Watching slow cinema is a completely different experience to binge-watching your favourite TV show. When you’re binge-watching TV you can just sit in your seat and let the TV tell you a story. In contrast, when you’re watching slow film you have to do more.
Slow film is pretty much another art form within the world of film. So I’ve tried to help you understand what it is and why you should care in our first Film Root film introduction to slow film right here.
You’ve probably seen a load of Hollywood movies, but how many European films have you seen? Here’s a countdown of 10 of the best European films ever made.
10. Ali: Fear Eats the Soul
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul is one of Fassbinder’s greats. It examines racism and prejudice in Germany 20 years after the fall of Hitler and the Nazis. The film is currently available to watch on YouTube (click on link).
9. Volver
Pedro Almodovar is the don of modern Spanish cinema and Volver is my pick for his best film. For more Almodovar make sure you check out All About my Mother and Talk to Her as well.
8. Leviathan
Leviathan is an epic. Zvyagintsev’s portrait of contemporary Russia draws on biblical stories and a small American business owner to emphasise the state’s disregard for it’s citizens.
7. Edvard Munch
Edvard Munch has style. It’s not like any documentary you’ve seen before as scenes from Munch’s life are reenacted by a full cast.
6. The Great Beauty
The Great Beauty is Sorrentino’s tribute to Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. So much so it feels like an update of the classic – a contemporary ode to the city of Rome.
5. Ex Machina
Yes! One of the best Sci-Fi movies of this century is European. If you’ve already seen this and are after something different check out Under the Skin.
4. Persona
Ingmar Bergman is a Top 5 European director of all time. And if you want to be a film expert Persona is your holy grail. It’s the Mount Everest of the film world. For more Bergman check out Wild Strawberries.
3. Trainspotting
This is Danny Boyle at his best. Who knew a film about heroin addicts in Scotland could be so entertaining.
2. La Haine
Over 20 years after it was made, La Haine is as relevant as ever. It brings social unrest to the big screen, showing us that Paris is not the romantic and happy city portrayed by Hollywood. La Haine gives a voice to the marginalised.
1. Divorce: Italian Style
This comedy is gold. I feel like Mastroianni’s performance influenced everything from Blackadder to Nanni Moretti in this film. It’s also one of Scorsese’s favourites.
Japanese cinema is truly one of the world’s best. Japan is one of the largest producers of movies and a producer that has always produced excellent films from Kurosawa to Miyazaki. Chances are, your favorite film-makers, are either influenced by Japanese film-makers, or they are Japanese.
Starting this week, you’ll be introduced to another essential Japanese each week. This course will cover a range of genres and introduce you to the nation’s greatest directors. From samurai films to horror, anime to gangster, I can guarantee there will be something for everyone.
By the end of the course, you’ll be a budding expert on Japanese film, and hopefully a fan too!
Introduction to Japanese Film – Let’s Get Started!
Firstly, go watch this great video about the history of Japan to give you a great historical context before you start your course.
Secondly, get ready for your first Japanese film assignment. Up first is Yasujiro Ozu’s classic, Tokyo Story. Don’t be afraid of the black and white or subtitles, this one features many universal themes such as family, time, and loss, and features some great acting and beautiful cinematography.
Here are three things to look out for in Tokyo Story:
How high is the camera from the ground?
Which characters do you sympathize with in the whole family?
Are there many signs of tradition in the film?
Go watch Tokyo Story anywhere you can, on Amazon, Youtube, iTunes, or any other source you can!
Don’t forget to subscribe to FilmRoot so you don’t forget to return next Tuesday for the analysis of Tokyo Story and to get your next assignment!
Japanese cinema is truly one of the world’s best. Japan is one of the largest producers of movies and a producer that has always produced excellent films from Kurosawa to Miyazaki. Chances are, your favorite film-makers, are either influenced by Japanese film-makers, or they are Japanese.
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