31 December 2013

365/365 Das Leben der Anderen

An East German Stasi officer finds himself increasingly absorbed by the lives of those on whom he is spying.

Cert: 15

UK Release: 2007

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405094/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Reflections on #cine365

In a short while, I'll be posting my 365th and final (for this blog) film in a language other than English.

I have loved doing this - watching films is a passion, and given my background as a language graduate and subsequently teacher, films in other languages hold an additional fascination.

I can't say every one of the films I've mentioned has been a classic, and I certainly didn't enjoy them all, but that's not to say they didn't merit a mention. I've received a number of tweets during the year in which the film I've posted has brought back lovely memories for people. I also hope that some of you may have been encouraged to seek out some of the films.

The project has compelled me to watch a number of films which I felt I 'ought' to have seen. As a result I find myself currently underwhelmed by French nouvelle vague (for shame, Marie!) but with an appreciation of the films of Akira Kurosawa, a director whose oeuvre had passed me by until now.

I adored Hiroshima, Mon Amour, discovered the post-war melodrama of Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu, and forced myself to watch the original Korean version of Oldboy which, having avoided it for 10 years, I found I loved.

For all my teacher friends, I know not all are suitable for classroom use, but I hope you might get some inspiration next time you're searching for a film to plug a cultural gap - you can search by language, country and certification.

Thanks to all who stopped by during the year - Happy 2014!

30 December 2013

364/365 Ikiru

A civil servant in a monotonous job tries to find some meaning to his life after he discovers he has terminal cancer.

Cert: PG

Original Release: 1952

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044741/?ref_=nv_sr_3


29 December 2013

363/365 Lemale et ha'halal

A young woman from an Hasidic Jewish family must decide whether to marry her brother-in-law after the unexpected death of her sister.

Cert: U

UK Release: 2013

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2219514/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1


28 December 2013

362/365 Syngué sabour, pierre de patience

A woman, compelled to care for her comatose husband during conflict in an unnamed Middle-Eastern country, finds herself baring her soul to him for the first time in their marriage.

Cert: 15

UK Release: 2013

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1638353/?ref_=nv_sr_2


27 December 2013

361/365 As If I Am Not There

Based on true stories of the horrific abuse of Bosnian women at the hands of Serbian soldiers during the Balkan conflicts in the 1990s.

Cert: 18

UK Release: 2011

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1456477/?ref_=nv_sr_1

26 December 2013

360/365 5 Broken Cameras

Documentary made by a Palestinian farmer about the non-violent resistance of his village when the Israeli army claimed its land to make room for Jewish settlers.

Cert: 15

UK Release: 2012

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2125423/?ref_=nv_sr_1