Last week, I did a short list on "Nine Great East-Asian War Films," and now this week I will shift the focus from Asia to Europe, and from the war genre to all genres. With many of the world's greatest movies hailing from cinema powerhouses like France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy, European films have a certain flair vigor to them that distinctly sets themselves apart from cinema found here in the United States. Taking full advantage of their rich cultures and centuries' worth of history and influence, European filmmakers have given us hundreds of iconic and unforgettable films—and here are 10 of them.
1. "Life is Beautiful" (Italy)
When a Jewish family is captured by the Nazis and sent into Hitler's concentration camps, a loving father does all in his power to keep his one and only son from realizing and being broken down by the horrors of war. A film that is simultaneously funny and tragic, "Life is Beautiful" is a compelling story of a father's unshakable devotion and love for his son.
2. "For a Few Dollars More" (Italy)
From legendary spaghetti western director Sergio Leone comes this epic film where two rival bounty hunters form an uneasy but necessary alliance to take down an infamous gang of thieves, killers, and rapists. Featuring powerhouse performances by Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef, "For a Few Dollars More" is riveting story that is both memorable and electrifying.
3. "Black Book" (Netherlands)
Set in occupied Netherlands in World War II, "Black Book" tells the story of a Dutch-Jewish singer by the name of Rachel Stein who, after being betrayed by a collaborator, assumes a new identity and joins the Dutch Resistance in order to seek revenge. A harsh but realistic look into the game of shadows played by both sides in the conflict, "Black Book" is a must watch for thriller seekers and history buffs.
4. "The Horde" (France)
When a squad of undercover cops are taken hostage by the criminals they sought to capture, all seems over for the former. But things are interrupted when the zombie apocalypse breaks out and an alliance must be made between the bitter rivals if any of them wish to make it out alive. Not only genuinely terrifying and devilishly entertaining, "The Horde" also takes advantage of its multi-ethnic cast to provide a subtle yet conscious social commentary on France's views on said ethic groups.
5. "Day for Night" (France)
From well-respected French New Wave director Francois Truffaut comes "Day For Night," a whimsical, yet romantic look on big studio filmmaking. As both a director and actor in his own film, Truffaut plays an integral technical and expressive part in what is perhaps one of his most personal movies. Winning an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1973, "Day for Night" celebrates the joys of filmmaking and proudly shows off the power of the human spirit.
6. "Amelie" (France)
What can only be described as a magical experience, "Amelie" follows the story of a young woman who takes it upon herself to change the lives of those around her for the better. While it embodies many comical and magical-realist elements, "Amelie" still shines through as a simple yet beautifully poetic film.
7. "Downfall" (Germany)
Or as I like to call it by its original name, "Der Untergang," "Downfall" is one of the most raw films ever created. Following the last days of Adolf Hitler from his 56th birthday to the day of his suicide, audiences are brought on a nail-biting and stomach-churning experience where the mastermind of World War II and the one responsible for the deaths of millions, is ultimately humanized. Featuring a truly remarkable performance by Bruno Ganz, audiences will be shocked to find out that the individual who caused so much misery and destruction was in fact, just human.
8. "The Hunt" (Denmark)
Featuring Mads Mikkelsen, the Danish film star who rose to international fame for his roles in "Casino Royale" and NBC's "Hannibal," "The Hunt" revolves around the question of who to believe when it comes to a sexual abuse charge, and why. An interesting look into human psychology and the power of a child's words because of their perceived innocence, "The Hunt" is exactly what it sounds like.
9. "The Pianist" (Poland)
The winner of three academy awards in 2002 including Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, "The Pianist" follows the heartbreaking journey of a famous Polish pianist as his entire world crumbles around him as the flames of World War II erupt all across Europe. A harrowing tale of tragedy, actor Adrien Brody pulls audience members into his joys and struggles in this moving historical drama.
10. "Three Colors: Red" (France/Poland)
The third and final piece in a trilogy of color-centric films that represent the meanings behind the three colors of the French Flag, blue, white, and red, "Three Colors: Red" explores the meaning of fraternity just as how "Three Colors: Blue" explored liberty and "Three Colors: White" explored equality. Ambitious and expertly directed, "Red" is a film that is sure to leave your mind racing and your heart aflutter by the time the credits roll.
From historical dramas to spaghetti westerns, Europe has shown over the last century that it is talented as it is flexible. As a densely packed continent with dozens of countries, European filmmakers are blessed geographically for living in a place where ideas and influences travel easily from all directions, and it certainly shows in their work.
