September 23 Black Book
(Netherlands 2007) 146 minutes
A furious mix of sex, violence, and moral relativism, Paul Verhoeven's ambitious and controversial World War II saga follows a Jewish singer as she escapes persecution by the Nazis and forms a complex alliance with the Dutch resistance. “A crackling good melodrama -- inspired, remarkably, by actual events -- with few clearly defined heroes and villains.” Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
September 30 Saraband
(Sweden 2005) 120 minutes
This memorial screening in honor of cinematic master Ingmar Bergman (1918 - 2007) showcases his final film. Marianne (Liv Ullmann) makes an unexpected visit to see her ex-husband Johann and finds herself drawn into a tug-of-war between Johann's son and granddaughter. “ An intensely dramatic examination of life's conundrums that is exhilarating in its fearlessness and its command.” Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times ** Shown on DVD **
October 7 Fallen Angels
(Hong Kong 1996) 95 minutes
Classics Pick
Acclaimed director Wong Kar-Wai's neo-noir fantasy about a hitman who is disturbed to realize that he is falling for his partner. Throw into the mix a mysterious drifter who is searching for her ex-boyfriend and a humorous mute, and the results are an ingenious blend of art and entertainment set amidst Hong Kong 's bleak urban landscape. One of the decade's most influential films. “An exhilarating rush of a movie, with all manner of go-for-broke visual bravura that expresses perfectly the free spirits of [Wong's] bold young characters.” Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
October 14 After
the Wedding
(Denmark 2007) 120 minutes
Nominated for a Best Foreign Film Oscar, this poignant melodrama tells the intimate story of a wealthy businessman whose philanthropic offer to an aide worker at an Indian orphanage sets in motion a series of surprising revelations. “A thrilling -- and harrowing, and beautiful -- celebration of the unpredictability of life.” Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal
October 21 Offside
(Iran 2006) 99 minutes
A comedic tale of a disparate group of Iranian girls, prevented by law from attending live soccer matches, who attempt to sneak into the stadium to watch their team's World Cup qualifying match against Bahrain . “A beguiling, deceptively simple slice-of-life drama, Offside reaffirms Jafar Panahi's preeminence as one of the most humanistic and socially progressive filmmakers in contemporary Iranian cinema.” Timothy Knight, Reel.com
October 28 Paprika
(Japan 2007) 90 minutes
A dazzling mind-trip, this adult animated feature follows Dr. Atsuko Chiba, genius scientist by day, dream warrior by night, as she grapples with the consequences of a device which enables researchers to enter the dreams of a subject and explore matters of the unconscious mind. “Whatever it is you're looking for -- comedy, horror, parades of singing frogs and dancing kitchen appliances -- you'll find it in Satoshi Kon's jaw-dropping feat of imagination.” Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
November 4 The Return
(Russia 2004) 96 minutes
In the remote Russian wilderness, two brothers face a range of conflicting emotions when their father -- a man they only know through a single photograph -- resurfaces. “With its elegiac mood and pulse-quickening suspense, the pared-down narrative is unforgettable.” Sheri Linden, Hollywood Reporter
November 11 Estamos Aquí / We Are Here
(U.S. 2006) 89 minutes
Co-sponsorship withThe Center for International Studies, The Office of Latino and Latin American Heritage, and UD Student Centers
The story of one community in a changing nation, this local documentary film explores the evolving social, political and economic landscape of Georgetown , Delaware . As the United States experiences the largest immigration wave in its history, this rural farming community becomes home to thousands of predominantly Guatemalan immigrants fleeing from the aftermath of a brutal civil war and escalating poverty in their homeland in search of opportunity and employment. Special guest speaker Prof. April Veness.
November 18 Avenue Montaigne
(France 2007) 106 minutes
A young woman from the provinces comes to Paris to experience life in its infinite variety, talking her way into a job waiting tables at a chic bistro on fabled Avenue Montaigne. “An absolute must for Francophiles and a great choice for anyone who loves a vibrant ensemble dramedy, [this film] is a bustling delight, a slice of Parisian artistic life that will have you dialing Air France the morning after you see it.” Don Willmott, Filmcritic.com
No Screening November 25
December 2 Once
(Ireland 2007) 85 minutes
Co-Sponsorship with SCPAB
A charming, captivating modern musical about a guy (a street musician) and a girl (an immigrant from the Czech Republic) as they bond over their shared love of music. “Sweet but never cloying, simple without being simplistic, delicate yet not at all precious, this is a film guaranteed to set your toes to tapping even as it plays a number on your heartstrings.” Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
The International Film Series is run by an interdisciplinary committee of UD Faculty, Staff, and Students. The 2007/08 Committee roster is as follows:
Mark Beitman, Student, College of Arts and Sciences
Sean Cox, Assistant Director, Center for International Studies
Michael Green, Student, College of Arts and Sciences
Carla Guerron-Montero, Anthropology Department
Kevin Kerrane, English Department
Jooyoung Lee, College of Arts and Sciences
Meghann Matwichuk, Library, Instructional Media Collection Department (Chair)
Claire McCabe, English Department
Edgard Sankara, Foreign Language and Literatures Department
Series Assistant: Therese Rizzo, College of Arts and Sciences
