World cinema picks

World cinema picks

Water Lilies (2007) Originally known as Naissance des Pieuvres, this French film about three teenage girls who live in a modern Parisian suburb marked a remarkable debut for filmmaker Céline Sciamma. The movie offered an intimate peek into the world of synchronised swimming and the evolving relationships amongst the three 15-year-olds, all different from the other. While Floriane is a beautiful blonde with a perfect body, Marie is a tomboy and Anne a plump yet outgoing swimmer nursing a crush on a male swimmer, who has eyes only for Floriane. Water Lilies touches upon the topic of female sexuality but also brings to the fore feelings of friendship, love, manipulation and betrayal. 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007) This Romanian film by director Christian Mungiu won the Palme d’Or and FIPRESCI award at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival. The movie is set in the last days of the Communist rule in Romania of the late 1980s and follows the life of two university students Gabita and Otilia. Problems begin when Gabita realises that she is pregnant. However, abortion was illegal at the time in Romania and so the two arrange a meeting with a certain Mr Bebe in a squalid hotel where Bebe will perform an illegal abortion. Bebe refuses to take any fees for the operation and instead asks for sexual favours in return. The movie explores the sensitive dynamics of the friendship between Gabita and Otilia and makes for a rather thought-provoking watch. Let the Right One In (2008) The most appealing factor of this Swedish film is that the lead characters are 12-year-olds. Directed by Tomas Alfredson, Let The Right One In belongs to the vampire films genre albeit one that will keep you hooked right till the end. Oskar is a star-crossed 12-year-old boy who is always bullied by his classmates. He then meets his new neighbour Eli and the two strike a friendship. However, Eli’s appearance coincides with a series of murders that are taking place in the town. Over time, Oscar learns that Eli is a vampire and she may have something to do with the murders. The movie has enough scenes to freak out a horror film enthusiast.