<![CDATA[The Lance]]> <![CDATA[The Lance]]> /Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_dobmgf45lvab1yuxuu0lov45_d846ba45-adfd-4d05-b823-f98f8edeeba5_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 20 May 2013 02:56:27 GMT 15 <![CDATA[Navigating the foreign world of Netflix]]> By Omar Khan


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Netflix has me figured out; they can accurately predict whether I’ll love a movie or whether I’ll absolutely hate it. The key to their success is their ability to predict my taste in foreign films. Many people have not yet discovered the magic of international films, so let me provide my own algorithm for foreign film success. Do you like Get Smart or The Pink Panther ? The first movie that I highly recommend is France’s OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies. This movie stars Jean Dujardin, the winner of best actor at the most recent Academy Awards for his turn as a silent film actor in Michael Hazanavicus’ The Artist. I watched this movie after the Academy Awards, wanting to see if the success of the Dujardin-Hazanavicus team extended past The Artist . As soon as the film started, I knew exactly what it would be like. I found myself laughing out loud nearly every minute. If you like spy films, and laughing this is a great foreign choice. Do you like Pan’s Labyrinth or Cloverfield ? I recommend the Norwegian film Troll Hunter ; the film begins with three students who are filming a documentary on recent bear sightings, and the man who poaches these dangerous bears. When they reach him, he reveals to them that he is not a bear poacher, but rather he has been hired by the government to track down trolls. It is one of the most interesting ideas for a film that I have ever seen. The film has the same mockumentary style as popular cult hit The Blair Witch Project . I highly recommend this film. Do you like Michael Collins or In the Name of the Father ? Then I recommend the Irish political drama The Wind that Shakes the Barley. Based in the political upheaval of 1920s, this film follows two brothers who join the IRA after brutalities suffered at the hands of British soldiers. It’s a very interesting, and well-made character study on the effects of war, and the costs of rebellion. It’s definitely a very slow movie to get into, but don’t give up on it. I consider it one of the best movies that I have ever seen. It’s extremely tense and thrilling at times, and often times the cinematography is beautiful. Do you like Shutter Island or Se7en ? My fourth foreign film recommendation is the original Swedish version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo . Many of you may have seen the American remake from last year starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara, but many consider the original Swedish film to be the definitive adaptation of the novel. I wouldn’t agree with this sentiment, but I think the original is definitely worth watching. It captures the gloomy mood of the book perfectly. There are many more foreign movies available on Netflix, and I highly recommend you take some time to explore. Who knows, you might find something you love. ]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:59:22 GMT