CHLOTRUDIS SOCIETY FOR INDEPENDENT FILM (CSIF) has compiled its list of the top 101 foreign language films of all time. Heading the list is Wong Kar Wai’s IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE, one of 25 Asian films included in the group’s tally. Rounding out the first five are Germany’s RUN LOLA RUN and WINGS OF DESIRE coming in second and third, AMELIE from France at #4 and Japan’s AFTER LIFE at #5.
IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE stars Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung as neighbors in a
1962 Hong Kong apartment building whose friendship begins when they realize their spouses are having an affair. The film received high praise from critics upon its U.S. release in 2001, and shared that year’s BEST MOVIE Chlotrudis Award with David Lynch’s MULHOLLAND DR. Another of Kar Wai’s films, CHUNGKING EXPRESS, makes the list at #24, while a recent reunion for Cheung and Leung, HERO, also is represented at #23.
The 100+ members of the Chlotrudis Society submitted their individual top 25, and the votes were tabulated from a total of 369 films represented. The group’s mission to support and encourage the viewing of independent, classic and foreign films is borne out in the variety found in the list. Films from 17 countries make the cut, spanning 8 decades of cinema, from THE BLUE ANGEL, Marlene’s Dietrich’s German classic in 1930, to a favorite of this year’s festival circuit, South Korea’s 3-IRON.
As might be expected on a list compiled by film buffs, legendary directors such as Fellini, Bergman, Almod’ and Kurosawa are well-represented with several of each of their films included. What might be more surprising is the showing other more recent auteurs are granted, in particular Hiyao Miyazaki, Japan’s anime director (SPIRITED AWAY, #7), and China’s Zhang Yimou, (RAISE THE RED LANTERN, #12), whose color-saturated style has garnered worldwide attention. The full list is available on the Our Favorite Films page.
Entering its second decade, the Boston-based Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film has members across the country who all share a love of great film. CSIF members participate in daily listserv postings, weekly discounted film viewings and occasional filmfest road trips, to more formal and ambitious seasonal events.
This winter Chlotrudis joins again with Harvard Square’s Brattle Theatre, one of the oldest repertory film theatres in the country. Together we present The Sunday Eye-Opener, a series featuring sneak previews, film
discussions and special guests. For the spring and summer, CSIF looks to
partner with area independent film houses and festivals to co-sponsor special screenings and sneak previews. Autumn will bring a sixth edition of the organization’s popular CSIF Short Film Festival, recently honored by the Boston Society of Film Critics.
On Sunday March 20th, 2005, the Chlotrudis Society will hold its signature black-tie event, the 11th Annual Chlotrudis Awards ceremony, to honor the best of 2004’s independent films and film performances, and to recognize and celebrate the talents of individuals who have made a mark. Previous awardees include Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kerry Washington and Hal Hartley.
CSIF is a Boston-based non-profit group that teaches people to view film actively and experience the world through independent film, and encourages discussion. The group works with film festivals, local art-houses and theatres, production companies, directors and actors to bring creative, quality films to the attention of audiences and film-lovers.