Khoollect watch: five foreign language films you need to see

One of the Khoollect team’s favourite things to do on a holiday abroad is to sit in a busy cafe listening to the hum of a foreign language being spoken. You might pick up a few words here and there, or have a fairly good grasp of the lingo, but whether it’s a romance language, a fast-paced Asian language conversation or a European tongue you can’t quite recognise, we’re always left with a feeling of excitement to learn more.

No matter which languages you love to listen to the most, watching foreign films is a great way to experience a small dose of immersion (without leaving your living room). Here are five of our favourite foreign language films we think you’ll enjoy as much as we do:

La Vite e Bella (1997), Italian

One of the most heartbreaking films we’ve ever seen, La Vita e Bella stars the wonderful Roberto Benigni as a father endeavouring to protect his son’s innocence during a devastating time in Jewish history. At times funny, and at times tragic, this moving film will stay with you.

Delicacy (2012), French

For those who loved Amelie, Chinese Puzzle and Mood Indigo, this Audrey Tautou film will warm your heart all over again. What seems like a simple story about an unexpected office romance at first, this film will surprise you and give you hope that there is love beyond grief and loss.

Pan’s Labrynth (2006), Spanish

An award-winning Spanish film that blends a fantasy world with an even darker reality, Pan’s Labrynth is one you won’t forget in a hurry.

A Gun in Each Hand (2012), Spanish

A fantastic mixture of comedy and drama, this film brings a series of smaller stories together in a clever patch-work fashion.

House of Flying Daggers (2004), Mandarin

If you were captivated by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, you’ll certainly be swept away by this action-packed Chinese masterpiece.

What are your favourite foreign language films?