5 awesome films that (almost) nobody has heard of before (PART I)

5 Films that almost nobody has heard of that will make you feel smart and cultured just by watching them.

By: Brian Cotnoir

     Hello friends, Das Film Junkie here, sorry it’s been a while since I posted anything, but I’m here now and I’m ready to make it up to all of you, starting now.  Have you ever been in a situation where you’re surrounded by a bunch of people talking about their favorite films and how “brilliant”, and “original”, and “ground breaking” they are, and you’re just sitting there to yourself thinking “the latest ‘Hunger Games’ film was pretty bad-a$$ if you ask me” .  Have you ever been afraid that people would judge you because of your taste in films or because you haven’t seen certain films?  Do you feel dumb because you’ve watched “Spring Breakers” on DVD like 27 times?  It’s all right if you have, because not everyone can be a film aficionado like, yours truly.  But today, I am here to recommend 5 films that almost nobody has heard of that will make you feel smart and cultured just by watching them.  And just to make sure we broaden your horizons, I am picking 5 films from five separate countries, so enjoy, and if you haven’t seen any of these films, yet I seriously recommend that you do.

1.) Cashback

“Cashback” was originally 20 minute film that was nominated for an Oscar for Best Short film in 2004.  Two years later the films writer and director expanded that film into a feature length production. This was the debut film for writer and director Sean Ellis, and manages to combine stunning visuals and an interesting—all be it a melancholy—story of love, art, heartbreak, and fantastic adventure.  This was my favorite film in college and each time I watched it, I felt a little bit more intelligent.  This one of those films that every time you watch it you notice about a half-dozen things you didn’t notice the previous times you watched it.  Even though, the film does contain graphic nudity throughout, it’s quite tasteful, and is done entirely in the name of art.

2.) The Legend of 1900

This film comes to us all the way from Italy, but don’t worry folks this film is done entirely in English.  It’s the story of a man named “1900”, a man who was born and abandoned on an immigrant ship, The Virginia, on its way too America.  Little 1900 was raised by the crew of the ship as if he were their own.  He learned everything on the ship including how to read, walk, and play the piano.  It was on this ship that 1900 composed and played some of the most beautiful and astounding music that anyone had ever heard of. However, 1900 was only able to accomplish all of these amazing feats because he never once stepped off the ship. “The Legend of 1900” has a unique story, fun and likeable characters, drama, comedy, romance, and a stellar soundtrack.  If you watch this film for just one reason, it should be to hear the amazing music.  Trust me gentleman, you show this film to your girl on date night and she’ll be like putty in your hands.

3.)  The Living Wake

Who says that America is incapable of producing a film that’s witty, original, and artistic?  Well if anyone does say that it’s probably because they have never seen the wonderfully enjoyable dark comedy, “The Living Wake”.  “The Living Wake” is the story of an eccentric artist named K. Roth Binew (played by actor Mike O’Connell, who also co-wrote and co-produced the film).  K. Roth is told that he is to die of a “rare and unnamed terminal disease” and decides to make the last 24-hours of his life the grand finale performance of his life, by holding a “Living Wake” where people will have the opportunity to see and let him know why he was so great.  There are so many moments of comedic joy that range from the bright & happy to the dark & macabre.  Mike O’Connell is cinematic genius and more people should see “The Living Wake”.  The film also features actor Jesse Eisenberg (star of critically successful mainstream films “Zombieland” and “The Social Network”).

4.) I’m a Cyborg, but that’s okay

I am a member of the ever growing population that believes that all the best films today come from either Japan or South Korea.  “I’m a Cyborg, but that’s okay” was written and directed by Chan-wook Park (critically acclaimed writer and director of “Oldboy” and “Thirst”) and is one of the Best Foreign Films, I have ever seen.  Unlike, many of Park’s other films, which have darker themes and tones, “I’m a Cyborg, but that’s okay” is an enjoyable romantic comedy...that’s set in a mental hospital!  It’s the story of a girl named Young-goon who believes that she not a human, but a cyborg, so she is sent by her mother to live in a mental hospital.  The film largely focuses on Young-goons interactions with the other mental patients in the hospital, in particularly a romance that blossoms between her and kleptomaniac named Park Il-Sun (played by Korean Pop Star Bai Rain).  This film is comedic, it’s entertaining, it has heart, and it is just so enjoyable to watch.  You need to see this film, you just have too. 

5.) Kongen av Bastoy (The King of Devils Island)

“Kongen av Bastoy” is a semi-biographical film released in Norway and is the story of three young boys who were sent to the Bastoy Island Reform School for boys.  Bastoy is a Reform/work prison camp for young boys who have all been convicted of crimes.  The boys of Bastoy have many obstacles to deal with including harsh weather conditions, abusive staff members, and a Power-hungry Headmaster played by Stellan Skaasgaard (co-star in the “Thor” & “The Avengers” franchises).  Two of the boys eventually plot a daring escape from the Bastoy and they do it during a massive riot on the island where the Norwegian army is called in to stop the boys from completely taking over Bastoy Island.  This film is similar to a 2003 Swedish film called “Evil”, but if you ask me “Kongen av Bastoy” is much better film.