Cinema Paradiso

Language: Italian                                             Year: 1998

Cinema paradiso is rightly considered a classic. A film that is essentially about a friendship and the wonder of cinema. 

Written and directed by Italian Giuseppe Tornatore and loosely based on his personal life, we learn how young Salvatore replaces his absent father with loner projectionist Alfredo. We see their friendship develop through a shared love for the art of cinema projection as the local town tries to rebuild intself at the end of World War 2. The cinema in which we spend a lot of this movie is not only special to the two of them, but a release and an escape for the entire village as the opressions and fall out from the war are realised.

This film also feels incredibly relavent - a great metaphor for the current decline of traditional motion picture cinema and the advent of Digital and 3D viewing.

Rightfully awarded 'Best foreign language film' and a whole heap of BAFTA's, this film is accessible, moving and down right essential.

Cria Cuervos

Language: Spanish                                             Year: 1976

This exceptional slice of Spanish life for a young girl is rightly considered a timeless classic. 

The title is taken from a spanish proverb that translates as "Raise ravens, and they'll take out your eyes" and is used in relation to having bad luck in raising children.

Starring a very young but mature Ana Torrent who found fame in the marvelous 'The Spirit Of The Beehive', we see the world through her eyes as she comes to terms with witnessing the difficult death of her mother. As her life is turned upside down, Ana begins to see visions of her dead mother and as she attempts to move on from the death, adapting to her new family set up.

Director Carlos Suara gets an incredible performance out of little Ana and one scene in particular involving a song by Spanish artist Jeanette allows Ana to shine.

The spiritual/ fantasy aspect of this film are matched perfectly with the reality Ana is living and helps you identify with her world and accept Ana's story as she tries to make sense of her reality.

Babette's feast

Language: Danish                                                Year: 1987

This delicious treat from Danish director Gabriel Axel tells the story of Babette, a lonely refugee who finds solace in the house of two unassuming sisters. After winning the lottery, Babette asks to cook the food for a celebration the sisters are organising. 

Set against the backdrop of a stark landscape in which food is sparse and bland, we are treated to some seriously high-end cuisine and a great example of how food can change the most stubborn of minds.

The film quite rightly won best foreign language film for Denmark and continues to be seen as a high watermark for European cinema.

For those people who have recently found themselves enjoying Scandinavian imports such as 'The Killing'  and 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' would do well to give this Danish gem a viewing.