Rowan Sullivan, Author at FilmRoot

506

Timbuktu – Experience Life in the Sahel of Mali

“What!? You haven’t seen any films from Africa!?”

Timbuktu Film Difficulty Ranking: 4

“What!? You haven’t seen any films from Africa!?”

Well, honestly, I was in a similar position a few months ago. I’d only seen a few films set in the continent, such as the brilliant District 9, the heart-warming Africa United, and the heart-wrenching Hotel Rwanda. So when I saw Timbuktu gather critical acclaim at Cannes as well as a nomination for the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language Film, I gave it a watch. Safe to say, it was well worth it!

From: Mali, Africa
Watch: Trailer, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon
Next: Abouna, Zerzura, Amores Perros

507

Run Lola Run – An Adrenaline Rush in Berlin

Imagine a German nightclub blasting techno music. Imagine a German nightclub blasting techno music whilst drinking Red Bull. Imagine a German nightclub blasting techno music whilst drinking Red Bull and dancing the running man. You’re now getting close to the adrenaline rush of Run Lola Run.

Run Lola Run Film Difficulty Ranking: 2

From: Germany, Europe
Watch: Trailer, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon
Next: Trainspotting, Vertigo, Crystal Swan

508

Hail Mary – Jean-Luc Godard + The Bible

What does a radical filmmaker do when the energy of the New Wave is fading? He makes a film about the Virgin Mary and Joseph to provoke controversy from the Catholic Church.

Hail Mary Film Difficulty Ranking: 4

So what does a radical filmmaker do when the verve of the New Wave is over? He makes Hail Mary, a film about the Virgin Mary and Joseph to provoke controversy from the Catholic Church.

From: France, Europe
Watch: Trailer, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon
Next: The Passion of Christ, Children of Men, Second Coming

509

Oldboy – THE Revenge Thriller to Rule them All

Oooweee you are in for a treat. Oldboy is the best revenge film you can find in the 21st century, let alone South Korea. Prepare yourself for a witches brew of 1 part The Truman Show, 1 part Memento, and 1 part “what the f**k! Park Chan-wook has made one crazy movie!

Oldboy Film Difficulty Ranking: 2

You’re in for a treat. Oldboy is the best revenge film you can find in the 21st century, let alone South Korea. Prepare yourself for a witches brew of 1 part The Truman Show, 1 part Memento, and 1 part “what the f**k! Park Chan-wook has made one crazy movie!

From: South Korea, Asia
Watch: Trailer, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon
Next: The Truman Show, Memento, Le Samourai

510

Divorce: Iranian Style – Battle of the Sexes

Some of the cast from Divorce: Iranian Style

Divorce: Iranian Style Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

Who said you can’t learn from film? Show them this documentary, and I guarantee you’ll know more about Iran by the time the credits appear.

From: Iran, Asia
Watch: Trailer, Watch on YouTube, Buy on Amazon
Next: Divorce: Italian Style, Beauty and the Dogs, Flesh Out