5 Very Good Foreign Films from the Last 15 Years

5. The Lives of Others (2007) Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, rated R, 137 minutes

The Lives of Others is a sad German film about an agent of the secret police in East Berlin, who conducts surveillance on a writer and his wife, and becomes increasingly involved in their lives. The film works so well because of it's incredibly interesting story, and it's intense atmosphere. You'll like it if: You like espionage movies, sad movies, slow-burning dramas or The Conversation.

4. Three Colors: Red (1994) Directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski, rated R, 99 minutes
Red is the final installment in Krzysztof Kieslowski's French trilogy Three Colors. Red, arguably the best of the three, is about a French model who finds out her neighbor likes to invade people's private lives. Irene Jacob is terrific as the French model, and director Krzysztof Kieslowski never disappoints. Red is as visually interesting as the story of the relationship between these two very different people. You like it if: You like movies about relationships between people, movies about fate or French cinema.

3. Insomnia (1997) Directed by Erik Skjoldbjaerg, unrated, 96 minutes
Insomnia is a dark Norwegian film, about a detective who has to solve a complicated murder case in a town in the arctic circle. The film has a unique feel, since it is set during the summer in the arctic circle, where the sun is up all the time. This dark and unusual neo-noir thriller is interesting from start to finish, and will definitely keep you guessing. You like it if: You like neo-noir movies, dark crime movies, the American remake from 2002 or Seven.

2. La Haine (1995) Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz, rated R, 96 minutes
La Haine is French, black and white film about the difficult lives of three teenage friends from a multi-ethnic housing project in the suburbs of Paris. The film bravely takes a look at the social issues of France, but the lessons learned apply all around the world. La Haine is an undoubtedly effective and smart film. You like it if: You like movies that deal with violence, French films, Boyz n the Hood or Do the Right Thing.

1. City of God (2003) Directed by Fernando Meirelles & Katia Lund, rated R, 130 minutes
City of God is a near-perfect Brazilian film about two boys growing up in a slum, one becomes a photographer while the other becomes a drug dealer. This raw look at different way of life, is exhilarating, sad and authentic. You can't help but become completely involved in the storyline. The writing, directing, cinematography and acting are all done extremely well: this is an absolute must see. You'll like it if: You like movies about growing up, crime/gangster movies, Slumdog Millionaire or The Godfather.