As another semester comes to an end, the question may arise: What should I do during the break? Sure, one could travel, but why brave the weather, deal with crowds, and take all that time? Instead, this winter break, stay inside where it is nice and warm, pop some popcorn, and explore the international films that the IU East Campus Library has to offer! There are films to suit one’s choice of genre, whether it be Family, Horror/Drama, or Comedy.
Family Films
Gather your family around to enjoy these family-friendly films such as Secret of the Kells, Azur and Asmar: The Princes’ Quest, and A Shine of Rainbows. An Irish film, Secret of the Kells tells the story of a young boy in a remote medieval outpost under siege from barbarian raids. The boy embarks on an adventure when a celebrated master illuminator arrives with an ancient book, overflowing with secret, wisdom, and powers. This film expands on the tradition of legend storytelling while exposing its viewers to the awe-inspiring details of the Book of Kells. Keeping with legends, the French/Arabic movie Azur and Asmar: The Princes’ Quest tells the story of two young friends who grow up hearing about the Djinn fairy who is waiting to be released from her chamber by a heroic prince. After being separated at a young age, Azur and Asmar paths cross years later when both are in pursuit of the Djinn fairy. This film is great for teaching young ones about respect for others. Another great family film is the Irish film A Shine of Rainbows. This film is about a little orphan boy whose life is transformed by an amazing woman who teaches him to conquer grief and discover the magic in nature and himself. This coming-of-age film also touches on topics such as bullying, loss, and abandonment. For more international films of interest to the whole family, check out the International Youth Films libguide.
Horror/Drama
Perhaps a horror/drama film is more your style; if so, we recommend the Spanish film El Orfanato (The Orphanage) or the French film les Diabolique (the Devils). El Orfanato tells the story Laura, a lady who returns with her family to her childhood home – an orphanage by the Spanish seaside. Having spent several happy years as a child at the orphanage, Laura hopes to turn the dilapidated building into an orphanage for disabled children. However, upon arrival, mysterious things start to happen to Laura, her husband, Carlos, and her seven-year-old son Simon. Will everyone make it out alive? You will have to check this out to see. Perhaps a nice black and white film is the way to go. Ever wonder where Alfred Hitchcock got some of his ideas for the movie Psycho? Look no further than the French film les Diabolique. In this film, a ruthless headmaster who abuses his wife and mistress is murdered by the two women. His body is dumped into a swimming pool, but when the time comes to drain the pool, there is no body. Where did the body go? Was someone watching them dump the body? Will they get caught? These are just some of the thoughts running through the women’s minds as they search for the body. Look for more foreign language horror/drama films held in the library, by checking out the Foreign Language Films in the Library libguide.
Comedy
If Horror/Drama is not for you, check out our comedy films such as L’arna coeur (Heartbreakers) and El Ultimo Tren (Last Train). L’arna coeur is a French film starring Vanessa Paradisis and Romain Duris who plays Juliette and Alex, a brother and sister running a business whose main purpose is to break up relationships. One day Juliette and Alex are hired by a wealthy father to break up the wedding of his daughter; however, they only have one week to do so. Will they be successful? El Ultimo Tren is a Spanish comedy about 3 old guys who have strong feelings about train 33, also known as “Corazón de fuego,” being sold to Hollywood. To keep the train from being sold these three guys decided to highjack Corazón de fuego and go on adventure stopping at various small towns and train stops while exploring the vibrant landscapes of Uruguay. Watch these guys as they go from town to town reliving nostalgia while also bringing hope to a community that was abandoned when the train stopped running many years before. Look for more foreign language comedy films held in the library, by checking out the Foreign Language Films in the Library libguide. All of the above mentioned films plus more are available for check out this winter break. Explore the Foreign Language Films in the Library libguide and the International Youth Films libguide for all your great international films.
Snowed in? Don’t want to leave the warmth of your home? We’ve got you covered. Check out the database AVON (Academic Video Online) in the A-Z List at http://iue.libguides.com/A-ZList/A. AVON is a multidisciplinary collection of curricular videos ranging from documentaries to theatre plays. With over 400 new titles added each month, you are sure to find that great film to enjoy during the break.
Need help in searching for a film, just Ask Us! iueref@iue.edu.