India
Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)
In India, cinema and cricket are very popular. Lagaan mixes these two. When the movie came out, people cheered in theaters. The story is about Indian villagers who play cricket against British rulers. The British captain is unfair and wants to take money from them.
The movie takes place in 1893. Cricket becomes a big fight between good and evil. Director Ashutosh Gowariker and actor Aamir Khan made a film that tells a special Indian story. There are colorful songs and dances. The film has love and a strong mother figure. The main lesson is: if you are true and brave, you will win.
Lagaan is long, running for 3 hours and 44 minutes. It is full of excitement and heart. Anupama Chopra calls it brilliant entertainment.
Mexico
Canoa: A Shameful Memory (1976)
Canoa tells real stories from Mexico. Directed by Felipe Cazals, it shows the lynching of people who were confused with communists in 1968. The village priest spreads fear about “communists.”
This film shows deep issues in society. Cazals breaks from old styles and faces the violence seen today in Mexico. It is an important film in Mexican cinema.
France
La Bataille de Solférino (Age of Panic; 2013)
Justine Triet made this film about a couple who race around Paris on election night. The film feels energetic and connects personal and political issues. Although it did not sell well, it is a milestone in French cinema.
The Philippines
Kakabakaba Ka Ba? (Will Your Heart Beat Faster?; 1980)
This funny film mixes music and crime. It tells the story of a group of teenagers who get caught in a wild adventure. It humorously critiques imperialism and challenges the Philippine movie boundaries.
Kenya
Nusu Maisha Ya Nairobi (Nairobi Half Life; 2012)
A young man in this film dreams of being an actor. His story shows how crime and struggles affect life in Nairobi. It was Kenya’s first entry for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
Vocabulary List:
- lynching /ˈlɪn.tʃɪŋ/ (noun): The illegal execution of an accused person by a mob.
- confused /kənˈfjuzd/ (adjective): Unable to think clearly or make sense of something.
- struggles /ˈstrʌɡ.əlz/ (noun): Efforts or attempts to achieve or accomplish something difficult.
- exciting /ɪkˈsaɪ.tɪŋ/ (adjective): Causing great enthusiasm and eagerness.
- criticizes /ˈkrɪt.ɪ.saɪz/ (verb): To express disapproval of someone or something.
- milestone /ˈmaɪl.stoʊn/ (noun): An important event or point in progress.
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