Have you ever had one of those lazy Sunday afternoons where you just want to curl up on the couch and watch something that’s not your usual Hollywood blockbuster? I know I have. Sometimes, I crave something a bit more enriching, something that makes me think, “Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this before!” That’s where world cinema comes in.
I’m talking about movies from around the globe—films that give us a glimpse into other cultures, languages, and ways of life. But let’s face it, diving into world cinema can feel a little overwhelming at first. Where do you even start? That’s why I got hooked on educational video series about world cinema. These are a goldmine for anyone looking to expand their cinematic horizons, and today, I’m going to share some of my favorite finds with you.
Why World Cinema?
Before I get into the video series, let’s talk about why world cinema matters. There’s a whole world out there beyond the Hollywood sign, and each country has its own unique way of telling stories. Whether it’s the poetic realism of French cinema, the vibrant colors and drama of Bollywood, or the minimalist beauty of Japanese films, each country’s cinema offers something different.
I remember the first time I watched a Japanese film. It was “Spirited Away” by Hayao Miyazaki. I was completely blown away by how different it was from anything I had seen before. The storytelling was so subtle, the animation was unlike anything I had seen, and it was just so… magical. That experience opened my eyes to the fact that movies aren’t just entertainment—they’re a window into another world. And trust me, once you catch the world cinema bug, you’re going to want more!
Starting with the Basics: The Criterion Channel
If you’re new to world cinema, one of the best places to start is the Criterion Channel. It’s like a treasure trove of classic and contemporary films from all over the world. They curate their content into themes and series, which makes it easier to dive into a specific genre or country.
One of my favorite series on the Criterion Channel is “Meet the Filmmakers,” where they feature interviews and documentaries about some of the world’s most influential directors. Watching these gave me a much deeper understanding of the artistic choices behind some of the films I’ve watched. For instance, I finally understood why Akira Kurosawa’s films feel so epic—he was a master at using the environment and natural elements to amplify the emotions of his characters.
Another Gem: Great Courses Plus
Another fantastic resource is Great Courses Plus, which offers a series called “The World’s Greatest Films.” This is a fantastic way to learn about iconic films from different countries, why they matter, and how they’ve influenced global cinema.
I remember going through their lecture on Italian Neorealism. Now, Italian Neorealism might sound a bit intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s worth exploring. These films are raw, emotional, and often feature non-professional actors to give them an authentic feel. After watching this series, I found myself seeking out films like “Bicycle Thieves” and “Rome, Open City,” and they quickly became some of my all-time favorites.
YouTube Channels Worth Subscribing To
Don’t overlook YouTube in your exploration of world cinema! There are some amazing channels that break down films and discuss their cultural contexts. One of my go-to channels is “Every Frame a Painting.” While it’s no longer active, the archive is full of gems. They have a fantastic video on how Bong Joon-ho, the director of “Parasite,” uses composition in his films. Watching it felt like attending a mini film school.
Another great YouTube channel is “CinemaTyler.” He goes deep into the behind-the-scenes of classic films, including a lot of international ones. I especially loved his series on Andrei Tarkovsky, the legendary Russian filmmaker. Tarkovsky’s films are known for their slow pace and deep philosophical themes, which can be a bit challenging at first. But after watching CinemaTyler’s breakdowns, I started to appreciate the beauty in the stillness and the depth of Tarkovsky’s work.
Podcasts for the Cinephile
If you’re more of an auditory learner, there are also some fantastic podcasts dedicated to world cinema. One of my current favorites is “The A24 Podcast.” While it’s mostly centered around films produced by A24, they often feature international filmmakers and discuss influences from world cinema. It’s a great way to hear directly from directors and actors about what inspires them.
Another podcast I often tune into is “Filmspotting.” They regularly review international films and have special episodes dedicated to specific genres or filmmakers from around the world. It’s casual, informative, and feels like you’re having a chat with friends who know a lot about movies.
Final Thoughts
Exploring world cinema can be like stepping into a whole new universe. It’s educational, it’s inspiring, and it broadens your perspective in ways that few other things can. The resources I’ve mentioned—Criterion Channel, Great Courses Plus, YouTube, and podcasts—are all fantastic starting points. They’ve certainly helped me on my journey, and I hope they’ll do the same for you.
So next time you’re scrolling through Netflix or Disney+ and nothing seems to catch your eye, why not try something different? Pick a film from a country you know little about, or dive into one of the educational series I mentioned. You might just find your new favorite film or director.
And hey, if you do, come back and tell me all about it—I’m always looking for recommendations!
Happy watching!