French and French-language Films
The Phantom of Liberty: a snapshot of modern life where social conventions and hypocrisy limit personal freedom and responsibility
Luis Buñuel, “The Phantom of Liberty / Le Fantôme de la Liberté” (1974) This film
Tag: Comedy
Australian and New Zealand Films
Charlie’s Country: a portrait of a man and his community in search of belonging and identity
Rolf de Heer, “Charlie’s Country” (2013) A sad and compassionate film of a man’s search
The Big Short: a crash course into the causes and toxic culture of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis
Adam McKay, “The Big Short” (2015) How do you tell the story behind the sub-prime
The Great Dictator: using comedy and drama, silent film and talking picture to confront fascism
Charles Chaplin, “The Great Dictator” (1940) It’s over-long and the slapstick comedy is laid on
Kakekomi: historical soap opera drama labouring under several sub-plots to tackle serious social issues
Masato Harada, “Kakekomi Onna to Kakedashi Otoko” (2015) A light-hearted historical drama set in Japan
Latin American Films (Spanish language)
Nine Queens: clever film about two con artists with a message about how societies built on greed and mutual distrust crash
Fabian Bielinsky, “Nine Queens / Nuevas Reinas” (2000) Talented Argentine director Fabian Bielinsky made just
Kapsapea: an entertaining parody of action adventure / romance films
Riho Unt, “Kapsapea / A Cabbage” (1993) A stop-animation parody of action adventure films like
Troll Hunter: comedy horror flick works in popular Norwegian stereotypes and fears of a police state
André Øvredal, “Troll Hunter / Trolljegeren” (2010) Inspired perhaps by the example of “The Blair
Australian and New Zealand Films
What We Do in the Shadows: gentle satire and commentary on horror films and social problems
Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. “What We Do in the Shadows” (2014) Just when you
Harvey: a gentle plea for tolerance and the desire to opt out of the rat race
Henry Koster, “Harvey” (1950) This film about a middle-aged bachelor whose only friend and companion