated Feature, Best Song)
3 Pre-Code Films
3 Animated Films
- Coco
2 Concert Films
- Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus
- Amazing Grace
2 European Films
2 Russian or Soviet Films
2 Japanese, Korean, or Chinese Films
- Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus (Japan)
- Life is Beautiful (2022 - South Korea)
2 Bollywood or Indian Films
- Om Shanti Om
- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
2 Films Starring a Child in the Lead Role
- Coco
2 Sci-Fi or Horror Films
- The End
1 Film with a Primarily Black Cast
- The Color Purple (2023)
1 Western or “Singing Cowboy” Film
1 Religious or Faith-Based Film
- The Jesus Music
1 Film Featuring LGBTQ+ Themes
1 Documentary Film or Music Biopic
- The Jesus Music
1 Razzie Worst Picture Winner or Nominee

Watched films can fulfill more than one requirement.
Rewatches allowed.

1. Om Shanti Om

   Rewatch
   Netflix
   Requirement: Bollywood/Indian film

2. Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus

   Criterion Channel
   Requirements: Concert Film, Japanese/Chinese/Korean Film

3. The Jesus Music

   Rewatch
   Hulu
   Requirements: Religious/Faith-Based Film, Documentary Film

4. Amazing Grace

   Kanopy
   Requirement: Concert Film

5. The End

   Hulu
   Requirement: Sci-Fi/Horror Film

6. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

   Amazon Prime Video
   Requirement: Bollywood/Indian Film

7. The Color Purple

   Max
   Requirement: Film with a Primarily Black Cast

8. Life Is Beautiful

   Kanopy
   Requirement: Japanese/Chinese/Korean Film

9. Coco

   Rewatch
   Disney+
   Requirements: Academy Award Winner (Best Animated Feature, Best Song), Animated Film, Film Starring A Child in the Lead Role

1. My Neighbors the Yamadas

   Japan
   Max

2. Flow

   Latvia
   Max

3. The Bitter Stems

   Argentina
   Criterion Channel

4. Royal Warriors

   Hong Kong
   Criterion Channel

5. The Accidental Twins

   Colombia
   Netflix

6. The Harder They Come

   Jamaica
   Kanopy

7. The Shadowless Tower

   China
   Criterion Channel

8. Camille Claudel

   
   Kanopy

9. Here

   Belgium
   Criterion Collection

10. Sambizanga

    Angola
    Criterion DVD

...plus 20 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

• A New Leaf
• God's Creatures
• Aftersun
• Queenpins
• NYAD
• The Lady Bird Diaries
• Past Lives
• Plan 75
• Aya of Yop City
• Murina

...plus 10 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

The challenge is to watch 20 previously unseen films by Black directors and review them. The tag "20 Black Directors 2024" will be used so that other participants can easily find each other's reviews.

Films will appear on the list in the order that I watch them.

1. Marshall
2. Rise
3. Chameleon Street
4. American Fiction
5. Movie, MovieCrash
6. Dahomey

Yeah, most people would consider these "fluff" films with no substance, but I love watching them anyway. And I could care less what anyone else says.

• White Chicks
• Yours, Mine and Ours
• Casa de Mi Padre
• Diamantino
• Cocaine Bear
• Desert Fury

Is there any better combination than movies and food? This list is a work-in-progress of food-themed (beverages included) movies I have already seen. I know there's a whole bunch more out there. Hungry anyone?

• Big Night
• Eat Drink Man Woman
• Jiro Dreams of Sushi
• The Secret of the Grain
• Babette's Feast
• Woman on Top
• The Mistress of Spices
• Like Water for Chocolate
• Chocolat
• The Ramen Girl

...plus 73 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Inspired after having watched Bergman's Scenes from a Marriage.

• Scenes from a Marriage
• Bergman Island
• Marriage Story
• Anatomy of a Fall
• Husbands and Wives
• Interiors
• Hannah and Her Sisters
• American Beauty
• Maestro
• Kramer vs. Kramer

...plus 7 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

My list of watched and reviewed films for this year's challenge.

I was unable to finish the last two years, so I hope to make up some lost ground this year by going over the required 30 films.

1. BlackBerry

   Canada - Hulu

2. Plan 75

   Japan - Criterion Channel

3. Fallen Leaves

   Finland - Amazon Prime (MUBI)

4. The Orator

   Samoa - Kanopy

5. And Then We Danced

   Georgia - Amazon Prime

6. Aya of Yop City

   Ivory Coast - Kanopy

7. Murina

   Croatia - The Movie Channel

8. Hunger

   Thailand - Netflix

9. Japón

   Mexico - Criterion Channel

10. 20 Days in Mariupol

    Ukraine - Youtube

    Note: US viewers can watch this ad-free on Youtube, courtesy of PBS and Frontline: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvAyykRvPBo

...plus 30 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Films about "fresh starts" that I've enjoyed. May not necessarily be the best ones I've seen, but the ones that come off the top of my head.

1. Minari

   Korean immigrants make a new life in rural Arkansas.

2. Paddington

   Paddington leaves the Peruvian jungles to begin new adventures (and a new life) in London.

3. El Norte

   Two Guatemalan siblings make a harrowing trip across borders to begin a new life in America.

4. The Grapes of Wrath

   The Joad family leaves the Dust Bowl of Oklahoma to start a new life in California.

5. Brooklyn

   A young Irish woman leaves everything behind to start a new life in America.

6. Past Lives

   A woman reunites with her childhood friend from Korea after making a new life for herself in Canada and America.

7. My Blue Heaven

   A former mobster tries to make a new life in suburbia under the Witness Protection program.

8. A Good Year

   A successful broker leaves his high-paying job in London to take over a vineyard in he inherited.

9. Synonyms

   An Israeli man immerses himself in all things French so that he can fit into the local culture.

10. Chocolat

    A mysterious mother and daughter disrupt a quiet French village by opening a chocolate shop.

Films in which a main character is in a foreign land. This list will not include settings in outer space or other planets. Also no war-related films will be included since those would be obvious choices.

This list only contains films I've already watched and rated.

• God's Own Country

  Romanian migrant Gheorgie tends sheep in England.

• El Norte

  Siblings Rosa & Enrique flee their home in Guatemala and make their way to the US.

• Lost in Translation

  Bob and Charlotte keep each other company in Japan.

• Silence

  Jesuit priests Rodrigues and Garupe serve as missionaries to Japan.

• The Night of the Iguana

  A former minister and a group of tourists interact at a hotel in Mexico.

• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

  A group of British seniors are duped into believing that they will arrive at a posh retirement complex in India.

• The Wings of the Dove

  Two Londoners meet up with a dying American heiress in Venice to swindle her out of her fortune.

• Take Out

  An illegal Chinese immigrant works as a take-out delivery person in New York City.

• A age to India

  Miss Quested and Mrs. Moore journey to India.

• In America

  A family of Irish immigrants settle into a tenement building in New York City.

...plus 55 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Includes rewatches.

• Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.
• The Woman King
• The Earth Is Blue as an Orange
• Clara Sola
• Beginning
• Orlando
• Cocaine Bear
• Women Talking
• Luxor
• Searching for Ingmar Bergman

...plus 19 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

My top 10 snow movies.

1. March of the Penguins
2. A Christmas Story
3. Fargo
4. Misery
5. Winter Sleep
6. Ikiru
7. The Third Murder
8. Eight Below
9. Force Majeure
10. Smilla's Sense of Snow

Includes rewatches.

• Something's Gotta Give
• The Rescue
• Back to the Outback
• Eternals
• Bergman Island
• Chez Jolie Coiffure
• Lemon
• Hive
• Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time
• The Perfect Candidate

...plus 13 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

My top 10 films directed by a cast member (not necessarily in a lead role).

1. Life Is Beautiful
2. Henry V
3. Annie Hall
4. Dick Johnson Is Dead
5. Day for Night
6. Million Dollar Baby
7. Hamlet
8. Tootsie
9. Faces Places
10. Braveheart

This will be my list for the annual Around the World Challenge hosted by Lise. Unlike years past, I've decided to preselect the films I'll be watching. I hope to do a film per day, so I plan to finish with 31 films on my list. The list is subject to change based on availability.

I know some participants are specifically looking for women directors, but I'm not making that a requirement. However, to promote women directors and provide suggestions of films to add to their list, I will tag any appropriate entries on my list with #DirectedByWomen.

Update: I will reorder my list as each film is watched. There are also some outstanding films on my personal watchlist that would be a good addition to this challenge, so I may end up with more than 31.

My previous years:
2021 (didn't finish)
2020 (completed)
2019 (completed)
2018 (didn't finish)

1. Hive

   Kosovo
   Criterion Channel
   #DirectedByWomen

2. Luzzu

   Malta
   Amazon Prime/MUBI

3. Asako I & II

   Japan
   Amazon Prime/MUBI

4. West Side Story

   USA
   Disney+

5. Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time

   Hungary
   Criterion Channel
   #DirectedByWomen

6. Tazzeka

   Morocco
   Amazon Prime

7. The Burial of Kojo

   Ghana
   Netflix

8. The Attorney

   South Korea
   Amazon Prime

9. The Perfect Candidate

   Saudi Arabia
   Criterion Channel
   #DirectedByWomen

10. Feast

    Netherlands
    Amazon Prime/MUBI

...plus 36 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Another showdown list, based on what I've already seen.

1. Moonstruck
2. Over the Moon
3. Moonlight
4. Hidden Figures
5. Kubo and the Two Strings
6. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
7. Apollo 13
8. Moonraker
9. SpaceCamp
10. Moon

Includes re-watches

• The Forty-Year-Old Version
• Lucky Grandma
• Nomadland
• I Still Hide to Smoke
• The Mole Agent
• My Octopus Teacher
• Apparition
• The Man Who Sold His Skin
• The Donut King
• A Thousand Cuts

...plus 11 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Movies I've watched in 2020 off of the DVR. This is a neverending task since something gets added after a film gets watched and deleted.

I only record movies on channels that show them with no commercials, so they may be from TCM, STARZ, TMC, FXM, or any of the channels when they have a free preview period.

• The Abominable Snowman
• Pepe
• A Scandal in Paris
• Xala
• The Walking Stick

My running list of movies about teachers as primary characters. If the movie does not have a rating, then it's on my "To Watch" list.

Note: I will not be including B-grade movies (or lower) in my list. Examples include Bad Teacher and Summer School.

• To Sir, with Love
• Dead Poets Society
• The Emperor's Club
• Goodbye, Mr. Chips
• Goodbye, Mr. Chips
• Mona Lisa Smile
• The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
• Stand and Deliver
• Music of the Heart
• Mr. Holland's Opus

...plus 22 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

This will be my list for the annual Around the World Challenge hosted by Lise. As usual, I am not pre-selecting my films other than the one for the required country (which is New Zealand for this year). The others will be pulled from my private watchlist based on my mood and what I have time to see. I hope to do a film per day, so I plan to finish with 31 films on my list. This list is displayed in the order watched.

I know some participants are specifically looking for women directors, but I'm not making that a requirement. However, to promote women directors and provide suggestions of films to add to their list, I will tag any appropriate entries on my list with #DirectedbyWomen.

Update: Unfortunately, I didn't finish...only got to 21, but at least I got to cross off some long-awaited films off my watch list!

My previous years:
2020 (completed)
2019 (completed)
2018 (didn't finish)

1. Waru

   New Zealand
   Amazon Prime

2. Supa Modo

   Kenya
   Criterion Collection

3. Dry Season

   Chad
   Amazon Prime - MUBI Channel

4. I Still Hide to Smoke

   Algeria
   Amazon Prime

5. Disappearance

   Iran
   Amazon Prime

6. The Mole Agent

   Chile
   Hulu

7. A Touch of Sin

   China
   Amazon Prime - MUBI Channel

8. Dear Comrades!

   Russia
   Hulu

9. The Plumber

   Australia
   Criterion Channel

10. Another Round

    Denmark
    Hulu

...plus 11 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Includes rewatches.

• 35 Shots of Rum
• The Farewell
• The Edge of Democracy
• Water Lilies
• The Second Mother
• Lionheart
• For Sama
• Honeygiver Among the Dogs
• Everyone Else
• Jacquot de Nantes

...plus 58 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

This is the fourth year that TajLV is hosting this challenge. It will be my first year to participate since I needed an excuse to rewatch some films I had seen prior to ing LB (or was too lazy to write a review for movies watched since ing LB). This means I will be writing a review for the first time for all of these films, so it will be interesting to see if my opinions have changed over time.

Here are the 20 that I selected (which is subject to change) from the 30 categories available. Viewing and reviews must be completed before the start of the Winter Solstice, December 21. I hope to be done early.

1. Watership Down

   Rewatch a favorite animated film.

2. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg

   Revisit a film that made you cry.

3. Secrets & Lies

   Rewatch a film that won the Palme d'Or at Cannes.

4. Afterglow

   Have another go at any film you've seen only on the big screen.

5. The Da Vinci Code

   Revisit a film that the Catholic Church has condemned as Morally Offensive.

6. Interiors

   Rewatch a film directed by Woody Allen, Mel Brooks or Blake Edwards.

   *Replacement pick
   Original selection: Hannah and Her Sisters

7. Everybody Knows

   Rewatch a film in a language other than English.

8. Howards End

   Rewatch a film starring one of your favorite actors or actresses. (Emma Thompson)

9. Babies

   Have another look at a film featuring a baby or a pregnancy.

10. In the Mood for Love

    Revisit a film tagged 5x5 on Letterboxd.

...plus 10 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

My top 10 list of films about cults, communes, religious societies, secret clubs, and other units considered to be out of the norm.

1. Dogtooth
2. Elmer Gantry
3. The White Ribbon
4. Us
5. The Boys from Brazil
6. I Love You, Alice B. Toklas!
7. The Village
8. Pleasantville
9. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
10. The Da Vinci Code

• The Man Who Knew Infinity
• Hidden Figures
• Good Will Hunting
• A Beautiful Mind
• The Imitation Game
• Madame Curie
• Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet

Movies that I've watched that show various perspectives of the immigrant experience.

• The Other Side of Hope
• America America
• A Better Life
• In America
• El Norte
• The Namesake
• Dancer in the Dark
• Biutiful
• My Beautiful Laundrette
• God's Own Country

...plus 26 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

My top 10 list of films in which airplanes, pilots, flight attendants, or flying in general are key elements.

1. The Wind Rises
2. Goldfinger
3. Red Eye
4. The Flight of the Phoenix
5. Julie
6. View from the Top
7. Airport
8. Top Gun
9. Die Hard 2
10. Superman

Right now, just starting this list off the top of my head. It's also a sad reminder that I need to read more.

• The English Patient
• The Color Purple
• Watership Down
• The Princess Bride
• Hamlet
• The Joy Luck Club
• The Good Earth
• Angela's Ashes
• The Kite Runner

I will be participating in Graham Williams' Quarantine Challenge. 24 films over 12 weeks. Rewatches allowed. See the details here.

Challenge checklist:
1. A film with an actually bisexual character. [Completed - Ema]
2. A film set mostly in one location. [Completed - Don's Party]
3. A Czech or Slovak film. [Completed - The Firemen's Ball]
4. A movie with bees.
5. A woman-authored western.
6. An arthouse cat video.
7. A psychotropic true crime film.
8. A film about lovers on the run.
9. A film about a singer or actor. [Completed - Diva]
10. A queer utopia.
11. A film about a landline telephone.
12. A neighbourhood symphony.
13. A film by someone who directed an REM video.
14. A film about artists and models.
15. A film of a less well-known Shakespeare play.
16. An arthouse car movie.
17. A film where a Biblical figure appears in more recent times.
18. A vision of Eden.
19. A film based on the Faust legend.
20. A film where someone makes a big crazy conspiracy wall. [Completed - The Good Liar]
21. A film where a woman does a thing.
22. An Alan Clarke movie.
23. A 50s B-movie homage.
24. A film that is not a David Bowie song.

• Diva
• The Firemen's Ball
• The Good Liar
• Ema
• Don's Party

Top 10 List about roommates (good or bad).

1. The Goodbye Girl
2. Tootsie
3. The Spanish Apartment
4. Rope
5. Dostana
6. The Lighthouse
7. The Odd Couple
8. Notting Hill
9. Shaun of the Dead
10. Bridesmaids

Final feature films that I've actually watched.

• A age to India

  David Lean

• The Human Factor

  Otto Preminger

• Julie & Julia

  Nora Ephron

• An Autumn Afternoon

  Yasujirō Ozu

• Yi Yi

  Edward Yang

• Hyenas

  Djibril Diop Mambéty

• Blue Sky

  Tony Richardson

Showdown list of my favorite movie doctors.

1. Red Beard
2. Awakenings
3. The Cider House Rules
4. Doctor Zhivago
5. The Doctor
6. Young Dr. Kildare
7. The Fugitive
8. The Last King of Scotland
9. The Silence of the Lambs
10. Coma

My top 10 showdown list of cinema's senior citizens.

1. Nebraska
2. Amour
3. Harold and Maude
4. Cocoon
5. Harry and Tonto
6. On Golden Pond
7. Driving Miss Daisy
8. Poetry
9. The Whisperers
10. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

My showdown list about art. I chose films that contained significant scenes highlighting the artistic process.

1. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
2. Amadeus
3. Pollock
4. Burden of Dreams
5. s Ha
6. The Agony and the Ecstasy
7. The Pianist
8. They'll Love Me When I'm Dead
9. Pain and Glory
10. Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool

I know this list sounds morbid considering the current world situation, but I'm curious to see the connecting threads as to how epidemics, plagues, panics, and disease, in general, are played out in film and test the notion whether "art imitates life" and vice versa holds true in these particular cases.

• Children of Men
• Contagion
• Outbreak
• The Happening
• The Andromeda Strain
• Blindness
• Panic in the Streets
• The Flu
• The Cassandra Crossing
• Virus

...plus 22 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Showdown list of my 10 best house pics (expand for explanations).

1. Parasite

   It's obvious why this is #1. The house is the main character.

2. Howards End

   When you give away the family country house on your deathbed, this is what you get.

3. The Trip to Bountiful

   The longing for one's childhood home....

4. Psycho

   I don't know which had the scarier basement, the Bates house or the Park house in Parasite.

5. The Holiday

   Who knew house swapping could be so much fun?

6. Little Women

   We all want to have Christmas dinner at the March house.

7. Ferris Bueller's Day Off

   We're all jealous of Cameron's dad for keeping his Ferrari in a glasshouse.

8. Duplex

   What happens when you're upstairs neighbor refuses to move out (or die).

9. What's Up, Doc?

   It doesn't have much screen time, but that house at 888 Russian Hill is to die for!

10. House of Sand and Fog

    The nightmare of buying and selling a house.

This will be my list for the annual Around the World Challenge hosted by Lise. As usual, I am not pre-selecting my films other than the one for the required country (which is Brazil for this year). The others will be pulled from my private watchlist based on my mood and what I have time to see. I hope to do a film per day, so I plan to finish with 31 films on my list. This list is displayed in the order watched.

World Cinema is so rich with stories to be told that I will not be including films from the US or the UK this year. Isn't that what the other 11 months of the year are for?

I know some participants are specifically looking for women directors, but I'm not making that a requirement. However, to promote women directors and provide suggestions of films to add to their list, I will tag any appropriate entries on my list with #DirectedbyWomen.

My previous years:
2019 (completed)
2018 (didn't finish)

1. Parasite

   South Korea
   Netflix DVD

2. The Second Mother

   Brazil (required country)
   Amazon Prime
   #DirectedbyWomen

3. Talking About Trees

   Sudan
   Amazon Prime - MUBI

4. Shame

   Sweden
   Criterion Channel

5. The Fall of the American Empire

   Canada
   Amazon Prime - STARZ

6. Pain and Glory

   Spain
   Netflix DVD

7. Lionheart

   Nigeria
   Netflix Streaming
   #DirectedbyWomen

8. For Sama

   Syria
   Amazon Prime
   #DirectedbyWomen

9. Honeygiver Among the Dogs

   Bhutan
   Amazon Prime - MUBI
   #DirectedbyWomen

10. Everyone Else

    
    Criterion Channel
    #DirectedbyWomen

...plus 21 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

I doubt any of my picks will end up in the top 20, probably because I'm an old geezer based on the LB demographics.

1. What's Up, Doc?
2. The Sound of Music
3. The Muppet Movie
4. The Princess Bride
5. The Hudsucker Proxy
6. The Intouchables
7. The Aristocats
8. Mary Poppins
9. My Cousin Vinny
10. Grease

They keep releasing one of these films every few years. I will provide a rating and review once I get to them. Right now, they're on my watchlist.

• New York, I Love You
• Paris Je T'aime
• Rio, I Love You
• Tokyo!

These are films that I watched prior to ing Letterboxd with a rating of less than three stars. Perhaps they deserve a second chance, so if there's a review attached, I will note my original rating and my new rating after a rewatch to see if the age of time has changed anything.

• The Sweet Hereafter
• The Piano
• Pulp Fiction
• Love Affair, or the Case of the Missing Switchboard Operator

This started out as a top 10 showdown list, but I'm expanding to reflect all films I've watched that meet the criteria.

• Sunset Boulevard
• The Artist
• Super 8
• The Stunt Man
• Day for Night
• Gods and Monsters
• Ed Wood
• Cinema Paradiso
• The Bad and the Beautiful
• Two Weeks in Another Town

...plus 7 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

I love it when documentaries give you that "edge of your seat" feel. They may have twisting plots or result in outcomes that the film maker least expected.

This will be a running list that I will add to when I encounter such films.

• The Imposter
• Searching for Sugar Man
• The Witness
• Icarus
• Three Identical Strangers

You may not have heard of these titles, but they are definitely worth checking out. I stumbled upon most these films by accident.

• Nine Days of One Year

  I discovered this film when I took advantage of a trial hip on Hulu Plus.

  When I read the synopsis that the plot involves a love triangle among three nuclear physicists, I thought "Are you kidding?" How interesting could that be? It turns out be a wonderful tale of devotion and friendship. Yes, physicists have feelings and emotions just like everyone else.

• Shades of Ray

  Review by rsq2000 ★★★★

  I stumbled upon this film as a recommendation on Netflix Instant.

  As the world becomes more of a giant melting pot than ever before, this film takes a lighthearted look at what it's like to confront one's own identity when you're of mixed heritage. How do you define yourself? What traditions should you adhere to or do you start traditions of your own? Do you feel like you're betraying a part of yourself in the attempt to assimilate with the rest of the world?

• The Happy Poet
• IP5: The Island of Pachyderms
• Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers
• A Colt Is My port
• Jar City
• The Holly and the Ivy
• Honeygiver Among the Dogs

My running list of films about fictional artists/writers/performers of all mediums, whether it be in the literary, visual, or performing arts, as well as the creative process in general. Any film on this list without a rating means it is on my "To Watch" list.

• Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
• s Ha
• Adaptation.
• Black Swan
• The Competition
• Art School Confidential
• The Goodbye Girl
• Fame
• Words and Pictures
• The Dresser

...plus 32 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Martial arts showdown list

1. The Big Boss
2. Enter the Dragon
3. Ip Man
4. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
5. House of Flying Daggers
6. Hero
7. Rumble in the Bronx
8. The Grandmaster
9. Fearless
10. The Assassin

Another showdown list....about Paris. I could be smart ass and include Paris, Texas, but I'm not going to...

1. Before Sunset
2. Ratatouille
3. Paris
4. Breathless
5. Cléo from 5 to 7
6. Frantic
7. The Intouchables
8. Moulin Rouge!
9. 2 Days in Paris
10. Charade

My favorite LB challenge that encourages viewing of world cinema. I have not pre-selected my films since I tend to choose at random on the day of viewing. Films will be officially added to the list once I complete my reviews.

1. The Blue Umbrella

   India
   Netflix Streaming

2. The Fencer

   Estonia
   Amazon Prime

3. The Pope's Toilet

   Uruguay
   Amazon Prime

4. Battle for Sevastopol

   Russia (required country)
   Amazon Prime

5. Borg vs McEnroe

   Sweden
   Netflix DVD

6. A Simple Life

   Hong Kong
   Amazon Prime (MUBI channel)

7. Bitcoin Heist

   Vietnam
   Netflix Streaming

8. Foxtrot

   Israel
   Amazon Prime (Starz Channel)

9. The Guilty

   Denmark
   Netflix DVD

10. The Third Murder

    Japan
    Amazon Prime

...plus 21 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Ok, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but love does hurt sometimes, so here's my top 10 list that proves that point.

1. Somewhere in Time
2. Breaking the Waves
3. Happy Together
4. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
5. Brief Encounter
6. Amour
7. Brokeback Mountain
8. Call Me by Your Name
9. Before Midnight
10. Titanic

My top 10 movie dads (including animal dads).

1. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
2. To Kill a Mockingbird
3. Life Is Beautiful
4. Finding Nemo
5. March of the Penguins
6. Call Me by Your Name
7. Bicycle Thieves
8. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
9. Yours, Mine and Ours
10. An Autumn Afternoon

Just for the heck of it, I wanted to list the movies I've seen with nuns as prominent characters.

• The Nun's Story
• Dead Man Walking
• Sister Act
• The Singing Nun
• The Sound of Music
• Ida
• Agnes of God
• The Bells of St. Mary's
• Doubt
• Black Narcissus

...plus 5 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

• My Night at Maud's
• It Happened on Fifth Avenue
• The Holiday
• Christmas in Connecticut
• The Shop Around the Corner
• Holiday Affair
• A Christmas Story
• the Night
• Miracle on 34th Street
• Carol