Review by C.J. Bunce
Just out from Running Press, Turner Classic Movies/TCM takes on a new are of cinema in its latest addition to the TCM Film Library, TCM Imports: Timeless Favorites and Hidden Gems of World Cinema. Familiar Turner Classic Movies host Alicia Malone has written an exceptional overview of an area of film that isn’t for everyone, but could be. This book is one of the best written and best arranged look at movies yet, providing a mix of recommendations in a unique way–by season. Malone also takes a step away from the normal movie guide.
Here she offers what is now a requisite 50-odd major works for consideration, mixing in more works that have not been celebrated and watched by fans of the genre than those well-known–and frequently recommended–films. She also branches out to include not only the typical dramas, but science fiction and horror are here, too.
Malone’s writing is sharp, smart, and succinct, providing minimal guidance about what a film is about and why you may want to watch it. A feature you won’t find elsewhere in the TCM Film Library is a brief “To watch when… ” introductory remark that may help you find something to fit your current mood. She provides one movie per week, chronologically suggested by season, to further align the film with your need.
Even established fans of international film will find something here to explore. Each film offers one or two blocks suggesting five watchalike movies. So if you see a group of films you like but haven’t watched the main entry, you may have a winner. Likewise, if you like one of the main entries, you may have five new movies you’ll want to give a try.
Just look at the variety included in a sample of the main selections: Amelie (2001), Lady Snowblood (1973), The Girls (1968), In the Mood For Love (2000), Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974), Bicycle Thieves (1948), Spring in a Small Town (1948), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Went the Day Well? (1942), The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928), Black Girl (1966), The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967), Purple Noon (1960), L’Avventura (1960), The Rules of the Game (1939), Devi (1960), Death of a Cyclist (1955), Pale Flower (1964), Black Christmas (1974), My Night at Maud’s (1969).
My own favorite picks I was surprised to see include Fritz Lang’s science fiction staple Metropolis (1926), director Peter Weir’s seldom discussed Australia film Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975), Akira Kurosawa’s Japanese Western Ikiru (1952), director Guillermo del Toro’s modern fantasy Pan’s Labyrinth (2006), and listed multiple times as a watchalike, Yeon Sang-ho’s South Korean horror movie Train to Busan (2016). One section offers up manga-inspired movies (anime films are not covered here).
The book begs the question: What movies are Western audiences missing not covered in this book? The variety here vertically and horizontally both by genre and geographically will make readers wonder what more would be available if nations outside what we’re able to access now would open up their cultures to wider ideas.
This book is more for readers looking for movie ideas than being an international film guide. If you’re ready to explore a new realm of movies, TCM Imports: Timeless Favorites and Hidden Gems of World Cinema may be for you. It’s now available at all bookstores and here at Amazon.
Don’t miss the other volumes from TCM’s film library reviewed here at borg, covering a wide range of topics across film history and genres: 52 Must-See Movies That Matter, 52 More Must-See Movies That Matter, Must-See Sci-Fi, Dynamic Dames, Forbidden Hollywood, Viva Hollywood, Fright Favorites, Summer Movies: 30 Sun-Drenched Classics, TCM’s Hollywood Victory, TCM’s Danger on the Silver Screen, TCM’s Rock on Film, TCM’s Essential Directors, TCM’s Christmas at the Movies, Dark City: The Lost World of Film Noir, TCM’s 50 Oscar Nights, But Have You Read the Book?, Eddie Muller’s Noir Bar, Lena Horne: Goddess Reclaimed, Double Indemnity and the Rise of Film Noir, Forbidden Cocktails, Hollywood Pride, Falling in Love at the Movies, Dark City Dames, and TCM’s 20th Century Fox: Darryl F. Zanuck and the Creation of the Modern Film Studio.
