The Good, the Great, and the Must See - Foreign Language Films (European)
by Remnant_Of_The_Abyss | created - 13 Jan 2011 | updated - 08 Jul 2011 | Public☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆✪☆
UPDATED: June 24, 2011
✓ Easter Eggs (free stuff): (7)
Recent Movies Included: (-)
Recent Updated Reviews/Ranking: (1) Golden Door
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90% of the films on this list are rated (7's) & (8's) by IMDb...
...painstakingly prepared to include (mostly) approachable, exemplary films. More than a few of these 'gems' are rarely found on other lists.
I've watched ALL of these movies and have included brief reviews (with hidden spoilers) for my favorites (rated 7 and higher). Also included is a quick view of the films popularity (while in list-view; see Comments section for details).
Special Feature: For your enjoyment, I've included links to trailers and preview clips for all movies.
The list is in descending order. The majority here have a very high 'replay-ability factor', where you can watch them over and over.
See Comments for additional films, my rank 5 and below.
Watching subtitled films becomes second nature with minimal practice.
NOTE: "Under the Tuscan Sun" is not a FLF but deserves honorable mention, especially for the ladies. [link]http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0328589/[/link]
I welcome your comments.
Please check back often, because...
✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰This is a work in progress, constantly updated!✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰
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1. Jean de Florette (1986)
PG | 120 min | Comedy, Drama
A greedy landowner and his backward nephew conspire to block the only water source for an adjoining property in order to bankrupt the owner and force him to sell.
Director: Claude Berri | Stars: Yves Montand, Gérard Depardieu, Daniel Auteuil, Elisabeth Depardieu
Votes: 27,550 | Gross: $4.94M
Jean de Florette (1986)
This is not just a movie, it is a moving experience about life and human nature. The cinematography is wonderful, the acting superb, and the story is timeless.
It's uplifting, like deeply breathing in the fresh air of a cool forrest. Like a fine wine, this one just gets better with age.
My favorite film of all time, bar none!
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi279511321/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
A masterpiece.
2. Manon of the Spring (1986)
PG | 113 min | Drama
A beautiful but shy shepherdess plots vengeance on the men whose greedy conspiracy to acquire her father's land caused his death years earlier.
Director: Claude Berri | Stars: Yves Montand, Emmanuelle Béart, Daniel Auteuil, Hippolyte Girardot
Votes: 23,959 | Gross: $3.94M
Manon of the Spring (1986)
Also known as "Manon des sources" (original title)
This movie is nearly equal to it's prequel, Jean de Florette. In some ways I like it better. Remember: revenge is a dish best served cold. Again, the acting is superb and the cinematography outstanding. It has a wonderful ending, which takes the sting away from the ending of Part One, where Manon's father, Jean, dies.
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1402470681/[/link]
A masterpiece.
3. The Emigrants (1971)
PG | 151 min | Drama, History
Småland, Sweden, mid-19th century. A farming family struggle with their rocky, unyielding land, and decide to embark on the arduous journey to new hope in America.
Director: Jan Troell | Stars: Max von Sydow, Liv Ullmann, Eddie Axberg, Sven-Olof Bern
Votes: 7,469 | Gross: $1.16M
The Emigrants (1971)
Also known as "Utvandrarna" (original title)
Outstanding. Amazing acting, wonderful script, beautiful cinematography. Very touching, and American story of settlement.
A must see. The most overlooked best film on IMDb.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU2DGlyRFyc[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
4. The Best of Youth (2003)
R | 374 min | Drama, Romance
An Italian epic that follows the lives of two brothers from the 1960s to the 2000s.
Director: Marco Tullio Giordana | Stars: Luigi Lo Cascio, Alessio Boni, Jasmine Trinca, Adriana Asti
Votes: 23,213 | Gross: $0.27M
The Best of Youth (2003)
Also known as "La meglio gioventù" (original title)
My favorite Italian film. Enjoy this captivating journey of two brothers lives, presented in this 6 hour epic. You'll wish it was 8 hours long.
Trailer: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sku1qEqzmNc[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
5. Das Boot (1981)
R | 149 min | Drama, War
A German U-boat stalks the frigid waters of the North Atlantic as its young crew experience the sheer terror and claustrophobic life of a submariner in World War II.
Director: Wolfgang Petersen | Stars: Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Klaus Wennemann, Hubertus Bengsch
Votes: 264,419 | Gross: $11.49M
Das Boot (1981)
Simply the most *realistic*, and best submarine movie ever made. Not just according to me (and I've seen many), but from many submariners.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtUw_JnmYQ0[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: B
6. My Mother's Castle (1990)
PG | 98 min | Adventure, Biography, Comedy
Every holiday Marcel and his family go to their cottage near Marseilles. During one of these holidays he meets Isabelle, a pretty but conceited girl... Adapted from the cult classic novel from Marcel Pagnol.
Director: Yves Robert | Stars: Julien Ciamaca, Philippe Caubère, Nathalie Roussel, Didier Pain
Votes: 5,649 | Gross: $1.48M
My Mother's Castle (1990)
Also known as "Le château de ma mère" (original title)
I think this is much better than the first film in this duo, 'La Gloire de mon père' (also on this list). It's much funnier, whimsical, and touching. It delves into even deeper into human nature which is what Marcel Pagnol is known for.
The film is just beautiful, and a near masterpiece. If it had been more focused on Marcel as a character it would have been even better in my opinion. Even so, it's a MUST SEE (along with it's prequel).
My favorite quote from the film: "Such is the life of a man. Moments of joy, obliterated by unforgettable sadness. There's no need to tell the children that."
The second most overlooked great FLF on IMDb.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM8BbSvYfyg[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
7. The New Land (1972)
PG | 102 min | Drama, Western
A Swedish immigrant family struggle to establish a new life for themselves in the forest of Minnesota in the mid 19th Century.
Director: Jan Troell | Stars: Max von Sydow, Liv Ullmann, Eddie Axberg, Pierre Lindstedt
Votes: 5,284
The New Land (1972)
Also known as "Nybyggarna" (original title)
[Part 2 of 'The Emigrants']
A great film, just not a masterpiece in my opinion. It just lacks something special that would make it even better than it already is. Perhaps the missing ingredient is the adventure of it's prequel, The Emigrants.
Note: There is a particular scene in this movie, depicting a violent act, that makes this movie very difficult to locate (due to censorship). It shows a dead baby with a spear through it, stuck to the side of a cabin.
The third most overlooked great FLF on IMDb.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPMXGiY0HQc[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
8. The Grand Highway (1987)
R | 104 min | Drama
Louis, a nine-year-old boy from Paris, spends his summer vacation in a small town in Brittany. His mother Claire has lodged him with her girlfriend Marcelle and her husband Pelo while she's... See full summary »
Director: Jean-Loup Hubert | Stars: Anémone, Richard Bohringer, Antoine Hubert, Vanessa Guedj
Votes: 1,769 | Gross: $0.76M
The Grand Highway (1987)
Also known as "Le grand chemin" (original title)
Whether you're male or female, you'll relive your childhood through two magnificent child actors in this wonderful and complex story that takes place during one summer in a small French town.
The story is about a precocious 10 year old local girl and a younger boy who is visiting and is staying with his mother's friend while awaiting the return of his expectant mother. The girl befriends the boy and has decided to share her secrets with him during their summer adventure together. The boy learns to overcome the many challenges he's faced with.
Discover how the young man not only personally transforms, but also has a healing influence on the childless couple that he's staying with.
And don't be deceived. This is not a children's film. Sure, a large part of it is about that feeling of discovery as a youth, but it is so much more. You will see the children's perspective of the adults, the adults perspective of the children, the children's perspective of the children, and the adults perspective of the adults.
The fourth most overlooked great FLF on IMDb.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wvKow97mhA[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: F
9. The Children of the Marshland (1999)
115 min | Comedy, Drama
A chronicle of a group of friends in rural France between the wars. Garris and Riton live in the marshlands along the banks of the Loire river. Riton is afflicted with a bad-tempered wife ... See full summary »
Director: Jean Becker | Stars: Jacques Villeret, Jacques Gamblin, André Dussollier, Michel Serrault
Votes: 3,142 | Gross: $0.32M
Les enfants du Marais (1999)
- Children of the Marshlands
Forget the IMDb rating of this magnificent film... read the reviews!
This film delivers. It's a slice of life set in the beautiful French countryside.
It starts out very simple but keeps building, relationships evolving and unfolding into a glorious crescendo. The friendship between Garriss and Riton is something that is not often captured in film.
A reviewer commented "I sat through it waiting for something to happen" and was disappointed. I contend that if one watches this film waiting for a shootout, nudity/sex scene, a car chase, an explosion, or any of the other typical Hollywood cliché subplots, one is going to be disappointed.
You don't sit through this film "waiting for something to happen". Something happens to you! You're immersed in a world of nostalgia, one that will warm your soul and broaden your notions of what life is really about, and how it really should be.
Trailer: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw6xO_FNo5A[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
10. The Postman (1994)
PG | 108 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama
A simple Italian postman learns to love poetry while delivering mail to a famous poet, and then uses this to woo local beauty Beatrice.
Directors: Michael Radford, Massimo Troisi | Stars: Massimo Troisi, Philippe Noiret, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, Renato Scarpa
Votes: 39,008 | Gross: $21.85M
Il Postino: The Postman (1994)
There's so much to love about this movie. The acting. The scenery. The cinematography. The humor. It was poignant as well. If I can find one fault, it's that the film ended too soon. After much development and anticipation, the viewer is basically left with crumbs at the end after rooting for the main character (Massimo Troisi) to finally win the girl of his dreams. I feel this detracts from the ending and thus the film.
An added dimension to this film, like no other, is that a day after shooting was completed Massimo Troisi died of heart failure. One can tell he put his all into this film, at great risk, postponing his operation until shooting was done. This man was beloved in Italy, and the world has suffered a loss with the passing of this brilliant actor/writer. God Bless you, Massimo!
Trailer: [link]http://www.zuguide.com/#Il-Postino[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
11. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
R | 118 min | Drama, Fantasy, War
In the Falangist Spain of 1944, the bookish young stepdaughter of a sadistic army officer escapes into an eerie but captivating fantasy world.
Director: Guillermo del Toro | Stars: Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú
Votes: 703,218 | Gross: $37.63M
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Also known as "El laberinto del fauno" (original title)
An amazing, adult fairy tale that lives up to the hype. This movie strikes a wonderful balance between the real and fantasy.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2728329497/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: A
12. Downfall (2004)
R | 156 min | Biography, Drama, History
Traudl Junge, the final secretary for Adolf Hitler, tells of the Nazi dictator's final days in his Berlin bunker at the end of WWII.
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel | Stars: Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Ulrich Matthes, Juliane Köhler
Votes: 375,350 | Gross: $5.51M
Downfall (2004)
Also known as "Der Untergang" (original title)
An ultra-realistic portrayal of Hitler's last days. Absolutely riveting.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YTePIi4arg[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: B
13. The Grocer's Son (2007)
Not Rated | 96 min | Drama
Antoine moves home to help his mom drive the mobile grocery, when his dad's hospitalized. He brings Claire along, hoping she'll become more than a friend. He drives around Provence's countryside, selling mainly to old people.
Director: Eric Guirado | Stars: Nicolas Cazalé, Clotilde Hesme, Daniel Duval, Jeanne Goupil
Votes: 2,530 | Gross: $0.28M
Le fils de l'épicier (2007)
- The Grocer's Son
People can change. Transformation is possible, and redemption awaits the willing. A lovely story about family, relationships, and benevolence. The story is as deep as the subtlety of human emotions that the viewer perceives as unfolding before him.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2814903065/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
14. Divorce Italian Style (1961)
Not Rated | 105 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
A married Sicilian baron falls in love with his cousin and vows to wed her, but with divorce illegal he must concoct a crime of passion to do away with his wife.
Director: Pietro Germi | Stars: Marcello Mastroianni, Daniela Rocca, Stefania Sandrelli, Leopoldo Trieste
Votes: 14,179
Divorce Italian Style (1961)
Also known as "Divorzio all'italiana" (original title)
A subtle, yet humorous look at love, Italian style. This is the best 'pure' Italian comedy that I've watched.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-5MZYcevHY[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
15. The Experiment (2001)
R | 120 min | Drama, Thriller
For two weeks, 20 male participants are hired to play prisoners and guards in a prison. The "prisoners" have to follow seemingly mild rules, and the "guards" are told to retain order without using physical violence.
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel | Stars: Moritz Bleibtreu, Christian Berkel, Oliver Stokowski, Wotan Wilke Möhring
Votes: 96,108 | Gross: $0.14M
Das Experiment (2001)
A psychological thriller based upon a true story. Amazing acting, fabulous cinematography, and superb directing are the foundations of this absolutely riveting film.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi4070572313/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
16. Irreversible (2002)
Not Rated | 97 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Events over the course of one traumatic night in Paris unfold in reverse-chronological order as the beautiful Alex is brutally raped and beaten by a stranger in an underpass tunnel.
Director: Gaspar Noé | Stars: Monica Bellucci, Vincent Cassel, Albert Dupontel, Philippe Nahon
Votes: 147,719 | Gross: $0.75M
Irreversible (2002)
I really like the artistic nature of this film. It's Gasper Noé genius. From the shaky camera (time destroys all things) to the movie going in reverse, to the title Irreversible, this film has the artistic depth of an impressionistic oil painting...
It's this art that gives birth to many different interpretations of the film. The ending is intentionally ambiguous and has created much debate on IMDb, however I believe that Noé has left *clues* as to the intended outcome. Along with great acting and realistic screenplay this is yet another strength of this film.
Warning: This movie will shock you and it *will* provoke strong feelings. There is a rape scene that is very realistic and may be difficult to watch.
It warrants several viewings to comprehend the abstract camera work alone, which adds a rich depth to the story while also evoking subconscious emotions.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2601845529/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
17. The Star Maker (1995)
R | 113 min | Drama, Romance
A photographer and the types of people he encounters.
Director: Giuseppe Tornatore | Stars: Sergio Castellitto, Tiziana Lodato, Franco Scaldati, Leopoldo Trieste
Votes: 5,481 | Gross: $0.12M
The Star Maker (1995)
Also known as "L'uomo delle stelle" (original title)
Amazing film. Funny yet poignant. Superb acting. Wonderful cinematography.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExH-i9oNQec[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
18. The Longest Day (1962)
G | 178 min | Action, Drama, History
The events of D-Day, told on a grand scale from both the Allied and German points of view.
Directors: Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Gerd Oswald, Bernhard Wicki, Darryl F. Zanuck | Stars: John Wayne, Robert Ryan, Richard Burton, Henry Fonda
Votes: 59,085 | Gross: $39.10M
The Longest Day (1962)
This film has enough German and French spoken to be classified as a foreign language film (over 1000 lines of dialogue).
It's a truly magnificent war film of the highest caliber. Experience D-Day with all of the impact as "Saving Private Ryan".
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1458569497/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
19. My Father's Glory (1990)
G | 105 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama
At the end of the nineteenth century, little Marcel lives with his parents in the Provence countryside. During his holiday, Marcel meets Lili, a local boy who knows all the secrets of the hills, and the two become fast friends.
Director: Yves Robert | Stars: Philippe Caubère, Nathalie Roussel, Didier Pain, Thérèse Liotard
Votes: 7,053 | Gross: $1.71M
My Father's Glory (1990)
Also known as "La gloire de mon père" (original title)
I really wanted to like this film more. But it starts out slow, with no clear direction at the beginning. It does however have plenty of amusing anecdotes and it gets much better in the mountains. There are many great moments in the story, although the plot is a little thin. Yet this is a fine film, very wholesome; it just doesn't captivate the way one would hope. "My Mother's Castle" is better in my opinion, yet the two movies go hand in hand.
Trailer: [link]http://www.videodetective.com/movies/trailers/my-fathers-glory-trailer/4703[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
20. 1900 (1976)
Unrated | 317 min | Drama, History
The epic tale of a class struggle in twentieth-century Italy as seen through the eyes of two childhood friends on opposing sides.
Director: Bernardo Bertolucci | Stars: Robert De Niro, Gérard Depardieu, Dominique Sanda, Francesca Bertini
Votes: 27,289
1900 (1976)
Also known as "Novecento" (original title)
This rating is for the uncut version, a 5 hour epic which was rated X in 1976. It does have some sex scenes in it, including a young, nude De Niro, along with some disturbing content (violence to animals).
The cinematography of this movie is amazing. It captures many beautiful scenes of the Italian countryside. The storyline is good, takes a few weird tangents, but overall is not hard to follow has a good, complex plot.
The ladies may find it interesting that a young De Niro displays full frontal nudity in one scene.
✓ "Novecento" by Ennio Morricone available for free mp3 download: [link]http://dc344.4shared.com/img/95181186/7f650cf2/dlink__2Fdownload_2F0vMNripd_3Ftsid_3D20110702-150227-b144ec45/preview.mp3[/link]
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGTgw6KjhSo[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
21. Cinema Paradiso (1988)
R | 174 min | Drama, Romance
A filmmaker recalls his childhood when falling in love with the pictures at the cinema of his home village and forms a deep friendship with the cinema's projectionist.
Director: Giuseppe Tornatore | Stars: Philippe Noiret, Enzo Cannavale, Antonella Attili, Isa Danieli
Votes: 283,048 | Gross: $11.99M
Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Also known as "Nuovo Cinema Paradiso" (original title)
Very sentimental, with strong directing and a wonderful musical score by Ennio Morricone. There are some very deep, thought provoking moments that can easily provide much contemplation for days after viewing. This is one to been seen time and again.
✓ "Love Theme" by Ennio Morricone available for free mp3 download: [link]http://dc121.4shared.com/img/82220803/b5927a80/dlink__2Fdownload_2FdgHz-bOE_3Ftsid_3D20110517-221817-40cf81d1/preview.mp3[/link]
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1665925401/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
22. The Girl from Paris (2001)
103 min | Comedy, Drama
Sandrine, a woman in her thirties gets tired of life in Paris and decides to leave her work in computers and become a farmer. She takes the required practice for two years, and after that ... See full summary »
Director: Christian Carion | Stars: Michel Serrault, Mathilde Seigner, Jean-Paul Roussillon, Frédéric Pierrot
Votes: 2,398 | Gross: $0.18M
The Girl from Paris (2001)
Also known as "Une hirondelle a fait le printemps" (original title)
I liked this a lot. It had moments that reminded me of Jean de Florette, especially when the townspeople were talking about the girl from Paris, and the old man disconnected her electricity. It has the same "outsider" theme as JDF.
I'm a sucker for the French countryside, and this film is just as beautiful with its great views from the mountains.
Overlooked and underrated on IMDb.
Trailer: [link]http://www.artistdirect.com/video/the-girl-from-paris/70027[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
23. Malena (2000)
R | 108 min | Drama, Romance, War
Amidst the war climate, a teenage boy discovering himself becomes love-stricken by Malèna, a sensual woman living in a small, narrow-minded Italian town.
Director: Giuseppe Tornatore | Stars: Monica Bellucci, Giuseppe Sulfaro, Luciano Federico, Matilde Piana
Votes: 112,055 | Gross: $3.45M
Malèna (2000)
I enjoyed this movie, it was more than just a young boys infatuation. It was very humorous at times and touching during others.
A solid movie with good acting.
✓ "Malèna" by Ennio Morricone available for free mp3 download: [link]http://www.mp3searchxi.com/mp3-ennio-morricone-malena.html[/link]
Trailer: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4C0szpgokQ[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
24. The Easy Life (1962)
Not Rated | 108 min | Comedy, Drama
An impulsive braggart takes a shy law student with him for a two-day road trip from Rome to Tuscany.
Director: Dino Risi | Stars: Vittorio Gassman, Catherine Spaak, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Claudio Gora
Votes: 12,429
The Easy Life (1962)
Also known as "Il sorpasso" (original title)
This film is non stop entertainment! It's intelligent and quite humorous. It portrays two men (who have just met) of opposite personalities, zooming around Italy in a Lancia Aurelia B24 sports car. One is the veritable extroverted Italian playboy and the other is the shy law student. It's fast paced as the scenes and the situations are changing rapidly as these two are living life large and affecting all those they come into contact with.
This is one of those films where a single viewing is just not enough. It's upbeat, charming, thought provoking, and engrossing from beginning to end. A solid 8, nearly a 9.
The ending is abrupt, with a fatal car accident, but the viewer can see the writing on the wall all throughout this film.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43qsRNGDbFY[/link]
IMDb User's Votes - Rating: D
25. Stalingrad (1993)
Not Rated | 134 min | Drama, War
The story follows a group of German soldiers, from their Italian R&R in the summer of 1942 to the frozen steppes of Soviet Russia and ending with the battle for Stalingrad.
Director: Joseph Vilsmaier | Stars: Dominique Horwitz, Thomas Kretschmann, Jochen Nickel, Sebastian Rudolph
Votes: 37,737 | Gross: $0.08M
Stalingrad (1993)
Another great film from the producers of "Das Boot". It offers dramatic realism and superb acting. There's one scene in particular that will probably stick with you forever, representing the very finest in film.
I just wish it wasn't so focused on the one fighting unit (the Stormtroopers) but had briefly shown other forces throughout Stalingrad, so one could get a better sense of the complete desperation and devastation of this battle. There were other countries involved in this battle and yet their forces were not shown. Another hour could have easily been added to this film which would have made it much stronger and historical.
All in all, this is a solid 8 and nearly a 9. Amazing soundtrack.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3213164825/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
26. North Face (2008)
Not Rated | 126 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama
A secretary at a Berlin newspaper in 1936 gets to write about two Alpinists, as she knows them well. She later gets to report on and photograph her friends' and other Alpinists' climbs of the dangerous Swiss Eiger north face.
Director: Philipp Stölzl | Stars: Benno Fürmann, Florian Lukas, Johanna Wokalek, Simon Schwarz
Votes: 16,436 | Gross: $0.71M
North Face (2008)
Also known as "Nordwand" (original title)
An exciting adventure with great cinematography, intertwined with human tragedy. It would be rated higher if not for some artistic liberties taken, which deviated from actual events.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2061632537/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
27. Strayed (2003)
Unrated | 95 min | Drama, Romance, War
Emmanuelle Béart stars as a widowed schoolteacher who flees German-occupied Paris with her children. A teenage boy comes to their rescue by leading them into the forest -- their best shot at survival.
Director: André Téchiné | Stars: Emmanuelle Béart, Gaspard Ulliel, Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet, Clémence Meyer
Votes: 3,393 | Gross: $0.48M
Strayed (2003)
Also known as "Les égarés" (original title)
Another fine film highlighting the beautiful French countryside. Fine acting from Emmanuelle Béart along with a tense story of escape and hiding during a raging war gives this film depth.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3045458201/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
28. Forbidden Games (1952)
Not Rated | 86 min | Comedy, Drama, War
A young French girl orphaned in a German air attack is befriended by the son of a poor farmer, and together they try to come to terms with the realities of death.
Director: René Clément | Stars: Georges Poujouly, Brigitte Fossey, Amédée, Laurence Badie
Votes: 13,108 | Gross: $0.01M
Forbidden Games (1952)
Also known as "Jeux interdits" (original title)
Great acting performances and a superb story filled with depth and intrigue. This film will make an impression that will stay with you long after it's finished.
Incredible acting by six year old little darling Brigitte Fossey.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBaRqIeib-g[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
29. Sombre (1998)
Not Rated | 112 min | Drama, Horror
A sexually frustrated serial killer takes a liking to a woman he comes across.
Director: Philippe Grandrieux | Stars: Marc Barbé, Elina Löwensohn, Géraldine Voillat, Coralie Trinh Thi
Votes: 1,887
Sombre (1998)
This is a very intense, dark and trippy film, much like Irreversible. In fact, the directing style is so reminiscent of Gasper Noé, that at times I couldn't believe that it was a different director. But remember, this film came first.
It's a powerful film with great depth and superb, experimental cinematography. But be warned: it's an intentionally 'dark' film, shot in low light conditions. That, along with minimal dialogue really makes this film stand out as something different, something to really soak in and analyze. Finally, if your looking for a film with minimum subtitles, this is the one for you.
✓ One soundtrack on the film which makes a memorable appearance is "Bela Lugosi's Dead" by Bauhaus. It's available for a free mp3 download here: [link]http://cfs.tistory.com/attach/7443/1111794885.mp3[/link]
Trailer: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncqQPs_FasI[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: F
30. Delicatessen (1991)
R | 99 min | Comedy, Crime
Post-apocalyptic surrealist black comedy about the landlord of an apartment building who occasionally prepares a delicacy for his odd tenants.
Directors: Marc Caro, Jean-Pierre Jeunet | Stars: Marie-Laure Dougnac, Dominique Pinon, Pascal Benezech, Jean-Claude Dreyfus
Votes: 90,070 | Gross: $1.79M
Delicatessen (1991)
Very strange, yet wildly entertaining.
Trailer [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYo_SkERMNI[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
31. Open Your Eyes (1997)
R | 119 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
A very handsome man finds the love of his life, but he suffers an accident and needs to have his face rebuilt by surgery after it is severely disfigured.
Director: Alejandro Amenábar | Stars: Eduardo Noriega, Penélope Cruz, Chete Lera, Fele Martínez
Votes: 73,275 | Gross: $0.37M
Open Your Eyes (1997)
Also known as "Abre los ojos" (original title)
The film is the original "Vanilla Sky".
✓ View this for free [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/hulu/vi4198432793/[/link]
This is a very good psychodrama where the acting is decent (Eduardo Noriega), yet not great (Penélope Cruz). However, it will keep you guessing and it's worth a second viewing. Nicely directed, the plot has more twists in it than a 1950's sock hop.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3034186521/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
32. The White Ribbon (2009)
R | 144 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Strange events happen in a small village in the north of Germany during the years before World War I, which seem to be ritual punishment. Who is responsible?
Director: Michael Haneke | Stars: Christian Friedel, Ernst Jacobi, Leonie Benesch, Ulrich Tukur
Votes: 77,677 | Gross: $2.22M
The White Ribbon (2009)
Also known as "Das weiße Band - Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte" (original title)
A thought provoking film filmed in black and white. It's mysterious and tragic and offers no definitive answers, yet the viewer is able to draw some broader conclusions.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2136737049/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
33. Interrogation (1989)
TV-MA | 118 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Tonia goes out drinking. She wakes up in prison, not having a clue why she's there. She is tortured to encourage her to confess to a crime she is not aware of.
Director: Ryszard Bugajski | Stars: Krystyna Janda, Adam Ferency, Janusz Gajos, Agnieszka Holland
Votes: 3,683
Przesluchanie (1989)
- Interrogation
Great acting. Simple plot. Some cheesy B movie type scenes. Overall, not a bad movie. Prior to release, this movie was banned for 7 years under Soviet rule.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edo6_T7tSPY[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: F
34. Swimming Pool (2003)
R | 102 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
A British mystery author visits her publisher's home in the South of France, where her interaction with his unusual daughter sets off some touchy dynamics.
Director: François Ozon | Stars: Charlotte Rampling, Charles Dance, Ludivine Sagnier, Jean-Marie Lamour
Votes: 48,358 | Gross: $10.11M
Swimming Pool (2003)
Ludivine Sagnier made this movie. The plot is somewhat thin and the ending a bit contrived, yet this is still a solid drama.
A mix of mostly English with some French. If you've never seen a subtitled film before, this is the perfect one to start with!
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi260899097/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
35. Van Gogh (1991)
R | 158 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama
The final sixty-seven days of Van Gogh's life are examined.
Director: Maurice Pialat | Stars: Jacques Dutronc, Alexandra London, Bernard Le Coq, Gérard Séty
Votes: 3,310 | Gross: $0.14M
Van Gogh (1991)
This film lacks somewhat in the directing, but it is still a fine film with wonderful mood.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5Qilrt26AQ[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: F
36. Run Lola Run (1998)
R | 80 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
After a botched money delivery, Lola has 20 minutes to come up with 100,000 Deutschmarks.
Director: Tom Tykwer | Stars: Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu, Herbert Knaup, Nina Petri
Votes: 207,042 | Gross: $7.27M
Run Lola Run (1998)
Also known as "Lola rennt" (original title)
Thought provoking and non stop action. A true thriller which can easily be watched over again. Some minor problems with the storyline, but overall a solid film.
Trailer: [link]http://www.zuguide.com/#Run-Lola-Run[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating B
37. A Sunday in the Country (1984)
G | 90 min | Drama
An elderly painter whose son visits with his family on the weekends, is also surprised by a visit from his still-single daughter.
Director: Bertrand Tavernier | Stars: Louis Ducreux, Michel Aumont, Sabine Azéma, Geneviève Mnich
Votes: 3,130 | Gross: $2.41M
A Sunday in the Country (1984)
Also known as "Un dimanche à la campagne" (original title)
Watching this film is like sipping on a glass of fine Bordeaux, listening to Mozart, sitting under the cool shade in your flower garden. There's nothing earth shattering going on, no real surprises or concerns. Yet isn't that what you desire during a lazy Sunday afternoon of relaxation?
This charming film is good drama, depicting family life, especially the relationship between a father and daughter. It's deep, thought provoking, and worth a second viewing. It would have been better if there was a touch of humor in it, although there are some anecdotes. The cinematography is superb.
Trailer: [link]http://www.artistdirect.com/video/sunday-in-the-country/62082[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: F
38. La Femme Nikita (1990)
R | 117 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Convicted felon Nikita isn't going to jail; she's given a new identity and trained, stylishly, as a top secret spy/assassin.
Director: Luc Besson | Stars: Anne Parillaud, Marc Duret, Patrick Fontana, Alain Lathière
Votes: 76,452 | Gross: $5.02M
La Femme Nikita (1990)
Also known as "Nikita" (original title)
Decent movie, very entertaining. If you like 'Run Lola Run' I'm sure you'll like this as well.
Anne Parillaud as Nikita turns in a stunning performance. Her spectacular range of emotions and character portrayal is something not often seen on film.
The worst things about this film are the sound track (cheesy IMO) and some glaring plot holes, for example after she snipes a man from her hotel room, she gets away with it like nothing ever happened. Still, this film is worth a view, not just for the coolness factor of a 'hit woman', but also to watch Parillaud's stellar performance.
Trailer: [link]http://www.zuguide.com/#Nikita[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
39. One Hundred Steps (2000)
114 min | Biography, Crime, Drama
"I cento passi" (one hundred steps) was the distance between the Impastatos' house and the house of Tano Badalamenti, an important Mafia boss, in the small Sicilian town of Cinisi. The ... See full summary »
Director: Marco Tullio Giordana | Stars: Luigi Lo Cascio, Luigi Maria Burruano, Lucia Sardo, Paolo Briguglia
Votes: 6,401
I cento passi (2000)
- One Hundred Steps
A real account of Peppino Impastato who was born into a Mafia family in Sicily and later in life wound up fighting against it. This is mostly a political film, but there's also enough family relationships that are developed to make it more personal. There's good tension and realism, along with exceptional acting by the lead actor, Luigi Lo Cascio (who you'll recognize from 'The Best of Youth). Worthy of several viewings.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kULA6CYZkbA[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
40. REC (2007)
R | 78 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
A television reporter and cameraman follow emergency workers into a dark apartment building and are quickly locked inside with something terrifying.
Directors: Jaume Balagueró, Paco Plaza | Stars: Manuela Velasco, Ferran Terraza, Jorge-Yamam Serrano, Pablo Rosso
Votes: 196,784
[Rec] (2007)
As horror films go, this one is pretty scary, with suspense that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The amazing camera work places you in the first person as an unwilling participant, and along with no soundtrack whatsoever, you find realism at it's best. The story is an interesting blend of a zombie film like 'Dawn of the Dead' and 'The Blair Witch Project'.
For anyone who enjoys this genre, this film is a must see!
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1419903513/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
41. Good Bye Lenin! (2003)
R | 121 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
In 1990, to protect his fragile mother from a fatal shock after a long coma, a young man must keep her from learning that her beloved nation of East Germany as she knew it has disappeared.
Director: Wolfgang Becker | Stars: Daniel Brühl, Katrin Sass, Chulpan Khamatova, Florian Lukas
Votes: 152,675 | Gross: $4.06M
Goodbye Lenin! (2003)
A solid film which seems to have a little bit of everything: drama, romance, comedy, and suspense. Yet for some reason I find this film somewhat flat.
If you like this film you'll most likely enjoy "The Lives of Others".
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi4238999833/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating C
42. Seduced and Abandoned (1964)
Not Rated | 115 min | Comedy, Drama
A desperate Sicilian man, whose 15-year-old daughter was seduced and impregnated by his older daughter's fiancé, tries to find a way to save the family's honor.
Director: Pietro Germi | Stars: Saro Urzì, Stefania Sandrelli, Aldo Puglisi, Lando Buzzanca
Votes: 3,869
Seduced and Abandoned (1964)
Also known as "Sedotta e abbandonata" (original title)
This was OK. Amusing at best, for a comedy. Directed by Pietro Germi, although this does not come close to his earlier "Divorce Italian Style".
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrTd48dWfEQ[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: F
43. Respiro (2002)
PG-13 | 90 min | Drama
On an impoverished Italian island, a free-spirited woman is accused of madness by townspeople fed up with her antics.
Director: Emanuele Crialese | Stars: Valeria Golino, Vincenzo Amato, Francesco Casisa, Veronica D'Agostino
Votes: 4,845 | Gross: $1.07M
Respiro (2002)
Very simple storyline. The beauty of the island and the beauty of the people make this an interesting movie. This is mostly drama with a smidgen of comedy. Poignant ending.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0286516/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
44. The Lives of Others (2006)
R | 137 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
In 1984 East Berlin, an agent of the secret police conducting surveillance on a writer and his lover finds himself becoming increasingly absorbed by their lives.
Director: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck | Stars: Ulrich Mühe, Martina Gedeck, Sebastian Koch, Ulrich Tukur
Votes: 410,633 | Gross: $11.29M
The Lives of Others (2006)
Also known as "Das Leben der Anderen" (original title)
Decent, fairly intriguing political film. Dark and depressing story. Don't watch this expecting to be titillated.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi586154265/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: B
45. Germinal (1993)
R | 160 min | Drama, Romance
In mid-nineteenth-century northern France, a coal mining town's workers are exploited by the mine's owner. One day, they decide to go on strike, and the authorities repress them.
Director: Claude Berri | Stars: Renaud, Gérard Depardieu, Miou-Miou, Jean Carmet
Votes: 5,748 | Gross: $0.38M
Germinal (1993)
Simple storyline with a rather depressing plot. Good acting, good score, and even though its long, it holds interest.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3265855769/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
46. The Widow Couderc (1971)
TV-14 | 92 min | Action, Drama, Romance
John, an escaped convict, takes refuge on the farm of Widow Couderc. He becomes the older woman's lover and admits that he's on the run. The widow's in-laws, who despise her,
Director: Pierre Granier-Deferre | Stars: Alain Delon, Simone Signoret, Ottavia Piccolo, Jean Tissier
Votes: 2,085
La veuve Couderc (1971)
- The widow Couderc
The story takes place in the French Countryside, so it has beautiful settings. The acting is superb and there's enough drama unfolding to keep the viewer interested, even if the plot is fairly simple.
La veuve Couderc is an intriguing story about a widow who hires a man (escaped convict) to help out around her farm. The man then becomes involved with the aged widow as well as a nubile local girl with a bastard baby. The ending is a bit cheesy/weak but this is still worth viewing.
Trailer: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-ZqmJYblvU[/link]
IMDB # User's Votes - Rating: F
47. The Gospel According to St. Matthew (1964)
Not Rated | 137 min | Biography, Drama, History
The life of Jesus Christ according to the Gospel of Matthew. Pasolini shows Christ as a Marxist avant-la-lettre and therefore uses half of the text of Matthew.
Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini | Stars: Enrique Irazoqui, Margherita Caruso, Susanna Pasolini, Marcello Morante
Votes: 13,717
The Gospel According to St. Matthew (1964)
Also known as "Il vangelo secondo Matteo" (original title)
✓ View this for free: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/hulu/vi2066455833/[/link]
This is an "art house" style movie that is painfully slow the first 15 minutes, then it picks up. The power of this film is in Jesus' words, which I find allows this style of cinematography to be bearable. There is no other dialogue except those straight from scripture.
This film would have been better if it had been more thorough; it leaves out key elements from the Biblical account of Jesus during this time. Likely this is due it's faithfulness to this *one* gospel account. A little creative license, where the director would have displayed the cross surrounded in darkness for example, would have easily have been forgiven and would have added to cinematic effect. But this is just my opinion.
Clip: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzT6Lwj1yhA[/link]
IMDB # User's Votes - Rating: D
48. Dogtooth (2009)
Not Rated | 97 min | Drama, Thriller
A controlling, manipulative father locks his three adult offsprings in a state of perpetual childhood by keeping them prisoner within the sprawling family compound.
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos | Stars: Christos Stergioglou, Michele Valley, Angeliki Papoulia, Christos Passalis
Votes: 110,519 | Gross: $0.11M
Dogtooth (2009)
Also known as "Kynodontas" (original title)
How do I review this bizarre film?
I give it high marks on being creative and very amusing, along with delivering an important message (sheltering children and child abuse). It's a black comedy, and if you enjoyed Delicatessen you will most likely enjoy this.
If this film didn't show skin in it, I seriously doubt it would have been nominated for an Oscar for best FLF.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2813789721/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
49. Mafioso (1962)
Not Rated | 105 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
When a good-natured factory supervisor living in Milan with his Northern wife returns to his native Sicily, a decades'-old oath forces him to fulfill a nightmarish obligation.
Director: Alberto Lattuada | Stars: Alberto Sordi, Norma Bengell, Gabriella Conti, Ugo Attanasio
Votes: 2,967 | Gross: $0.40M
Mafioso (1962)
There are some hilarious scenes in this situation comedy-drama. It's a well paced film and never has a dull moment.
Trailer: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ajUFqY8ck[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: F
50. The Seventh Seal (1957)
Not Rated | 96 min | Drama, Fantasy
A knight returning to Sweden after the Crusades seeks answers about life, death, and the existence of God as he plays chess against the Grim Reaper during the Black Plague.
Director: Ingmar Bergman | Stars: Max von Sydow, Gunnar Björnstrand, Bengt Ekerot, Nils Poppe
Votes: 198,545
The Seventh Seal (1957)
Also known as "Det sjunde inseglet" (original title)
There's a lot of good, thought provoking dialogue in this film. The game of chess is played out both on the board and in the life of the main character, who is trying to buy a little extra time to add to his life (for a newly found purpose).
Since this is "art house" it doesn't rank high in my list of approachable films, but it's rather engaging just the same. It's dark and rather depressing.
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3935410969/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
51. Golden Door (2006)
PG-13 | 118 min | Drama, History, Romance
A Sicilian peasant begins the journey to the promised land and meets a beautiful Englishwoman. But neither is prepared for the harsh realities of Ellis Island. Can they make it through the golden door to the America of their dreams?
Director: Emanuele Crialese | Stars: Charlotte Gainsbourg, Vincenzo Amato, Vincent Schiavelli, Aurora Quattrocchi
Votes: 5,198 | Gross: $1.06M
Golden Door (2006)
Also known as "Nuovomondo" (original title)
A little slow yet intriguing. An interesting window into Italian immigration and Ellis Island processing.
Trailer: [link]http://www.cinemagia.ro/trailer/nuovomondo-lumea-noua-215/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: D
52. The Decalogue (1989–1990)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama
Ten television drama films, each one based on one of the Ten Commandments.
Stars: Artur Barcis, Olgierd Lukaszewicz, Olaf Lubaszenko, Aleksander Bardini
Votes: 27,890 | Gross: $0.10M
The Decalogue (1989 Mini-Series)
Ten "art house" vignettes that are loosely attached to the 10 Commandments. The best are listed below, in order.
#4, #6, #10, #1, #5
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi972095769/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
53. Only the Night (2005)
Not Rated | 100 min | Drama, Romance
Cecile and Julien begin their new life together. Julien works long hours in a video library, a world full of pictures. Coming home late one night, he encounters a young, beautiful, ... See full summary »
Director: Xavier Giannoli | Stars: Ludivine Sagnier, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Bruno Todeschini, Florence Loiret Caille
Votes: 520
Une aventure (2005)
- An adventure
✓ Watch this for free: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/hulu/vi2066455833/[/link]
A fairly captivating and intriguing story, with excellent acting by sexy Ludivine Sagnier, who carries the film. The problem is that the relationships were not well developed, otherwise this would have been a much stronger film. Still, it's worth a viewing even if your not a fan of Ludivine.
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: F
54. Bicycle Thieves (1948)
Not Rated | 89 min | Drama
In post-war Italy, a working-class man's bicycle is stolen, endangering his efforts to find work. He and his son set out to find it.
Director: Vittorio De Sica | Stars: Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola, Lianella Carell, Elena Altieri
Votes: 175,220 | Gross: $0.33M
Bicycle Thieves (1948)
Also known as "Ladri di biciclette" (original title)
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi4035510553/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
55. Fanny and Alexander (1982)
R | 188 min | Drama
Two young Swedish children in the 1900s experience the many comedies and tragedies of their lively and affectionate theatrical family, the Ekdahls.
Director: Ingmar Bergman | Stars: Bertil Guve, Pernilla Allwin, Kristina Adolphson, Börje Ahlstedt
Votes: 67,515 | Gross: $4.97M
Fanny and Alexander (1982)
Also known as Fanny och Alexander (original title)
Trailer: [link]http://www.cinemagia.ro/trailer/fanny-och-alexander-fanny-si-alexander-1977/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
56. Amélie (2001)
R | 122 min | Comedy, Romance
Despite being caught in her imaginative world, Amelie, a young waitress, decides to help people find happiness. Her quest to spread joy leads her on a journey where she finds true love.
Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet | Stars: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Lorella Cravotta
Votes: 794,431 | Gross: $33.23M
Amélie (2001)
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2330460441/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: A
57. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
PG-13 | 112 min | Biography, Drama
The true story of Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby who suffers a stroke and has to live with an almost totally paralyzed body; only his left eye isn't paralyzed.
Director: Julian Schnabel | Stars: Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Anne Consigny
Votes: 110,445 | Gross: $5.99M
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
Also known as "Le scaphandre et le papillon" (original title)
Trailer: [link]http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4122018073/[/link]
IMDb # User's Votes - Rating: C
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