Film
I’ve always loved watching films. It started back in my childhood when my parents, living in our small coastal town in British Columbia, would mail-order indie films in the ’80s. I didn’t always get their taste—honestly, I usually just wanted to watch mediocre movies. But as I got older, I grew to appreciate everything about film, from the acting and directing to the set design, makeup, and costumes.
My taste leans more dramatic since most American comedies don’t land for me, but I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for a good rom-com now and then. Here are some of my recent favorites!
Dramas
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Conclave (2024) USA
After the popes sudden death, a papal election must be held. This film uncovers the how the Cardinal navigates secrets and scandals during this time.
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A Day and a Half (2023) Sweden
This movie is based on true events of an unexpected kidnapping in Sweden. It is very well done and quite sad.
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Maestro (2023) USA
This is the story of the American conductor Lenny Berstein, both inspiring and tragic at once. Bradley Coopers acting is out of this world, the set design is impecable, the make up insane and the story heart breaking.
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Return to Seoul (2022) France / South Korea
This is a bit of a heart wrencher. It tracks the journey of a French adoptee as she stumbles upon her Korean birth family.
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Queen of Hearts (2019) Denmark
Chilling movie about an affair between step-son and step-mother.
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My King (2015) France
A torrid love affair and the turmoil that ensues over a life time.
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A Bigger Splash (2015) UK
What happens when a rock star and her boyfriend go on vacation.
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Swan Song (2021) USA
Diagnosed with a terminal illness, a loving husband is presented with an opportunity to replace himself with a carbon copy of himself.
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The Father (2020) UK
Watching a parent decline with age is heart wrenching. This movie shows the decline of a father from both his perspective and his daughters’.
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Talk to Her (2002) Spain
Almodovar doing his thing. It’s a story of random lives coming together in a hospital under varying circumstance. Be sure to keep an ear out for a guitar solo in the middle of the movie called Cucurrucucu.
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The Guilty (2018) Denmark
This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat without any visual gore. It is about a 911 responder who helps someone get through a harrowing situation. Please watch the Danish version, not the American.
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The Great Beauty (2013) Italy
After turning 65 Jep turns from a life of excess to a life of exceptional beauty.
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City of God (2002) Brazil
Set in the slums of Rio de Janairo this film follows the life of a young photographer who wants to get out.
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Headhunters (2011) Norway
A successful businessman who has a eye for art gets mixed up in the wrong business.
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A Single Man (2009) USA
The beauty of this film is inspiring. Tom Ford design in motion.
Coming of Age
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Sing Street (2016) Ireland
A coming of age film about a boy and his band… need I say more.
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Call Me By Your Name (2017) Italy
This beauty of a movie chronicles the relationship between at 17 year old and a 24 year old grad student over summer break in Italy.
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And Then We Danced (2020) Georgia
Georgian teen grapples with his sexuality while immersing himself in traditional dance.
Comedy-ish
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I, Tonya (2017) USA
This black comedy is about the Tonya Harding scandal in the 90’s. It’s hard to believe this story is actually true. Margot Robbie is divine.
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Another Round (2020) Denmark
The question is, is life better when blood alcohol is kept at a constant? Four high school teachers set out to try it.
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Force Majeur (2014) Sweden
What do you do in an emergency, save yourself or your family?
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The Overnight (2015) USA
New to LA one couple has an interesting adventure at a neighbours home after a casual dinner.
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Intouchables (2011) France
A new caretaker brings a breath of fresh air into a wealthy quadriplegic’s life.
Documentaries
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Searching for Sugarman (2012) USA
Not sure how I missed this one, but it is so worth your while.
It tells the incredible story of Sixto Rodriguez, a Mexican-American singer song-writer from Detroit, who despite his music not achieving commercial success in the US, became a significant cultural figure in apartheid-era South Africa… without knowing about it.
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The Bibi Files (2024) Israel / USA
No matter what you know or believe about the conflict, this is a must see.
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Breath of Fire (2024) USA
The docuseries explores Kundalini yoga's origins and controversies, highlighting manipulation by Yogi Bhajan and Guru Jagat.
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The Jinx Part 2 (2024) USA
A continuation of the series released in 2015 about Robert Durst, detailing the 8 years following his arrest. It is riveting.
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Federer: Twelve Final Days (2024) USA / Switzerland
This doc captures Federer in the final days of his remarkable career. Even as someone who doesn't typically watch tennis, I loved it—Federer truly comes across as a wonderful human being.
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American Symphony (2023) USA
Jon Batiste and Souleika Jaouad have such an incredible story. From the highest highs to the lowest lows. This documentary shows have the take it all on with so much grace.
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The Rescue (2021)
What a story. Even though we all know the outcome the doc will keep you on your toes from start to finish. A must see.
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Very Ralph (2019) USA
Another documentary about a remarkable man pursuing his passion, from the ground up. I knew nothing about the story behind the brand before watching this, but I now have immense respect for him.
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Icarus (2017) USA
The doc starts out exploring the world of doping in amateur cycling and as it progresses some surprising twists arise.
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The Painter and the Thief (2020) Norway
The story of a painter who’s work is stolen and the relationship she develops with the thief.
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The Jinx (2015) USA
The story of Robert Durnst and how he got away with murder twice… until he didn’t.
Old School Feel Good
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Eat, Pray, Love (2010) USA
I know, I know. But this book really had an affect on me when it first came out in 2016. The movie is feel good and up lifting.
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Love Actually (2003) UK
Early aughts Rom Com, what more can I say. They don’t make them like this any more.
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Notting Hill (1999) UK
If you are born in the 80’s and haven’t seen this, you must be living under a rock. Nothing more than another feel good rom com. But it’s a goodie.