Over 70 countries submitted their favorite films for Best Foreign Language film at the Oscars. The Academy has cut down the list to just nine foreign films. These nine films have made the shortlist and will later drop to five final nominees for Best Foreign Language Film. Here is a look at five of those nine films, those that stand the best chance for a final nomination.
‘Amour’ – Austria
French language film “Amour” has been racking up critics awards left and right, including winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. It is the story of an elderly couple and how they struggle when the wife, played beautifully by Emmanuelle Riva, suffers a paralyzing stroke. It is guaranteed that “Amour” will earn a Best Foreign Language Film nomination. That is, if it doesn’t earn a Best Picture nomination instead.
‘Intouchables’ – France
“The Intouchables” became a film phenomenon in France. It has broken box office records throughout France and other countries, and considered the most watched movie in France. “The Intouchables” is the story of a quadriplegic and his quirky live-in caretaker who teaches him that life isn’t over, yet. There’s a pretty high chance that the film will earn a Best Foreign Language Film nomination.
‘War Witch’ – Canada
“War Witch,” also titled “Rebelle,” is a Canadian film set in Africa and in the French language. It is the harsh story of a young girl taken from her home and forced to become a soldier. It is not an easy film to watch. Rachel Mwanza, who plays the child soldier, really stands out in the film. She could be the reason “War Witch” earns an Oscar nomination.
‘Sister’ – Switzerland
“Sister” is one of those films that starts out simple enough, but then a twist comes in that shakes up the entire plot and the meaning behind it. It is the tale of a young boy who steals from rich vacationers at a ski resort so he can take care of his sister. His sister, on the other hand, spends her days dallying with guys and quitting jobs. “Sister” might not have received as much attention as other foreign films this year, but it is a stand-out film that might earn that Oscar nomination.
‘Kon-Tiki’- Norway
“Kon-Tiki” has already earned a Golden Globe nomination, and everyone knows that is just the first step before the Oscars. “Kon-Tiki” tells the true story of the Kon-Tiki expedition; a small group who sailed from South America to Polynesia on a raft, just to prove it could have been done years ago. The fictional portrayal relies heavily on the book and documentary by Thor Heyerdahl, the man that led the expedition. The film screams blockbuster with its epic story and visual effects. While the Academy tends to go for more indie-like films, “Kon-Tiki” could see a nomination for its portrayal of an epic journey.
The other foreign films on the shortlist include “No” from Chile, “A Royal Affair” from Denmark, “The Deep” from Iceland, and “Beyond the Hills” from Romania. Any one of them might earn an Oscar nomination, especially if “Amour” gets Best Picture and is eliminated from the Foreign Language category.
