2011 Year in Review: Best Foreign Films

Picking the year’s best foreign films is a challenge. Most of the films that make it to the U.S. shores are already that country’s top fare. So moviegoers are treated to usually a high caliber narrative from the start. Looking back at 2011’s foreign movies, here are some of the best (in alphabetical order):

“The Artist” – In today’s cinematic world of massive visual effects and 3D technology, it’s astounding to think that a filmmaker would make a black and white silent film. Yet French filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius has done just that with this poignant Valentine to Hollywood’s silent film era. It’s also reaping a hefty amount of award season buzz. (Review)

“City Of Life And Death” – Another black and white film, Lu Chuan’s “City Of Life And Death” is one of the most visually stunning pieces of cinema in recent memory. It packs an emotional wallop as it brutally depicts the Nanking Massacre of 1937-1938.

“Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame” – Set during China’s Tang Dynasty (618-907), “Detective Dee” combines a brilliant detective with early forensic science and thrilling displays of martial arts for an exhiliarating good time. Director Tsui Hark is a master of storytelling and visual effects. (Review)

“The Guard” – One of the most funny and biting crime films of the year hails from Ireland and stars Don Cheadle and Brendan Gleeson. Writer/director John Michael McDonagh spins a tale of drug trafficking, murder and mayhem into a rich Irish black comedy. (Review)

“A Separation” – Iran’s official selection for Oscar’s Best Foreign Language Film, “A Separation” is a compelling detective drama about a contemporary marriage dissolving in a male dominated country, and a potential criminal act that spins everything out of control. The early buzz is that this is the film to beat at the Academy Awards.

Other noteworthy foreign selections are “Elite Squad: The Enemy Within,” “Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life,” “Life, Above All,” “Mysteries of Lisbon,” “The Skin I Live In” and “Young Goethe in Love.”

For other film articles by Lori Huck, check out:

‘The Skin I Live In’ Review: Almodovar, Banderas, and Monsters

‘Elite Squad: The Enemy Within’ Review: Brazil’s Action-Packed Oscar Pick


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