Summer time and the Movies

Movies have always been a part of our family routine. Once a month, Mother would treat her 5 boys to some exciting film. We would head for one of the local cinemas in great anticipation not knowing if we would get tickets on time. Sometimes we were fortunate enough to see a James Bond movie, a John Wayne perhaps or some Kung-fu thriller. If tickets were sold out, she would take us all to see a Bollywood show, much to our distress.Those Indian movies of the late 60's seemed all alike to us. And then, we had to read English subtitles since the actors spoke Hindi! Mother thought we should have different experiences at an early age! Fast forward 45 years later and I actually enjoy most foreign films outside Hollywood!
                    Here is my eclectic list:
1. Departures by Yojiro Takita. The story is about a cello player who takes on a job as a Nokanshi, a funeral professional who prepares the deceased for burial and entrance into a new life.Working with families of the deceased, the lead character Daigo embarks on a spiritual journey of his own as he finally experiences the joy and wonder of living. "Perfectly framed and evocative" marks one critic! I find it intriguing.
2. KhudaKayLiye (In the Name of God) by Shoaib Mansoor.
"Gripping and Engrossed" describes Times Now. I had to fast-
forward some of these "gripping scenes". The director deals with the rift and drift between the West and Muslims; Muslims of all walks of life. How does one make sense of all of these incongruities in the Islamic world?
Engaged encounters with respectful dialogue are better than war/strife!
3. Dersu Uzala by Akira Kurosawa in collaboration with Yuri
Nagibin. An enthralling tale of an eccentric Mongolian frontiers
man seen through the eyes of a sympathetic Soviet captain! The
Siberian wilderness is portrayed alongside a hunter's aging process. Kurosawa's brilliance is undeniable. What a delight!
4. Japon by Carlos Reygadas. Depicted as "an abrasively sensual and a brazenly confident first film!" I was simply baffled by the director's choices to create authenticity. This film may not appeal to a prudish audience. 
5. Raise the Red Lantern by Zhang Yimou. 1920 China and the plight of 4 women in a polygamous marriage! Absolutely haunting and equally difficult to watch! I was spellbound by the artistry of this director's work, so proud to bear his surname!
   From our local library, I am sure to find many more movies.
Movie directors, to me, are fascinating. Their genuine appeal can be provoking as well as inspiring. And what of wonderful American blockbusters? Mother was right. Enjoy what you choose to see. Relax. Be prepared even to read subtitles!