Rowan Sullivan, Author at FilmRoot

256

The Battle of Algiers – Be a Part of the War Against Colonialism

Ali La Pointe and friends in Battle of Algiers

Battle of Algiers Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

Battle of Algiers is brilliant. If you want to feel like you’re part of the revolution against colonialism, this is the closest you can get. Shot on location in Algiers and using non-actors, it’s one of the first and best examples of cinéma vérité – a film that feels like a real documentary. So dive in and experience both sides of this war – the French colonizers and the Algerian freedom fighters. You’ll come out a more enlightened revolutionary.

From: Algeria, Africa
Watch: Trailer, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon, Kanopy
Next: Che, Z, Elite Squad

257

Burning – A Brooding, Mysterious Trail of Insecurity

Burning Film Difficulty Ranking: 4

Have you ever read a book by Haruki Murakami? If you have, and you enjoyed it – great, you’ll get to see his writing live. If you haven’t, no problem, you can start after this film. It’s the perfect mystery film.

From: South Korea, Asia
Watch: Trailer, Netflix, Amazon Rent, Amazon Buy
Next: Gone Girl, Tape, Vertigo

258

Lamb – See a Patriarchy Struggling to Get By

Lamb Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

Beautiful scenery, beautifully shot, Lamb could be a travel commercial for the Ethiopian tourist board. But the beautiful landscape can’t be fully enjoyed by Ephraim and his family as they’ve run out of food. The worst of each of them shows itself on film as they struggle to get by – will Ephraim’s beloved lamb survive?

From: Ethiopia, Africa
Watch: Trailer, Amazon Prime, Kanopy, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon
Next: Pather Panchali, Rams, Abouna

259

The Rocket – Cheer for the Family Underdog

The Rocket Film Difficulty Ranking: 2

If you always like supporting the underdog, you’ll enjoy following ‘Little Balls’ in The Rocket. As he was born a twin, his family think he’s cursed and destined to bring bad luck to the family. What they don’t see is that he’s the future of their traditional way of life. The more they blame him, the more distant their link to their heritage becomes.

From: Laos, Asia
Watch: Trailer, Free on Vudu, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon
Next: Whale Rider, The Boy who Harnessed the Wind, The Eagle Huntress

260

Golden Kingdom – Follow the Path to Enlightenment

Golden Kingdom Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

Do you want to leave your job to go meditate in a Buddhist temple surrounded by lush green hills? This film might just be the one for you. In the idyllic setting of Golden Kingdom you’ll follow one junior monk on his path to enlightenment.

From: Myanmar, Asia 
Watch: Trailer, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon
Next: Colours of the Mountain, Rabbit Proof Fence, Kundun