My Movie Top Ten East & West (for now!)

I was having a chat with a friend about good movies the other night. And realised I have favourites from across the world. Here are ten I would recommend for starters, with trailers, in no particular order:

1. Mongol (Mongolia / Russia / Kazakhstan / Germany)

2007 film about the life of Genghis Khan. A kind of combo between an interesting National Geographic documentary about Mongolian life, with amazing Lord of the Rings battle scenes. And a brilliant soundtrack with Mongolian throat-singing! (Sorry about the Americanisation of this trailer; the movie isn't. Try to find film in original Mongolian with subs)

2. 12 Angry Men (USA)
A black/white film from the 50's by Sidney Lumet, this first had me sceptical. It's about a jury process, and once you're in, it's a completely gripping tale, with twists and turns as the argument progresses between the 12. 

3.Survive Style 5+ (Japan)
Bonkers, but highly enjoyable (and oddly, sometimes rather moving) film, featuring a series of crazy vignettes. I think the director was a pop music video director, and this fun aspect comes across, as well as some really impressive and colourful sets.

4. Shutter (Thailand)
The 2004 Thai original of this horror. Really clever story, and executed cleverly for maximum 'eek!' factor, despite a relatively modest budget. 

5. Tonari no Totoro [My Neighbour Totoro] (Japan)
There are a LOT of Miyazaki animations which I love. But if I had to pick one favourite it's probably this. This is a sweet, magical story and a sensitively animated film; with a lovely peace and pace about it which you don't often find in Western family animation. Ditch the dub and go for subtitles on this.

6. The Mummy (USA)
Love this movie! It's so underrated! The other Mummy movies were pants, but this first one is just incredibly good fun - with an intelligent cast, who were clearly having fun making it too. Lots of little humorous moments in there; I've watched this film to wind down and cheer me up many times! 

 

7. Festen (Denmark)
1998 story of a patrician family reunion, where some home-truths are outed. Fascinating and intelligent insight into human / family behaviour and class. 

8. Detroit Metal City (Japan)
Completely ludicrous, hilarious and OTT movie adapted from a Manga. Starring the brilliant MatsuKen as the uber-nerd-heavy-metal-rockstar. If you can find this do try to watch it! 

9. Ong Bak (Thailand)
Tony Jaa and this movie must have been personally responsible for thousands of youngsters taking up martial arts worldwide - not to mention making Thailand incredibly cool overnight! It's a fight movie, the first and best Ong Bak, with some breathtaking action sequences. 

 

10. Gladiator (USA)
Another fight movie (of sorts) but set in ancient Rome. Was blown away by this when I first saw it, and still am. Just a really well made story of politics, with a solid cast, great visuals, action and some really good lessons in leadership!  

Happy viewing!