Best movies no one has heard of

[Squall Reyes]

It's as simple as that, we've all seen movies from other countries or maybe indy films that our friends have gotten a hold of that many others in the world may not have seen. I think this is a great chance for those movies to be seen by more people. So tell us what the movie is called, why you think it's so great and a brief synopsis, include a trailer if you can find it.

My first movie you may not have seen (less your from the English Isles) is called Dead Man's Shoes. The movie is the second coming of Taxi Driver and yes the acting is as good. This move blows away any horror/suspense movie that has been made this summer and it seems to have been made with little money which is an even bigger testament to the directors craft. Sadly outside of the English Isles and the film community this film has gotten little fan fare and attention. Even 4 years after its release, the acting, the suspense, it's uncompromising story grabs you by the throat and drags you along for the ride.

Richard returns home from military service to a small town in the Midlands. He has one thing on his mind: revenge. Payback for the local bullies who did some very bad things to his little brother. At first his campaign employs guerrilla tactics, designed to frighten the men and put them ill at ease. But then he steps up his operation....

[Inerio]

I love horror films, I might try to find that though my video store probably doesn't have it.

I have one, you guys may or may not have heard of it. It's kinda new(ish not really). It's called REPO! The Genetic Opera and it's got quite a bit of a cult following.

As far as storyline goes, it's got quite an original plot with many little sub plots as expected of an opera. The singing is excellent and it has a cast that includes Bill Mosely, Paul Sorvino, Sarah Brightman, and Paris Hilton just to name a select few. Believe it or not, Paris Hilton does a decent job. Something to remember if you ever watch it is that it is indeed a rock opera and so most if not everything is sung. If you dislike opera, don't watch this movie. It should also be noted that the gore makes Sweeney Todd look like a kiddie film as it was directed by the same man who directed Saw IV

[Squall Reyes]

Awesome looking movie Fudge. See this is what I'm talking about. I've never seen an opera, even if it was a rock opera. But I may damn well have to see this one.

[Inerio]

My friend had told me about it and my first impulse was:
"This is going to suck." But, I rented anyway because I wanted to at least give it a try. Now I'm addicted. It's defiantly a love it or hate it movie though.
Where didja find Dead Man's Shoes? Do you think Block Buster has it? Or NetFlicks?

[Squall Reyes]

Netflicks for sure. Not sure about about Blockbuster. And I heard about it from a friend. Like I said you hear about it from someone or you take a random chance on a movie someday. XD

[Loki]

A Midsummer Night's Rave. I first watched it on one of the premuim movie channels a few years ago and was thoroughly entertained. It's one of those movies that follow the course of several characters at once and watching how they mingle and progress through the story. A great comedy for sure with several very fun characters.

Brick. For those that haven't seen it, it is a modern day detective-ish movie. The cinematography and the way the movie is shot in general has an identity that is uncanny to older detective movies. However, it takes place among high school aged characters, the main one is attempting to figure out who killed his girlfriend and why.

[Squall Reyes]

Interesting picks Loki. Somethings I'll try to find and watch. I particularity liked the detective-ish movie with the high school twist.

[Kathryn Lacey]

I'll look for Dead Man's Shoes at my local movie rental place.

Jonathan told me that Repo! sucked with the exception of that song where the drug dealer sings something along the lines of "Such and such is found in a little green vial. A little green vial? A little green vial." I know I totally messed that up, but I'm sure you know to what I'm referring.

I really didn't like A Midsummer Night's Rave. The acting sucked, and the story was just an ultra cheesy take on Shakespeare's play... Brick seems interesting based on your explanation.

Hard Candy is a really great independent film. It's about a young girl that meets a pedophile, but there's a huge twist, and I have a difficult time explaining it without giving anything away. ^;_;^ :: finds a trailer ::

Here it is!. I didn't watch it before I posted it because then I wouldn't post this for an hour, but from the two seconds that did finish loading for me, it looks like the official trailer.

I can tell you that the movie really plays on the viewers' discomforts, but it's amazing.

I'm sure Jonathan will know about all sorts of movies of which few have ever heard. I'll ask him to share some if I can remember to do so.

[Hello Danger]

Old Boy - Kickass Japanese movie. Dude gets kidnapped and held captive for 15 years, and is suddenly released with no explanation.

Let The Right One In - In my opinion, seriously the best vampire movie of all time.

Carlito's Way - Another kickass movie. A shorter version of Scarface.

Willow - One of my favorite films growing up, and remains so now.


edit- btw, Brick is a pretty good movie, it gets my stamp of approval however, some of the characters seemed a bit far fetched.

[Guest]

L'Armee des Ombres (Army of Shadows - it's on On Demand right now.) French movie, made in the late 1960's but never widely released, particularly in the US. It's a tense, fairly faithful recreation of the issues confronting the French Resistance during the German occupation of WWII.

It's worth a watch. I didn't even know it existed until they released it in 2006, somewhat like the original "The Manchurian Candidate." The director, like Sam Fuller, the guy who directed "The Big Red One" (WWII combat vet), was a veteran of the events he did a movie on and brought that authenticity to the film. If you haven't seen "The Big Red One" try that too. And bear in mind that Spielberg didn't fight at Omaha beach, Samuel Fuller did.

[Ars Longa Vita Brevis]

Lost and Delirious - Lesbian love story that's sad as all hell...if you're into sad lesbian movies, this one is definitely for you. I guess technically this is probably one of the only real...'chick flicks'....Erm...Yeah here's a trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSs7Yr9ZXV8


The Quiet - Movie about a girl whose father dies and she has to move in with strange godparents. Good/wierd movie...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxfF7YQD6nA

[Ars Longa Vita Brevis]

Hard Candy is a really great independent film. It's about a young girl that meets a pedophile, but there's a huge twist, and I have a difficult time explaining it without giving anything away. ^;_;^ :: finds a trailer ::

That was an independant film?...Wow. Great movie.

[Kathryn Lacey]

Yeah. I know. They did a great job for just an independent film.

[Squall Reyes]

Hey Danger I got to see Let the Right One in, and I agree one of the BEST vampire movies of all time, and makes a damn good case of being the best!

Now with that out let's begin with my movie which really has been given much praise from the brightest minds in Hollywood, so much so that when it was release it was nominated for Best Movie, Director, and Actor at the Academy awards. And yet even with all its praise I still find people who have not enjoyed this brilliant piece of film making. So I'm leaving this as a little nudge to find this movie and enjoy. This movie is Good Night and Good Luck.

In the early 1950's, the threat of Communism created an air of paranoia in the United States and exploiting those fears was Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin. However, CBS reporter 'Edward R. Murrow and his producer Fred W. Friendly decided to take a stand and challenge McCarthy and expose him for the fear monger he was. However, their actions took a great personal toll on both men, but they stood by their convictions and helped to bring down one of the most controversial senators in American history.

[Kathryn Lacey]

OMG! I watched that movie in my American Literature class when I was a senior in high school! I love it! It's seriously awesome!

[Hello Danger]

Squall, I figured you would like it. We seem to share the same taste and sense for movies. I hope you saw the subtitles version. The dubbed one isn’t half as good, trust me. I'm standing by Old Boy. I think you may like that too.

I'll have to check out Good Night and Good Luck. I like the name and trailer thus far!

[Guest]

I've always wanted to see "Good Night and Good Luck."

Lately, I've been reading a lot of stuff on that era or the decade preceding it, cultural and political history, mostly.

Neat fact about McCarthyism; my grandmother worked for (and enthusiastically supported) one of Joe McCarthy's big supporters. That's not exactly a thing to be proud of, but it is interesting.

Me? I could do without a big dose of fearmongering and irrationality in my politics, but that was how Tailgunner Joe and others won elections, then and now.

[Gadreille]

I don't know if this is a movie no one has heard of, but one of my favorite childhood films was a movie called Leon: The Professional.

And, a bit of useless personal trivia...my son's middle name is Leon

Yes, I do realize this is not a kids movie...but I used to run around the house pretending I was a hitman

[Inerio]

Oh my god!
I love Leon! Natalie Portman was so cute back then. I hear it was changed a bit for American audiences because of the romantic implications between the girl and Leon.

[Gadreille]

Yes I believe it was. I watched an extended edition (much later in life ) and it had a few scenes not in the original movie. I thought it was sweet though.

Spoiler:

[Inerio]

Spoiler:

[Gadreille]

Maybe we should be talking in spoiler boxes...lol

Spoiler:

[Inerio]

Spoiler:

[Gadreille]

Spoiler:

[Hello Danger]

That's a great movie ladies!

Spoiler:

I thought it would be cool.

[Squall Reyes]

I agree with every good thing said about Leon. It was an amazing movie that really as disappointed as I was in Natalie for the Star Wars prequel reminding myself of this movie convinces me that the woman does have talent.

And yes Danger that would have been awesome ending as well but I am pretty glad they picked the ending they did.

[Gadreille]

Spoiler:

[Squall Reyes]

Ok on the IRC and in my daily life I've noticed a movie no one seems to have seen. And its a crying shame.

Saat po long/SPL known in the States as Kill Zone.

Why is it a shame? Because it is only the best martial arts movie to had come out in the last 10 years. (Yes that count's Tony Jaa's films.) And if you don't know who Tony Jaa is well then I don't know what to say to you. Why is this better than any others you ask? Because it get every damn thing right, it is filled with the better action than most Hollywood blockbusters and this is done not with CGI or wire work or even giant robots but with the skill of the human body. This is a well done cop drama, well acted, star studded (well Hong Kong stars), kick your ass and blow your mind fest that has no peer within the last 10 years of Hong Kong movie making. It's a return to Hong Kong action nore that really makes you wonder "Why the fuck did we ever leave."

Chan, an articulate senior detective nearing the end of his career, is taking care of the daughter of a witness killed by ruthless crime lord Po. Martial arts expert Ma is set to take over as head of the crime unit, replacing Chan who wants an early retirement.

I could not find an English speaking or English subtitle trailer so I decided to treat you with one of the MANY great fight scenes from the movie. Besides the slow motion, this scene is in real time. Yes, they are moving that fast. What makes it even more amazing is part way through the fight you realize the change of pace. Why? Because that's when they started making it up on the spot! Also yes you could watch this for free online but I REALLY suggest watching it on DVD on a decent screen for the little spurts of blood, the sweat flying off peoples faces and all the other little things that make the movie breath taking.

[Shekinah]

The Vengeance Trilogy by Chan-wook Park, titled as follows: Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Oldboy, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance

All three movies are - surprise! - about vengeance and all three main characters have different motives for their vengeance and deal with it in their own way. In the first movie a deaf and dumb worker has a sisters who's in need of a kidney transplantation and when he wants to donate his, he discovers his blood is not compatible with her. When he gets fired from his work and meets illegal organ dealers, he decides to buy one of them without having the money for it. His girlfriend concinves him to then kidnap the daughter of his former work employer, but a tragedy happens and vengeance gets born.

In the second one, Oldboy, a man is held prisoner for over 15 years without any explanation. When he is released he discovers he has to find his captor in 5 days, but his captor still has some plans for him, plans that are far more worse than the 15 years of imprisonment.

In the last one, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, a woman is released from prison after serving 13,5 years for the kidnapping and murder on a boy. She tries to fix her life, but in the mean time she's plotting against another murderer, on whom she wants to vengeance herself.

Oldboy is going to be remaked by Steven Spielberg, as far as I know.

I'm a Cyborg but that's okay, also by Chan-wook Park
About a girl who's convinced she's a cyborg. She even eats batteries, as she needs to be recharged every now and then. She resides in a mental hospital, where she falls for a man who beliefs he's able to steal people's souls.

A Tale of Two Sisters, by Ji-woon Kim
Being recently remaked into The Uninvited, a Tale of Two Sisters is, I think, one of the better known foreign movies, but I am afraid and I believe that the original will die because of the well known commercial The Uninvited, simply because it is made in Hollywood rather than in Asia. Nevertheless, A Tale of Two Sisters is one of the best horror movies I've ever seen, containg a scene that made me cry twice because I was so scared. The original is far more scarier than the remake and has a far better story than the remake. A Tale of Two Sisters is about two sisters who come home after spending time in a mental institution, only to discover that their father remarried with a woman who's turning their lifes into hell on earth by terrorizing them in several ways. But what is really going on in that house?

Bin-jip, by Kim Ki-duk One of the most beautiful love stories I have ever seen, Bin-jip tells the story about a man who resides in homes of which the owners are away for a vacation or something else. He doesn't steal anything, he does quite the opposte: fixing broken things in the houses he visites. He only stays there for a couple of days and then continues his journey, wherever that may take him. One day, he enters a house of which he thinks the owners are away, but the woman is still at home and discovers the stranger in her house. Rather than chasing him away, she's intrigued by him and even comes along with him. The story is told almost without the use of words: there are maybe 10 spoken sentences, but the story is beautifully told by the expression on the couple's faces and their interaction.

I know a lot more foreign movies, since I'm really into movies and I work at a video store, but I think the list will get too long for one post, so I'll quit with these titles.

[Loki]

Snatch - I absolutely love this movie; if you've never heard of it I highly encourage you to find it. It is one of those movies that has several stories going on at the same time that are all interconnected, and very well at that. The plot is one of my absolute favorites and the cinematography is one of the best in my opinion. I can almost guarantee that you would want to buy it after seeing it just once.

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