Top 10: The Best Foreign Language Films of 2017

von Clayton Davis · 09.01.2018

In our common lexicon, we often refer to any film made outside of the United States as a "foreign" film. But this definition can be somewhat misleading, implying a certain "otherness" that deters audiences. As 2017's best non-English language films proved however, many of the themes found in the year's most celebrated English films are universal. Whether it be a an LGBT coming-of-age experience or a woman seeking justice for the murder of her child, the similarities are truly striking. But what is even more noteworthy about these films are there exemplary quality. World cinema is indeed the gift that keeps on giving.

As we anticipate another wonderful year of cinema, here are 10 such gems worth seeking out, as I present my Top 10 Foreign Language Films of 2017.

Honorable Mention: "Last Men in Aleppo" and "Faces Places" were already featured among the Top 10 Documentaries and were therefore excluded from this list.

10. "Thelma"
Back in 2011, director Joachim Trier broke out as a cinephile favorite with "Oslo, August 31st", a devastating drama about addiction and depression. Having established a skill for social realism, the genre-trappings of his 4th feature "Thelma" would, therefore, seem like a major departure for this talented Norwegian. But look closer at this story of a religious girl dealing with strange new feelings of homosexual love (and even stranger supernatural abilities), and you'll see Trier's fingerprints all over it. Indeed, "Thelma" is another angst-ridden character study, heightened by the film's striking imagery and ominous tone. Thoroughly mysterious and morally complex, this ambitious effort proves that Trier isn't afraid to challenge his audience. And the result is a daring, inventive piece of filmmaking that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

9. "Menashe"
Joshua Z Weinstein's "Menashe" may seem like an odd fit for this list, but the society it depicts might as well be another country to most American audiences. Filmed almost entirely in Yiddish, this modest American indie tells the story of a widower in Brooklyn's Orthodox Jewish community who must battle to maintain custody of his son. "Menashe" succeeds largely on Menashe Lustig's deeply sympathetic lead performance, which is as assuming as the film itself. As he endures the pressures of expected re-marriage while struggling to make ends meet, Menashe's close bond with his son shines through, conveyed through endearing chemistry with Ruben Niborski. "Menashe" is a simple yet affecting portrait of a father's love that deserves to be seen.

8. "Félicité"
When the 2017 Foreign Language Oscar shortlist was announced, one film stood out as a major surprise entry. That film is Alain Gomis' “Félicité”, the first ever submission from Senegal and a strong example of the underexposed talent to be found in African cinema. Indeed, this poignant drama proves to be every bit as worthy of awards recognition as its more high profile peers. Set in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it follows the titular woman as she struggles to find the money to pay for her son's healthcare after he suffers an accident. This lead role is portrayed by Véronique Beya Mputu, a captivating actress who is at once stoic and vivacious. As we follow her on this immersive journey, "Félicité" expresses the moods of life with a magnetic, potent grace. Full Review

7. "First They Killed My Father"
There are few things as heartbreaking as watching a child endure the devastating effects of war. But even in such bleak times, a glimmer of hope exists, as evidenced by Angelina Jolie's impressively humanist "First They Killed My Father". Based on the first-hand account of a woman named Loung Ung, this wartime drama depicts her harrowing childhood experiences in Cambodia, when the country suffered under the communist rule of the Khmer Rouge. Undeniably Jolie's best directorial effort to date, her love for these people and their culture shines through, aided by an excellent child performance from Sareum Srey Moch and Anthony Dod Mantle's stunning cinematography.

6. "The Wound"
Peeling back the curtain on a secret coming of age ritual, John Trengove's "The Wound" is a remarkably confident debut film. Set in rural South Africa, it follows a lonely young man charged with guiding a group of teenage boys through this rite of passage. Following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, the film sparked controversy at home and it's easy to see why. As further secrets are revealed, "The Wound" explores taboo issues surrounding class, race, and sexuality. In particular, its incisive, brazen depiction of a gay love triangle is unlike anything we've seen from South African cinema. Full Review

5. "BPM (Beats Per Minute)"
If you've been following the current awards season, then you've probably heard of an outstanding French film called "BPM (Beats Per Minute)". Directed by Robin Campillo, "BPM (Beats Per Minute)" takes place in the early 1990s, when AIDS was ravaging major cities around the world, including Paris, where an activist group works tirelessly to raise awareness and find solutions to the epidemic. Lovingly crafted by Campillo, the film chronicles these efforts with an invigorating energy. As it reminds us of the highly emotional atmosphere that surrounded the AIDS crisis, we fall in love these characters. Especially the feisty Sean Dalmazo, who embodies both the passion and tragedy that makes this film so powerful.

4. "The Other Side of Hope"
If media reports are to be believed, world cinema is about to lose one of its greatest filmmakers in Aki Kaurismäki. Purportedly his last film, "The Other Side of Hope" showcases a singular voice that will sorely be missed. This brilliant drama stars newcomer Sherwan Haji as a Syrian refugee who arrives in Finland, where he is befriended by a local restaurant owner. As their tale of unlikely friendship develops, the film gives off a welcome retro vibe through its warm 35mm cinematography. And as Kaurismäki's screenplay skillfully mixes deadpan comedy with pointed social commentary, "The Other Side of Hope" emerges as yet another masterpiece to his filmography.

3. "In the Fade"
Recently awarded as the Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes, "In the Fade" is arguably the most divisive film on this list. Harrowing and morally challenging, it's certainly not for the faint of heart. This revenge thriller follows a distraught woman who goes on a crusade to bring the murderer of her husband and son to justice. That woman is played by Diane Kruger in the performance of her career, under the fearless direction of Fatih Akin. "In the Fade" may have its detractors, but the extraordinary work from this dynamic duo left an indelible mark on my mind this past year.

2. "The Insult"
Ziad Doueiri's "The Insult", one of 9 films shortlisted for the Foreign Language Oscar, is based on a seemingly simple premise. Two men - a Lebanese Christian and Palestinian refugee - get into an argument over a leaking drain pipe. Their situation quickly escalates, however, as their bruised male egos transform a small misunderstanding into a national scandal. Written with a riveting flair for drama and a perceptive understanding of Middle Eastern politics, "The Insult" grips you from start to finish. And when all is said and done, it resonates as a powerful reminder of the damaging effects of bigotry, prejudice and even more universally, fragile masculinity.

1. "The Square"
Nordic filmmakers are known for their dryly satirical comedies, perfecting their unique dark humor called "gálgahúmor." Among his peers, Sweden's Ruben Östlund is a leading proprietor of this subgenre, notably breaking out with 2014's "Force Majeure". For his latest film "The Square", Östlund applies his mischievous perspective towards a satire of the art world and the hoopla surrounding its titular art installation. Centered around the misfortunes of a modern art curator, "The Square" takes us to some unexpected and downright hilarious places as it delivers a delicious, hearty slice of absurdist cinema.
What were your favorite foreign language films of 2017? Let us know in the comments below.