Khoollect watch: five foreign language films you need to see

***Rachel Khoo would like to thank all the inspiring people who helped make the Khoollect studio a hive of creativity. Although the Khoollect studio’s doors have now closed, you can keep up with Rachel’s newest adventures on RachelKhoo.com and on Rachel’s Instagram and Facebook pages – and, continue to enjoy the Khoollect website’s stories and recipes, which will remain available.***

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.