As classes end for college students and high school students start planning their summer plans, the lethargy of summer slowly creeps in and makes a home for itself. This makes sense. Summer, for students, is a time for much-needed rest and relaxation. For those of us who tend to use summer as a time for mindless Netflix-binging and movie-renting, it can sometimes feel like we spend these few months erasing the critical thinking skills we worked so hard cultivating over the school year. These seven foreign films offer a nice little happy medium: they make you think slightly more than you would binge-watching "Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta," while also allowing you to lounge on your couch and let the action come to you.
1. The Lives of Others (2006)
This stunning drama by German director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, and for good reason. Set in East Germany just before the fall of the Berlin wall, it follows a member of the secret police as he spies on a playwright suspected of conspiring against the government. Thrilling, moving, and beautifully written, this film will leave you with a lot to think about.
2. After the Wedding (2006)
This drama by Susanne Bier tells the story of a Danish man in charge of an orphanage India who must return to Denmark for more funds. Fans of the NBC show "Hannibal" will recognize Mads Mikkelsen, though I think they'll appreciate this less maniacal role. Full of interesting twists and heart-wrenching dilemmas, this film will definitely put your brain to work.
3. Cleo from 5 to 7 (1962)
This visually fascinating film by French New Wave director Agnes Varda follows two hours in the life of a singer as she awaits the results of a medical test. Brilliantly shot and paced, this film is as interesting as it is moving. Featuring a great musical number (as evidenced above) and some really cool scenes playing with mirrors, this film is equal parts fun and thought-provoking.
4. The White Ribbon (2009)
Michael Haneke's masterpiece "The White Ribbon" is at once disturbing and beautiful. Meant to depict the childhoods of the children who would grow up to be Nazis, one of Haneke's most brilliant moves is suggesting violence without ever showing it. Dazzlingly straightforward and infuriatingly ambiguous, it's no wonder this film was nominated for the 2010 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.
5. The Celebration (1998)
This drama by Thomas Vinterburg follows the Dogme 95 style, a movement in response to the classical Hollywood style that emphasized honesty and transparency in filmmaking. Shot almost exclusively with a handheld camera and in one location, "The Celebration" pulls no punches when dealing with its incredibly serious and nuanced subject matter. This family drama will stick in your head for days.
6. The Edge of Heaven (2007)
This film by Fatih Akin explores the very real experiences of Turkish-Germans as they flee from persecution in Istanbul. In exploring these themes through the relationships between parents and children, Akin is able to provide a very relatable framework to what could be an individualistic issue. Providing honest portrayals of both cities and the people in them, this film communicates important messages about what it means to be part of a home and a family.
7. Run, Lola, Run (1998)
This film is arguably the most upbeat on this list, though it explores themes with similar depth and gravity to the others. Fast-paced and a lot of fun, "Run, Lola, Run" tells the twenty-minute story of Lola as she tries to procure a large sum of money for her boyfriend before he gets killed. Lola's striking red hair and excellent running form make her a veritable late 90's superhero, and this film serves as a testament to the general badassery of strong-willed women. Watch it. It's a good time.
