Sometimes I find (and not surprisingly in light of the vacuous drivel that seems to be churned out of Hollywood at the moment) that some of the greatest films around are ones that are found in the ‘international cinema’ genre, if you can call it a genre – more a neat category for films not in English to sit snugly in.

I am a great fan of international and world cinema and often feel that films from places other than the US or the UK have a lot more to offer in the way of culture, character and narrative power. My top 7  is as follows:

7. Lagaan

(2001) Indian/Hindi. Dir – Aamir Khan

A Bollywood musical epic that tells the story of a village in India struggling against the ravages of the British Empire, with a battle between villagers and Army officers that takes place on the cricket pitch. A film that I love purely based on the fact that it combines two things dear to my heart – big singing/dancing musical numbers and my favourite sport of cricket. The film also has some really spectacular sweeping epic shots (reminiscent of David Lean) that present the natural beauty of the subcontinent – which is then contrasted with the ugliness of empire. Just fantastic.

6. The Lives of Others

(2006) – German. Dir- Florian Henckel von Donnarsmarck

Winner of the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, The Lives of Others is set in the 1984 of East Berlin and sees an agent of the secret police listening in on the activities of a successful dramatist and his actress girlfriend. However, what starts as a regular assignment for the police officer becomes more and more captivating, turning into something of an obsession. A captivating and wonderfully tense drama, full of suspense.

5. Y tu Mamá También

(2001) Mexican/Spanish. Dir – Alfonso Cuarón

Possibly one of the sexiest films ever made, starring Gael García Bernal (The Motorcycle Diaries, Amores Perros), Diego Luna and Maribel Verdú as three friends who embark on a journey accross Mexico to reach a fictional beach named ‘Heaven’s Mouth’. Along the way they learn dark secrets about each other, themselves and what the future holds for them. Not for the faint hearted, this is quite an explicit film – from none other than the future director of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The film is also peppered with some intriguing snapshots of the history, geography and politics of Mexico in voiceover. Excellent.

4. Pan’s Labyrinth

(2007) Mexican/Spanish. Dir – Guillermo del Toro

Set in Spain during the time of the Spanish Civil War, young Ofelia discovers another  world right at her door, escaping from her unhappy life with her new stepfather (possibly one of the best screen villains of recent time) to other terrifying challenges. Pan’s Labyrinth brilliantly maintains a tension between the gothic horror fantasy of Ofelia’s tasks (set by the ambiguous figure of Pan) and the harsh reality of the resistance movement in Spain being crushed by cruel men like her stepfather. Gruesome, challenging, enthralling.

3. Let the Right One In

(2008)  Swedish. Dir – Tomas Alfredson

Possibly the best vampire movie ever made. Forget everything you saw in Twilight, this film based on a book by John Ajvide Lindqvist tells the story of 12 year old Oskar who is befriended by a young girl called Eli who over the course of the film, turns out to be a vampire. It is a tale of friendship, love and tenderness not often seen in films of the genre (excepting the blatant and garish lurve in the aforementioned Twilight). A delicate and often terrifying story that is as captivating as it is horriffic. Sadly, Cloverfield director Matt Reeves is set to direct an American remake of the film, which will undoubtedly ruin the story’s delicate and nuanced tone.

2. All About My Mother

(1999) Spanish. Dir – Pedro Almodóvar

Possibly one of the most successful foreign language films of recent years, Pedro Almodóvar’s All About My Mother follows a woman mourning the death of her young son and her quest to find his father and tell him of the tragic news. This is a character-based drama with a wonderful script and great performances. Dedicated to Almodóvar’s own mother and great actresses of stage and screen, the film celebrates women in all their colourful incarnations and eccentricities.

1. Amélie

(2001)  French. Dir – Jean-Pierre Jeunet

This is one of my favourite films of all time. There is yet to be another film that is as heart-warming, life-affirming and utterly wonderful as Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s 2001 gallic smash, Amélie. Audrey Tautou in the title role is superb, with such charm that I defy anyone not to fall a little bit in love with her when the credits roll. The story is a simple one: young Parisian Amélie embarks on a quest to do good deeds for those around her, resulting in a series of magical moments and encounters. However, though Amélie creates happiness for others, she finds it difficult to be happy herself, living alone with her cat. Can Amélie find the contentment she deserves? An engaging, thoughtful and delightful film, Amélie will melt the coldest of hearts and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

What are your top 7 International Films? List your own below.