11. Monsieur Lazhar
This brilliant movie was actually nominated for a foreign-language Oscar last year, but it wasn’t officially released in American theatres until this year. I’m not big on crying (whatever, I’m sure I cried about something ridic today), but OMG. THIS movie! Wept for pretty much the entire 90 minutes; it was glorious. Mohamed Fellag plays an Algerian substitute teacher who comes to work in a Canadian elementary school, recently rocked by a devastating tragedy. I was especially struck by the cinematography of the piece and the brilliant performances delivered by the children. The director, Philippe Falardeau has another amazing movie (came out in 2006)– very much about fathers and sons… very French, very awesome– Congorama.
Watch Monsieur Lazhar on Amazon Instant Video or Netflix!
Thanks, Shannon! This list is exactly what I needed. It’s hard for me – who is a casual film watcher, blockbuster or otherwise – to find good indies.
KJ, you’re welcome! It was really fun putting this together. Got to relive all the moments, lol. Let me know if you get to see any of these, and what you think :)
Thanks for the list, Shannon! I’m so glad a few of these are on Netflix. I literally cannot wait until I see Rust and Bone!
Natalea, Netflix is awesome! And some of them are really cheap (like $3 or $4) on Amazon. I have to hear what you think of Rust and Bone! My sig other just bought the book for me; I’m so excited to relive the perfection :)
I love this movie. I was so freaking stoked/happy to find it on Netflix! Its a great film and Chris Rock is so good.
rayoflightCOADF, yes! If ever I questioned my love for Chris Rock, this movie put all that to rest. He was great and the chemistry between him and Delpy was so on point. Glad you loved it too!
How hysterical was the dad!? He killed me! Love this movie :) I can’t wait till you see 2 Days in Paris Shannon! :)
rayoflightCOADF, yes, The Dad was everything. I almost used that photo of him and Chris Rock in the sauna for the main pic of this post. Unforgettable!
2 Days In Paris is on Netflix– I’m so there in a few!
UPDATE! I saw it! And while I didn’t love it as much as I did 2 Days In Paris, it was awesome. I loved learning the back story on Papa keying the cars, lmao! But yeah, Julie Delpy is brilliant.
She is so brilliant. I agree I think 2 days in NY is a better film but Paris is great too. I love Papa and the keying of the cars and his general awesomeness. I want to marry him IMMEDIATELY :D. You’re so awesome Shannon. I thought I was the only one who loved TDKR and 2 Days in NY ;)
I don’t know if they’re considered ‘indie’ (yet definitely not mainstream) but my faves were; Perks of being a Wallflower & The Seven Psychopaths.
Both were light-hearted, funny, dramatic & powerful and;
Both had two terrific endings I will forever remember (possibly some of the best endings I’ve seen)
JCZ, those are def indie flicks and they’re two of the big ones I missed this year! But thanks for your mini-review– I’d been really wanting to see them (esp Seven Psychopaths) so I’m glad to hear you liked. I’m also very curious about these endings now. Thank you!
wow great list, I’m excited to work my way through… you seem to have really good taste! Thanks!
MItchel, oh! So glad you caught this. Hope you have fun working your way through these films :)