Ever watched the Oscars and thought, "Man, those foreign films look interesting, but who actually wins?" Well, let's take a peek behind the curtain at the 2022 Academy Award for Best International Feature Film!
Think of it as the "Best Movie Not in English" award. It's a celebration of incredible storytelling from around the globe, bringing us stories that are both universal and uniquely specific to their cultures.
The Nominees: A Global Smorgasbord
Five fantastic films were nominated that year, representing a diverse range of styles and stories. We had movies from Japan, Bhutan, Denmark, Italy and Norway. Quite the collection, right?
Drive My Car (Japan)
First up was Drive My Car, a Japanese drama about grief, connection, and… well, driving. A stage actor, grappling with a personal tragedy, finds an unlikely connection with his young chauffeur during a theater residency. It's a slow burn, but utterly captivating.
Imagine getting paid to drive someone around and ending up learning profound life lessons. Sounds better than rush hour traffic, doesn't it?
Flee (Denmark)
Then we had Flee, a groundbreaking animated documentary from Denmark. It tells the incredible true story of a man who escaped Afghanistan as a child refugee.
Using animation allowed him to share his story while protecting his identity. How cool is that? It was nominated in multiple categories that year including best documentary!
The Hand of God (Italy)
Next was The Hand of God, a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story from Italy, directed by Paolo Sorrentino. Set in 1980s Naples, it’s full of family, football (soccer!), and the magical, messy experience of growing up.
Think sun-drenched beaches, passionate characters, and a whole lot of drama. It's like stepping into a Fellini film!
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (Bhutan)
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom from Bhutan was a real surprise hit. It's about a young teacher who's sent to the most remote school in the world, located in the Himalayas.
Imagine trading your smartphone for a yak! The film is visually stunning and heartwarming, showing the beauty of simplicity and the power of human connection in unexpected places.
The Worst Person in the World (Norway)
Lastly, there was The Worst Person in the World from Norway, a romantic dramedy about a young woman navigating her life, loves, and quarter-life crisis. Julie, played by Renate Reinsve, feels like someone you might actually know, making her journey all the more relatable (and hilarious at times).
Who hasn't felt like the worst person in the world at some point? It's a film that's both funny and deeply moving.
And the Winner Is... Drive My Car!
So, who took home the coveted golden statue? It was Drive My Car! The film resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, earning rave reviews and numerous awards along the way.
It was a well-deserved win for a film that explores complex emotions with such nuance and sensitivity. It made history for Japanese cinema!
The other nominated films were all fantastic in their own right. Each offered a unique perspective and showcased the incredible talent that exists beyond Hollywood. That’s why the Best International Feature Film category is always one to watch – you never know what cinematic gems you might discover!
So next time you're looking for something different to watch, consider checking out the nominees and winners from this category. You might just find your new favorite film!
