What's better than a great foreign film? When it's free to watch too

Back in 1999 when I was working at BNY Mellon, I was browsing the "World Wide Web" one day (during my lunch hour, of course) and came across a website that said "Why go to the video store to rent movies when you can do it from home?"  and boasted they had over 500 movies on DVD.  It was Netflix of course, and the idea of a movie arriving in a postage paid envelope (to watch and ship back) sounded pretty clever to me.

When I showed it to my coworker Mike, he said "Sounds like a gimmick, just go to Blockbuster!"  But I was intrigued as I looked at their catalog and saw many were foreign films--most of which I'd never heard of, let alone seen for rent anywhere.   

So I signed up, and the very first dvd I got in the mail was Run Lola Run, a 1998 German thriller that blew my socks off.  It was brilliant, never saw anything like it before.

Eventually I began renting Hollywood movies in the mail too as Netflix grew, but I always looked for foreign (subtitled) releases first. 

Anyway, the other night I was on Tubi (a free streaming service) and was surprised to see several foreign films I once enjoyed greatly and gave my highest "A" grades to.  I thought I'd share a few of my reviews here.  

These are all available to watch for free on Tubi.

The Cakemaker (2018)  Thomas, a baker in Berlin is in love with Oren, a businessman from Jerusalem who visits once a month.  But when Oren goes missing, Thomas will travel there—and learn Oren died in a car crash, leaving behind a wife & son.  Not revealing who he is, Thomas will ask Oren’s wife for a job in her kosher cafe—why?  A wary family will soon warm to him in this gentle wonder of how we love & grieve. (German-Hebrew-English)  My grade: A Plus

Becoming Astrid (2018)  Red haired and feisty, she grew up in the 1900s on a farm in the Swedish countryside.  Her writings will land her a job with the local paper at the age of 16, but life will soon take a dramatic turn.  A single mom now, she’ll spin tales to her little boy, and someday to all children when she creates Pippi Longstocking.  It’s a brief glimpse at Astrid Lindgren’s life, but beautifully told.  It just couldn’t be more special. (Swedish) My grade: A Plus

The Broken Circle Breakdown (2012)  Dieder is a kind hearted Belgian who loves American Bluegrass music.  Elise is the woman he falls for, devout in her Christianity as he is in atheiesm.  And now as their 6 year old daughter Maybelle lies dying of cancer in a hospital, their beliefs (or lack of) are scrutinized by the other, leaving us trembling in their wake.  Extraordinary. (Belgian)  My grade: A Plus

I’m Your Man (2021) Desperate for funds, Alma agrees to allow Tom, a male robot to live with her for his final testing.  His sole purpose is to provide love and happiness.  Barely containing her revulsion, she’ll spurn his efforts, leaving him confused about his life's purpose.  Will Alma come around?  Will Tom?  I am misty-eyed, what a smart, dear & thought-provoking story.  Perfect casting makes this a winner.  (German)  My grade: A

The Nun (2013) In 1760 France, Suzanne is forced to enter a convent when her mother reveals she was the product of an illicit affair. Suzanne yearns to be a free woman, but loves her Mother Superior; until she dies and Suzanne learns the religious life forced on her is the least of her problems.  Exquisite to watch, she wears her sorrow well, like a young Ingrid Bergman. (French) My grade: A

The Silence (2010)   A 13 year old girl is missing, and her bike is found in the same spot in the countryside where a young girl disappeared 23 years before. Why? The answers are there in this masterfully told story that almost thrums like a high tension wire.  Still, this is a story of awful crime, and anguish.  Steel yourself. (German) My grade: A

A Royal Affair (2012)  In 1766, Princess Caroline of Britain is betrothed to the young, insane King of Denmark; despondent, she bonds with the King's personal physician (Mads Mikkelsen) and adopts his ideas for reform and change. Is Denmark ready for such revolutionary ideas? Yes and no, in this tragic yet royal retelling of it's darkest days. Hope springs eternal. (Danish) My grade: A

Teddy Bear (2012)  Dennis is a bodybuilder--and a gentle giant, with a heart as big as his biceps. But he's a painfully shy man, and lorded over by his mother. So when his uncle tells him of the lovely women in Thailand, Dennis decides he'll go and find one for his own. With a hint of exotic flavor, this was touching and kind and what else is love about anyway? (Danish) My grade: A

I almost forgot to mention--Run Lola Run can be seen for free on the Roku Channel.  You won't be sorry. 😊