Best World Cinema of 2018 so far
written by Souranath Banerjee
Half the year is gone and you film-buffs are counting the good ones you have watched. If not – then you should be!
This year World Cinema is really at its best, acclaimed directors from countries all around the world have given us some awesome films to cherish. Every genres touched, all emotions taken care of. A pretty complete experience!
Till now it has been what we film-lovers like to call it ‘a satisfying year’. Hope you agree.
And let’s also hope the rest of the year goes well. Fingers crossed.
So here we go – the Best World Cinema of 2018 so far. Relax and enjoy the flashback!
10. Lean on Pete (2017)
Country: UK
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzlazAyylw8
Certain films through their simple emotional storytelling and natural performances leaves a certain mark on you.
Directed by Andrew Haigh, this is one such film that narrates a story of a young boy’s love for a horse and more importantly his will to survive all the adversities of life!
Charlie Plummer is a star who has all the signs to make it real big!
9. November (2017)
Country: Estonia
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzEcTKUHxJc
Set in a Medieval Estonian village, where the villagers struggle to survive the winter by any means – and stealing is definitely the first option! A fantasy world where love can be manipulated by magic and folk remedies.
Directed by Rainer Sarnet, keep in mind that this one is certainly the most weird film in the list so that nothing can surprise you.
Especially beware of the ‘Kratts’.
8. Spoor (2017)
Pokot (original title). Country: Poland
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O96ZznajP5s
A series of murders to which only an old lone woman has the clue. But will the others listen to her? A sophisticated crime thriller that makes the necessary appeal to stop murdering the wild life.
From the acclaimed director Agnieszka Holland (of Europa Europa fame) and Kasia Adamik, this unconventional movie that will surprise you, shock you and make you think of our current social responsibilities.
7. BPM (Beats Per Minute) (2017)
120 battements par minute (original title). Country: France
Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVAw7JfTqBU
In the early 1990’s France, AIDS flooding through the country like an epidemic specially in the gay community. A group of activists in Paris demand action from the government and pharmaceutical companies in order to combat this deadly disease.
Directed by Robin Campillo, this sensational film is so full of life and also so important in depicting that particular period of chaos and awareness.
6. Foxtrot (2017)
Country: Israel
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrBEDEmUceM
A desolate military post guarded by young soldiers, and then there is a tragedy. The movie not only focuses on the grieved family of a deceased son but also takes a critical view on the Israeli military and the country’s overall political situation.
Directed by Samuel Maoz, a superbly emotional drama, slow yet riveting with some great performances and excellent visuals. A must watch!
5. Bad Genius (2017)
Country: Thailand
Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLdhN4oMxCQ
‘If you don’t cheat, life will cheat on you.’
A story inspired by true events where a genius student who makes money by cheating is invited to play on a bigger platform. And there is no price and place for failure!
Directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya, a tight script and solid performances keep you engaged throughout the crime drama.
4. The Death of Stalin (2017)
Country: UK
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPpXFnHoC-0
A rare historical comedy that humorously narrates the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin’s last few days and the panic and paranoia that followed after his death.
Some of the most maddening historic moments told with superb style and wit.
Directed by Armando Iannucci, a film that makes you laugh even if you very well realise that the events are not funny at all!
3. Sweet Country (2017)
Country: Australia
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaCiXd8wscI
In 1920’s Australia, an old Aboriginal goes on the run after shooting a white man in self-defense.
At the time when racism was in its full bloom, people are keen to hunt the man down and bring him to justice.
Directed by Warwick Thornton, based on a real life true crime murder case, this slow yet haunting movie depicts the dark times of Australia’s past judicial system.
2. The Day After (2017)
Geu-hu (original title). Country: South Korea
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv0QPchaINk
There are only a few films that can create such tragic situations which almost makes you laugh. This movie narrates one such story of love, compassion, deceit and pure emotional helplessness.
This is one underrated film from the acclaimed directed Sang-soo Hong that deserves a lot more attention.
The beautiful South Korean actress Min-hee Kim is such a performer!
1. In the Fade (2017)
Aus dem Nichts (original title). Country: Germany
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyjnzhXJlHU
A tragic bomb attack claims the life of her husband and her little kid and when the attackers are identified she demands justice. But then there is a thin line between seeking justice and taking revenge!
From acclaimed director Fatih Akin comes this unique story of retribution and vengeance.
Diane Kruger gives one of her best performances till date.
and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)
+1. 24 Frames (2017)
Country: Iran
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNSlQ9mmJ4M
Acclaimed director Abbas Kiarostami‘s final feature film before his death.
An experimental project that consists of a collection of 24 short four-and-a-half minute films inspired by still images, including paintings and photographs.
Shot over a period of three years, slow paced and yet beautiful to the eyes, a surreal experience definitely not for everyone’s taste.
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Poster courtesy: www.impawards.com, www.imdb.com.
dressing mockeries in films like 
A young boy who thinks of himself as a girl and is naive enough to openly disclose her feelings to the ruthless society of adults.
“A desert holiday, let’s pack the drag away. You take the lunch and tea, I’ll take the ecstasy. Fuck off you silly queer, I’m getting out of here. A desert holiday, hip hip hip hip hooray!”
A twenty year old female to male transsexual man who is going through his gender reassignment treatment meets a local boy and falls for him. But then being in a relationship means to reveal his true identity – a risk that can ruin everything!
Directed by 
A 10-year-old girl yearning to become a boy takes the opportunity of being in a new neighbourhood and presents herself as a young lad to the outside world. But till when can he hide his real identity?
Ten years in the life of a literature teacher who eventually transforms himself into a woman after years of concealing her real feelings and identity. And the film is also about her one special relationship – her love!
Hedwig – a male to female transsexual woman who is the lead of her rock band and on a tour of the U.S singing her life story through a series of concerts!
The story of Alex, a fifteen-year-old born with both male and female sex organs. The film portrays Alex’s life as she deals with sensitive questions about her gender identification, her pursuit of love and also how to cope with her uniqueness.
Directed by 
Fiction at it’s best; two separate plans to assassinate the 
Master director 