RON'S TOP 11 FOREIGN FILMS (that I saw in the year 2001)
[This list is noteworthy for two reasons: I include films from English-speaking countries; and I started the trend of including movies released in prior years, but not seen or distributed widely in the U.S. until now -- A tactic widely-copied in 2006 with the re-release of Melville's "Army of Shadows" from 1969. RJP (ed.)]
11. Taboo /“Gohatto” (Japan 1999)
The first gay Japanese samurai movie! (that I‘ve seen, anyway)
10. Under the Sand (France)
The first (and best) collaboration between actress Charlotte Rampling and French director/provocateur Francois Ozon (later teaming-up for the ridiculous "The Swimming Pool"--ed.).
9. Those Who Love Me Can Take the Train (France 1998) directed by Patrice Chereau
8. The Devil’s Backbone (Spain) by Guillermo del Toro [This movie is still making fans in Tulsa, Oklahoma. del Toro goes on to make Pan's Labyrinth, 2006 (ed.)]
7. Divided We Fall (Czech 2000) Oscar* nominee
6. In The Mood For Love (Hong Kong: Wong Kar-Wai)
5. Intimacy (UK) French director Patrice Chereau, again; this time in English.
4. Amelie (France) starring the sweet & charming Audrey Tatou, a frequent guest on the Top Ten List!
3. La Veuve de Saint-Pierre (France 2000) starring Juliette Binoche
['Veuve' is French for 'widow', for you non-Champagne drinkers!]
2. Amores Perros (Mexico: Innaritu 2000) another Oscar* nominee
[DO NOT see this movie if you’re at all squeamish about DOG violence!]
And the Number 1 Foreign Film of the Year…
1. BANDE A PART (FRANCE: Jean Luc-Godard 1964)
I discovered this newly-remastered classic at the AFI Silver. And unlike much of Godard's ouevre (like that word?) it is still fresh and funny. (And Amelie’s got nothin’ on a 23-year-old Anna Karina!)
