The Academy has broadened their inclusion of non-US movies. I fully support this concept, but it has muddied the waters. For most of the history of the Oscars, it has been an exception. Here's a snap of the first 80 years:​

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• 1938 (Grand Illusion, France)

• 1969, (Z, France)

• 1972 (The Emigrants, Sweden)

• 1973 (Cries and Whispers, Sweden)

• 1995 (The Postman, Italy)

• 1998 (Life is Beautiful, Italy)

• 2000 (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, China)

• 2006 (Babel, Mexico/France)

• 2012 (Amour, Austria/France/Germany)

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There has been an International entrant in the Best Picture category every year since 2018 (with 4 in 2023 and 2 in 2024!) Every year, there are between 8,000 and 10,000 films released worldwide. And the trend continues to have the producing country making a movie about (and filmed in) another. France gave us Emilia Perez, largely set in Mexico. Germany produced the Seed of the Sacred Fig, entirely in Iran.

 

I suspect they're going to need to do something. Maybe a bracket! (Brought to you by FanZone -- bet like you've got two big heads!)

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• Brazil, I'm Still Here

  • Also nominated for Best Picture, Regular White People, this is the compelling story of the 1971 dictatorship in Brazil that disappears political opponents. Led by Fernanda Torres (also nominated), who is well known in Brazil but a newcomer to us, the cast is strong. You are drawn in to the love and fears of the family. It has the feel of a documentary at times, but is riveting throughout.

• Denmark, The Girl with the Needle

  • Based on a true story, this is a chilling film that transports you to post-WW I Europe. While you will gather early on that there is something nefarious about the business at hand, it is far worse than you will allow yourself. 

• France, Emilia Pérez

  • Also nominated for Best Picture, LGBTQ+ and Allies division, it will, unfortunately, win neither award due to the behind-the-scenes social media controversies. There is a rumour that the lead actress' Tweets were uncovered as part of a plot to undermine the movie. I am hopeful that is not the case, mostly since Harvey Weinstein is still locked up.

• Germany, The Seed of the Sacred Fig

  • "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, is a gripping Iranian drama that delves into the complexities of authority, family dynamics, and societal unrest. The narrative follows Iman, a lawyer promoted to an investigative judge in Tehran, whose newfound power strains his relationships with his wife and activist daughters amid the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests sparked by Mahsa Amini's death in 2022.**

• Latvia, Flow

  • I hate cats. The lead character is a cat. I am not generally a fan of movies with limited dialogue. This movie has none. It was animated using an open source platform (Blender). Yellow flag. And what do I know from Latvia?!? I was nearly out until a friend encouraged me to watch it. It is beautiful! Treat yourself and enjoy this work of art.

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**-I had AI write this review, since I didn't see it and neither did anyone else. Resistance is futile.