MIREILLE’S MUSINGS: Fave foreign films of 2011

Watching films (both American and foreign) is one of my most-loved pastimes. Here are a few fave foreign films I can recommend this spring:

Tous les soleils is the best 2011 film I've seen so far and the best in a while...from fave Philippe Claudel, it's a romantic comedy which takes place in my alma mater, Alsace, especially in delightful Strasbourg with its cinematic canals and lovely gardens. A mix of French and Italian culture with a super actor, Stefano Accorsi, with the themes of the good life from friendship, affection, music, altruism, family and fantasy, and a lovely ending. Only the French can do this and the sensibility of the producer and actors are terrific. A must see.

Ma part du gateau gets second best so far for 2011. A film that is both entertaining and very profound, dealing with current topics: a rich (and heartless, arrogant and more) boss who fires his entire staff due to globalisation, single mothers, poverty vs. luxury, 21st century kids. Yet no lesson in this film, simply a good story, mostly believable, with catchy phrases and well-acted with Gilles Lellouche and Karin Viard.

Les yeux de sa mere
A wonderful (Belgian) film dealing with a writer working on his next book involving an atypical family. With Catherine Deneuve and 3 other wonderful actresses and an unusual way of weaving a family saga where lies,regrets and career priorities change the life of many of the members with lots of suffering on the way. If only the need to show and talk about cigarette smoking were not so prevalent. One wonders what the film would be without it.

La Nostra Vita
A very good Italian film that should give hope to Italian cinema. An honest and objective approach to a tale of a typical Italian family dealing with injustice and how family and friends' support and children's love give the main character (super acting by Elio Germano) the strength to accomplish his goal. Lots of touching details showing the strengths and weaknesses of the modern family.