7 Must-Watch Foreign Films

Team FC

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (2003) 

This is a South Korean drama film directed by Kim Ki-duk. The film is set in a pristine Buddhist monastery, telling the story of a monk as he passes through the different seasons of his life, from childhood to old age.

City of God (2002) 

This is a Portuguese crime film directed by Fernando Meirelles and co-directed by Kátia Lund. It is based on the 1997 novel of the same name written by Paulo Lins. The plot depicts the growth of organised crime in the suburb of Rio de Janeiro, during the 1960s and 80s. 

Joyland (2022) 

This is a Pakistani drama film written and directed by Saim Sadiq. The story is about Haider, who lands a job at a burlesque but lies to his traditional Pakistani family that he is a theatre manager. We watch him navigate the new experiences that come with that decision. 

Embrace the Serpent (2015) 

This is an adventure drama film directed by Ciro Guerra and written by Guerra and Jacques Toulemonde Vidal. The film follows Karamakate, a Colombian Amazonian shaman and two scientists who work together to find a healing plant. 

Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962) 

This is a drama film from the French New Wave, written and directed by Agnès Varda. The film tells the story of a young singer as she waits to hear the results of a medical test that will possibly confirm a diagnosis of cancer.

20 Fingers (2004) 

This is an Iranian film directed by Mania Akbari, starring herself and producer Bijan Daneshmand as a couple. The film comprises multiple long takes of the couple discussing topics like marriage, gender roles, sexuality and the dynamics of their society. 

Autumn Sonata (1978) 

This is a Swedish drama film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. The plot follows a celebrated classical pianist and her neglected daughter who meet for the first time in years. The film explores delicate discussions of how they have hurt each other.