Foreign Film: Cult Classics and Quirky Favorites

In no particular order, here's a selection of great foreign films that have managed to achieve a cult classic status, continuing to gather new fans over the intervening years since they were made.

Betty Blue (aka 37º le matin), 1986 (French)

This French film from director Jean-Jacques Beineix is the ultimate in subtitled movie chic. Betty (Beatrice Dalle) is a firecracker; a force of nature who sweeps into the life of a modest handyman, Zorg (Jean-Hugues Anglade) and turns his world upside down. The iconic poster adorned many a student's bedroom in the films heyday, and introduced English speaking fans to the passion and power of French films. Betty Blue endures thanks to a fast paced story, beautiful cinematography and star quality performances from the leads.

Nikita (aka La Femme Nikita), 1990 (French)

Luc Besson's fast paced thriller is a clever twist on the normal musclebound secret agent films. Anne Parillaud stars as a reluctant female assassin, with Marc Duret as the love interest. Non-stop action carries the movie, but there is a poignant undercurrent of loss and vulnerability that gives the film its soul. Re-made as an American film and a spin-off TV series, nothing comes close to the original.

Delicatessen, 1991 (French)

Jean Pierre Jeunet's Delicatessen is a bizarrely inventive film about a post apocalyptic world where food is in short supply. The film is populated by an heroic circus clown, renegade vegetarian cave dwellers, a murderous butcher and his kindly myopic daughter. There's also a whole host of scene-stealing minor characters, and an incredibly funny, groundbreaking sex scene.

Life is Beautiful, 1997 (Italian)

Roberto Benigni wrote, directed and starred in this polarizing film which weaves a path through humor, romance and the horror of a Nazi concentration camp. The drama and comedy is expertly balanced, and the film is a beautiful, inspiring story of hope.

Wings of Desire, 1987 (German)

Wim Wenders' atmospheric film about an angel who falls in love with a circus acrobat is engrossing and beautiful. Anguished and romantic in equal measure.

Kung Fu Hustle (aka Kung Fu), 2004 (Cantonese/Mandarin)

Hong Kong director extraordinaire Stephen Chow wrote, directed and starred in this funny but violent (comic book style) film as a no-good bum who discovers hidden kung fu talents. Incredible cinematography and carefully choreographed battle sequences lift this film up and away from mere parody, and place it in a class of its own.

Hard Boiled, 1992 (Cantonese)

This is a classic Hong Kong action blockbuster from John Woo. Stylish and gripping from start to finish. Like all the best Hong Kong police procedurals, this film involves a cop hellbent on revenge and a dangerous undercover mission to bring down the mob.

Pan's Labyrinth, 2006 (Spanish)

Guillermo del Toro's world cinema masterpiece, Pan's Labyrinth weaves a tale of magic and mystery around a brutal examination of the Spanish civil war. The performances are wonderful, especially from 12 year old lead Ivana Baquero, and the film justifiably scooped a whole host of awards.

Betty Blue Poster

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